Getting started in the vending machine business on the right foot most definitely comes down to having some basic smarts and doing some homework before you even buy your first vending machine.

Even if you are starting out on a tight budget you can still buy quality machines for a good price. The trick is knowing where to look to find the quality vending machines that you desire.

You can find quality machines in many places here are a few worth mentioning.

You can search the internet by going to a few different websites. Some of the popular Buy & Sell websites always have people selling vending equipment all the time.

If you type into your search engine "used vending machines" or used pop machines you will find a ton of different websites where people are selling their machines.

How about contacting a local vending operator in your area? Think about it. There are many operators that probably have a few pieces of equipment in storage that they would love to sell.

When starting out you will need a little money to get started. You have to buy products for your machines and you have to be able to pay a mover to move them, or if you want to move them yourself, if you have a truck to do that.

You don't need tens and thousands of dollars to start this business. Another option when starting out is that you can rent a machine. A used pop machine should run you anywhere from $50 - $75 a month.

If you decide to buy a used pop machine, they could range anywhere from $500 to $1,000. Once you get into the used machines that are only a couple of years old, like gently used, you will have to spend maybe a little more.

To add to this you could get away with using your car when starting. That's what I did. I had a Pontiac Bonneville, 4-door. I put cases of pop in the back seat and the chips back there. I even threw a dolly back there. I drove around filling my own machines like that.

You don't need a lot of money to get started, but you want to plan out your plan of attack, like I said, implementing strategies that I told you about could help you along the way.

Chris Robertson's Vending Business Tactics ebook can be downloaded by Clicking Here!

Chris Robertson's Vending Business Tactics ebook can be downloaded by Clicking Here!

Step 1 Browse the different coffee vending machine models available. Some machines dispense one size cup while others offer a few choices. Larger machines also offer soup, hot chocolate and tea. Avalon offers a selection of tabletop and freestanding coffee vending machines, and some of them also dispense espresso and cappuccino.

Step 2 Decide whether you want a generic vending machine or a smaller cabinet model. Some vending machine wholesalers specialize in sleek cabinet-enclosed machines that sell carafes of coffee in addition to the usual cups. If you’re concerned about the look of your coffee vending machine, ask about cabinet vending machines. Check out manufacturers like Necta and their Brio line for sleek machines and a selection of gourmet coffees.

Step 3 Choose a capsule coffee vending machine. These tabletop machines dispense coffee or cappuccino through micro channels and into the cup. Look into vending machines by manufacturers like Gevalia.

Step 4 Purchase a pod coffee vending machine. This system automatically dispenses the used pod in a trash bin and contains a leak detector and a bin full light. Check manufacturer models like the Cafejo Cafe Pod Coffee and Tea Brewer.

Step 5 Look at refurbished vending machines. Several major vending machine companies sell used coffee vending machines. Inspect the machine and try out its functions before purchasing.

Introduction Snack vending machines come in many different styles and sizes. You can buy snack vending machines that are small enough to sit on a coffee table or large enough to require a whole wall of floor space. Most snack vending machines have a clear plastic or glass face so the customers can see what they are buying.

Instructions

Tips & Warnings

• There are a lot of companies offering vending packages where they will sell you machines and some combination of business support. Use caution when considering package deals like this because they often charge you much more than if you found the machines on your own and the support received from them is often very little.