I've been thinking about getting into the business. I'm interested in any advice on getting started. How much should I pay to the owner of an establishment to allow me to place a machine? Do I need a license? Are there any fees associated with selling or displaying the logo of a particular brand - coke - pepsi etc. I'm a full-time fire fighter and paramedic; I think this might make a good side business for me. I have enough money to buy a machine or two to get things rolling and try it out. I'd like to do a litte more homework before making the investment. Any tips or resources would be appreciated. thanx, the new guy

Have you read the two or three active threads on this board? Just about everything and more has been discussed over the past few months. Look for the threads that have the RED BULL in the topic name or the name CC.

We all have opinions about this subject. If I were to advice you,being that you work very hard for your money hold on very hard to your money. The vending business is not easy nor is it a sure thing. If you are young,I would pay down an IRA account rather than risk it in an unknown business part time venture. That's me as I am very conservative.

By the way, there are many successful vending business. Most of these business have had to learn the hard way with a few losses. If you can accept some short term losses than maybe you are a good candidate for the vending business.

However it works out for you,I wish the best of luck. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 03-10-2006, 08:00 PM: Message edited by: Mr Zabe ]

New Guy,the vending board is located on the start button. Click Start on the lower left side of your screen and go all the way to the bottom and click on the Red circle with the verticle line on it.
What on earth was on your mind when you decided to hit the energy drink board for a vending machine question. Apparently you and the other folks think alike.

Originally posted by Brainy:
New Guy,the vending board is located on the start button. Click Start on the lower left side of your screen and go all the way to the bottom and click on the Red circle with the verticle line on it.
What on earth was on your mind when you decided to hit the energy drink board for a vending machine question. Apparently you and the other folks think alike.

Now I am an ass to alot of people but the guy asked some legit questions. It isn't like most "have you heard about X drink? I think it's great" crap. Besides that you stab at his ignorance in your mind and you put the same reply in twice??
It is in the free for all not the energy drink board. It would help if you would register and post on the general board, you would get more of a response to your questions.

[ 03-10-2006, 10:03 PM: Message edited by: the saint ]

When we had our business, we fired employees for being rude to customers or fellow employees. We prided our business on friendly customer service no matter what or who. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 03-10-2006, 10:07 PM: Message edited by: Mr Zabe ]

Now as far as your questions go I will try to answer them. Without knowing where you are from the fees and licenses vary from state to state, county to county, etc, etc. In Oklahoma you would have to have a state tax stamp for each machine ($50) and depending on the city you may have to have a city stamp as well ($10-50). So this questionis hard to answer.
On soft drinks generally 10% of the profit is a good place to start with on paying the owner of the establishment, again this will vary from place to place. Some places may be 25% some may be 5%.
As far as any fees for the displaying of logos you pretty much pay for them when you purchase the machines. Just be sure to place your own company name and number on a sticker prominently on the machine front. If it is a coke or Pepsi machine and it takes someones money, they are gonna call coke or Pepsi and when they come out well lets just say that your machine more than likely will be replaced with one of theirs. Yours will be in the back room, storage area etc awaiting you to come and get.

I agree with Zabe though it is a tough business and you don't really make any money on a machine or two.Unless you just get great placements the return is very little considering the cost of the machines has to come out of your end of the profit until it is paid for. The business owner isn't going to be too savvy to "well I can't pay you anything yet because until the machine brings in x that I paid for I am not making any profit"
Anyways hope it helps.