6 replies to this topic

[JoJoGal]

So... I have never owned a vending machine or anything like it, but since I like to learn new things and I really enjoy businesses of all sorts, I have been thinking of getting one just to try it, and see if I like it and how profitable it is.
I have a great location in mind (a sports center without any other machines, that at least 1000 people visit every day to play sports - so they will be thirsty! There is a small store outside the center but most people do not stop to go out and walk in the middle of a game, so they do not have a lot of customers from what I have seen), I go to the location twice a week anyway, so it would be easy for me to keep an eye on the machine and so on. And the risk of vandalism is pretty low in that location, since there are security guards and there are always people there.

I have looked into getting permission to place machine there, and it seems possible, but I have no idea how much it will cost me. I can also buy a used vending machine for Coke and the drinks they provide (but I would also want to add energy drinks to it, maybe?) for a good price in my area, I have already checked that, and I have money saved for both the machine and the stuff I need to fill it.

I am thinking that if I do not make any profit I can always sell the machine again, and drink the drinks myself, so to me, this seems like a pretty safe investment. The only thing I have to lose is my time, and possibly the drinks, if I can't drink them myself...

Given my circumstances, would you go for it or not? I am not looking for a huge profit, just for something relatively easy that will make it possible for me to buy another vending machine within a few months or a year or something, so I can make the project bigger.

(I do not live in the US by the way and while there are vending machines where I live, they aren't that common, so I think I would be able to find good locations on my own as well)

[For The Kids Vending]

If you have the time and the money for the machine then go for it. Sounds like the location is OK. If you are buying the machine used then if it doesn't work out you can always sell it. Starting with a single location and a used machine is a good way to start.

Don't buy too many diet drinks. You'll find they expire quicker than the sugar drinks. So if you are running one location just be careful not to have too much inventory. Will take a few weeks to get it right but pay attention and you should be fine.

[Snactastic!]

I am just getting started and I am sorry if this is answered elsewhere but how long will most soda stay for Here is what I plan to stock in my single machine:

Coke
Diet Coke
Dr. Pepper
Diet DP
7-UP
Sunkist
Cactus Cooler
Gatorade
Rockstar

Thanks so much. I am glad I found this forum. I bought one soda machine and one snack machine. If this works I will expand to another location.

[JoJoGal]

If you have the time and the money for the machine then go for it. Sounds like the location is OK. If you are buying the machine used then if it doesn't work out you can always sell it. Starting with a single location and a used machine is a good way to start.

Don't buy too many diet drinks. You'll find they expire quicker than the sugar drinks. So if you are running one location just be careful not to have too much inventory. Will take a few weeks to get it right but pay attention and you should be fine.

Great tips, thanks so much! I honestly had no idea about the Diet drinks. And thanks for the encouragement, it means a lot to a newbie in the business like me.

[miked]

Great tips, thanks so much! I honestly had no idea about the Diet drinks. And thanks for the encouragement, it means a lot to a newbie in the business like me.

Regular sodas (cans) are generally good for a year from manufacture. Diet drinks (cans) 90-120 days, due to the artificial sweetners.

Plastic bottle sodas are around 90 days. Gatorade is about 6 months. Note: This is from manufacture date not the date you buy it. When buying at Sam's, Costco etc. ALWAYS check the expiration dates on everything you buy.

[For The Kids Vending]

I've actually had Sams have a full pallet of expired diet Pepsi before. Took them a week to order more. You'll see the dates on the outside of the box, on the cardboard, and printed at the bottom of every can of pop.

[dogcow]

I am just getting started and I am sorry if this is answered elsewhere but how long will most soda stay for Here is what I plan to stock in my single machine:

Coke
Diet Coke
Dr. Pepper
Diet DP
7-UP
Sunkist
Cactus Cooler
Gatorade
Rockstar

Thanks so much. I am glad I found this forum. I bought one soda machine and one snack machine. If this works I will expand to another location.

hope you have a multiprice machine