What to Look for When Hiring a Vending Machine in Wales

Maryna Farrell
11 hours ago
3 min read

Hiring a vending machine for your business, school, or public space in Wales can be a cost-effective way to provide snacks and drinks, improve staff satisfaction, and even generate extra income.

But with so many vending machine providers and types of machines available, how do you choose the right one?

This guide covers everything you need to consider before hiring a vending machine — from machine type and location to maintenance and supplier reliability.

1. Choose the Right Type of Vending Machine

The first step is understanding which type of vending machine suits your needs best.

Snack Vending Machines – Ideal for crisps, confectionery, cereal bars, and nuts.
Cold Drink Machines – Stocked with bottled water, juices, and soft drinks.
Hot Drink Machines – Serve coffee, tea, and hot chocolate; perfect for offices and waiting areas.
Combination Machines – Offer both snacks and drinks in one compact machine.
Fresh Food Machines – Chilled machines for sandwiches, salads, and meal options.
Micromarkets – For larger sites, offering a self-service retail space with a wide product range.

See Our Vending Machine Ranges

Tip: Consider your location, audience, and operating hours to pick a machine that matches demand.

choosing the right vending machine supplier

2. Understand the Costs Involved

Most vending companies in South Wales offer flexible rental and hiring models, such as:

Free-on-loan machines – You pay nothing for the machine; the supplier keeps sales revenue.
Rental machines – Pay a fixed monthly fee and often keep some or all the profits.
Revenue-share agreements – A hybrid option where revenue is split between you and the supplier.

Tip: Always ask for a clear breakdown of costs and revenue to ensure the model suits your goals.

3. Check the Product Range and Healthy Options

Today’s customers expect more than just fizzy drinks and chocolate bars.

Make sure your vending provider can supply:

Healthier choices like nuts, protein bars, and low-sugar drinks
Fresh food options if required
Popular, branded products to encourage sales
Customisable product ranges for your audience (students, office staff, or visitors)

Tip: If your vending machine will be in a school or NHS facility, ensure the supplier understands UK healthy eating and nutritional compliance rules.

4. Ask About Maintenance and Support

A vending machine is only useful if it’s working and well-stocked. Choose a supplier that offers:

Regular restocking based on your foot traffic
Routine cleaning and hygiene checks
Fast breakdown response times
Remote monitoring to track stock and performance

At Cymraeg Vending, for example, our fully operated service means you don’t have to worry about a thing — we handle installation, refilling, and maintenance.

5. Consider Location and Power Requirements

Placing your machine in the right spot is critical to maximise sales and accessibility.

Choose high-traffic areas like reception spaces, staff rooms, or corridors.
Ensure plug sockets and power supply are available.
Confirm the machine dimensions fit the intended space, including clearance for doors to open fully.