You may have seen them in restaurants, offices, and laundromats: vending machines. As an entrepreneur, you can start a business by acquiring and managing a vending machine route. Depending on the number of machines you operate and their locations, owning a vending machine route can provide you with a consistent stream of part-time or full-time income.
There are many reasons why getting a vending machine route is a great way to earn some extra money each month. For one thing, it’s a very low-cost business to get started. You can easily get started with just one or two machines, and you don’t need to invest in any inventory upfront. This makes it an ideal business for someone who doesn’t have a lot of start-up capital.
Another reason why getting a vending machine route is a great way to earn some extra money each month is that it’s a very easy business to operate. Once you have your machines placed, there’s not much else you need to do other than collect the money and restock the machines when necessary. This makes it an ideal business for someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to a side hustle.
Finally, getting a vending machine route is a great way to earn some extra money each month because it’s a very scalable business. If you find that your vending machine business is doing well, you can always add more machines to your route to increase your income. This makes it an ideal business for someone who wants the potential to earn more money as their business grows.
The Pros of Starting a Vending Machine Route Business
There are several benefits to starting a vending machine route business. First, it’s a low-cost way to get started in entrepreneurship. All you need is enough money to buy or lease a few vending machines and stock them with items. Second, it’s a relatively easy business to run. Once you have your machines placed, you’ll just need to periodically check on them to make sure they’re stocked and operating properly. And third, it can be a decent source of passive income. If you place your machines in high-traffic areas, you can potentially earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month with very little effort on your part.
The Cons of Starting a Vending Machine Route Business
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to starting a vending machine route business. First, it may be difficult to find locations that will allow you to place your machines. You’ll need to do your research to find high-traffic areas that also have the space and permission to host your machines. Second, there is always the possibility that your machines will be vandalized or stolen. This is why it’s important to have insurance and choose durable machines that can withstand some abuse. And finally, you’ll need to continuously restock your machines with new inventory, which can be time-consuming and costly if you’re not careful.
There are two main types of vending machines: bulk vending machines and full-line vending machines. Bulk vending machines typically vend single items such as candy, gumballs, nuts, or toys. Full-line vending machines dispense both food and non-food items such as drinks, snacks, cigarettes, and personal care products. The type of machine you choose will depend on the type of product you want to vend as well as your budget.
Vending machine routes are usually operated as sole proprietorships or partnerships. Before starting your business, you will need to obtain the proper licenses and permits from your city or county. You will also need to purchase insurance for your business.
To find locations for your vending machines, visit businesses in your area and ask if they would be interested in having a machine on their premises. Once you have secured locations for your machines, stock them with the products you have chosen to vend. Be sure to regularly visit your locations to restock the machines and collect the money they have earned.
Operating a vending machine route can be a profitable side business venture. By carefully selecting locations for your machines and stocking them with high-quality products, you can earn a steady income from your vending machine route business.