Vending machine business for beginner, How to Start a vending machine business, Frequently asked questions, vending business opportunity

Frequently asked Questions

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How does the commission thing work?

How can I keep my commission down?

What about a contract?

What does the future of vending hold?

I'm new, how many machines should I start with?

What about insurance?

Should I have insurance to cover the machines incase of theft or breakage?

What things can be sold in Vending Machines?

What if a location already has some machines?

How do I service my bulk vending machine?

Types of vending suppliers.

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Q. How does the commission thing work?
A. Many businesses realize the convenience and service you are providing and therefore don't require any commission. Actually, sometimes it is quite the opposite, especially with larger machines, businesses will pay you to provide the service. For high traffic locations you might sometimes have to go as high as 35%, any more and it may not be worth your time.

Q. How can I keep my commission down?

Use small machines, they won't expect much from a smaller machine.
Locate the machine yourself.
Having a charity may help.
Tell them you provide a quality service and do it.
Start around 10% commission if needed, you can always go higher if necessary.
Say you like to set the dispensers for a maximum handful for your customers, and that you would have to give a smaller portion if a commission is necessary.

Q. What about a contract?
A. General things a contract may consist of is the name and address of the location, the owners or managers name, starting date of contract, length contract will last, commission % if needed, and signed and dated by yourself and owner or manager. This is just general information, you should consult a local professional whenever you do a contract.

Q. What does the future of vending hold?
A. Looking to the future, vending machines are here to stay and we predict there are going to be new and exciting ones coming out all the time. In a high-tech world, where smaller is better, plays perfect to the vending industry. Small gadgets, especially electronic ones. i.e.. phone cards, and cell phones, and calling cards, this is just the beginning.
We envision many new machines that will vend all sorts of electronic products. The person that starts or expands there business now, will be ready for the new technologies that will be coming in the future. Being one of the first in your area with a new machine and product usually will only add to the success of your business.

Q. I'm new, how many machines should I start with?

A. You can always start with just one machine. To get a good feeling for the business it probably will take at least 10 machines, but you can always start with just one and grow from that. Location is everything! Small machines take just minutes to service. Wait until a machine is empty and service as many machines per hour as you can. Buying less expensive machines will allow you to have more locations and therefore a more secure income.

Q. What about insurance?

A. Yes, liability insurance should be considered and it may very well be a law in your state. Check with your local insurance agent, but generally this is a very nominal cost of your business.

Q. Should I have insurance to cover the machines in case of theft or breakage?

A. It can be very costly for this type of insurance. Typically, we only have about 1% of our bulk machines vandalized or stolen a year, so having theft insurance on our machines would not be very cost effective, because generally this type of insurance is very expensive. You will have to decide if you want to pay for this. The above information on insurance is general advice, you should contact a professional insurance company to discuss any insurance needs you have.

Q. What things can be sold in Vending Machines?

A. Amusement, ATM Machines, Baseball Cards, Billiards, Bulk Products, Capsules, Car Washes, Cigars, Cigarettes, Coffee, Combo Machines, Condoms, Cosmetics, Cranes, Darts, Games, Gumball, Food, Honor Boxes, Hot Dogs, Juke Boxes, Laundry, Medical Supplies, Parking Meters, Perfume, Personal Products, Pay Phones, Phone Cards, Plush, Popcorn, Postcards, Slots, Snacks, Stamps, Stickers, Tattoos, Toys, Video, Vending Carts, Water, ...and the list goes on!

Q. What if a location already has some machines?

A. If a location has machine/s that is okay, that just means they are open to having
machines and that the location is a pretty good one. There are many ways in which you could have a machine there also. If the location doesn't have 1" gumballs use a machine that will do that.
Hardly any locations have the 27" Spiral, so even if they have 1" gumballs they may be hip to a cool machine like that. If you know the location is good then find a machine that is better or different than the ones already there. Or offer a machine that vends more products in the same space, like the space saving bulk machines.

Q. How do I service my bulk vending machine?

A. Usually once a month you will go service the bulk vending machine. Fill the vending machine product first while your hands are clean. Then remove the money and wipe it down with cleaner.
Usually takes less than 5 minutes to service a bulk machine.

Q. Types of vending suppliers:

MANUFACTURERS are the companies that actually produce the products or machines. Usually selling through distributors or brokers. Occasionally selling directly to the vending operator.

DISTRIBUTORS buy from manufacturers of machines and products. Then sell to companies and consumers who can purchase in smaller quantities. Some distributors may have products and equipment in stock with warehouse space, assisting with deliveries and actual sales.

RETAIL WHOLESALERS are a specific kind of retail distributor. Often a wholesaler has a large, easily accessible inventory that they will resell to the public at wholesale prices. Well known wholesalers such as Sam's Club or CostCo Wholesale require a membership to purchase products.

BROKERS act as middlemen between manufacturing companies, retailers or distributors, often buying a product and selling it to a small owner, which in turn sells the product to the public or other companies for resale. Brokers do not usually have merchandise on hand.

Credit E-Vending

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