Thursday, November 1, 2007

Getting Started With A Bulk Vending Business

Whenever the word vending machine is mentioned, people instantly think about the big soda and snack machines. They seem to be more attractive, durable and profitable. However, beginning with such machines is a tedious, high investment task that may not be preferred by most people. The best way to launch into the vending industry is to begin with a bulk vending machine.

While larger machines make more money per vend, they also require more maintenance and servicing along with the higher cost of purchase and installation. A bulk vending machine business is much simpler to start and manage as compared to any other type of vending business.

Preferably, you must start with one machine and stock it with candy of about $50 in worth. A small vending business can be started for as less as $200. You must avoid the hundreds of cheap, ‘get rich’ schemes as these are merely fraudulent ways of making money.

Take it slow at the beginning. You should not try to conquer the vending market in your area by buying a large number of vending machines. Study the various elements before taking a purchase decision. Research the needs of customers in your area, potential locations, level of competition and cost of setting up a vending business.

If you earn well on the first machine, you can add a new machine in the next month and go on increasing the scale of business with time and experience. Once you have acquired about 6 machines and found good locations for them, it is appropriate to buy higher number of machines or larger machines with potential for substantial profitability.

After you have purchased your vending machines from a reliable source like planet Antares Inc, the next step will be to find locations for your equipment. An impressive presentation is not enough o convince a business owner. You will have to pay a commission of about 10% of sales to the premises owner in return for keeping your machines. By forming a relationship with a local charity, you can even motivate the location owner to let go of their commission for a good cause.
Basically, there are two kinds of locations for candy vending machines – front and back end. It may be difficult to get your vending machines placed at the front or near the entrance of offices or stores but it has great advantages. You vending machine will be used by maximum number of customers and employees and make much more than a machine placed at the back.

You can take the location owner’s suggestions while deciding the products to be sold through your vending machines. Popular candy items include gumballs, M&M’s, peanuts, Reese’s pieces and runts. While setting the amount of candy to be dispensed for a quarter, make sure that your profit margins are secure as well as customer satisfied.

Your vending business will need continuous monitoring and maintenance for best results. Set a schedule for servicing and restocking of vending machines along the vending route. Keep an eye on new locations under construction or any untapped sites.

If you start a bulk vending machine business with the intention to get rich, you will be easily disappointed. Like any other real business, vending also requires considerable time, dedication, money and strategic planning for success in the long run. When you get adequate experience in his field, you can expand your vending route and earn higher income.