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Step 1
Learn the vending machine business. Research which vending machine businesses are most likely to offer vegetarian tofu sandwiches. Many vending machine businesses can refer you to manufacturers that can stock your machine if they do not provide the type of merchandise you want or need. Keep in mind that because you are offering a rather novice food item, you may not find a vending machine company that offers the exact merchandise. You may also have to find a tofu sandwich manufacturer yourself.
When working with vending machine manufacturers, ask about leasing plans, vending machine sizes, discounts for multiple vending machines and any maintenance-related information you might need. The more free information you can gather for yourself, the better. -
Step 2
Secure your locations. Before investing thousands of dollars into a vending machine operation, it is a good idea to secure the locations where you will have your vending machine. Decide how many vending machines you want to operate. You can start with one, see how it goes and then build from there; or you can purchase as many machines as your budget allows.
When considering a location for your tofu sandwich vending machine business, think of people who would benefit from a changed diet and who would actually be interested in trying your sandwiches. Ideas for locations might include schools, hospitals, offices, nursing homes, exercise centers, factories, golf courses, sports clubs, health clubs, coffee shops, warehouses, real estate offices, car dealerships, industrial parks, billiard and game halls, pools, and park and recreation centers. Contact the person who makes decisions for the company and proceed from there. -
Step 3
Choose your tofu sandwiches. Look into manufactures of tofu products yourself and find out if these large companies can provide you with individually wrapped tofu products and sandwiches. Morningstar, Boca Burger, Delight Soy, Vegan Dreams, Sunshine Burgers and other veggie meat distributors would be great companies to contact for individually wrapped tofu burgers and other sandwiches.
If you would rather make or wrap the sandwiches yourself, you will need to contact these companies for bulk pricing on the veggie meats and find sources for bread and condiments. This could be very time consuming on your part, but if no company is offering what you want, you will have to create your product and package it accordingly. -
Step 4
Decide on pricing. Consider your cost, time invested and a commission for your work. Each product can make you anywhere between 50 cents and $2, depending on the sorts of deals you worked out with tofu meat and bread manufactures. Most people know that they will pay more when purchasing an item--especially a healthy item--from a vending machine. Still, you don't want to be too stiff in pricing or people will choose the cheaper meat items. You may want to start at a lower commission and then grow into a bigger one in time.
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Step 5
Take inventory and restock. Vending machines vary in terms of use. Some vending machines need to be restocked weekly, while others need to be restocked monthly and so forth. It is important to consider product expiration dates as well. During restocking, the money can be collected and more change added as needed for machines that give money back. Most do.
Be sure to remove old sandwiches and also determine which sandwiches and products are selling better than others. Consider new and better packaging on items that do not sell or try a new product.
