I received a quote from a Co. that manufactures customized kiosks for bulk candy. The quote was for $6K. This seems ridiculously high. Keep in mind that these units would be used in large high-traffic malls. The customer volumes would be very attractive, but I can't see how you justify $6K for a kiosk. Am I crazy? Please advise.

Thanks.

I received a quote from a Co. that manufactures customized kiosks for bulk candy. The quote was for $6K. This seems ridiculously high. Keep in mind that these units would be used in large high-traffic malls. The customer volumes would be very attractive, but I can't see how you justify $6K for a kiosk. Am I crazy? Please advise.

Thanks.

I'm thinking about entering the business. I'm currently doing my research and trying to cover as many angles as possible. Of course I realize nothing can replace actual real life experience and doing the job myself.

Ideally, I'd like to buy an established route. Of course, the diligence process to do so would be extensive as I would want to drive the route a couple of times and actually audit the money collected. Nevertheless, I love the idea of a cash business with attractive margins. But, here's my delimma; as much as I would love to buy a route with 50-60 machines I don't see how it would be possible to provide sufficient service to customers and do this on a part-time basis. This would seem to require a full time commitment no?

I would be really interesting in hearing from the veteran vending owner/operators on (1) what type of commitment would be involved in managing an operation with some (albeit very, very minor) scale. (2) what is the path to a high level of prosperty in this industry - is an independent wealth a dream? If so, what are the biggest impediments? If not, what are the keys to growing a highly successful vending business. Has anyone built a $1,000,000 business?