How to Obtain Vending Machines
Many people are looking for ways to start their own business. Selling candy and soft drinks from vending machines is a viable option. However, you must locate the vending machines before embarking on successful vending machine operation. Vending machines can be obtained from other distributors, vending machine companies or beverage distributors.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Newspaper classified ads
- Business opportunity publications (i.e. "Home Business Connection")
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide which type of vending machine you want: snack, drink or bulk. Obtain the latest Sunday edition of your local newspaper and those of nearby cities. Find them at the library or a large bookstore or order the next edition from each area. Scour the ads for vending machines and call the ones that interest you. Make an appointment to see the vending machines. Ask about the existing routes.
-
2
Go to the newsstand of your local grocery store. Pick up magazines on home businesses or money-making opportunities. Look for companies that sell vending machines. Call some companies and get price quotes. Call the Better Business Bureau about these companies. Find out if there are any complaints against them.
-
-
3
Search online for companies that sell vending machines. Research the companies by reading about them and making some calls.
-
4
Look through your local phone book. Contact local beverage or snack distributors. Find out if they have vending units or routes available. Make an appointment to go see the vending machines. Try to obtain the machines without cost and offer to become a full-time distributor.
-
5
Decide which option is most viable for you: You can either purchase combo machines with both snacks and drinks or obtain commercial or larger units. Get appropriate financing, if necessary. Make out a cashier's check for the appropriate amount. Fill out the necessary paperwork. Add more vending machines as your business grows.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
It is best to find an existing route from your local newspaper or through a beverage distributor. Just like real estate, location is the most important factor in a vending business. You need to have locations with a lot of traffic. Local beverage distributors or snack companies such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola may have existing routes that are available for sale or you might be able to take over an existing route. Take your time and research each seller thoroughly. Learn a little about the business before getting into it.
Never purchase vending machines from an out-of-state dealer unless you thoroughly investigate the company. There are a lot of scam artists and fly-by-night operators in the vending business.
