How to Get a Location for a Card Vending Machine (Pitch Script + Checklist)

Most new card vending operators get stuck on the same step. The machine is bought, the first cases of product are ready, and then you have to walk into a business and ask the owner to give you a few square feet of floor. It feels like the hardest part, but it's usually simpler than people expect.

Most venue owners are open to things that make their place more fun and bring in a little extra money, as long as it doesn't add work for them. If your pitch covers those three things clearly, you're most of the way there.

This guide walks through what owners care about, how to frame a card machine, a short pitch you can adapt, what to agree on in writing, and how to follow up without being pushy. We won't make earnings promises here, because results depend heavily on the venue and your market.

Start with the right kind of venue

Before you pitch anyone, make sure you're pitching the right places. Sports cards and Pokémon packs tend to do best where people are already spending money on entertainment, or sitting around with a little time to kill.

Good places to start:

Entertainment venues such as bowling alleys, arcades, family entertainment centers, and amusement spots.
Food and beverage spots where people wait for food or hang out, like restaurants, pizza places, and casual bars that allow families.
Collector-friendly businesses such as hobby shops, game stores, and places that host events.

The goal is a spot where opening a pack feels like part of the outing, not an errand. A busy hallway with people rushing past is often worse than a slower venue where families stay for two hours.

What business owners actually care about

When you talk to an owner or manager, they're weighing three things:

Their customers' experience. Will this make the place more fun, or will it feel like clutter?
Extra revenue. Is there a simple, fair commission?
No hassle. Who stocks it, fixes it, and deals with problems?

Every part of your pitch should answer one of those questions. If something you're about to say doesn't, leave it out.

Pitch it as entertainment, not "a vending machine"

"Can I put a vending machine here?" makes owners picture a snack machine humming in a corner. That's not what you're offering.

A card machine is closer to an activity. People rip packs together, show their friends what they pulled, and come back to try again. Kids drag parents over to it. That energy is what you're selling to the owner, so lead with it.

If you have photos of a clean, well-lit machine with colorful product, bring them on your phone. A picture of the actual machine does more than any description.

A short pitch script you can adapt

Keep the first conversation short and low pressure. The only goal is to start a conversation, not to close a deal on the spot. Here's a simple version you can adjust:

"Hi, I'm [your name]. I run sports card and Pokémon vending machines in local entertainment venues. Customers love opening packs together, and the machines earn a commission for the location. I handle all the inventory, restocking, and maintenance. Would you be open to talking about putting one here?"

That's it. Four sentences: who you are, why customers like it, what's in it for them, and that you do the work. Then stop talking and let them ask questions.

A few practical tips:

Ask for the owner or general manager, and visit at a slow time of day, not during the dinner rush or a Saturday birthday party block.
Have the details ready for the questions that come next: the machine's footprint, whether it needs an outlet, how often you'll restock, and how the commission is paid.
Leave something behind, like a simple one-page sheet or card with your name, phone number, and a photo of the machine.

What to agree on in writing

Once a location says yes, put the deal on paper. It doesn't need to be complicated. A simple one-page agreement is usually enough, and it protects both of you from misunderstandings later.

Common terms to cover:

Commission percentage and what it's calculated on (for example, total sales).
Payment schedule, such as monthly, and how you'll pay it.
Placement duration, plus how either side can end the arrangement and how much notice is needed.
Who handles what. Typically the operator handles inventory, maintenance, payment systems, and repairs. The location provides floor space, electricity, and customer access.
Where exactly the machine goes, and what happens if it needs to move.
Damage and problems, such as who to call if the machine is broken, jammed, or a customer has an issue.

This is general information, not legal advice. If you're unsure about any term, especially around liability or insurance, talk to a local attorney or your insurer.

Don't overpay for placement

One of the most common mistakes new operators make is agreeing to a commission that's too high just to get a yes. Product costs on cards are real, and a big commission can eat most of what's left. In the Cardvender course, the operators behind it note that they typically pay around 10% of sales, with the exact structure varying by location. Whatever you agree to, run the numbers first and make sure the deal still leaves you a healthy margin.

Follow up like a professional

Plenty of owners won't say yes on the first visit. They might need to check with a partner, or just think about it. That's normal.

Send a short thank-you message the same day with a photo of the machine.
Check back once after a week or two. Keep it friendly and brief.
If they say no, thank them and ask if you can check in again in a few months.

Many operators land locations simply by being polite, persistent, and easy to work with. Being the person who shows up on time and does what they said goes a long way.

Treat the venue as a partner, not a landlord

Once your machine is in, the relationship keeps mattering. Owners who like working with you are more likely to give you a better spot, mention the machine to customers, or invite you to run events. Keep the machine clean and stocked, pay commissions on time, and tell the owner when you're bringing in a new release.

After install: make sure collectors can find you

A machine people don't know about is a machine that sits full. Once you're live, list it on Cardvender so collectors searching by ZIP can find the venue, its hours, and what you stock. It's also a nice extra to mention in your pitch: you'll help send collectors to their business.

Listings are $5 per month, and right now the first 100 operators can list free with code FOUNDING100. Add your machine from your own operator account at cardvender.com/list so it shows up on your dashboard.

If you want the full playbook, including choosing venues, outreach scripts, placement agreements, and restocking, the Cardvender vending route course at cardvender.com/start covers it step by step for $99.

FAQ

How do I find a location for a card vending machine?

Start with venues where people already spend money on fun or wait around: bowling alleys, arcades, family entertainment centers, restaurants, and hobby or game stores. Visit in person at a slow time, ask for the owner or manager, and keep your pitch short.

What commission should I offer a location?

It varies by venue and market. The Cardvender course's authors typically pay around 10% of sales in their own operations. The key is to avoid agreeing to a commission so high it wipes out your margin.

Do I need a contract with the location?

A written agreement is a good idea, even if it's one page. Cover commission, payment schedule, duration, how to end it, and who is responsible for the machine. For legal questions, check with a local professional.

What does the location have to provide?

Usually floor space, electricity, and access for customers. The operator usually handles stock, maintenance, payment systems, and repairs.

What if the owner says no?

Thank them, leave your contact details, and ask if you can check back in a few months. Then move on to the next venue on your list.

How do collectors find my machine once it's placed?

List it on Cardvender so collectors can find it by ZIP code and sign up for restock alerts.