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Vending location scoring checklist

Score a possible location on ten points, 0 to 2 each. The total tells you whether to pitch it, negotiate harder, or walk away. Fill it in on screen or print it and take it on site.

vendbuddy.github.io/checklist/ (VendBuddy Open Resources)

Location name or address (optional, stays in your browser)

1. Foot traffic

How many different people are on site on a normal day?

0 points: Fewer than 50 1 point: 50 to 200 2 points: More than 200

2. Dwell time

Do people wait or stay long enough to want something?

0 points: Pass through in minutes 1 point: Short breaks 2 points: Long waits, shifts or stays

3. Nearby alternatives

How far is the nearest place to buy food or a drink?

0 points: Right next door 1 point: A short walk 2 points: Nothing close, or closed when they need it

4. Hours of activity

When is the place busy?

0 points: Office hours only 1 point: Extended hours 2 points: Evenings, nights or weekends too

5. Decision-maker

Can you reach the person who approves placements?

0 points: No idea who 1 point: Know the role, no contact 2 points: Have a name and a way to reach them

6. Space and power

Is there a spot with an outlet, clear floor and door clearance?

0 points: No suitable spot 1 point: Needs changes 2 points: Ready, with an outlet nearby

7. Restocking access

Can you get product in during open hours without a fight?

0 points: Hard (stairs, no parking, no access) 1 point: Workable with planning 2 points: Easy loading and short carry

8. Visibility and security

Will people see the machine, and will it be safe?

0 points: Hidden or unsupervised 1 point: Some foot traffic or cameras 2 points: Visible, supervised, well lit

9. Existing machines

Is there already a machine or an exclusive contract?

0 points: Locked in with another company 1 point: A machine you could replace 2 points: None

10. Payments and signal

Will a card reader get a connection, and are people likely to pay by card?

0 points: No signal, cash only crowd 1 point: Spotty signal 2 points: Good signal, card-friendly crowd

Score: 0 / 20

Reading your score

Score	What to do
16 to 20	Strong candidate. Book the conversation and prepare a clear proposal.
11 to 15	Workable. Fix the low scores first (space, access, payments) or negotiate terms that reflect them.
0 to 10	Probably not worth the machine or the time. Revisit only if something changes.

A zero on foot traffic or on decision-maker access usually matters more than the total, so treat either as a stop sign until you have an answer. The scale is a judgement aid, not a prediction of sales.

Go deeper

Vending machine locations by business type: which kinds of places tend to suit which machines.
Worst vending machine locations: patterns that look good and are not.
What you need to land locations and how to cold call them.
Location objections and what they really mean for the conversation itself.
Vending laws by state and the property manager page for the other side of the table.
Location value calculator to estimate what a spot could be worth.
Check what others are paying: public contract commission rates.