Vending Machine FAQ — Calgary & Central Alberta | Everstock

Question 1

What does it cost to partner with Everstock?

Accepted Answer

Nothing. Everstock supplies, installs, and owns every machine at zero cost to you. There's no capital outlay, no setup fee, and no ongoing charges. We invest in the machines; you provide the space.  We offer a trial service - if it doesn't fit for you, we simply remove the machines.

Question 2

What kind of locations do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We primarily partner with shopping malls, retail centres, restaurants, warehouses, and other high-traffic indoor venues. If your space sees consistent foot traffic — especially families — it's likely a great fit for our machines.

Question 3

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Just reach out through our contact form or give us a call. We'll have a quick conversation about your space, then arrange a site visit to identify the best machine placement. From there, we handle everything.

Question 4

Is there a long-term contract?

Accepted Answer

We have some long-term contracts and other locations with no contracts at all.  We work with partners on terms that make sense for both sides. We're not interested in locking anyone into an arrangement that isn't working — our goal is a long-term partnership built on performance, not paperwork.

Question 5

How long does it take to get machines installed?

Accepted Answer

Once we've agreed on placement, installation is typically completed within a few weeks, although large setups can take longer.  We handle all logistics — delivery, setup, and any stocking.

Question 6

Do you offer a revenue share?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the cost of product and servicing smaller facilities consumes most of the margin and doesn't make enough for a revenue share.  Larger venues may warrant a special agreement, and if so you earn a percentage of gross machine profits every month. The split is agreed upon before installation and stays consistent. There's no invoicing required on your end — we calculate your share and pay it out directly.

Question 7

If I get a revenue share, how much can I expect to earn?

Accepted Answer

If a margin share is in place, earnings vary depending on foot traffic, machine type, placement, capsule content, wait times, and seasonal impacts on your business. Toy capsule and crane machines in high-traffic mall corridors consistently outperform other vending categories. We're happy to share realistic performance benchmarks during our initial conversation.

Question 8

How often do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Revenue is distributed based on the revenue collection cycle. You'll also receive a summary showing machine performance and how your share was calculated — no guesswork, no surprises.

Question 9

Are there any hidden fees or deductions?

Accepted Answer

No. Our revenue is determined based on receipts of cash or credit payments collected and the revenue share percentage we agree on is what you receive. We don't deduct maintenance costs, restocking fees, or any other charges from your share — those are our responsibility.

Question 10

Who handles restocking and maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Everstock does — completely. Our team visits every location on a regular schedule to restock product, clean machines, and address any technical issues. You and your staff never need to touch the machines, and can always reach out to us if you have concerns with a machine condition or operation.

Question 11

What happens if a machine breaks down?

Accepted Answer

We monitor machine performance and respond to issues quickly. If a machine goes down, our team handles the repair. We aim to minimize any downtime because an out-of-service machine isn't earning or engaging customers.

Question 12

How much space do the machines require?

Accepted Answer

Most of our machines fit within a 4×4 ft footprint. Crane machines are slightly larger. We work with your existing layout to find spots that maximize visibility and performance without disrupting your tenants or traffic flow.

Question 13

Do the machines need a power connection?

Accepted Answer

Crane machines and some electronic capsule machines require a standard 120V outlet. Mechanical capsule and candy machines are fully self-contained and require no power. We'll confirm requirements during the site assessment.

Question 14

How often are machines restocked?

Accepted Answer

Restocking frequency depends on machine performance — busier machines get visited more often. We track inventory levels and performance in a vending management system and schedule visits proactively so machines are rarely empty.

Question 15

What types of machines do you operate?

Accepted Answer

We operate three categories: toy capsule vending (classic capsule dispensers), crane machines (skill-testing prize machines), and candy vending (bulk candy and gumball machines). We also operate food and snack vending machines in select locations, including traditional pop, snack, and AI assisted vending.

Question 16

What products are inside the capsule machines?

Accepted Answer

Our capsule machines are stocked with collectible toys, novelty items, and small figures — the kind of products that create excitement and encourage repeat visits.  Examples include flashlights, rubber ducks, small characters, key chains and popular fidgit toys. We rotate product regularly to keep the selection fresh.

Question 17

Why are toy capsule machines better for foot traffic than other vending?

Accepted Answer

Toy capsule and crane machines create an experience, not just a transaction. Kids remember them, ask to come back, and often plan visits around them. That repeat behaviour drives more trips to your location and longer dwell times — and longer dwell time in retail locations often leads to higher spending levels.

Question 18

Can I choose which machines go in my space?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We'll discuss your space, your customer demographics, and your preferences during the site assessment. We'll recommend a mix that we believe will perform best, but the final selection is a collaborative decision.

Question 19

Are the machines safe for children?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. All products in our capsule and crane machines meet Canadian toy safety standards. Capsule products are sized to avoid small-parts hazards for younger children, and our machines are regularly inspected as part of our maintenance visits.

Question 20

How do vending machines actually increase foot traffic?

Accepted Answer

Well placed machines are bright, attractive, and draw attention.  A claw or toy machine can draw customers closer or into your facility, where they may browse and purchase other items.  Placement, prize selection, and how well it fits into your space are key considerations on how much additional traffic it brings.  At a restaurant entrance, our facilities can entertain customers making them less likely to leave when you have a longer line-up...bringing more revenue to your facility.

Question 21

Do vending machines really affect how long shoppers stay?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Research consistently shows that entertainment-style vending — especially crane and capsule machines — extends dwell time. When families have a destination to visit (and kids are engaged), parents browse longer and spend more.  Adding a crane or capsule machine in a store, barber shop, or other facility can keep children engaged - whether they are using it or just looking at it...enabling parents more time  to shop.

Question 22

Where should machines be placed for maximum impact?

Accepted Answer

High-visibility corridors near entrances, food courts, and anchor stores perform best. We conduct a thorough site assessment to identify the optimal spots in your specific layout — placement is one of the most important factors in machine performance for us.  Fortunately, this is often near entrances as it isn't uncommon for these spaces to be underutilized by our clients.

Everything you want to know about vending with Everstock.

Partnership & Getting Started

Revenue & Financials

Operations & Maintenance

Machine Types & Products

Foot Traffic & Business Impact

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