There’s a difference between placing a vending machine and placing it where people use it.
Summer changes everything. People are outside. They’re hot. They’re lazy. They don’t want to walk across the building for a bottle of water or dig through a cooler at the concession stand that’s never stocked. They want cold. They want now.
That’s why location isn’t just a detail; it’s the difference between steady sales and zero movement.
Forget square footage. Think footsteps. You want machines where people are already standing, waiting, or sweating.
Quick Answer: Best Summer Spots (That Actually Work)
- Public pools – Put it near the gate, not buried by the lockers
- Soccer fields and diamonds – Parents will gladly pay for cold drinks if it keeps their kid from complaining
- Apartment gyms and laundry rooms – Air conditioning + boredom = snack sales
- Campgrounds and RV parks – They packed light. You’ve got what they forgot
- Hotel lobbies – Especially when the front desk doesn’t have change or snacks
Choosing the right spot for your vending machine can mean the difference between moderate use and round-the-clock demand. In the summer, there are excellent opportunities to place vending machines that are especially profitable at this time of year. We’re thinking pools, gyms, and (sigh) even office spaces. Even if you’re working during the season, chances are you’ll appreciate a nice, available snack or drink at your fingertips!
In this article, we’ll look at:
- Where to put vending machines
- Maximizing summer profits
- The hottest new products on the market
- How to get started with your vending machine
We’ve written about it before, and we’ll do it again: LOCATION is everything in the vending industry. We don’t mean where you’re property is located, but rather, where your vending machine is located on your property. Let’s get into it.
Where to Put Vending Machines
Where you place your vending machine depends on a few factors that your managed vending service provider can help you determine, together with your operator. After a site evaluation, your team will establish the right spot for your machine or market, depending on space size and, of course, foot traffic.
During the warmer months, parks, beaches, campgrounds, and public pools see a major increase in foot traffic. These are prime locations for vending machines stocked with cold drinks, sports beverages, sunscreen, and grab-and-go snacks. With long days under the sun, visitors appreciate quick, affordable access to refreshments without leaving the area. Placing machines near restrooms, parking lots, or playground entrances ensures they’re visible and convenient.
Of course, summer is peak travel season, so people are hitting the road. Summer vacations, weddings, and summer business conferences are all in full swing, and you can bet that people are letting their guard down when it comes to healthy snacking! It’s a time of indulgence and fun. The diets were all leading up to this! Try to estimate where the spaces on your property are that have the most people coming and going, or passing by. Then you can see what kind of machine will fit, and what products you want to stock.
Outdoor sports venues are also great places to enhance with vending services. In the heat, everyone is thirsty, and there’s nothing like watching a baseball game with a box of Cracker Jacks or popcorn. Installing vending machines near baseball diamonds, soccer fields, or skate parks is a smart way to meet the needs of thirsty athletes and cheering spectators. Machines stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, granola bars, and protein snacks are especially popular in these active environments.
Related Content: Where to Put Vending Machines: Top Locations
Maximizing Summer Profits
Partnering with a full-service vending provider during the summer months can significantly boost your revenue while reducing hassle. Besides assisting with where to put your vending solution, they can help with product selection and work with local operators to ensure machines are fully stocked. They will also help with maintenance, which may be needed with increased traffic and facility use. Plus, the heat can play a role in how automatic machines work (or don’t), and having a team to help when the fan blows out or refrigeration fails can be a lifesaver, both for your management team and facility visitors.
By outsourcing to a vending management company, property owners can focus on their core business while still capturing seasonal revenue. It’s a smart way to ensure machines are fully stocked, customers are satisfied, and profits peak right alongside the summer heat.
Top Products to Stock This Summer
Although we’ve mentioned indulgence and stadium snacks, the reality is that healthy options are still trending. Vending machines offering low-sugar drinks, plant-based protein bars, electrolyte-enhanced beverages, and gluten-free or keto options are all going to continue to generate revenue.
Another standout trend this season is frozen and chilled vending. Machines that serve up smoothies, fruit cups, iced coffees, and frozen treats are a big draw in warm weather areas. These high-margin items help increase both foot traffic and satisfaction during peak heat hours.
When it comes to popular products for the season, we suggest fresh, cool options like coconut water, electrolyte popsicles, and cold-pressed smoothies or cold-brew coffee. “Healthier” sodas like Poppi are extremely popular right now, especially with younger people. They are interested in getting vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, which we think is great! So, making them available pool- or stadium-side will be much appreciated.
Ice cream isn’t necessarily UNHEALTHY! Calcium is in milk products, right? Ice cream, popsicles, and kitschy old-school snacks like frozen Snickers or Icee Pops are always big hits. At the pool, Italian ice is always very popular. Light, refreshing, and not too full of sugar, parents and kids alike can agree it’s a solid choice.
Other popular items this time of year include hot foods like pizza, ramen, or burritos, candy, and novelty items like toys or mystery boxes, which tend to be impulse-driven purchases to keep the peace on an extended family vacation.
How to Get Started With Your Vending Machine
Getting started with a managed vending service provider is so easy. Even if it's just for the season, your managed vending service provider can help place your machine or minimarket where there is the most foot traffic on your property or properties, and assist with stocking, maintenance, and all the other necessary tasks. There are just a few steps!
First, check your eligibility. To work with Vending Group, we require 40 or more full-time employees in offices and manufacturing, 60 or more employees (breakroom), or 100 or more people for retail stores, 40 or more guest rooms in a hotel, and 100 or more units in an apartment complex.
Then, consider your machine. You can select from Coca-Cola machines, Pepsi machines, or combo units that include both drinks and snacks. Popular beverage selections include Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, VitaminWater, and Dasani. Snack options range from classic chips and candy to more health-conscious items.
Modern vending machines are compact and efficient, typically measuring 72 inches high, 39 inches wide, and 33 inches deep, making them easy to fit in employee breakrooms, hotel lobbies, or laundry rooms. Machines hold 7–9 drink selections or more if you opt for a glass-front model.
Finally, forget about it!
Once you’ve qualified and chosen the type of vending machine you want, Vending Group takes it from there. Your machine will be delivered, stocked, and maintained on an ongoing basis. If anything goes wrong—whether it's a jammed product or a refrigeration issue—repairs are handled promptly by the vending partner.
This hands-off approach makes vending machines a smart amenity for businesses looking to optimize areas popular during the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Put Vending Machines (H2) (place below CTA)
Q: What are the best places to put vending machines in summer?
A: High-traffic areas like public pools, sports fields, campgrounds, and beaches are summer goldmines for vending machines. Guests are hot, thirsty, and ready to impulse buy—especially if your machine is near a restroom, parking lot, or playground entrance.
Q: Can I install a vending machine just for the summer season?
A: Absolutely. Seasonal vending is a great way to boost revenue with minimal commitment. A managed vending partner can handle placement, stocking, and removal, so you’re not stuck managing it yourself when summer winds down. However, it depends on the foot traffic at your property. If summer traffic in that area is heavy, then yes. It is possible, but seasonal installs are less common just because it costs a lot to place, stock, unstock, and remove within just a few months.
Q: What snacks and drinks sell best in warm weather?
A: Cold drinks, electrolyte beverages, and refreshing snacks like fruit cups, popsicles, and smoothies are big hits. Don’t sleep on “healthier” sodas like Poppi, coconut water, or protein snacks either—today’s buyers are ingredient-savvy.
Q: How do I know if my property qualifies for vending machines?
A: Vending Group makes it easy. We typically look for 40+ full-time employees in offices, 60+ for breakrooms, 100+ guest rooms for hotels, or 100+ units for apartments. Not sure if you qualify? Just ask—we’re happy to take a look.
Q: What if something breaks or the machine runs low?
A: Don’t worry—we’ve got it covered. With our managed service model, your vending partner handles restocking, maintenance, and repairs. That means no staff headaches, no product jams, and no last-minute runs to Costco.
Q: Can I customize what’s inside the vending machine?
A: Yes! You can work with your vending provider to tailor products based on what your guests or tenants actually want—whether that’s classic sodas, healthier snacks, or summer-friendly treats like iced coffee or frozen snacks.
