6 replies to this topic

[MsDani]

Hi, so ive decided to start my own candy vending business. im currently waiting to receive the machine and candy.

but my question is this:

Lets say I Feed quarters into the machine until the product is gone counting each time I put in a quarter. When the candy is gone,how many quarters can i expect to have? Im currently planning to use M & Ms and mike & ikes....thanks!

i know it depends on a lot of variables, but how many quarters...on average? Thank!

[chrisdunn77]

Ouch tough one! it depends on....

1. what type of machine you are using
2. what you set the machine to (how many pieces at one vend)
3. the type of candy, different shapes make either more or less come out.
and a couple other things

it could be a helpful number to figure out but not necessary.

[MsDani]

Ugh...I had a feeling you would say that.

What type of vending business/machines do you have?

How long have you been in this business?

Ouch tough one! it depends on....

1. what type of machine you are using
2. what you set the machine to (how many pieces at one vend)
3. the type of candy, different shapes make either more or less come out.
and a couple other things

it could be a helpful number to figure out but not necessary.

[after shock media]

Best bet is to do just what you already suggested. Get your machine out, dump a bag of candy into it and start dropping quarters until it is done. Write that number down, adjust your machine number and do it again, and again. Often the difference between a major profit margin over a full bag of candy is seriously just 1 number setting on your machine.

I realized that I had to do it no other way. I also realized that at a 5 setting as compared to a 6 setting, was a cost per vend of between .624 and .895 which does not seem like much. However count that across a full bag, then 1 bag per head, and then 40 machines. It becomes serious money. Especially in these times.

[goodnews4u]

Hi Dani,

I own bulk candy machines that hold 10 lbs per head. I have been using peanut M&M's for a long time. If I have filled the 10lb head and it empties out completely, it will return $45 give or take a $1.....I have my wheel set to give out the maximum amount allowed by my machine (about 10 pieces per vend). It takes about 3 of the 54oz. bags to fill the head....problem is, the candy price has gone up so much in the past year that I am going to have to reduce the amount of candy per vend. I guess I could switch to other items, but the peanut M&M's are by far my best seller....

[MsDani]

I can understand why....they are so yummy!

Hi Dani,

I own bulk candy machines that hold 10 lbs per head. I have been using peanut M&M's for a long time. If I have filled the 10lb head and it empties out completely, it will return $45 give or take a $1.....I have my wheel set to give out the maximum amount allowed by my machine (about 10 pieces per vend). It takes about 3 of the 54oz. bags to fill the head....problem is, the candy price has gone up so much in the past year that I am going to have to reduce the amount of candy per vend. I guess I could switch to other items, but the peanut M&M's are by far my best seller....

[markvend]

Hi Dani,

This is one of the big questions candy vendors wrestle with. M&M Peanuts are a very low profit margin candy but are good if you get quick sales from them. We did probably 400 bags last year (54 oz.) and I learned to not leave them in places which did not sell quickly because they go bad.

I give 5-6 per 25 cent vend and I think thats as little as you can give. For my Beaver machines, if the heads are full (2 1/2 54 oz bags) I will have $60 gross on that roughly $26 investment (9.14/bag at Sams plus tax). For skittles and Reeses I give around 11-13 each.

I have written a really helpful article on how to figure your profit margin at

My link

I have several other articles there on hard to vend items and more articles at: www.VendingCoach.blogspot.com.

Good success to you!
Mark