Frequently Asked Questions

How do vending machines work?

Our spiral machines are mechanical and coin-operated. Customers insert coins, turn the handle, and receive the product — no electricity required.

Do I need experience to start?

No experience is required. Bulk vending is a beginner-friendly business, and Entervending provides the machines, products, and support you need to get up and running quickly and confidently.

How many vends per day can I expect, and what is the ROI for a gumball machine?

Vends per day depend on location, foot traffic, and product selection. In well-placed locations, bulk vending machines typically average 15–25 vends per day.
The return on investment (ROI) for a standard single-head bulk vending machine generally ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on the cost per vend and location traffic. Testing different products and dispensing wheels can help optimize performance and achieve a faster ROI.

What locations work best for vending machines?

The main factor when selecting a location is foot traffic. Small businesses such as mom-and-pop shops, laundromats, ethnic restaurants, gas stations, and kids’ playgrounds are among the most suitable locations for bulk vending machines. You can find locations yourself or work with a locating company.

What products can I vend through a gumball machine?

A wide variety of products can be vended through gumball machines, depending on your pricing strategy and cost per vend. Gumballs, candy, and small bouncy balls typically vend for a 25¢ coin. Capsuled toys, larger balls are usually offered at 50¢, 75¢ or $1. Product preferences vary by audience: younger children and adults often prefer edible items like candy and gumballs, while school-age children enjoy collectible toys.

What types of vending machines do you sell?

We offer spiral vending machines and related vending equipment designed for capsules, gumballs, bouncy balls, and similar products.

Are your machines made in the USA?

Yes. Our Global Gumball spiral vending machines are manufactured in the USA and built for long-term, commercial use.

Can I customize my machine?

Yes. You can choose the machine color, coin mechanism, dispensing wheels, and add rope lights along the spiral track.

What size capsules do I need?

Capsule compatibility depends on the dispensing wheel installed in your machine. Our machines support a range of capsule sizes, with the most popular sizes ranging from 28 mm up to 2-inch capsules, depending on the configuration. Always refer to the product description to confirm compatible capsule sizes before ordering to ensure proper fit and smooth operation.

What size bouncy balls do I need?

The required bouncy ball size depends on the dispensing wheel installed in your machine. The most popular size is 27 mm (2,000-count boxes), as it works with most dispensers. Entervending also offers 32 mm (1,000 count) and 45 mm (450 count) bouncy balls, along with conversion units that allow gumball machines to vend these items. Both full boxes and single bags are available.

Please visit the Bouncy Balls section to place your order.

What size gumballs do I need?

Entervending supplies machines that vend 2" balls or capsules, 1" balls, gumballs, capsules, and other small merchandise. Our machines feature adjustable or interchangeable vending wheels to accommodate different markets. The size of gumballs your machine uses depends on the gumball wheel installed inside the machine.
The most popular size in the industry is 25 mm gumballs (850-count box) for a single gumball vend. Entervending also offers 23 mm (1,080 count), 22 mm (1,430 count), 16 mm (3,650 count), and 14 mm (5,800 count) gumballs as alternatives for single, double, or triple vends.

Please visit our Gumballs section to view all available items.

What is the shelf life of candy and gumballs?

Shelf life varies by product type. Gumballs typically have a shelf life of 12–18 months. Solid pressed and hard candies generally last up to one year, while filled candies usually have a shorter shelf life of 4–6 months.
Manufacturer shelf-life guidelines assume products are stored in a cool, dry location with no more than 50% relative humidity to maintain freshness and quality.

How do I place an order?

Orders can be placed directly through our website. Add items to your cart and complete checkout online. Creating an account allows for faster and easier checkout on future purchases.

Do you have a printed catalog?

No. Our website serves as our full and most up-to-date catalog.

What payment methods do you accept?

Entervending accepts most major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) as well as secure online payments through PayPal. Traditional payment methods such as money orders, cashier’s checks, and bank transfers are available by request - please contact us for details. Cash payment is also accepted for warehouse pickup orders with prior scheduling.

Do you have any discounts?

Yes, we offer promotional discounts from time to time. All discounts are temporary and may be seasonal or campaign-based. Details, terms, and applicable dates for each promotion are provided on our website. Please visit our Discount page for current offers.

Do you charge sales tax?

Yes. Sales tax is charged on orders shipped to or picked up in Florida, as required by law. If you have a valid tax-exempt or resale certificate, sales tax may be waived when documentation is provided. Contact our support before proceeding with the payment.

What are my shipping charges and delivery time?

Do you offer freight delivery for large machines and bulk orders?

Yes, we offer freight delivery. We ship to both business and residential addresses.

Please note that residential delivery is typically more expensive, as freight carriers apply additional residential service fees.

A lift gate service is automatically included with freight shipments unless the customer specifically confirms dock availability at the delivery location at the time of order.

Can I pick up my order locally?

Yes, local pickup is available. Orders can be picked up by appointment from our location. Please contact us in advance to schedule your pickup.

Do you ship outside the United States?

Yes, Entervending has established relationships with international carriers and can arrange shipping for purchases of any size to locations worldwide. We can also adjust the coin mechanism to work with any currency. Please contact us directly for more information.

Do vending machines require electricity?

No, our vending machines do not require electricity to operate. They are fully mechanical.

Electricity is only needed if you add optional lighting. When equipped with rope lights, the machine requires a standard 110–120V electrical outlet (regular U.S. wall outlet).

Is assembly required?

No, assembly is not required. Our machines come fully assembled and ready to use. All you need to do is add refills before placing the machine in service.

Do you sell replacement parts?

Yes, we do. Entervending stocks and sells a full range of replacement parts for all the machines we offer. Our inventory includes coin mechanisms, coin carriers, vending keys and locks, dispensing wheels, shatterproof globes, and more.

Please contact our professional staff for assistance in selecting the correct parts for your machine, or visit the Parts section on our website to order directly.

What warranty do you offer?

Yes, we provide a manufacturer’s limited warranty on all machines, with individual parts covered according to their respective warranty terms and supported by the necessary documentation.

Edible refills and vendible toys are accompanied by certificates of origin and production dates.

Please review our warranty statements for full details.

How do I maintain or clean my machine?

Regular maintenance is simple and helps ensure optimal performance. We recommend wiping the exterior and globe with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Keep the machine dry and free of debris, and periodically check coin mechanisms and dispensing wheels for smooth operation. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive water. With routine cleaning, your machine will remain reliable and presentable for years.

Do I need a license, permit or insurance to operate a vending machine?

Licensing and permit requirements vary by location. We recommend consulting your local licensing or regulatory department to determine the specific rules and regulations for operating bulk vending machines in your state or country.

Are your machines compliant with local regulations?

Our machines are manufactured to meet industry standards; however, regulatory requirements vary by location. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations applicable to vending operations at their specific location.

Can machines be used in schools or medical facilities?

Yes. Our machines are commonly used in schools and medical facilities, and we have many customers who successfully operate routes in these locations.

Schools, medical offices, and healthcare facilities are among our regular clients, as our machines are well-suited for controlled, high-traffic environments.

What is your return policy?

Return requests may be submitted within 30 days from the date of delivery. All items, including custom made and made-to-order items, are refundable in accordance with our Returns & Refunds Policy. Please refer to our policy page for full details and return instructions.

Can I change my order?

Order changes may be possible before the order enters production or ships. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can review your request.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Please inspect your shipment immediately upon delivery. If you notice any damage, note it with the carrier and contact us as soon as possible.

We may request photos of the damage and packaging to assist with the claim. Once verified, we will work with you to resolve the issue promptly, whether through replacement parts or other appropriate solutions.

How do I contact support?

You can contact our support team by email or phone, or by using the contact form on our website. Our professional staff is happy to assist you with any questions regarding orders, parts, or machine support.