How to go about owning a Vending Machine?

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xtacy6909

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If this is the wrong section i am sorry and wouldn't mind for anyone to move it to the right one.

Just a quick question:

Is it worth investing in? Start off with one vending machine and gradually increase the amount of machines?

Also has anyone ever done this? Or know anyone that has done this, is the profit good?
 
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First off, this is definitely the right section for the post.

Secondly, it's best to start it as a hobby. It must be something you really enjoy in order to find it profitable.

Purchase a used vending machine and then go to Costco or Sam's Club to stock the machine.

Total costs ~ $1,000 (it really depends on the quality of the machine you are looking for and what kind of deal you get on it)
 
It's a lot better if you have your own property to put it on, but if not, then you'll have to rent some space or split the profit.
 
I have a friend that ran a route and he made some good coin. The key is getting your machine in those "right locations". Some places may also want you to service their coffee needs too. Hope you're mechanically inclined so when something going wrong with a machine you can fix it and get it up and running asap or else the coins stop rolling in.
 
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I really have never thought of anything like this, but snap, it seems fairly simple.
 
I do not know where are you from, but in my country - it's not a good business model if you do not have the right contacts.
It's not as easy to stock the machine as it may seems - vending machines have been on market for a pretty long time and all the good spots are taken.

Still, if you have some connection on the town hall or a friend of you is a director of some middle sized business, you might get your place. I suggest you to make a proper market research anyway, before you buy anything.
 
Well im from Chicago, Illinois. If i was to go about this venture i would most likely put it in a populated/safe area.
 
Back in the 90's I had about 50 of them or so in a variety of places... I owned a coffee and bottled water service so it seemed a nice fit. Some guy had a business he was tired of running and I bought it off of him and about 30 of the machines were already in place.

They were all snack machines... cookies,candy, crackers, etc.

Getting locations was not hard if you didn't mind cold calling and you generally have to give some kind of split to the owner of the business... to be honest I do not remember those numbers.

The key is to do what many others are not doing... top notch steady service, keep the equipment clean, pull out any older snacks and switch things out periodically so the variety of items changes on a regular basis.

It was 17 - 28 years ago and I'm sure things have changed some but I doubt the principles of service have and that is what kept the competition from taking my locations once we had them in place.
 
If you call vending machine companies, I know you can often take a used one off their hands. Don't necessarily just look for ads.

Also check restaurant equipment / supply stores. I know someone who bought a machine for $100. Could make a quick turnaround on that kind of deal!
 
Thanks you guys, great advice!! One more thing, im 18 years old, im not to young to be starting this stuff am i? I have the money for about one vending machine, and to supply it with all the things. How long do you think it would take me to get the money back + profit?
 
My friend's dad did this when we were in college. Location, Location, Location is key. make sure it is in a populated area. also, have things that people will want to spend. pricing is also important. We've all came across that vending machine in the middle of nowhere that wanted a $1.50 for a Kit-Kat...smh
 
I can;t say it enough. Know what you are getting into. Make sure you can fix almost anything that goes wrong with these machines or it will end up being a huge headache in the long run.
 
I don't think you are too young. As long as you are committed to the project you take on, it could result in an invaluable experience for you.
 
whats the worst that happen- give it a shot- make sure to buy a very economical car or little truck to keep the cost down. try to buy a route from someone- get a sba loan- vending machines are great because you keep your profits away from the ...... I wont say it.
 
xtacy6909 said:
Well im from Chicago, Illinois. If i was to go about this venture i would most likely put it in a populated/safe area.
Click to expand...

I'm in Chicago too, Streeterville/Gold Coast right by the pier. Just as a note the city, at least down here, has a sh*t fit about anything you want to put in a populated. They are always trying to lock up as much money for themselves as possible over in this area.

A lot of the vending companies offer placement help, but usually charge for that too.
 
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