Regardless of the economy, one thing always remains constant: vending machines. One of the few truly recession-proof industries, vending is an all-weather kind of business that Americans of all demographics flock to year round, in almost all circumstances. This, combined with its very low initial investment, makes it the perfect home business for both the beginning business owner and the seasoned veteran. If you're thinking about starting one of your own, here are 6 business opportunities that you would do well to take a look at.

1. DVDNow

The cutting edge of the movie-rental business is the DVD rental kiosk, a trend that has already gained amazing traction in Europe and is now making its way into American culture, where this vending franchise is one of the first to take the stage. Instead of selling candy, like your average vending machine, this automated kiosk provides DVD rentals quickly and inexpensively at convenient locations like malls and grocery stores. The startup cost is very low; the machine makes money 24-hours a day; and so far, the competition is very slim, making this the perfect time to jump into this great home based business.

2. Allstate Investment Group

Many vending machines sell either candy and snacks or beverages, but what studies have shown is that each kind of machine sees far more profit when they're placed side-by-side than either machine could in a location by itself. Allstate has taken that information to heart, producing a machine that is built to sell both snacks and drinks, giving it a definite edge in the market. Furthermore, this work from home franchise is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau, proving the trustworthiness of their name and business model.

3. Vendstar

A stalwart player in the vending industry, this business for sale is adamant about setting up their franchisees for success. With solid machines and brand name products, which are proven to sell better than off-brands, Vendstar owners are set up with everything they need to pull in the $70/hour income that the average vending business can easily provide.

4. U-Turn Vending

With an initial fee of less than $8000, this operation is more than worth the cost. The key to U-Turn Vending's individuality in the business of vending is the design of their machines. Unlike stationary machines, U-Turn Vending machines spin, creating space for 4-times as many different kinds of merchandise as a normal vending machine. This increase of options draws greater consumer attention, thus making higher profits; something that every business owner wants.

5. American Vending Systems

Tired of vending the same old products that everyone sells, these franchises have taken a different route, specializing in only one kind of snack: the Buzz Bite. Containing an amount of caffeine equivalent to a cup of coffee, each chocolaty Bite is the perfect solution to the mid-day slowdown for customers ranging from students to corporate executives. If you want to vend something out of the ordinary, this is the choice for you.

6. The Love Maine Lobster Claw

This is probably the only work at home vending franchise that turns a profit from lobster. That's right, selling the world's only pick-your-own lobster tank with a built-in joystick-controlled crane, this business makes a game out of selling live seafood, and customers love it. For only the cost of restocking and feeding live lobsters, some franchisees have made as much as $750/week from a single machine: an impressive profit from a truly unique business.

Whether it sells seafood, movies, or candy, there is a vending franchise available to suit your interests and your business needs. One of the few businesses that deals primarily in cash, takes no toll on your credit, and pays 24-hours a day, 7-days a week; vending is no joke, and is sure to pay off well for new vending franchisee.

Out of all the accounts that I have, I don't just sell pop and chips, I have multiple services going on at many of my locations, where I am buying products for their kitchen and office needs. I am invoicing them for selling them products that they need and that they do not have time to go out and purchase themselves things like paper towels, coffee, cups, and sugar, milk, cream etc. It is just another avenue and source to make income because I have developed a relationship with these companies that has flourished.

I did not go in there and fill my machines and turn a blind eye to everybody. I just basically made friendly conversation with people and when you do that, there is a lot of money that you can make in this business. You have to really take a look around and open your eyes. Once you get into a location and you have your machines set up, take a look around and see what other stuff is going on there. Things that maybe you can capitalize on and save them money somewhere and make yourself a few extra bucks along the way.

Let's say that you have found one location to start with, where you set up a pop and snack machine. Then you basically went in and found a few items that they are already purchasing on their own, or where maybe they are going to another company and they may be overpaying, that you could save them money and make an extra say $50 a week. What if you could find ten companies to do that? There is an extra $500 a week. It can happen and it does.

So when venturing out to find new locations so you can have the opportunity to get new business you have to take some action to close the deal on these locations. Part of this process is the all important follow up.

Always be sure to follow up with the companies that seem interested in your services.

We only want to help the people who need our help. If we approach a company that already has a vending service provider, that is getting the job done right for them, then we move on to the next. A simple telephone call one week after your initial contact is a start.

Then go from there based on your prospects and circumstances. Work the numbers. There is no sense badgering them if they don't seem interested in you or your services, or they already have a company, don't waste your time pounding down their door, trying to convince them. You could be moving on to other people to try to get connected with them and refreshing your list of people all the time.

That is a good philosophy, because if they are not interested they are not interested. There are other companies out there that will be interested; you just have to work the numbers. Always keep that in mind.

Chris Robertson has been a successful vending operator for over 9 years. Living in Ontario Canada he provides beverage, snack, food and coffee vending services to various businesses in the GTA.He can be found at http://www.toronto-vending-services.com. Chris Robertson's Vending Business Tactics ebook can be downloaded by clicking here. His vending e book provides precision detail about how to start and operate a vending business.