Going into the Vending Machine Business

Learning the Ropes of a Vending Machines Business

Vending machines are a popular way to purchase instant refreshments or other handy items. You see them mostly in populous places like schools, shopping malls, toy stores, theatres and auditoriums, and bus or train terminals. The concept behind a vending machine is having a convenient means of purchase anytime. Since consumers typically appreciate convenience when it comes to buying single items, these vendor machines are sure to make profit when placed and maintained strategically. Moreover, consumers have the tendency to buy on impulse, which is why most of the items sold in vending machines are generally impulse items like gums, newspapers, and sodas.

History of Vending Machines

It was in Greece where the earliest form of vending machines was built by the mathematician Hero of Alexander. Instead of simple consumer goods, this vending machine produced holy water. Over the years, vending machines underwent several modifications, eventually giving rise to the ever present machines that people identify with today. The modern models of vendor machines nowadays are outfitted with top rate features like computerized control panels and infrared communication. A vending machine can either be equipped with a mechanical motion control as in gumball vending machines, or powered by electricity, in the case of soda or snack vending machines.

How to Get Started

One of the most important things to consider before getting into any kind of vending machine enterprise, or any other business for that matter is having the right knowledge and information. Of course, as you go through the vending machines business, you are sure to discover much more than you had initially expected, but a substantial amount of research always works its wonders. Read up on articles about the many benefits and challenges of running this kind of business, and evaluate if this trade is really for you.

One of the attractions of having this type of vending business is the almost non-existent need for constant supervision. It is true of course that a vending machine does not require your 24/7 presence as an owner because most of the time, it is left to work for itself. However, proper maintenance of the vending machines is required. Supervision of the goods available inside the machines must be made regularly. If your machine sells hot foodstuffs and uses an electrical connection to keep them warm and fresh, you have to schedule regular electrical check-ups and to make sure that nothing impedes serving your customers with excellent products.

You also have to consider which type of merchandises to actually sell inside the vending machine, and where to sell them. Product and location should be your main concern, since the distribution part is already managed by the machine itself. Candies, sodas, bottled water, coffee, snacks and even newspapers can be sold via a vending machine. If you are selling a huge assortment of products inside your vending machine, you need to keenly observe which products are selling and which are not among the crowd favorites. You can place more of the best sellers to generate a more favorable profit.


The location of your vending machines must be strategically mapped out to obtain the most advantageous response from your targeted clients. Candy and Gumball vending machines are normally placed inside malls, toy stores, or groceries. These are also often located near or within the school premises. As for the snack and beverage vendor machines, densely inhabited quarters and waiting areas like terminals and parks are ideal locations. You can also strike an arrangement with store owners in placing your vending machines inside their store premises. In this manner you are assured of a certain degree of supervision and greater security.

Examples of Popular Vending Machines for Business

One example of the well-known vending machines is the Soda/Bottled Water vending machines. Most vending machines now contain plastic bottled water as well as canned sodas rather than their glass bottled counterparts. Canned and plastic container drinks are easier to handle than the bottled varieties, which is why the former is often more favored by consumers and vending machine owners alike. This can be conveniently located in schools and malls, or anywhere where there are people sure to buy bottled refreshments.

Snack vending machines are another well-liked example. In fact, in Australia there are vending machines that produce steaming hot French fries, for the convenience of those craving for this well-beloved fast food staple. In Japan furthermore, there are vending machines that sell rice dishes, a welcome relief for those who do not have the time to prepare their favorite rice topping dishes. There are also vending machines that serve full snack meals, like burgers and hotdogs, pan cakes and croissants, although in these instances there may be a room adjacent to the machines where the food is being prepared and kept warm round the clock.

Coffee is another well-accepted product sold by vending machines. Coffee lovers are steadily increasing due to the newest rave about the antioxidants contained in this beloved beverage, and vending machines that instantly produce steaming coffee for an inexpensive amount is a sure attraction. In fact there are even brands of coffee that market their product through the employment of vending machines. You are assured of hot coffee in any way you like- black, sugared, or creamed- and certainly any time of day you want it.

Candy vending machines are a favorite among children. They are mostly located in schools and malls. Newspaper vending machines are another popular type. This way, you can have your daily source of news and other information while walking to your office, or before boarding the subway each morning. Usually, newspaper vending machines sell more than the conventional daily newspapers. Magazines, catalogues, postcards, and brochures can also be dispensed by these machines at specific prices.

Due mainly to fast-paced way of life of many individuals, the charm of vending machines is definitely difficult to deny. The products inside are readily accessible, the machines are located in most public places and even better, you can have your favorite refreshment within seconds or a few minutes. Thus, if you are someone able to recognize this need of ubiquitous convenience from most consumers, then you will surely make a profitable business out of these vending machines.