Yes, a construction site can have a vending machine, as long as there is a sheltered indoor spot with a standard outlet, such as a site office, a crew lunchroom or a floor of the building that is already closed in. We supply, install, stock and repair the machine at $0 cost, with no contract, so it can stay for the length of the project and come out when the job wraps up. Here is what works on a site, where to put the machine and how to set it up.
Why crews want vending on site
Many construction sites are a long way from the nearest coffee shop or convenience store, and crews often start before most places open. Leaving the site for a drink or a snack eats into a short break, and on a large project it can mean a long walk out past the gate and back through sign-in. A machine in the lunchroom or site office keeps water, cold drinks, coffee and snacks a few steps away.
- Early starts: coffee and something to eat before the first task of the day.
- Physical work: water and sports drinks within reach on hot days.
- Short breaks: people stay on site instead of driving off for food.
- Visitors and trades: subcontractors, inspectors and delivery drivers can buy a drink without anyone handling cash.
Where a machine can go on a construction site
A vending machine needs shelter, a level floor that can carry its weight, and a dedicated outlet. Our guide to vending machine space and power requirements covers the dimensions and clearance in detail.
| Spot | Does it work? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Site office or trailer used as a lunchroom | Usually | Floor space, a floor that can take the weight, and a dedicated outlet |
| Crew lunchroom or dry shack | Usually the best spot | It is where people already take their breaks |
| A closed-in floor of the building | Often, later in the project | Once the space is enclosed, heated and has reliable power |
| Outdoors, uncovered | No | Machines need protection from rain, snow, dust and freezing temperatures |
If you are not sure, describe the spot when you contact us. We confirm it during a free site visit before anything is delivered.
Which machines suit a construction site
- Drinks machine: water, sports drinks, juice and pop. On most sites this is the machine that gets used most.
- Snacks machine: bars, chips, nuts and other quick, filling snacks.
- Combo machine: snacks and cold drinks in one cabinet, a good fit for a smaller crew or a tight site office.
- Coffee machine: bean-to-cup coffee for early mornings and cold days.
- Water cooler: filtered water in the site office, with no bottles to haul in.
Built for projects that end
A construction site is temporary, so a long service contract makes little sense. Our program has no contract: when the project is finishing, tell us and we arrange to take the machine out. If your company has another site starting up, ask us to look at that one next. Builders and contractors with several active projects can put them on one full-service vending program, with one point of contact for all sites. If you only need a machine for a defined period, see our vending machine rental page as well.
Dust, cold and security
- Keep it away from cutting and grinding areas. Dust is hard on any equipment; the lunchroom or office is a better home than the work floor.
- Keep it away from doors that stay open. In a Canadian winter, a machine next to a door that is propped open all day runs harder and can freeze.
- Lock the room after hours if you can. Products are locked inside the machine, but a lockable trailer or lunchroom adds protection on an open site.
- Plan the delivery route. Tell us about gates, ramps, steps and soft ground so the machine can be moved in safely.
How to get a machine on your site
- Tell us about the project: the address, roughly how many workers are on site each day, the hours, and how long the project will run.
- Free site visit: we confirm the spot, the outlet and the delivery route.
- Installation: usually 3 to 5 business days after approval.
- Ongoing service: remote stock monitoring tells us what is selling, so we restock, clean and repair on time and adjust the product mix for your crew.
Crews can pay by tap, credit, debit, cash or coins. Machines are new or fully refurbished.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum crew size?
Offices of about 40 or more people usually qualify for a free machine. For construction sites, tell us how many workers are on site each day and how long the project runs, and we will tell you which setup makes sense.
Do we have to sign a contract for the length of the project?
No. There is no contract, and the machine, installation, stocking and repairs cost you $0.
Can you also serve our yard, shop or head office?
Yes. Many contractors also run a yard or shop, which works much like a warehouse or plant. We can set up all your locations on one program. See the cities we serve on our locations page.
Can the employer pay for some or all of the snacks?
Yes. A subsidized or free-vend option lets the company cover part or all of the cost of what the crew takes, for example during a busy stretch of the project.
Running a construction project in Canada? Request a free vending machine for your site. We reply within one business day.
