Pricing and Costs of Food and Beverage Vending

Consider the long term pricing and cost of a food and beverage vending machine business

Starting a vending machine business involves a major financial commitment. It is important that you take all of the costs of purchasing, maintaining and filling the vending machines into account.

Consider these factors when determining the overall pricing and costs of food and beverage vending:

1. Determine the total cost of buying the beverage or snack vending machines.

2. Figure out the total cost of keeping the food and beverage vending machines stocked.

3. Consider the costs associated with minor repairs the machines need to stay fully functional.

4. Think about the cost of professional repairs if you aren't able to fix a malfunctioning machine.

 

Consider the cost of purchasing the food and beverage vending machine

When you start or expand a food and beverage vending machine business, consider the cost of the vending machines. In some cases, businesses will let you make payments on the machines instead of having to pay for them up front. If you consider making payments, take the financing charges into consideration.
Try: BMI Gaming offers a full line of food and beverage vending machines, including new and used vending machines. VendWeb.com has vending machines for sale at competitive prices. This company offers quantity discounts and financing to qualified applicants. Machines from either company range in price from $900 for snack vending and higher than $3,000 for advanced machines.

Determine the cost to fill the food and beverage vending machines

All food and beverage vending machines have to have a continuous supply of product to make you money. Take the cost of filling the machines, including the cost of fuel, into consideration when placing your machines.
Try: Betty Mills offers a varied selection of food products with which you can refill the vending machines. All of the products come in bulk, with cases starting around $20. Sam's Club sells vending machine beverages, including juice, soda and water. Most products start at around $20 per vending case.

Factor in the cost of user serviceable replacement parts for the beverage and food vending machines

Many food and beverage vending machines have user serviceable parts, such as the coin changer. In most cases, you can order the part and replace it yourself to save a major repair bill.
Try: A & M Equipment Sales has a varied selection of user serviceable replacement parts for food and beverage vending machines. This company offers fast shipping. Vendnet sells a full line of replacement parts, including universal parts for vending machines. Basic replacement parts start at around $20, while computerized and digital parts are much more expensive.

Think about the costs of keeping the food and beverage vending machines working

If your food and beverage vending machines stop working, they may need service by a professional. Many vending machine companies offer repair services. Some of the service is done off site if you know what part is malfunctioning and can send it to the company. Other work happens on site if the part is too large to ship or if you aren't sure what is wrong with the machine.
Try: S Thomas & Associates offers vending machine service and repair. This company repairs coin and bill acceptors as well as circuit boards on most models of food and beverage vending machines. Vendors Repair Service is a full service vending repair company that offers service in numerous locations. Prices on most services start at around $100 for off-site repair and at around $250 for on-site repair.

 

• In some cases, you may have to pay a portion of the profits or a rent fee to place your food and beverage vending machines in some locations. Keep these fees in mind when you figure the cost of a vending machine business.

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