I am looking for information on starting a vending business of my own. I have already spoken to some folks from 1800 vending. I thought they were very capable and informed. Does anyone know of a reliable source for reference materials and guidelines for vending--legal and/or practical? Might there be any mentoring programs available for people thinking of starting a vending business? Thank you for your help.

I would stay away from 1-800 types of operations. Stay away from anyone that tries to get you to buy more machines that what you need. It only takes one to get started. Most better machine suppliers will glady sell you one at a time. Good companies are Beaver, Oak Manufacturing, Northwestern, AA Global, T.Pico. For big machines OK Mfg is good.

It is best to stick with one or two brands so you don't go crazy keeping up with all the parts. I don't think vending is something you can learn out of a book. Some of the companies I mentioned above might give you pointers. You can start with single head machines on simple stands and start with 1" gum. Get your feet wet and then expand. In the beginning it is better just to try and learn rather than make a killing. This is a one step at a time business.

I would stay away from 1-800 types of operations. Stay away from anyone that tries to get you to buy more machines that what you need.  It only takes one to get started. Most better machine suppliers will glady sell you one at a time. Good companies are Beaver, Oak Manufacturing, Northwestern, AA Global, T.Pico.  For big machines OK Mfg is good.

It is best to stick with one or two brands so you don't go crazy keeping up with all the parts.  I don't think vending is something you can learn out of a book.  Some of the companies I mentioned above might give you pointers. You can start with single head machines on simple stands and start with 1" gum.  Get your feet wet and then expand.  In the beginning it is better just to try and learn rather than make a killing. This is a one step at a time business.

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Well Said

I am looking for information on starting a vending business of my own.  I have already spoken to some folks from 1800 vending.  I thought they were very capable and informed.  Does anyone know of a reliable source for reference materials and guidelines for vending--legal and/or practical?  Might there be any mentoring programs available for people thinking of starting a vending business?  Thank you for your help.

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I am looking for information on starting a vending business of my own.  I have already spoken to some folks from 1800 vending.  I thought they were very capable and informed.  Does anyone know of a reliable source for reference materials and guidelines for vending--legal and/or practical?  Might there be any mentoring programs available for people thinking of starting a vending business?  Thank you for your help.

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Hi, I have been running a bulk candy vending route and had all the same types of questions. I bought a couple books but they did not go into the simple nuts and bolts of what I actually needed to do and say in simple practical terms. I have started a free blog that I am developing each day to help new people setup a route. I add to it frequently and would appreciate any comments in response to my postings from other experienced operators to help newbies to the business. Go to
bulkvending.blogspot.com remember to type in blogspot since this is a Blog. Good Luck!

Stephen