Business name:
Oaka Vending (Leicester) Limited
Industry:
Vending machine supply, installation and servicing
Location:
Leicester
Type and size of unit:
Indoor self storage unit for vending stock, consumables and spare parts
Duration stored:
Ongoing
Oaka Vending Ltd
Oaka Vending (Leicester) Limited operates as a local franchise of Oaka Vending, supplying and maintaining vending machines for workplaces and public-facing locations across Leicester and the surrounding area. Their role covers everything from installation to ongoing servicing, restocking and fault resolution.
This case study shows how a Leicester-based service business uses local self storage to manage stock, prepare service routes and respond quickly to customer needs.
Vending operations depend on having the right products and parts available at the right time. Consumables, machine components and replacement parts move constantly between suppliers, storage and on-site machines. As the Leicester franchise expanded, managing this flow without dedicated off-site storage became increasingly difficult.
The Challenge
For vending operators, efficiency is closely tied to organisation. Stock needs to be rotated, spare parts kept accessible, and engineers equipped properly before each service run. At the same time, demand fluctuates depending on location usage, seasonal changes and new contracts.
Without a central storage point, excess stock often ends up spread across vehicles or limited premises. This makes it harder to prepare routes efficiently and slows down response times when machines need attention.
Oaka Vending (Leicester) needed a secure, accessible self storage solution in Leicester that would allow them to store vending stock centrally, scale space as needed and keep operations running smoothly.
Why They Chose Smartbox
Oaka Vending (Leicester) chose Smartbox Self Storage Leicester because it offered a practical way to support a route-based business.
Having local self storage in Leicester meant stock and spare parts could be stored in one place and accessed as required, rather than being carried unnecessarily in vans. This made it easier to prepare vehicles for each day’s service schedule and reduced wasted time on site.
Security was also a key consideration. Vending products and machine components represent ongoing operational value. Smartbox’s 24/7 monitored CCTV provides reassurance that stock remains protected between service visits.
Flexibility mattered too. As new locations are added or usage patterns change, Oaka Vending can take on additional storage space and reuse or reduce it as stock moves through the business.
The Solution
Using Smartbox Self Storage in Leicester gave Oaka Vending a central base for stock and equipment.
Consumables, spare parts and vending products are delivered into storage, organised and then loaded into vehicles based on planned service routes. When additional stock is required — such as during onboarding of new locations — more space can be used temporarily. As products are installed or sold through, that space can be reused efficiently.
Access to the unit is managed through a mobile app, allowing authorised team members to enter when needed. This makes it easier to adapt when schedules change or additional servicing is required, without relying on keys or fixed access arrangements.
The Impact
Local self storage in Leicester has helped Oaka Vending (Leicester) simplify logistics and improve responsiveness. Engineers spend less time handling excess stock and more time focusing on servicing machines and supporting customers.
Centralised storage has improved route preparation, reduced vehicle clutter and made it easier to react quickly when machines need attention. Knowing stock is stored securely — with CCTV monitoring around the clock — adds peace of mind outside working hours.
For service-based businesses, self storage in Leicester provides a practical way to manage stock, keep operations organised and stay flexible as demand changes.
“Having a local storage base means we can organise stock properly, adjust space as needed and make sure the right items are ready for each service run. It’s made day-to-day operations much easier to manage.”— Oaka Vending Leicester Team
Customer’s Service Offer
Oaka Vending (Leicester) Limited supplies, installs and maintains vending machines for businesses and organisations across Leicester. As part of the wider Oaka Vending network, they provide modern vending solutions supported by regular servicing and local support.
Many service businesses use local self storage to manage stock between visits, reduce clutter at operating bases and respond more effectively when customer needs change.
Website: https://www.oakavending.com