Where To Place Vending Machines | Top 5 Locations for Maximum Profit
Best places for vending machines are high-traffic, consistent-footfall areas such as offices, schools, hospitals, gyms, malls, hotels, and transit hubs. Place machines where people wait, work, or pass daily to maximize visibility and sales.
Successful vending depends on high foot traffic, captive audiences, and easy access.
The best-performing locations are where people spend time and need quick convenience.
Most Profitable Locations
Top U.S. spots include:
- Large apartment complexes – consistent resident traffic.
- Hotels and motels – travelers often need late-night snacks or drinks.
- Shopping malls – high visitor volume throughout the day.
- College campuses – student centers and dorms ensure steady use.
- Hospitals and medical centers – waiting rooms and staff lounges.
- Factories and warehouses – break rooms for employees.
- Transit hubs – airports, bus terminals, and train stations.
- Gyms and gas stations – quick access for customers on the go.
These sites attract regular customers like employees, guests, or travelers, and ensure steady sales.
Quick Reference — Permission & Legality for Vending Machines
The legal picture differs for non-tobacco and tobacco vending: the former largely depends on property rights and local permits; the latter is tightly restricted by federal and state tobacco laws. Always secure written host approval and the appropriate business or tobacco licenses before installation.
| Category | Permission Required? | Typical Allowed Locations | Special Notes / Legal Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (Non-Tobacco) | Yes — if not your property | Offices, hotels, schools, malls, hospitals, gyms, restaurants, transit hubs | Action: Get written host approval and a placement contract outlining maintenance and revenue split. |
| General (Non-Tobacco) | No — if on your property | Your own store, factory break room, private residence (if zoning permits) | Action: Confirm local zoning and obtain business license; no third-party approval required. |
| Tobacco (Cigarette Machines) | Yes — always | Bars, nightclubs, casinos, private clubs, cigar lounges (adult-only) | Action: Host must be adult-only; obtain tobacco retailer licenses and post required warnings. Many states ban machines entirely. |
| Tobacco (Cigarette Machines) | Very limited — only on property you own | Your own adult-only business (e.g., a bar you own) | Action: You still need full tobacco licensing, machine registration where required, and to comply with age-verification rules. |
| Public or Government Property | Yes — with additional permits | Transit hubs, parks, federal/state buildings | Action: Federal rules frequently reserve vending for specific vendors; check Randolph-Sheppard and municipal rules. |
| Outdoor / Street Locations | Yes — municipal permit | Sidewalks, plazas, public event spaces | Action: Secure city permits, vendor licenses and verify power/access rules. |
| Schools, Malls, Grocery Stores (Tobacco) | Not allowed | None — youth protection zones | Action: Do not attempt placement; heavy penalties and confiscation risk. |
General (Non-Tobacco) — Yes — if not your property
Offices, hotels, schools, malls, hospitals, gyms
General (Non-Tobacco) — No — if on your property
Your store, factory break room, private residence (zoning permitting)
Tobacco (Cigarette Machines) — Yes — always
Bars, nightclubs, casinos, private clubs, cigar lounges
Tobacco — Very limited — only on property you own
Your own adult-only business
Public or Government Property
Transit hubs, parks, federal/state buildings
Outdoor / Street Locations
Sidewalks, plazas, public event spaces
Schools, Malls, Grocery Stores (Tobacco)
Youth protection zones
Pro tip: Keep a dedicated folder (digital or physical) for host agreements, state tobacco licenses, machine registrations and inspection records. Before signing any placement deal, confirm the venue’s liability insurance requirements and whether the host expects a fixed placement fee or revenue share.
How to Get Placement Permission?
It is mandatory that you have permission from the property owner or manager before placing any machine. You must approach them with a clear proposal outlining:
- The benefits to their site (added convenience, shared revenue).
- Placement terms, such as location, maintenance, and profit split.
- A written contract covering responsibilities and earnings.
Trust me, never install a vending machine on property you don’t own without written approval.
Places Requiring Permission for Installation
Permission is mandatory for:
- Private businesses (offices, retail stores, restaurants).
- Institutions (schools, hospitals, colleges).
- Shopping centers, gyms, and hotels.
- Public or government properties.
- Outdoor areas (parks, sidewalks, stadiums).
Public and government areas often need special permits or city approvals.
Places Not Requiring Permission
If you own the property, you can install machines freely — provided you follow local zoning and business license rules.
Examples include:
- Your own store or office.
- Factory break rooms.
- Your residential property (if zoning allows).
“No permission” only means no third-party consent, but local compliance is still required.
Tobacco Vending Machines
Tobacco vending is heavily restricted by federal and state law. Cigarette machines are only allowed in adult-only venues where no minors are permitted.
Where You Can Legally Place Tobacco Machines
You can typically place tobacco machines only in:
- Bars and nightclubs
- Casinos and private clubs
- Cigar lounges
- Adult-only hotels or workplaces
Most states either ban them entirely or limit them to 21+ areas. Locations like schools, malls, restaurants, and grocery stores are off-limits.
Most Profitable Tobacco Locations
The best-performing legal spots are:
- Bars and nightclubs with heavy adult traffic.
- Casinos and lounges where smoking is permitted.
- Fraternal organizations or member-only clubs.
Even in these places, the venue must be restricted to adults and comply with all tobacco regulations.
Licensing and Legal Requirements
To operate a tobacco vending machine, you must:
- Obtain a tobacco retailer license for each machine.
- Register annually with your state’s tax or health department.
- Comply with display, warning, and age-verification rules.
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to fines or machine removal.
Permission Rules for Tobacco Vending
You need explicit permission from the property owner, plus proof that the site legally allows tobacco sales.
Adult-only businesses can host tobacco machines under a written agreement.
Federal buildings and public property are off-limits due to vending priority laws.
Places Not Requiring Permission
You can only skip host permission if you own the adult-only property where the machine will operate.
Even then, full licensing and compliance are required.
Leased spaces still require landlord consent.
How to Get Permission to Install a Vending Machine?
Whether vending snacks or cigarettes, always:
- Contact the site owner or manager.
- Explain benefits like customer convenience or shared profits.
- Negotiate terms for placement, upkeep, and revenue split.
- Sign a written agreement.
Ignoring permission or tobacco compliance can result in fines, removal, or license loss.
Always secure written consent and follow every legal requirement before installation.
