Sales and Placement Come First. Everything Else Follows.
I have watched hundreds of operators join this space. The ones who struggle almost always make the same mistake: they spend the first two months trying to understand operations perfectly before they have placed a single machine. They read every article, watch every video, and ask every question. Then they wonder why nothing moves.
Here is the truth: sales is the only function that creates the opportunity for everything else to matter. Without placements, there is no revenue, no real-world feedback, and nothing to optimize. Just theory. Ops can be studied and systematized. Placement requires live reps, judgment, and the ability to read a room in real time.
Every question you have about ROI, software, cashless payments, restocking, or tax reporting has a direct, clear answer in the full guide. But those questions do not build your business. Locations do. Get your first few placements locked in, and every other question becomes ten times easier to answer with real context behind it.
Below is a preview of the exact playbook I used to place my first 60 machines in Cleveland. Read it. Then go execute.
Read Jordan's Full Proven PlaybookGot Questions About ROI, Operations, Software, or Payments?
Every question has a documented, clear answer. Here is exactly where to find it so you can stop researching and start placing.
Common questions already answered in these resources:
The Hustle: How to Land 50 Locations in 6 Months
This is the exact strategy used by VapeTM's top operators and the same one Jordan used to place his first 60 machines in Cleveland.
One of the biggest myths in this business is that you need a confirmed location before buying a machine. That is completely backwards. You cannot build real confidence, pitch with authority, or handle objections on the fly until you have touched the machine, loaded products, and seen it work in person.
When a machine is sitting in your garage, something shifts mentally. There is a fire under you to go get that placement. And when you walk into a bar and can physically demo it, deals close that would not have closed otherwise.
Do not just look for busy bars. Look for the right demographic. The goal is 21 to 35 year olds who are already vaping. You are not converting anyone. You are serving existing users.
- Target bars that go through cases of High Noon, White Claw, and seltzers. That is your crowd.
- College bars, nightclubs, and late-night dance halls are the goldmines.
- Bars with a strong female clientele are consistently high performers.
- Avoid Old Timer bars and venues that close before midnight.
- Ask yourself: where do people stay out late and need a vape because theirs died?
Your first few placements are your most valuable assets. Treat them like gold. Respond fast, restock proactively, check in monthly, and over-deliver. Then ask for the referral.
- Most bar owners know 5 to 10 other bar owners. One satisfied placement can cascade into a full route.
- Ask specifically: Do you know any other venue owners who would want this? Not a general ask.
- Offer a finder's fee or referral bonus to incentivize introductions.
- Keep a Google Maps list of every venue you have pitched. Track status, follow-up date, and contact.
- Operators hitting 50 machines are not cold calling strangers every day. They are working their referral network.
Read the Full Operator Playbook Real operator data. Step-by-step launch plan. Profit breakdowns.
Close the No Space Objection in 30 Seconds
The most powerful tool in your placement kit is the VapeTM Augmented Reality App. When a venue owner says they do not have space, you pull out your phone and drop a 1:1 scale virtual replica of the machine directly into their bar in real time. You find the spot together. Objection handled before they finish the sentence.
- Place a 1:1 scale model on any floor or wall in real time
- Works in any lighting condition during a live pitch
- See exactly how much space it takes: about the size of a jukebox
- Venue owners move and rotate the placement themselves. They sell themselves.
- Available exclusively through VapeTM. Contact a sales rep to get access.
Also view the 3D model at vizbl.com/use-cases/vape-tm
Ready to See the Full Picture?
Real operator data from 1,500 locations. Step-by-step launch plan. Every objection answered. The complete 2026 guide is waiting.
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3 comments
βconnection with our cellular modemβno Wi-Fi neededβ
Is it required to have the cellular modem? or if the establishment does have Wifi will that be all thatβs needed?
π§ VapeTM Sales Rep Tips β Fast-Track Your Market Research
π Find Out Whatβs Hot β Go Local
1. Visit 2 nearby smoke shops
2. Ask the cashier:
βIβm buying a vape for a friend. What are your bestsellers right now?β
β€ Cashiers have real sales data. Trust it more than online reviews.
3. Buy 1β2 of the top vapes. Snap a pic of the receipt.
βΈ»
π Vape Breakdown β Think Like a Car
Each vape has 3 parts:
β’ Brand (e.g., Lost Mary)
β’ Model (e.g., MT15000)
β’ Flavor (e.g., Blue Razz Ice)
π· Snap pics of:
β’ The box
β’ The barcode
β’ The flavor
βΈ»
π§ Flavors You Should Always Include:
β 1β2 Mint Flavors
β 1β2 Nicotine Pouches
β’ Zyn 6MG or ALP are both top sellers οΏΌ οΏΌ
π¦ Best Coils for Pouches:
Use 35mm coils with Tin Lifters to avoid jams οΏΌ
βΈ»
π‘ Pricing Tip
β’ Vapes sell for ~$3 more in vending machines than smoke shops β and customers will still buy for convenience οΏΌ
βΈ»
π If You Need Help Sourcing Products:
π Call: (888) 537-8273
π¬ Chat: help.vapetm.comοΏΌ
π§ Email: support@vapetm.com
Little Update from VapeTMβ¦
Not All Vape Machine Placements Are Equal
Just like in any amusement or coin-operated businessβjukeboxes, video games, or skill gamesβthere are always βdogsβ (low performers). The reality is that most of your profit will come from the top 20% of locations.
The biggest mistake I see operators make is setting up machines in poor locations, then getting discouraged when sales disappoint. If youβre not confident in an account, chances are itβs not a good one.
What Makes a Good Placement?
Alcohol + Late Hours: Prioritize venues that serve alcohol and stay busy late into the night.
The Right Demographic: The sweet spot is 21β40 year oldsβif the crowd isnβt young, itβs not the account we want.
High Energy, Social Atmosphere: Lounges, college bars, casinos, and nightlife spots consistently outperform quiet or low-traffic locations.
Key Takeaway
This business can be a cash cow, but only if youβre disciplined about choosing the right placements. Donβt waste time on βdogs.β Focus on proven, high-performing environments, and youβll see why this has been the best business decision of my life.