There is no fixed minimum, but a machine needs steady footfall to pay for itself. As guidance, one or two machines suit teams up to about 100 people. A very small office may not buy enough to justify one, so start with a single combo unit and watch sales.

Only in the right office. A micro-market offers more choice and fresh food, and employees spend more there. It needs about 150 or more regular users, more space, daily restocking and a secure, trusting environment. Below that size, a vending machine usually costs less to run.

A micro-market is unstaffed. Employees take items from open shelves and pay at a self-checkout kiosk. A staffed counter has a person who serves and bills each order. The counter handles hot items and subsidies more easily. The micro-market saves labour but relies on trust.

Many do, and UPI is widely credited with driving vending growth in India. Check that the reader works on your network and that sales data reaches your reports. If you subsidise snacks, ask whether payments can be linked to employee IDs.

Yes, and many do. A micro-market or counter in the main break area gives variety and fresh food. Vending machines in lobbies and on other floors catch quick purchases. One software platform across all of them keeps stock and sales data in one place.