How do you start a vending machine business?

To start a vending machine business, find a vending machine wholesaler, locate a food and drink wholesaler, and place the stocked machines in a lucrative location. You also need moneybags, ledgers and sales sheets.

1. Choose a vending machine

   Choose the best machines that suit your budget. Pick a soda machine if you plan to spend a minimum of $3000 per machine, and choose bulk machines if you desire to pay less than $200 per machine. Find vending machine wholesalers in your area.

2. Find a supplier

   Find a soda and food supplier to keep the machines well stocked, and purchase an annual membership from a wholesaler if necessary. Search for a per-unit price that has at least anywhere from 200 to 300 percent markup.

3. Find a location

   Find a suitable location that gets plenty of foot traffic, such as offices, beauty salons, hospitals or auto centers. Negotiate sales commissions with managers or owners, and offer them a range of 10 to 15 percent for bulk machines. Propose 15 to 20 percent for large vending machines. Stock the machines, and make sure that each one works.

4. Visit the vending locations

   Visit the machine once or twice a week to remove money, clean the machines and remove old products. Learn how to repair the machines, or hire a routine maintenance man.