This market offers three practical routes: specialist dealers, national suppliers with warranty & service plans, and peer-to-peer marketplaces for used machines.

• Specialist suppliers — firms that sell, install and service machines and offer telemetry/contactless retrofits and warranty options.
• National suppliers — larger dealers with stock across the UK, ideal for commercial rollouts and spares support.
• Marketplaces & refurbished — platforms for used machines that cut upfront cost but need careful inspection and refurbishment.

Representative vendor names you can search for:

• VendTrade
• UK Vending Ltd
• Livewell Vending
• Vending Enterprises
• eBay, Gumtree (used units)

Confirm stock, installation & aftercare before purchase. Budget for delivery and electrical work.

Running a vending operation is straightforward but regulated — especially when food or drink is involved. Below are legal essentials and practical actions to remain compliant.

1. Register as a food business if you supply food or drink.
2. Food safety & hygiene: cleaning logs, temperature checks and staff training.
3. Local permissions & site agreements: commission, power and access terms.
4. Planning & advertising: check with local planning/highways for public sites.
5. Insurance: public liability and equipment insurance recommended.
6. Electrical safety & anchoring: qualified electricians for mains work.
7. Payment security: use PCI-compliant providers for card/contactless terminals.

Notes: prices vary based on payment options, telemetry, refrigeration condition and cosmetic refurbishment. Budget for delivery, installation and any electric work.

Location is the dominant driver of revenue. Prioritise the following site types in this order when approaching owners with a commission or rent proposal.

1. Office blocks & business parks
2. Transport hubs & stations
3. Universities & colleges
4. Gyms & leisure centres
5. Hospitals & health campuses
6. Factories & 24/7 workplaces

Tip: create a one-page proposition including estimated footfall, proposed commission, and restock & maintenance plan.

1. Site survey: visibility, lighting, power access, security and space.
2. Agree commercial terms: written agreement covering commission, power provision and access times.
3. Choose features: contactless payments, remote telemetry, refrigeration and branding.
4. Install safely: use a qualified electrician and anchor machines where required.
5. Stock & launch: set SKUs to local tastes and label allergens.
6. Maintenance & reporting: keep cleaning logs and sales records.

• Snack vending
• Chilled drinks
• Combo machines
• Fresh-food machines
• Hot-drink machines
• Specialist vending (electronics, toiletries)
• Micro-market / smart fridge