Making the Most of Vending Machines

How to get the market edge on your competitors
By Lori Carver Making the most of vending machines means thinking of ways to make money with them that are unique. You can sell products that others do not carry, you can tap into unfound location areas, and you can collaborate with a company or organization for exclusive rights to sell to their employees or members. These are just some of the options available in vending.

Find products that have just come out on the market but have a high interest rate. Look for niche locations that need vending machines but have none at this moment. Collaborate with schools, local government, highway rest areas or local businesses by offering incentives to work with you. Look at these options when making the most of vending machines:

1. Find and sell novelty products for your coin operated business.

2. Look for local locations that do not have vending machines.

3. Add additional products to existing locations to enhance your vending machine business.

Choose novelty products to sell when buying a vending machine

Sell products that other machines do not have and people will flock to your machine to get the novelty item. Sell products they need or just sell fun products to amuse your customers.
Try:  Precision Vending Machines sells vending machines with umbrellas, cameras, batteries, confetti and more. Check their entire line for new ideas in vending. K&K Sales sells watches, key chains and toys for vending machine sales. Email them for their complete line and prices.

Select professional location companies to add stops to your vending machines route

One way to find locations that do not already have service is to hire a location company. These companies will find locations and guarantee you placement. If you do not get your machines placed, they will provide a replacement location.
Try:  Business Beanstalk Vending Locations will find locations for you to put your vending machines. They disclose prices on their website so you know the cost before they undertake the job for you. Your Vending Machine Locator finds locations for you on a pay-as-you-go basis. You put no money down and pay for the locations as the company finds them for you.

Incorporate more items into your line when buying custom vending machines

Many large companies can use additional machines to add to their existing line as long as you offer different, unique products. If you are already selling snacks and beverages, add hot foods and drinks to your existing line-up. Call on local businesses and ask them what items their employees need to get them through their work day. Offer to provide machines with these products to keep employees on work premises all day.
Try:  4 Mega-Vending offers medicine vending machines. This makes a great addition to an existing line since employees frequently get a headache or indigestion on the job and need to run to the local pharmacy for relief. Buy Rite Vending Company sells vending machines for feminine products as well as medicinal machines. Vending Equipment sells specialty vending machines including feminine products and medical machines. Explicitly Yours sells personalized pencil vending machines. Use these at schools or in any business that could need a writing implement.

• Go to vending machines trade shows to keep up with the latest in the vending business and learn about buying vending machines. Gather new ideas about both the machines and products at trade shows.