You’ll find hundreds of resources related to starting and running a vending machine business in this post. The resources are written by various authors, which gives you a broad overview of the topic.
Before getting to the resource section, let’s take a few minutes to go over a few considerations and questions for you to review.
Background About This Type of Business
This type of operation is one of those businesses that, once set up, the business mostly runs itself.
Once the machines are set up at their location, you don’t have to be there to generate revenue.
Your main concerns are as follows; keeping the machine stocked with products. Making sure the machines are maintained and in good working order. Finally, if your machines collect cash, you need to collect the cash generated.
Depending on how busy the location is will determine how many times per week you need to make your rounds.
Pros and Cons
All businesses have pros and cons. Below are a few for this business model.
PROS:
This is a semi-automated business. Once you setup your machines, your main task is to monitor and restock your machines.
- You can run this as a part-time business and operate out of your home.
- You can set your own hours.
- You can be flexible regarding restocking your machines.
- The business is expandable.
CONS:
- Some of the cons include your machines being abused and vandalized, and when they break down, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible.
- Repairs can be expensive, especially with machines that have a cooling compressor.
- You may have a great location, and the owner can take it away unless you have a contract.
- You may get calls from people that have lost their money in the machine, and you need to deal with these claims. You can do this by having them go through Paypal. Or you could have the item there for them the next time you visit. This may work well if your machines are located, for example, at a manufacturing plant and your customers are regulars.
- Coin jams can happen, and then your machine is down, and you need to get to the location and fix it as soon as possible.
- Products can also get jammed, and you need to take care of it asap.
What Type of Person is Suited for This Business Model
This type of business may be engaging to people attracted to semi-automated businesses and like to have multiple things going on at once.
For example, someone running multiple businesses can run this as a side business. Someone with a full-time job may also be attracted to this business model and run it after work.
Startup Cost
Your startup cost will depend on how you plan to get started. If you start with a couple of machines, your startup cost will be low compared to purchasing 50 machines, a tuck to move your machines, and staff to help operate the business.
The best way to determine your startup cost is to create your business plan. Once you have your plan in place, you can start to research your costs. For more on startup costs, see, Estimating Startup Costs – Are You Missing Anything?
Equipment
When it comes to the machines, you’ll want to do your research. You want machines that are reliable and will hold the most product.
For example, if you have a machine that holds a small amount of product, you will have to make more trips to refill it than a machine that holds more and may only need refilling once or twice a week.
If you buy a machine that breaks down a lot, you’ll have many extra expenses. You’ll lose customers and sales, and the location owner may tell you to remove the machine because there are too many complaints.
Location owners don’t want any problems. They have enough headaches to deal with, with their own business. To have a long-lasting relationship with the location owner, you need to make sure your machine makes them money without any effort or headaches.
Questions Regarding This Business
Will You Locate From Home or a Commercial Location
Will you locate your business from home, or do you plan on having a commercial location? The benefits of running from home would be a significant saving in your monthly expenses.
The benefits of owning a commercial location include your business being perceived by location owners as a reliable operation.
Another advantage of having a commercial location is creating a showroom where location owners can view the machines you have available for their location. If you have a variety, they could choose the machines they want to display.
How Will You Move Your Machines?
Have you considered how you will move your machines? Depending on how many machines you plan to own, you may need an appropriate vehicle to move them. Consider having 50 machines. The cost to hire someone to move them may cost you a good portion of a used truck’s price.
When starting out, you could hire someone to move your machines, and when you find you’re having success, you could buy a vehicle.
What Type of Company Structure Will You Setup?
When requesting to place your machine at a location, you may want to register your business as a corporation, LLC, or similar to make your business more credible.
A sole proprietorship means you and the business are one, and you are personally liable and can be sued personally. As an LLC, Partnership, or corporation, the business is separate, and it’s a legal entity. Therefore liability is on the company, and a lawsuit would be against the company.
From a location owner’s point of view, dealing with a company is perceived as having less risk than dealing with someone with a couple of machines. Keep in mind location owners don’t want headaches and problems.
How Will You Pitch Your Opportunity to Location Owner’s Business?
You must have good people skills to negotiate locations and deal with any problems that arise. I can see the main points of resistance would be around the following:
Liability: The business owner doesn’t want anything that can make them liable for any problems. For example, if a child chokes on a toy from your machine, the location owner doesn’t want to be liable.
Compatibility: The location owner wants something that accents their business, not something that makes their business look bad.
Here’s an example. Imagine walking into a high-end jewelry store and seeing vending machines? This would make the customer walk out the door because the vending machines are out of place.
The customer thinks, what kind of business is this? The location owner has lost all credibility. This exaggerated and unlikely example highlights the importance of targeting appropriate locations.
Competition: Another question to ask, is will the vending machine compete with the business? Would you put a soft drink vending machine in a convenience store? The soft drinks are in direct competition with the vending machine.
Appearance: Machines that are beat-up and show wear and tear will hold you back. No Business owner will allow you to put an eyesore at their location. The machines should accent the business, and looks are a major selling point.
Products: The products you carry must accent the location. Placing products like chocolate and chips in a fitness center wouldn’t’ make sense. But placing vending machines with healthy snacks and drinks would.
You also want to keep an eye out for expiry dates. Product close to expiry dates doesn’t leave a good impression.
Below is a list of some of the business types you can target for your vending machines:
- Movie theaters
- Laundromats
- Coffer Shops
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Bus Stops
- Apartment complexes
- Schools
- Hotels
- Motels
- Factories
- More in the resources
You Want Your Location Owners to Be at Ease
To get your machines in prime locations, you want the owners to be at ease. You need to address any concerns the owner has. You can offer to place the machines on a trial basis, and if they are not happy with any part of the arrangement, you will remove the machines immediately.
You need to focus on the benefit of placing the machines at the owner’s location. You may want to focus on how the machines will benefit their existing customers. The main benefit is convenience. The next may be the financial gain with no effort from the location owner.
For each business, try and come up with benefits specific to their business.
How Will You Get the Word Out?
Customers will see you’re machines and make a purchase based on convenience. If you advertise your vending machines to potential customers, you’ll probably waste your time and money.
I can see taking out google ads based on the user’s location. But I don’t see a lot of traction from this method. I would use tasteful slogans on the machine it’s self to get more people to use it, for example, “How About a Cold Drink? or something like, “Try our new tasty Chips for $1.00 Press G7”.
As for advertising for this type of business, I would focus my advertising on getting more locations. So you are going to be targeting other businesses.
You can do this through Google Ads and Facebook. Setting the location
you’re targeting allows you to work on campaigns for small areas, which can be cost-effective because you are not advertising nationwide.
You can also use your local newspaper and radio to get the word about your business opportunity to local businesses.
Another point to make is if you plan a campaign on the radio for a week or two, it might make your cold calling technique easier because the business owner has heard your ad on the radio, and when you visit them, they have already heard about you.
Next, Come the Resources
Now it’s time for the resources. You’ll find hundreds of ideas and tips brought to you by various authors in the sections to follow. I suggest you take time to go through those articles that sand out for you. Spending a few hours on these resources will give you a broad understanding of the industry and allow you to find vending machines, supplies, and the details related to this business. The video section from people in the industry will also give you some insights.
A Collection of Resources Related to Starting a Vending Machine Business
How to Start a Vending Machine Business
How to Start a Vending Machine Business | 13 Steps to Get You Started
How to Start a Vending Machine Business: Cost, Tips, Pros, and Cons
How to Start a Vending Machine Business | Complete Guide
How to Start a Vending Machine Business – TheStreet
How to start a profitable vending machine business
How to start a profitable vending machine business | VendSoft
How to Start a Vending Machine Business Without Franchising | Small Business – Chron.com
How to Start a Vending Machine Business
A Guide to Starting a Vending Machine Business
6 Tips for Starting a Vending Machine Business | Fora Financial Blog
How To Start A Vending Machine Business: The Complete Guide | Naturals2Go
What to Consider Before You Start
Reasons for Getting Into Your Own Business
The Pros and Cons of Owning Your Own Business
10 Questions You Must Ask Before Starting a Business
Passion – An Important Key You Need to Succeed in Business
Steps and Considerations
Over 21 Steps and Considerations When Starting Your Business
Getting Inside Information
An Inside Look Into The Business You’re Considering
A Simple Guide To Starting A Business
How to Start A Business – Making a Complex Topic Simple
How to Finance Your Business
Vending Machine Business Finance Options | Vending machine route software
Financing Options – MyPPE Vending
8 Ways To Finance Your Vending Machine Business
Everything You Need To Know About Business Loans
How To Register a Business
How to Register Your Business Using These Resources
Vending Machine Business Name Ideas
Selecting a Good Name for Your Business
Vending Machine Business Name Generator – How to Name a Vending Machine Business
101 Catchy Vending Machine Business Names – BrandonGaille.com
453+ Creative Snack Machine Business Names | thebrandboy
379 Vending Business Names Ideas List Generator – Brandlance
Business Plan
How to Write a Business Plan Using This Unique Collection of Resources
How to Write a Marketing Plan Using These Select Resources
Vending Services Business Plan – Executive Summary
Vending Machine Business Plan – How To Make One For Success
Vending Machine Business Plan [2020 Updated] | OGScapital
Trends and Statistics
Vending Machine Operators in the US – Industry Data, Trends, Stats | IBISWorld
2020 Vending Machine Operators Industry Statistics & Market Research Report – AnythingResearch
25 Intriguing Vending Machine Sales Statistics – BrandonGaille.com
Global Vending Machine Market (2016 – 2022)
Profitability and Revenue
Estimating the Profitability and Revenue for a New Business
Are Vending Machines Profitable? (2020) | Naturals2Go
Most Profitable Vending Machines – Small Business Trends
Realistic Vending Machine Profits Explained | Vending machine route software
How Profitable Are Vending Machines? | Vending One
Average vending machine profits (Updated 2021) | Vending Business Machine Pro Service
Startup and Operating Costs
Estimating Startup Costs – Are You Missing Anything?
Equipment and Suppliers
Office
Essential Office Equipment You May Need to Run Your Business
Vending Machines
Vending Machine Supplier – Buy New and Refurbished Vending Machines
Vending Machines Manufacturers – Leading Supplier
Distributors of Vending Machines, New & Used Vending Machines
Distributors of Vending Machines, New & Used Vending Machines
Buying Supplies for your Vending Machine Business | Vending machine route software
Vending Machine Companies | Vending Machine Distributors
Top Vending Machine Companies in the USA
Vending Machine Security
Why security camera is necessary for the vending machine? | Vending Business Machine Pro Service
Steps to Avoid Vending Machine Theft and Beef up Your Security – Parlevel Systems
Upgrade your vending machine security | Camlock Systems
5 Ways to Help Prevent Vending Machine Vandalism – Maximum Vending
Vending Machine Alarms | Vending Machine Security | Vending Alarm Systems
Supplies
Refill Vending Supplies – Vending Toys, Capsules, Stickers, Tattoos, Bouncy Balls | CandyMachines
Bulk Vending: Toys, Bouncy Balls, Stickers & Tattoos, Prizes & Fillers – Gumball.com
Wholesale Vending Machine Snacks | Wholesale Snack Food
Bulk Vending Supplies & Refills | Gumballs.com
VENDING SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY, Vending Business Suppliers
Vending Machine Parts and Repairs
Parts
Vending machines, vending machine parts, and vending machine service
Vending Machine Parts by Manufacturer
Vending Machine Replacement Parts – Vending Machine Components
Vending Machine Parts and Accessories | Vending World | Official Site
Vending Machine Parts & Accessories for sale | eBay
Repair Service
Vending Machine Repair | Vending Machine Parts | VendNetUSA.com
Vending Machine Repair Service – Drink, Soda, & Snack Machine Repair
Vending Machine Repair Services, REPAIR Vending Machines
3 Top Vending Machine Repairs You Should Know
Vending Machine Repair Services Near Me | VendMedic
The 10 Best Vending Machine Repairers Near Me (with Free Estimates)
Repair Tips and Maintenance
Reduce the Chance of Vending Machine Repair Needs | Vending machine route software
How to Maintain and Service a Vending Machine
How to Repair Troubleshoot Vending Machine | Vending Business Machine Pro Service
An Owner’s Guide to Vending Machine Repair
Vending Machine Maintenance | Vendnet USA Blog
An Owner’s Guide to Vending Machine Service and Repair | TCN Vending
Basic troubleshooting of your vending machine
How to fix vending machine display problem | Vending Business Machine Pro Service
Insurance
Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Business Insurance
Business Insurance for Vending Machine Businesses | How to Start an LLC
Vending Machine Owner Insurance
Vending Machine Insurance: Owners & Operators | CoverWallet
Work with Vending Machine Insurance Experts | Trusted Choice
Vending Machine Insurance for Small Business Owners
Vending Machine Operators Insurance – Cost & Coverage (2020)
Vending Machine Business Insurance. A Few Minutes to Save.
Employee Considerations
The Pros and Cons of Running a One-Person Business
How and When to Hire a New Employee
Common Jobs Needed for Running a Business
Hiring an Employee VS Subcontracting
Business Cards
How to Design Business Cards That Draw Attention
Design logo & business card for a vending machine biz | Logo & business card contest | 99designs
Business cards design: print your business card online I Vistaprint
Latest Image Search Results Related to Vending Machine Business Cards
Logo
How to Create an Impressive Logo
Looking for a fun exciting logo for my vending machine business | Logo design contest | 99designs
Vending Logos Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | Shutterstock
Food Vending Machine Logo Design | 160 Logo Designs for the fridge – real good food
Latest Image Search Results Related to Vending Machine Business Logos
Software
VendSoft Reviews and Pricing – 2020
Best Software to Help You Manage Your Vending Machine Business – Vend Purchase Group
List of Vending Machine Software | Vending How
Vending Software | VendSoft – Vending Machine Route Management
Business For Sale
Buy A Business or Build one From Scratch?
An Inside Look Into The Business You’re Considering
Vending Machine Businesses For Sale – BizBuySell
Vending Machines Businesses for Sale | Buy Vending Machines Businesses at BizQuest
Vending Machine Routes for Sale USA, Vending Businesses For Sale
Vending Routes For Sale, 61 Available Worldwide
Food Vending Businesses For Sale in the US, 376 Available To Buy Now
Routes For Sale at BusinessMart.com – Vending Routes, FedEx Routes and Bread Routes
Latest Search Results Related to Vending Machine Business For Sale
Franchise Opportunities
The Ins and Outs of Owning A Franchise
Top Vending Machine & ATM Franchise Business Opportunities
Best Vending Machine Business Franchise Opportunities | Franchise Clique
Vending Franchise Opportunities Guide
Marketing Tips
How to Market Your Vending Machine Business | Bizfluent
Tips to Advertise you’re Vending Business Creatively on Internet
How to promote vending business – Quora
Marketing in a Vending-Machine World – Chief Marketer
How to Market Your Vending Machine Business | Bizfluent
Article Mix
Risks of Operating a Vending Machine Business
The Top Problems of Buying Vending Machine Business – Worldwide Vending
Vending Machine Business Pros & Cons | Small Business – Chron.com
10 Complaints About Vending Machine Companies
10 mistakes of a novice vending machine operator
Vending Machine Problems? How to Know Right Away – Touchwork
The Pros & Cons of a Vending Machine Business | Bizfluent
5 Mistakes A Novice Vending Machine Operator Commits – BIZ VENDING 101
What to Avoid When Starting a Vending Business – BusinessMart.com
5 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make Getting Into the Vending Machine Bu…
Vending Machine Tips – Vending Business Pointers
Vending Machine Blog Business Tips – A&M Vending Machine Sales
Tips for a Successful Vending Machine Business | Gameking Total Vending Solutions
20 Fun Facts About The Vending Business
5 Interesting Facts About Vending Machines You Didn’t Know
10 Facts About the History of Vending Machines | Prestige Vending & Office Coffee
10 Interesting Facts About Japanese Vending Machines
7 Interesting Facts About Vending Machines | TCN Vending
Vending Machine | Encyclopedia.com
25 Unique Vending Machines From Around The World
Quick Ways to Boost Profits With Your Vending Machines
Running a Business
How to Run a Business – A Quick Look Into Skills You’ll Need
Publications
Top 15 Vending Machine Blogs, Websites & Influencers in 2020
Vending Industry News & Resources | Vending Times
Vending Business Magazine | News, Reviews, Comments by and for the Vending business owners.
Terminology
Vending Glossary: – Maryland, DC, Northern Virginia
Vending Machine Glossary | Vending Industry Definitions And Information
Books
Books from Amazon Related to Starting a Vending Machine Business
Google Book Search Related to Starting a Vending Machine Business
The Latest about Starting a Vending Machine Business
Google Searches
Latest Search Results Related to Starting a Vending Machine Business
Latest Scholar Search Results Related to Starting a Vending Machine Business
Latest Image Search Results Related to Starting a Vending Machine Business
News
Latest News Related to Starting a Vending Machine Business
Tweets Related to Starting a Vending Machine Business
YouTube
Videos Related to Starting a Vending Machine Business