How to Become a Vending Operator

A vending operator is a professional who owns or services vending machines. This profession is an excellent option for people who are interested in a small business opportunity. To get started as a vending operator you will need investment capital of several thousand dollars. This money will be used to not only buy your vending machines but to also buy supplies to fill the vending machines.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Investment capital
• Business insurance
• Business phone line

1. Decide what type of vending operator you want to be. The vending machine industry has boomed in recent years. Today you can select from food and beverage vending machines to DVD rental and phone card vending machines. Keep in mind that the type of vending machine products or brands that you select will impact the amount of money you will need to invest.

2. Find an established vending machine company to work with. One option that you have is to set up a vending machine franchise operation. This option is beneficial because you will be selling products that have a brand that has already been established. However, many of these types of vending machine business opportunities will have qualifications that you will need to meet. For example, Red Box vending machines, which dispense DVD rentals, require businesses to serve 15,000 customers before they can sign up to host a vending machine at their location.

3. Start from scratch. If you have your own products to sell in a vending machine then you need to buy a vending machine and then find a location to set up your machine. Vending machines can be bought new or used. New machines can be purchased from companies like Embassy Vending and 1.800.Vending. Used vending machines can be purchased at second hand stores as well as through vending machine brokers like Vending Connection. To find a location to set up your machine you will either need to talk with store owners, or place one in your office or in a building that you own (see Resources below).

4. Buy business insurance. This is critical for a vending machine business. You will need both liability insurance and property insurance. These products will protect you in the event that your machine or products cause injuries to your customers or if someone damages your machine or steals from your machine. Work with your current insurance agent, or look for one that specializes in business insurance like State Farm.

5. Set up your vending machines, stock them and service them. This is what being a vending operator will entail. You will need to visit your vending machines on a regular basis to restock them, collect your earnings and make sure that they are in working order. You will also need to make periodic maintenance calls and handle customer disputes. As your business grows, you may want to hire someone to handle these jobs for you and then you can take on a more supervisory role.

Resources

• Buy vending machines from 1.800.Vending.
• Buy Embassy Vending machines.
• Find used vending machines here.

[roger555]

on 1/21/2009 Vending Services Direct can help you find quality locations. Please visit www.vendingservicsdirect.com for more information.