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- 🍫 They said “no” to my vending machine 😅
🍫 They said “no” to my vending machine 😅
Here’s how I flipped it into a yes.
Hey there, Vendpreneur!
Welcome to Becoming a Vendpreneur—where every week I help you navigate the challenges of running a vending machine business, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your operation.
This week, I want to show you 5 common vending objections you can face when closing vending locations and how to answer them to get a YES.
❌ Objection #1: “What’s in it for us?”
❌ Objection #2: “We’re full. No space.”
❌ Objection #3: “Not interested right now.”
❌ Objection #4: “We already have vending machines.”
❌ Objection #5: “We don’t want a vending machine here.”
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Most people give up after the first “no.”
I’ve turned dozens of rejections into top vending spots, just by asking better questions and shifting the convo.
Here are 5 of the most common objections you’ll hear… and exactly how to flip them into a “maybe,” then a “yes.”👇
Objection #1: “What’s in it for us?” 💸
If the location can'’t already sold on convenience, sell them additional revenue.
Say this:
“You get free revenue without lifting a finger. Most spots make 10–20% of every sale, I handle everything else.”
That 10–20% cut can mean an extra $20–$120/month in pure profit from just one machine, depending on traffic.
Bonus: 74% of customers say vending improves their experience.
So it’s not just extra income, it’s better retention too.
Shift the convo from doing you a favor… to giving them a no-brainer business win.
Objection #2: “We’re full. No space.” ⛔
I’ve heard this one a lot.
Most owners think a machine means giving up a table but small vending machines take up the same space or less.
The Shot Glass has arrived! 🥂
Meet our new vending machine:
It’s small, sleek, and right on theme—just like a shot glass.
Who would buy this card game out of a vending machine at a nightclub?
— Ethan Kohan 🍫 (@ethan_kohan)
11:14 PM • Jul 15, 2024
I turn spots that don’t earn a dime into money makers.
Objection #3: “Not interested right now.” ❎
This usually just means “not today.”
80% of sales take 5+ follow-ups, but 44% of people give up after one.
Don’t be one of them.
I always say, “Totally get it, mind if I check back in a month or two?”
Some of my best placements came after 3, 4, even 6 follow-ups.
Timing changes everything, stay on their radar, and the “no” becomes a “yes.”
Still not sure what to say?
Here’s my cold call script guide to help you get started.
Option #4: “We already have vending machines.” 🤷
Cool, but how are the machines actually performing?
Are they stocked regularly? Are they even making money?
If the answer is no (or they’re not happy), highlight your better setup:
✅ Reliable service
✅ Smart machines
✅ Inventory that actually sells
If they’re still using those old-school vending machines...
No ad space
No tap-to-pay
No LED screen
They’re leaving money on the table.
I follow up after vendors drop the ball all the time and it usually leads to a quick placement.
Option #5: “We don’t want a vending machine here.” 🪩
When a location says, “It won’t fit our vibe,” I get it.
Most bar and club owners are super protective of their space and aesthetic.
That’s why I always come prepared with photos of sleek, compact machines in real venues.
Even better, I use AR to drop a virtual machine right into their space so they can see exactly how it would look before saying yes.
I’ve been pitching new locations using AR to show bars exactly what the machine would look like in their space.
Here’s how it works:
1. I film a quick AR video in front of the manager so they can visualize it.
2. After the convo, I text them the video.💥 Result:
• My close
— Ethan Kohan 🍫 (@ethan_kohan)
3:27 PM • May 17, 2025
That visual flips the convo.
Suddenly it’s not “this machine will ruin our look,” it’s “huh... this actually blends in.”
You just have to show them what’s possible.
Have you encountered virtual or augmented reality in marketing lately? |
Now, the tough part is NOT handling these objections— keeping them happy and keeping your machine there.
Closing the locations are just one step in the whole system.
You have to deliver what you promised:
Smooth installation and restocking
Consistent payouts and no excuses
Real-time support when things go wrong
You can figure all this out on your own...
But fair warning: it took me 6 years to get it right.
That’s why…
I’m franchising Pod Plug, my nightlife vending company, to help you get exactly that—so you can skip the trial and error and start earning faster.
So, if you’re ready to become a franchisee, I’d love to work with you.
But first, let’s make sure we’re the right fit for each other.
If you have:
$25k in liquid capital
Solid sales experience
A willingness to learn and grow with support
The motivation to build and scale your own business
Let’s make it happen.
And That’s a Wrap!
Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter.
Hit reply and let me know what you found most helpful this week—I read every single reply and I’d love to hear from you!
See you next Saturday!
-Ethan
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