How to Start a Vending Machine Business
You may have thought about starting a vending machine business but haven’t known where to begin. Most vending machines are owned and operated by the shop owner or they are rented from individuals who have their own vending machine business. These people buy or rent the machines, maintain them, keep them stocked, and take a percentage of sales as their payment.
If you don’t have your own shop then you will need to find locations to place your machines. This requires significant sales skills as you will have to effectively knock on doors asking people if they would like to rent your machine and place it in their shop or on their property. This is not an easy thing to do and you will experience many rejections but with the right tactics it can work out.
How to Start a Vending Machine Business
The first thing you need to do is research. As with any business there are many risks involved. You must determine if the rewards outweigh the risks before going ahead with anything. If you think that this business is easy money then you’re going to be very disappointed. So the first thing you need it do is complete a very detailed business plan.
The second thing you need to do is find out about typical vending machine scams and how to avoid them. There are a few around so make sure you know what is really involved in this business. Don’t let someone talk you into it by making out that you can get rich quickly with little work. The reality is that this is a tough business which takes persistence and hard work.
If you are going to go into business with another company then be sure to research that company thoroughly. You don’t want to set things up only to have trouble later. Start your search on the internet and with the Better Business Bureau.
You might be better off working independently but this is really hard work. You have to buy and maintain the machines, buy the products which will be on sale in the machines, and then convince businesses to place them in their shops and offices. Once they are in place you have to be sure to keep them in working order and fully stocked as well as collecting the money. This takes a lot of planning and organisation but it can pay off in the end.
These are the first steps in starting your own vending machine business. Once you have determined that it is a viable business then you can get on to the next stage.
Tips and Advice
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Ok, that sounds about right… I’m ready !!!
WHAT’S THE NEXT STAGE ????
We have been offered a on going vending business………making profit as per the balance sheet provided to us. What is your advise ??
of 100 people being exposed to a drink or snack machine, how many buys from it?
My friend is thinking about starting his own soft drink vending machine business and I am doing research for him. We would like to know if you have to pay the soft drink company any money to sell there product?
Thankyou
Amber
Some info for you guys
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/11/22/1037697875865.html
AMBER –> NO, you don’t have to pay the softdrink company any money to sell their product (royalties/commission)… You just have to buy the drinks to begin with, buy non-refrigerated and in bulk, then sell them at a higher price… As the article says, this is not a high profit business.. but if you have a shop or office and want to put in a machine as a small pocket-money maker, it’s fine… If you plan to get rich from it, you better have 20-30 machines, a truck and a staff of 5 working full time…. Then you may make between 60-90K profit each year… not exactly rich, but it’s a job…or… you may go bust and lose it all…. Good luck… (personally, I’d advise your friend to stay out of this business…it’s a little late in the game to join in now)
Hey everyone! Does anyone have any ideas on getting a location for the vending machines? I’ve looked on the internet and there was a book called “vending in a box” or something. It said to use the yellow pages… but it doesn’t seem to be working. What other ideas do you guys have? I have a refrigerated chocolate machine
pls email me on custompc2009@hotmail.com if you wanna discuss ANYTHING with me
I’m open for questions 
cya!
Hello, I’ve also placed an 1/6 add in the gold coast yellow pages this year and i’ve only had 3 calls from it and those calls where people wanting to sell me products so the yellow pages is a complete waste of money.
Also if any one has any ideas on finding locations please email me at maidcorp@live.com.au
Cheers
Matt.