Now that you've made an investment in a cotton candy making machine, you need to keep a full stock of cotton candy supplies on hand to keep your business running.

The list for cotton candy vending machine supplies isn't long, once it's complete, but a few decisions need to be made before placing orders.

1. Used cotton candy machines may come stocked with some supplies, but they may not be suitable for your business.

2. New wholesale cotton candy machines will generally come with a start-up inventory, but know what you are getting to avoid running out too soon.

3. Your plan for selling cotton candy should include the main delivery method of cones, containers with lids, or floss bags.

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Consider a cotton candy maker start-up package to get you going

If you are just starting out with your professional cotton candy machine, you might want to consider purchasing a starter package that will introduce you to the basics that you need. Once you know the supplies used the most, you can make better decisions on purchasing.

I recommend: The starter package offered by Cotton Candy Express equips you for producing 60-80 servings per hour in various flavors. Their package includes the machine, but you can use the checklist to determine the quantities and amounts of products. Check out the cotton candy starter kits through find.com.

Know the supplies you need in order to keep your cotton candy business moving forward

Every owner operates their business a little differently, so your supply list will be a little different than anyone else's. For instance, you may want to serve cotton candy in containers instead of on cones or in bags. Personal preference and business needs will dictate the supplies.

I recommend: You can find cotton candy plastic containers, bags, cones, and even display cases through Joey's Fun Food. Columbia Jobbing carries many supplies for cotton candy machines.

Offer a variety of cotton candy flavors to appeal to a larger audience

Everyone likes choices and there are several flavors and colors of cotton candy which you can have on hand. Whether you are supplying a cotton candy shop, or just want to keep people coming back to your stand to try new flavors, it will pay to shop around and know your options.

I recommend: To really be unique, consider the organic candy floss flavors from Pure Fun for your cotton candy business. CottonCandyExpress.com is a great resource for cotton candy floss sugar if you need to purchase in large quantities.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In order to alleviate the worry of running out of your cotton candy supply, start out by ordering twice as much as what you think you'll use, and then re-order when half of it is gone.

As a food and beverage vendor, you want to secure the products that increase your sales numbers. This includes locating the right type of cotton candy machines for commercial use.

Increase your revenue by incorporating cotton candy as one of your product offerings. This type of product will especially sell well at local fairs, carnivals, concerts and sporting events. Breaking into the cotton candy business starts with buying the right type of cotton candy machine.

1. Base your cotton candy maker purchase around your expected gross from cotton candy sales. If you run a small stand, you don't need an industrial grade cotton candy making machine.
2. Purchase warranty coverage on all cotton candy supplies that you purchase. Protect your investment by opting for the cotton candy manufacturer’s extended warranty and service plan.
3. Develop a relationship with the cotton candy machine supplier. As your business grows, rely on the same business for your cotton candy supplies. The company may eventually offer you discounted prices on used and wholesale cotton candy machines.

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Browse the different types of cotton candy makers

If you are new to the business, you want to look for a cotton candy machine that is simple to operate. When selling cotton candy for the first time, you want a model that produces enough cotton candy to serve your customers quickly.

I recommend: Look online for different prices on commercial grade cotton candy machines. Read the descriptions to discover the amount the machine outputs as well as voltage requirements. Based on pricing and availability, you should narrow down your choices to a few cotton candy machine suppliers.

Pick a supplier for your cotton candy business

Contact several different cotton candy machine suppliers to receive quotes on their models. You'll also want to find out what type of yield you can expect from each different cotton candy maker.

I recommend: You want to ideally find a supplier that will offer you the highest discounts on your cotton candy machine related purchases. To cut out unnecessary costs, you may want to consider buying directly from the manufacturer of the cotton candy maker.

Purchase the cotton candy maker and accessories

Once you are satisfied with the price of the cotton candy machine, place your order with the company. Order all of the cotton candy supplies that you will need for operation as well at this time.

I recommend: You can find several well established companies online to order your supplies from. Check out the offerings from companies like Concession Stands and Cotton Candy Express. You’ll not only find cotton candy machines, but additional supplies like bags, floss sugar and cones.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can find another lucrative business opportunity when you own and operate a cotton candy vending machine. You can get your cotton candy vending machine supplies from many of the same companies that sell cotton candy machines and accessories.

A cotton candy business owner has several details to consider when purchasing a cotton candy making machine. If you have an interest in selling cotton candy, department store cotton candy machines may get you started, but they are not durable enough to last long term.

The pricing and costs of cotton candy machines depend upon the type and size of motor, spinner head and band. It also is reflective of the type of bowl, plastic or aluminum, used in the machine.

1. Consider independent cotton candy machine distributors that offer sturdy machine designs and warranty options.

2. Lease or rent a cotton candy machine to keep maintenance costs to a minimum.

3. Buy used or refurbished cotton candy machines to save money up front, and sometimes with a limited warranty.

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Go for equipment from the best cotton candy manufacturer

Gold Medal Products is the leader in concession equipment, including cotton candy supplies and machines. They offer cotton candy equipment for various setups and types of operations including park facilities, schools, movie theaters, festivals and restaurants. Prices run the gamut from a few hundred dollars to the low thousands.

I recommend: Look over the variety of Gold Medal cotton candy machines to see which one is right for your business. Gold Medal's equipment warranty is available online for easy processing. Find the cotton candy maker supplies you will need to get started from Snappy Popcorn.

Keep maintenance costs of cotton candy machines in mind

New cotton candy vending machine purchases come with the peace of mind offered with warranties and maintenance agreements which can help cover unexpected, large maintenance costs. If you are purchasing used equipment, make sure to budget for unexpected maintenance costs for the type of equipment you buy. Service plans can run from $20 per year and up, where fix-as-you-go repairs can easily run hundreds of dollars.

I recommend: The folks at Restaurant Supply Experts have a large selection of wholesale cotton candy machines to select from. ConcessionStands.com has everything from entry level to high output cotton candy machines of various kinds.

Be kind to your budget and lease or rent used cotton candy machines

Renting or leasing a cotton candy machine can be a great way to become familiar with the equipment and supplies needed to start your own business. Prices are generally based on type of equipment and length of lease or rental, but there is something to fit every budget. Expect at least $50/day plus at least another $50 for the cotton candy supplies needed for every 100 people you expect to feed.

I recommend: All Time Favorites lets you connect with cotton candy machine rental vendors, and receive quotes, by state. Southern Concession Supply can talk with you about your needs and suggest the best cotton candy machine for your purposes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep wattage in mind when purchasing a cotton candy maker for your cotton candy business. Part of the cost of running the machine is reflective in the amount and type of power it needs.

Owning a cotton candy machine can be fun as well as lucrative, but to really sound like a pro there are a few key terms that you need to know. Being familiar with these terms can help you make your business productive and cost effective. You'll want to know as much as you can before embarking on a new business so you can enhance your chance for success.

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Cotton candy machine

A floss machine is another term for a cotton candy machine, but both are the same. They include a bowl where the sugar is placed and then a heater melts the sugar that is being spun. Centrifugal force makes the sugar go into tiny holes into another bowl where a person can spin it onto a cone or into a bag.

I recommend: Guide 4 Home has a history of the cotton candy machine and information on what you'll need to purchase.

Candy floss

Candy floss is just another term for cotton candy. It's also sometimes called fairy floss, which was the original name in 1897 when cotton candy was created. Cotton candy has two only two parts, sugar and a pastel food coloring to create a more appetizing color. Once spun, the sugar becomes what you see as cotton candy.

I recommend: Wise Geek has the history of candy floss and how it is created.

Automatic floss bagger

Automatic floss baggers speed up your delivery time because a puff of air is blown into the bag, opening it up for your next round of cotton candy. This is done while the bag is still on display so that each bag is ready to be filled every time you need one.

I recommend: Coleman Concessions explains how a floss bagger works and has a picture of the item.

Liquid sugar

Liquid sugar is the main component in cotton candy. Also known as sucrose, it is granulated white sugar that is dissolved in water and then used to create cotton candy products.

I recommend: Sugar has information on liquid sugar, as well as all things sugar-related.

Stainless steel hopper

This is essentially what your cotton candy is made in. The stainless steel hopper lets the cotton candy sugar stick to it, creating the finished product after spinning takes place.

I recommend: Made How explains the purpose of a stainless steel hopper in a cotton candy machine.

Automated machines

Automated cotton candy machines take away a lot of the work a human has to do. They feature a hopper that dispenses the cotton candy sticks and even transfers the stick to the area where the cotton candy is then distributed onto them.

I recommend: Free Patents Online explains what an automated cotton candy machine does.