Buyer due diligence
What to Know Before Buying a Vending Business
Buying an existing vending business means evaluating its machines, locations, contracts, operating records, and transfer terms—not just the seller’s asking price.
Verify the sales trail
Reconcile seller reports with payment-processor statements, bank deposits, cash records, product purchases, and tax filings where appropriate. Look for seasonal patterns and site-by-site performance rather than relying on a single total.
Confirm what actually transfers
Create an asset list with serial numbers, ownership records, liens, included inventory, payment hardware, software accounts, keys, service tools, and vehicles. Confirm whether host agreements can transfer and whether each host must consent.
Inspect operations, not just machines
Review service logs, refund patterns, repair history, expiration losses, route mileage, storage needs, commissions, rent, processing costs, connectivity, and unresolved disputes. Visit representative locations with permission.
Compare an acquisition with a new route
An existing route may provide operating history, while a new supported program may offer training and startup structure. Neither path removes the need to verify commercial terms, location quality, ongoing work, and your available capital.
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