Hello all!

After reading plenty of forums/threads, I know I'm at the right place. Awesome members in this site!!
I still have MANY questions and I'd appreciate a word from your experience.

First, here are the given facts and situation:

1. I live in a prime location in Florida. Excellent location for vending machines: lots of kids all ages, lots of walking traffic, good weather almost year-round.
2. I still haven't seen any vending machines in my zip-code. Incredible, right? I'm not assuming any bans, any previous bad business or anything yet. Still open-minded until I due research.
3. I have no start-up cash or credit; laid off, newborn son. Good side: plenty of time in my hands, high energies, positive attitude and very happy.


Now the questions:

1. How should I approach the location managers/owners? What if they are a strip-mall committee of sorts? What's the usual to give them: fixed cash $ each month or a % from revenues?

2. On AVERAGE how much should I expect to sell and earn (revenues and profit) from each machine? (I understand that each location/machine is different)

3. Can I start this business leveraged by itself? Is there some kind of lease-like figure for these machines? If not, what's the least amount I'll need to start?

4. How can I decide what makes most profit; snacks/soda, bulk, toys?

Again, thanks a lot!!

Best,

Michel.