Making the Most of Snack Vending Machines

Increase profits by catering to your consumers and by purchasing used snack vending machines

By J.R. Glass
Making the most of snack vending machines involves much more that just stocking a machine with candy and hoping that people are hungry enough to purchase the snacks. Vending machines can be extremely profitable when you place them in the right places. Another way to increase profitability is to offer a variety of foods beyond typical candy bars and chips. Include healthy low-fat and reduced-calorie snacks, as well as looking into snack vending machines that sell fresh produce.

A great way to make a start in the vending machine business is to start with small, inexpensive machines, or to purchase discounted used/refurbished snack vending machines. Starting small will allow you to build your profits and save money for additional machines or an upgraded vending machine. As you research ways to make the most of your vending business, consider the following information:

1. Increase your customer base by including healthy snack vending machines in your selection.

2. Stock your snack vending machines with popular snack foods.

3. Save money by purchasing used or refurbished snack vending machines.

 

Promote health with healthy snack vending machines

Vending machines aren't just about candy bars anymore. As more and more people are making healthier snack food choices it's advantageous to install snack vending machines that include fresh fruits and veggies, low-fat options, organic foods and other healthy snack foods. Selling healthy snacks will open up opportunities to entice those who would normally avoid vending machines.
Try: Nextgen Vending is a vending company that stocks only organic snacks and beverages. It has a nutrition guide on its site that is helpful for determining the types of snacks to include in healthy snack vending machines. American Public Health Association (APHA) outlines research results of low-fat snack food purchases in correlation to its prices.

Look into candy food trends for candy vending machines

A candy bar, pack of gum or package of cookies will always hold an allure to people with grumbling bellies. Help satisfy appetites by providing top of the line candy and snacks in snack machines. Providing snacks that are trendy will help your vending machine make profits. Follow the trends of past years to see what vending machine foods is the best selling and what foods to leave out.
Try: Vencoa is one of many snack vending machine suppliers. It includes research on the types of food that vendors successfully sell in snack vending machines. Find out what the all-time best and worst vending machine snacks are at Forbes.com.

Save money by purchasing vending machines from used/refurbished snack vending machine providers

Purchasing used equipment does not necessarily mean that you are purchasing equipment that will soon break down and require constant maintenance. Often times used and refurbished food vending machine providers will offer a warranty with their products. As your profits grow, look in to upgrading your vending machines to a new vending machine.
Try: Breaktime Vending is an online marketplace for purchasing and selling used vending machines. It provides tips for finding the best vending machine locations for those that are setting up vending machine contracts. Vendweb.com is also a provider of used and refurbished vending machines. It has been in the vending business for over 18 years.

 

  • When it is not in your budget to purchase a vending machine outright, inquire about leasing a machine from a snack vending machine distributor. Many distributors offer vending programs that do not require the purchase of a vending machine up front.

Find Pre-Screened Vendors

Compare quotes and save: