Jayne Manziel shared tricks for getting into the vending-machine business safely as well as profitably. All of this isn’t quite as easy as earning money while you sleep. But with careful planning, hard work, and a little luck, you can run a successful vending-machine business.
2. CHOOSE THE VENDING MACHINE TYPE
Many vending machines and so are with a selection of drinks and snack foods. Others
target more narrowly on a particular category, such as ice cream, popcorn, cigs, videos
(think Red box), or personal hygiene. Some machines dispense individual units; others
offer items equally, such as hard candy and gumballs.
3. GET THE PROPER LICENSES
In some states you'll desire a seller's grant to use vending machines, and many states
require you to charge sales tax on the items in the machines. The tax varies by
condition, as does the minimum amount price that launches the requirement to acquire
the tax. Be sure to check with your local licensing office to find about the requirements
in your area.
4. BUY THE MACHINES
Decide whether you are interested new or
used machines. Prices may differ wildly: A
new machine often runs a few thousand
dollars, while used ones go for a few
hundred or less on Craigslist, eBay, or
Amazon. Keep in head that all machines
eventually break down, so you will need to
either hire someone to repair them or
learn to do this yourself. (Tip: You can buy
parts from a manufacturer such as Vendors
Exchange World.)
5. BUY OR LEASE A TRUCK
Depending how large your procedure is, likely to desire a van -- or, perhaps, a
specialized refreshment truck -- to take products from machine to machine. A second
end user truck starts at about $5, 500 at places like Specialty Trucks, or you can lease a
basic truck for around $500 a month.
6. LOCATE A SUPPLIER
You can buy products in large at a local big-box store or go online. Check out sites like
Candymachines.com for bulk candy, or SmartVnding for a full line of supplies. Markups will be
different, with regards to the product. Bulk items, such as candy and gumballs can be marked up
200 to 300 percent, while single items can typically be marked up between 60 and 90 percent.
Of course, the more products you buy, the better price you are going to get, so you may have to
be happy with lower markups when only starting out in order to be competitive, and then
increase them as you add machines.
7. SECURE A LOCATION OR TWO
Where you place your vending machines will figure out how successful you are. Take a look at each
site before you approach its owner. Find a place that gets a lot of foot traffic, such as an air-port, a
parking lot, a shopping mall, a huge office building, or an active waiting room.
Once you select a place, approach the owner and workout a deal. Some vending machine operators
offer the owner a tiny percentage of their profits; others donate a portion of sales to charity.
8. SERVICE YOUR MACHINES
When your machines are placed, it will be up to you to keep them clean, well-stocked,
and working order. You may be capable to do this by visiting once a week, however, if
the machine is popular, you may have to turn up more often.