Are Vending Machines a Good Investment?

Are you wondering if investing in a vending machine business is a good idea? Maybe you’re ready to be your own boss—or just want a side hustle for some passive income. Well, owning a vending machine business is a good choice to meet whatever entrepreneurial ambitions you have.

But, before we explain why vending is such an amazing business opportunity, we should explain that it is a business. And as blatantly obvious as this sounds, it’s important to highlight. At times, operating a vending machine business can be downright hard work. After all, someone has to secure profitable locations and stock the machine with marketable products if you want any vending machine profits. And all this requires some business savvy.

With that, it’s time to explain why owning a vending machine business is such a great opportunity.

Profitability

We know…this is what you came for. The truth is that nobody, however well-intentioned, can give you an accurate profile of a single vending machine’s profit margin. Earnings can vary, sometimes greatly, between locations and machines. Here’s what we will say for sure: the annual amount put into vending machines in the U.S. alone tops $7 billion. And healthier snack and drink options are increasingly outpacing the traditional vending machine fare.

As with any business, output tends to be tied to input. In other words, diligent efforts and smart, objective decisions tend to produce better results. That, along with careful recordkeeping, sound business practices and attentive customer service, improves the chances of success and vending machine profit.

Passive Income

Across the U.S., employees are returning to the office. It’s a big adjustment after nearly two years of working from home—and no one wants hangry employees. That means workers need convenient access to healthy snacks, drinks and meals to fuel them through the busy workday. As employers realize the connection between a healthy work environment and happier, more productive employees, it makes sense that they’d want to encourage healthier eating habits at work. It also means employers are amenable to having a free, Healthy YOU Vending machine placed on site. More potential locations for your vending machines can lead to additional sales and more income for you.

In the right locations, vending machines can earn you a passive income 24/7—or at least during a location’s hours of operation. Either way, you don’t have to be there working on site to earn money. Your vending machine does it for you. And since vending is an on-demand business, there’s an immediate payout for sales. Advances in technology allow customers to pay for vending machine items with credit cards, debit cards and e-wallets, in addition to cash, which means you have access to even more potential customers. Plus, SmartWarePro360™ technology allows you to change product pricing, offer discounted vends for specific hours and more—all from wherever you choose to run your business.

Flexibility

Who wants to start a business just to end up being constantly tied down? We’re guessing the answer to that is NOBODY. Investing in vending machines offers incredible flexibility. Yes, the machines still need to be stocked and maintained. But, unlike many other businesses or side hustles, you can fit these tasks into your schedule—rather than the other way around. Stock and maintain your machines in the mornings, evenings, weekends—whatever works with your schedule. Some coordination with the building or business owners is all that’s needed. Just be sure your vending machines are kept stocked, clean and operational.

Of course, the other option for stocking and maintaining machines is to hire employees. Or, for smaller operations, get the family involved. After all, a vending machine business could be just the right business venture to teach kids about entrepreneurialism.

Scalability

Once you start profiting from your initial vending machine investment, it’s easy to scale up. You can grow your healthy vending business from a side hustle to a full-time income by adding additional machines, moving them to more profitable locations and hiring employees, if you choose. It’s also a great way to get the whole family involved in a business and teach your kids how to run a company from the ground up.

Ease of Entry

While it does require some hard work and business savvy, starting a vending machine investment business doesn’t require any particularly special knowledge or abilities. However, like all new ventures, there can be a learning curve. But with Healthy YOU Vending as your business partner, you have access to lifetime coaching. This means any time you’re in need of help with your vending business, just give our seasoned coaches a call or email. Our coaches have hands-on experience and a firm understanding of the healthy vending industry.

Some new businesses can take months to generate paying customers. With Healthy YOU Vending, you can be on the road to a fully operational business within weeks. Starting your healthy vending business as a side hustle is a good way to commit to your new venture without sacrificing regular income. Unlike taking on a second job, you are your own boss—you call the shots and decide when and where to work. Being able to run your own business on your schedule is just one of the perks of owning a Healthy YOU Vending business. Remote monitoring makes it easy to manage your inventory. As you expand your side hustle into a full-time business, you can rely on Healthy YOU Vending’s franchise-level support that includes lifetime coaching, without the ongoing fees that would otherwise cut into your profits.

Meeting the Public’s Demands

Health and wellness continue to be a priority for many Americans. Consumers are demanding more from their food, expecting health benefits, good flavor and convenience. According to Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, “Consumers are looking for function. They want foods…that have the ability to improve their mood and boost immunity, sharpen their cognition,” and more.

The Healthy YOU Vending Machine Difference

Who carries cash these days? Sure, some still do, but if you want to be competitive and relevant in the vending industry, you need machines with the latest technology. Healthy YOU Vending machines come standard with smartphone and credit card payment technologies. But the technology doesn’t stop at the payment method. Our made-in-the-U.S.A. machines also come standard with SmartWarePro™. This allows you to change product pricing, offer discounted vends for specific hours or weekends, control the refrigeration system, lighting, internal clock, calorie information, custom display messages, troubleshooting and much more—all from home.

So, are vending machines a good investment? Absolutely. With the right support and technology, it is a surefire side hustle or business opportunity. Ready to start your vending machine business? Contact Healthy YOU Vending today to get started.