Know-How Exchange : Research/Metrics

Are you trying to turn a profit or provide a service? If the latter, you can no doubt entice a vending service company to place their machines there, and take a small fee/split from the placement. If the former, then you need to best understand what would be a need that people would pay for.

You can find updated information about the latest technologies in "vending machine management" at the leading vending industry sites, such as Vending Times. Look for Turn-key solutions management companies who will design a retail vending venue to your specifications and needs. Always go with the pros.

https://www.vendingtimes.com/me2/default.asp

You say "The HOA would like a consumer service to be placed there" my question is do the community need or want one? What would the community you are part of (or serve) actually like? Much of the stuff I dug up concerned security and safety, and little more. Or house sales (= your realtor!).

However, I did find this interesting comment:

"I am going to look into some speicalty shops in gated communities and see if they would be willing to carry artisan breads at $4 to $5 a loaf." https://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/18064/culture-and-soul-bakery-its-not-for...

It may be that if you want a convenience store - or at least one that is going to be used by the community, it has to be something interesting and special.

A few questions to you. How do the residents get their groceries? Do they order these things online and get them delivered? Do they sort out the basics of life in this way and thus save themselves a great deal of hassle? Would a vending machine offer them a convenience over being able to sit by their computer and have it on their doorstep the next morning with a smiling deliveryman?

I found very little research posted on the net. My cousin is a scientist and all his papers are online, so it is possible that such research is either done privately - or not at all.

You say the convenience store is failing...what and when are people purchasing? Are they just going there for coffee in the morning? Milk on the way home? That might give you an idea of the "micro" demand and then you can tailor your search accordingly to satisfy the community. I'd definitely find out your community needs before I'd make assumptions on what will sell.