Operating vending machines is a growing field of business, mainly because the work is simple, there are high profit margins and they’ve been proven to work time and again. While some people worry about paying money up front for a business that they haven’t tested out yet, vending machines are popular for many people who want to want a career change or possibly just want supplementary income. The profits you can earn from vending gumballs, candy, toy capsules, stickers, or temporary tattoos are astronomical. For instance, a vending machine with 1-inch gumballs sells each gumball for 25 cents, but if you purchased them in bulk quantities (see Bulk Refill Gumballs), you only spent 3 to 4 cents on it. That’s a profit of 22 cents, which is over a 700% profit! And that’s for EACH gumball you sell!

Unlike opening a traditional brick-and-mortar store, the only real costs you need to incur running your vending machine business are the cost of the machines and refill candy/gum/toys. There’s no need to hire employees if you feel comfortable visiting locations to fill the machines yourself and at most, if you place them in a retail business, expect to pay the business a sales commission as rental space, which is better than having to rent a space each month regardless of success. Vending machines operate best when left alone, they don’t need you to rent out a storefront, and usually don’t require electricity so you can place them anywhere and still work a day job if necessary. Servicing your vending machines and running your business will take as little or as much time as you want to devote.

Starting a business can be difficult and the vending machine business isn’t for everyone, but if you find good locations and actively service your machines, you’ll find yourself with a successful business.

For more information or help selecting the perfect vending machine for you, visit Candymachines.com or call us at 800-853-3941 or 760-734-1414.

Japan has the highest per-capita rate of vending machines, and they have been known offer anything from live lobsters, to plants, meals complete with dinnerware, and more.