Types of vending machines. Types of vending machines - how not to make a mistake in choosing The most popular vending machines in the world

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Vending business is a direction in the field of selling goods and services using specialized machines. The first vending machines for soda water appeared back in Soviet times. After the collapse of the Union, the Russian vending business was at first little popular, but in 2000 it began to actively gain momentum.

The following main areas of business of this type are distinguished:

trade in packaged products (chocolate bars, chips, popcorn, bottles and cans of drinks), piece goods (chewing gum, shoe covers, condoms, cigarettes, contact lenses), small and medium-sized toys;
sale of coffee, tea, carbonated and soft drinks;
jukeboxes;
massage chairs;
electronic scales with various functions;
slot machines.

For each area of the vending business, their own vending machines are created, differing in size, design, set of functions and other parameters.

The vending business is rightfully considered a very promising and highly profitable type of entrepreneurship. But it requires taking into account a number of features and specific requirements.

Starting a business

Where to start a vending business? As in any other type of commerce, building a network of vending machines begins with identifying the target audience, with identifying your client. The business can be aimed at young people and girls, businessmen and office workers, shoppers in shopping centers and other clientele.

The choice of target audience largely determines which machines should be purchased and in which places to install them. Well-chosen locations for vending machines can provide high profits and vice versa. It is better to install vending machines for snacks and drinks in shopping centers, universities and schools, train stations and airports, on busy streets and squares. The best places for music and slot machines will be cafes and bars, cinema lobbies, and recreation areas in shopping centers.

Beginning entrepreneurs with small start-up capital are limited in purchasing tea and coffee machines and devices for selling snacks. The exception is projects that are initially focused on developing a network of specialized vending machines (for example, selling contact lenses).

When choosing the form of a legal entity, preference should be given to individual entrepreneurs. Limited liability companies and joint stock companies are too complex in terms of taxation, so it makes sense to open them only if the company has a separate position for an accountant.

According to the law, if an individual entrepreneur does not earn more than the established norm in a year, a simplified taxation system is available to him. It is recommended to adhere to it until the revenue from the business exceeds the established level.

Vending company employees

Like any equipment, vending machines require maintenance and repair.

When there are no more than 10-15 machines, an individual entrepreneur can perform the functions of storing goods and withdrawing proceeds independently. If there are a lot of machines and they are located far from each other, you cannot do without the help of hired labor.

With repairs the situation is more complicated. Self-repair by the business organizer is only possible if he has sufficient special technical knowledge for this. If they are absent, it is strictly not recommended to save on specialists. Only a knowledgeable and experienced person can quickly solve any technical problems on the spot, without damaging or breaking the device.

An extensive network of vending machines requires a whole staff of employees who can monitor the operation of the machines several times a day (including on weekends) and monitor the availability of products in them.

Expensive models of vending machines can be equipped with GSM-GPRS modules and transmit data on the availability of product range via the Internet. This allows you to monitor the operation of the machines remotely and send specialists to service and repair them not on a schedule, but as needed.

Business plan for vending development

Drawing up a business plan is very individual and depends on many parameters related to the amount of investment in the project, the chosen direction, the high cost of the machines themselves and their maintenance, and the rental of retail space.

Estimated costs will be:

a coffee machine will cost from 100 to 300 thousand rubles, snack machines - from 200 to 500 thousand;
expenses for coffee components and cups - about 10 thousand rubles per month;
rent of space in a good location - from 3,000 rubles per month;
the salary of a service worker is from 10,000 per month, a repair specialist is from 20 thousand, in Moscow and St. Petersburg it is even higher.

When planning your revenue, start from the average of 100 servings of coffee per day if the machine is located in a crowded place (station, shopping center, airport).

A business plan for a vending business should also include costs for the maintenance and repair of machines, advertising, taxes and unforeseen expenses.

Advantages of a vending business

The main advantage of the vending business is the high development potential in Russia.

According to statistics, in developed countries there are 300-400 vending machines per 10 thousand people. In Russia there are only 4-5. The same is true in Belarus and Ukraine. This indicator best characterizes the prospects for the development of the vending business in our country.

The second advantage of business on vending machines is its high liquidity. Always and at any time, finding a buyer for a vending machine will not be difficult. Thus, selling part of the machines or the entire business is quite easy.

The third advantage is the simplicity and ease of learning and running such a business. If there is an intelligent machine repair specialist, the entrepreneur himself does not need any specific knowledge. There is no licensing or certification required for the purchase and commercial operation of machines. However, trade in certain categories of goods still requires the issuance of licenses and relevant documents, including SES permits, electrical inspection and fire inspection. Expanding your business is also not difficult: you buy a machine, choose a point, rent space and start the sales process.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that almost all machines can easily be adapted from the sale of some goods to the sale of other, similar ones. The coffee machine can sell several types of coffee and tea. Changing the recipe for one unpopular type of coffee to another, more popular one is a fairly simple procedure. It’s even easier to reorient a machine that sells buns to sell, for example, chips.

Disadvantages of vending machines

Along with undeniable advantages, the vending business also has very specific disadvantages.

First of all, this is the high cost of the devices themselves. Moreover, you won’t be able to save money by purchasing used machines. With a high degree of probability, all profits will go towards their repair and maintenance. Starting a business with 1-2 machines is also a joyless task. The level of profit from one device will be disproportionately small in comparison with the efforts to purchase, install and maintain it. And it certainly won’t allow you to hire a repair specialist.

According to experts, the minimum number of machines that will allow you to make a significant profit is 10. To buy this number, you need an initial capital of at least 1 million rubles.

Secondly, the payback period. It is equal, on average, to one year. Even if an entrepreneur installs the machines in a very good location and assumes the responsibility for their maintenance and repair, it is unlikely that this period can be reduced to six months.

Thirdly, damage to machines by intruders and vandals. If the machines installed in shopping malls and centers are somehow looked after by security guards, then street machines are not protected by anyone.

The last disadvantage can be considered that all production of vending machines is concentrated abroad. Fluctuations in the exchange rate of the dollar and euro directly affect both the cost of new machines and the price of spare parts and consumables for them.

Relevance of the vending business in 2020

Due to the 2-3-fold weakening of the ruble exchange rate against leading world currencies, the cost of new vending machines has increased accordingly. For example, if 2 years ago a top-end coffee machine cost 150-200 thousand rubles, now only simple models can be purchased for that money.

The development of vending in Russia has practically ceased. Only a few owners of extensive networks are trying to expand their business, occasionally buying new devices. Most entrepreneurs try to make a profit from existing ones.

The increase in the cost of spare parts and consumables affected the prices of the products offered. To maintain business profitability, entrepreneurs have to raise prices and reduce costs.

But rising prices do not always lead to increased profits. The limited purchasing power of the majority of the population leads to an outflow of customers. Under these conditions, entrepreneurs begin to sell their business in parts or entirely, often at a loss.

Currently, investors and aspiring entrepreneurs are advised to carefully weigh their capabilities and the current market conditions before opening a vending business.

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Reading time: 13 minutes. Published 11/12/2019

Regardless of macro and microeconomic factors, the vending business - the sale of services, industrial goods or food products through special machines - is gaining wide popularity among the enterprising part of the population. Naturally, questions arise about which machine is better to purchase, what is the profitability of this equipment, and so on. Well, let’s answer these and other important questions related to successfully running a business using machines that offer the public certain goods and services.

One of the advantages of this drink is its ability to unite almost all people! That is, selling coffee is appropriate in an office, shopping center or just on the street near the metro! Taking into account the fact that such a machine can offer more than a dozen drink options without the intervention of a bartender, it can give a few pleasant moments to a person during a working day or a trip.

Thanks to this feature of the drink, analysts recommend starting a vending business by purchasing and installing these particular machines in the following places in the city:

Shopping or business centers.
Waiting rooms – airports, railway stations, bus stations.
Various financial institutions - banks, tax office foyer, and so on.
General education school, higher educational institutions.
Mail.
Cinemas, theaters, entertainment centers.

Attention! There are actually many options for placing coffee machines. However, it is advisable to install them indoors, since successful operation of the unit requires a temperature range from -40C to +400C!

Experience or market research can provide accurate figures regarding expected profits. Yet the most basic calculations can show a clear picture of potential profits. A coffee machine will cost its owner from 1,500 to 5,000 North American rubles - it all depends on the versatility of the model and the ability to purchase used equipment. From 150 to 200 of the same North American rubles per month will be required to load a coffee machine. The same amount of money needs to be spent to buy hot chocolate and tea.

With average power, the machine dispenses about 40 – 120 glasses of aromatic drink daily, the cost of which is from 10 rubles. Even such average indicators bring profit to the entrepreneur in the amount of 12,000 rubles per month! Let’s add here the sale of portions of coffee with additives, which are a priori more expensive than a regular drink, and bring this amount to 20,000 rubles! Let's take away the rent of space, taxes, maintenance of the unit and the cost of ingredients - the net profit will be about 5 - 6 thousand rubles per month from one machine. Full payback occurs within 1 – 2 years.

A relatively new business for Russian expanses, the business of snack machines - units equipped with refrigeration units and selling small-packaged products, as well as drinks in bottles, cans, and tetrapacks, is confidently gaining popularity.

Fact! The ancestor of the modern vending machine was found by archaeologists during excavations in China. The device was dated back several thousand years and was intended to sell pencils!

Units can be divided into the following types:

Conveyor – powerful machines that got their name due to the principle of supplying products (conveyor-elevator delivery). They are universal, since they can be loaded with various types of small-packaged products of any size and shape, as well as in fragile packaging.
Spiral – these snack machines are characterized by the fact that the purchased products are moved directly to the tray, and from there to the buyer. The dimensions and shape of the goods do not matter, and a lift is provided for fragile packages.
Cellular . The name of the machine speaks for itself. The buyer takes the purchased products from the unit cell. Using such equipment, you can sell large-sized products - fruits, vegetables, offal, cakes, and so on.
Mini snacks . This type of machine is characterized by its small size. Accordingly, it is not intended for large loads of a particular product. It is good to use in combination, for example, with a coffee machine. The unit can be mounted on a wall, on a bar counter or on the floor.

The cost of snack machines depends on the manufacturer, volume, type. For example, one of the most reliable universal anti-vandal machine SM6367 from VendShop in this segment will cost 174 thousand rubles, and a floor-mounted snack unit from North American manufacturers is offered at a price of 327 thousand rubles. Naturally, used units will cost less. By the way, the service life of the units is 10 years. With proper maintenance, this period can be extended to 20 years! Therefore, it is advisable to hire an operator who will monitor the technical condition of the machines.

Attention! The secret to the success of a vending machine business - snack units are no exception - is the correct placement of the equipment. These should be places with a high level of traffic of the population (potential buyers) - shopping and entertainment centers, metro stations and train stations, underground passages, offices, educational institutions, and so on. Having chosen the optimal location, the snack machine will pay for itself within six months!

Vision problems occur in almost every second person. For many reasons, people with poor vision prefer contact lenses. Therefore, a vending machine for selling lenses is a relevant startup for those who are taking their first steps in entrepreneurship and do not operate with impressive capital. The cost of such machines varies from 150 to 200 thousand rubles - depending on the brand of the model.

Payback – within 5 – 8 months, provided the equipment is well located:

Gyms and sports complexes.
Clinics.
Educational institutions and so on.

Lenses are a product that can be classified as expensive products. An infrared sensor installed in the machines monitors sales - if the goods, for some reason, were not issued to the buyer, the amount of money will not be debited from the customer’s credit card. If for one reason or another the product is not in demand for a long time, the unit can always be converted to sell another product.

The profitability of a lens vending machine can be calculated using simple mathematical operations. The average cost of one lens with a markup of 300 - 400 rubles is 600 “wooden”. Every month, 100 lenses are sold through such an automatic retail outlet - a vending machine installed where the level of human traffic is high can increase this figure several times. So, we multiply 400 by 100 and get 40,000 rubles monthly from one unit! From this we take 10,000 rubles for renting the space occupied by the machine, tax, maintenance and get 30,000 rubles of net income!

Soda water vending machine

In terms of cost/benefit ratio, a good old soda vending machine business is considered profitable. The cost of machines ranges from 75 to 200 thousand rubles.

The cost of one glass of simple soda is 10 rubles. Taking into account the sale of 50 cups per day, we get 15,000 rubles per month.
The cost of one glass of water with syrup is 20 rubles. Taking into account the sale of 150 cups per day (“soda” with syrup sold better in Soviet times), we get 90,000 rubles per month.
We subtract the monthly costs of ingredients - bottles of water and syrup, tax, rent of space occupied by the machine, transportation costs, electricity, maintenance. As a result, we get a figure of approximately 65 thousand rubles.

Thus, payback occurs within 4 – 5 months. Naturally, the above figures are the costs and profits from one machine! The machines should be installed in places where the traffic level is at least 2,000 people per day, then in winter the sales will be at least 100 - 150 cups of soda per day.

Fact! This direction in the vending machine business is quite free - demand is not satisfied by supply. Even in Moscow, only half a thousand of these units were installed, while during the Soviet Union in Zlatoglavaya there were 10,000 vending machines selling the famous “soda” for 3 kopecks with syrup and 1 kopeck for a glass of regular soda water.

Ice cream vending machines

Selling cold delicacies through vending machines is a relatively young area of vending that is steadily gaining popularity. The unusual process of serving ice cream using a pump-action arm, which can be observed through the transparent front wall of the machine, is a real show, especially mesmerizing for children!

The vending machine sells ready-made ice cream in the following form:

In horns.
In briquettes.
Popsicle on sticks.
Cold ice.

Depending on the model brand, the capacity of the unit can reach up to 500 servings and over 10 types of cold delicacies! The average price of ice cream machines fluctuates around 150 thousand rubles.

Fact! In the event of a power outage, enhanced freezing of products keeps the goods in the machine usable for 12 hours!

Another positive characteristic of such units is that they occupy an area of only 1 m2, which allows the machines to be installed in a wide variety of places.

For example, where the flow of people exceeds 2,000 people per day:

Railway, air and bus stations.
Shopping and entertainment centers.
Educational establishments.
Cinemas, museums and so on.

The relatively small dimensions of such machines also help to reduce the rent for a retail space, which even in the most accessible place will not amount to more than 10 thousand rubles per month. With an average cost per portion of 50 rubles, you can count on 30 sales per day (the machine operates around the clock). Accordingly, monthly revenue will be 45,000 rubles. Of this amount, 35% or 15,000 rubles is the entrepreneur’s net profit.

Based on these figures, we get that the machine will pay for itself within 10 months.

Photo kiosk as a business

A metal case with a built-in computer for viewing photographic images, a printer for printing, connectors for connecting a variety of digital media, a bill acceptor and a device for issuing a receipt - a photo kiosk, the cost of which varies depending on the model between 4 and 9 thousand North American dollars. The function of replenishing a mobile phone account, as in terminals, allows the owner of the machine to have additional income.

The main functions of the photo kiosk include:

Recording this or that information on a digital medium.
Editing photographic images.
Photo printing.
Acceptance of money for payment of mobile communications and Internet providers.

Like terminals that accept payments for various services, the photo kiosk has an Internet connection, which allows its owner to control the operation of the unit from a distance - the number of trading operations performed by the machine, the consumption of materials, ink, receipt tape, and so on.

The demand for such machines is observed in megacities, as well as in resort cities, where tourists rush to quickly get photos of memorable places and similar images.

Photo kiosks are usually installed in the following places:

Shopping and entertainment centers.
Hotels, hotels.
Restaurants.

The payback period and profitability of a photo kiosk can be seen in the following example - for example, the cost of the machine is 5,000 conventional units. The average photo printing rate per month is 1,500 images. The cost of one image is 32 cents, and the cost price is 15 cents.

Accordingly, we multiply 17 cents by 1,500 photos and get an income of 255 North American rubles monthly. To this amount you need to add another 300 dollars - a percentage of the replenishment of mobile devices and Internet payments. As a result, we have a figure of 555 dollars, from which we subtract the costs of renting retail space (1.5 m2), taxes, raw materials, which totals 50 conventional units. The remaining $500 is net profit, showing that the photo kiosk pays off within 10 months.

Such vending units are very popular on popular tourist routes - for a small fee, the traveler receives a souvenir coin, packed in a plastic bag, with an image of the city’s coat of arms, landmarks, etc. Moreover, the process itself resembles a kind of game, which fascinates tourists even more! They are installed in places where the flow of people is at least 2,000 people per day - airports and bus stations, railway stations, shopping and entertainment centers, recreation parks, and so on.

Vending machines for selling souvenir coins have four chutes where minted coins of 4 types are placed. Each slot holds 30 souvenir coins.

The cost of the machine varies between 60,000 rubles.
The cost of a souvenir coin is 40 rubles.
Souvenirs are sold for 100 rubles apiece.

Using obvious calculations, we see that the payback of such a unit occurs in 1 – 2 months!

Kvass vending machines

The cold season is over. There are hot days ahead and unbearable thirst, which a priori arises in people trying to drink a glass of another traditional refreshing drink! Therefore, kvass vending machines are a great idea for starting a business. Moreover, with a competent approach, the investment will pay off within 4 - 5 months (summer season), and if you make an effort, you can make a net profit! The next season will be extremely profitable!

Based on the figures below, it is easy to calculate the profitability of the kvass vending business:

The cost of the unit is from 140,000 rubles.
The capacity of the machine is 100 liters of kvass, which it serves to customers from standard kegs of 20 or 50 liters.
Taking into account the use of 200 ml cups, a one-time refill of the machine is enough for 500 servings of drink. The unit holds 600 cups.

Through simple calculations we see the payback and profitability of this business. Even with the cost of renting a trading platform for a machine, taxes, and so on.

The temperature of the drink is maintained at a constant level by a special cooling element installed in the machine. In addition, it is possible to offer potential buyers both carbonated and traditional kvass, significantly expanding the clientele. You can install a remote control system on the unit and monitor the operation of the machine from a distance using SMS notifications.

Regarding the location of the machine, here are the recommendations, as for all vending units - next to the flow of people. If this is some kind of trading platform, it is better to give preference to a store with glass doors or large windows so that the machine, which can be painted in catchy bright colors, is clearly visible from the outside.

The main attraction of shoe shine vending is the relatively small start-up capital. The cost of the machine ranges from 700 to 1,500 North American “evergreens,” depending on the model. There are units that are more expensive, but there is no point in purchasing them, at least in the first stages of business.

Business, shopping and entertainment centers.
Buildings of administrative and state significance.
All types of stations.

Payback occurs within 1 – 2 months. Of course, it all depends on where the unit is installed. However, this applies to any vending machine. It is possible to hang it on the wall or place it on the floor. Most machines are designed for cleaning leather or suede shoes, but there are combined models.

Attention! All cleaning machines have on their surface (body) free spaces for control buttons and bill or coin acceptors - on the front or side walls. These surfaces can be used for advertising, which will bring additional income to the owner.

Before starting to organize this type of business, you should study the characteristics of the locality and the solvency of the population. Vending machines for charging mobile devices are recommended to be located in cities with a population of at least 500,000 people. They should be installed, like all vending machines, in places with the greatest flow of people and the ability to connect to the power grid - all types of train stations, as well as gas stations. The minimum starting capital is from 35,000 rubles, where 30,000 rubles will be the cost of a simple machine with 6 connectors.

The operating principle is simple:

The client connects his mobile device, laptop, multimedia player, etc. to the appropriate connector.
Pays for the necessary time.
After the signal, he turns off his device.

Depending on the solvency of the population, the cost of 10 minutes of charging can vary from 10 to 50 rubles. With a good location of the machine and active advertising activities, it can give from 15,000 to 40,000 rubles monthly. If we take the minimum indicator, then minus the costs of renting retail space, tax, maintenance, the entrepreneur’s net income will be 9–10 thousand rubles per month. Thus, payback occurs within 4 – 5 months.

Vending machines are a modern way of selling goods through a small device that operates automatically, without the direct participation of the seller.

Such a business is an excellent option for those who have just decided to start their own business, as it does not require large expenses - both financial and energy. And you don’t need any special knowledge or skills either.

Existing types of vending machines and their costs

Today, vending is one of the most innovative and creative types of business.

You can sell almost anything - in most cases, the possibilities are limited only by the imagination of the entrepreneur. Unfortunately, at present, Russians have to be content with only a small part of the immeasurable variety of vending machines that are presented all over the world.

For example, in Japan, it is quite common for machines to pay for services by scanning fingerprints, selling rice and other goods, and some devices can automatically detect a person's age and gender in order to offer appropriate products. In European countries, there are widespread outlets that serve oxygen cocktails and freshly squeezed juices in a matter of seconds. Well, what is our country famous for, what is familiar to Russian citizens?

Vending machines for coffee and other hot drinks

Perhaps the most popular devices in Russia are those that sell coffee and other hot drinks. They come in a variety of types - street and those intended for indoors, selling natural and instant coffee, installed on the floor or display case.

The volume also varies - some sell a small number of cups of drink - about 200, others much more - about 700. Some coffee machines even accept plastic cards as payment. Such machines are the most budget option. Their cost varies between 100 – 150 thousand rubles.

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Snack machines

Vending machines selling chocolate, mineral water, Coca-Cola and other drinks are no less widespread in our country.

Receipt of goods to the consumer in various ways. One of them is through the bottom tray. A person chooses a snack or drink that he likes, clicks on the display and it falls down. Therefore, only those snacks that do not break when dropped are available for sale in such devices - for example, chips, crackers or cookies.

For the sale of fragile goods, there are machines in which delivery is carried out. elevator and drum method. In this case, the buyer takes the product directly from the shelf and therefore the entrepreneur has the opportunity to sell literally anything - salads, sandwiches and much, much more. As mentioned earlier, everything depends only on the imagination of the businessman. In the windows of vending machines of this type you can often find light bulbs, perfumes, and all kinds of souvenirs.

The cost of one snack machine is slightly higher compared to a coffee vending machine - about 220 thousand rubles.

Vending machines for sparkling water, juices and cocktails

Over the past century, machines for selling soda and kvass were widespread in the USSR. This is purely our invention. Over time, these outlets have improved and began to sell a wider range of drinks - freshly squeezed juices, milk and fortified shakes.

Sale of non-food products

In this case, the scope for an entrepreneur’s imagination is literally unlimited - you can start selling toys, dietary supplements, non-fragile perfumes and cosmetics, and much more.

There are also machines designed for a specific product - for example, fresh flowers. To preserve the presentable appearance of the products, such devices are additionally equipped with refrigeration chambers.

Mini version of vending machines

This may include outlets selling writing instruments, shoe covers, small toys, balls or chewing gum. Such devices operate purely mechanically and are small in size, so they can be placed in literally any window display of any store.

One of the main advantages of the mini version of vending machines is their low price. To purchase one device you will need about 50 thousand rubles.

Automatic machines for the provision of services

Vending machines that provide all kinds of services are also quite widespread in Russia. minor services to the population– for example, paying for mobile communication services, cleaning shoes, copying documents, recharging gadgets. There are also often devices that take a photo and determine a person’s weight in a matter of seconds. To purchase vending machines of this type, you will need about 220 thousand rubles.

Entertainment sector

Entertainment devices are very popular among children. These include all kinds of strength meters, rocking chairs, table tennis and hockey. It is best to install such vending machines in places with large crowds of people - for example, in shopping centers.

The price of an entertainment device is approximately 350 - 400 rubles.

Innovation in this area

Listed below are the latest innovations in vending machines, which are representatives of the world's inventors from all countries.

A modern alternative to beauty salons

From now on do manicure as simple as drinking a cup of coffee - the whole process will not take the fair sex more than two minutes.

According to the creators of this vending machine, this was not at all difficult to do. It turned out to be much more difficult for a woman to choose what she liked from the huge range of options presented. The process of processing and decorating the nail is carried out using conventional means. The inventors hope that their project will become more popular over time and will be able to save the lion's share of time, which is limited for modern people. The cost of such a machine is more than $4,000.

Very soon, Alexey Shugalko’s project – a vending machine for creation of alcoholic drinks. The investment volume exceeds $1 million. The funds went mainly to the software of the device. It is worth noting that prototypes of such machines have already been installed in some entertainment establishments and have managed to prove themselves to their advantage.

Vending machine for selling grains

The US state of Mississippi recently introduced a vending machine for selling corn kernels for deer. The device can also sell other bulk products - for example, salts. The machine allows both cash and non-cash payments.

A short video review of new vending machines:

Relevance and advantages of starting a vending machine business

According to experts, today the most popular are vending machines for selling coffee and other hot drinks. The sale of all kinds of snack products is somewhat more complicated, since it is often difficult to find a suitable place to place the device. Obtaining permission for installation in higher educational institutions, as a rule, is not difficult. However, in such places there is a serious competitor - canteens and buffets.

If the entrepreneur is lucky and manages to get consent to place the device in government institutions, for example, in the traffic police department, or in large office premises, then you don’t have to worry about profits - the flow of clients in such places will not dry out.

Main problem in the vending business - obtaining permission. There are several ways you can go here. The first is to pay for electricity and give a certain amount on top. This approach, as a rule, is only possible with small vending machines. If the turnover is relatively higher, then the businessman can agree on a part of the profit - for example, 10% or a fixed fee.

Separately, it should be said about the next point. Vending machines are automatic devices that from time to time may malfunction and cause anger and discontent among visitors to the establishment. If such incidents often occur, the entrepreneur has a high chance of flying out into the street with his device. After all, no one wants to constantly listen to the screams of people who were unable to get the due goods or change from the machine. Based on all of the above, regular performance checks and correction of defects are the basis for success.

Among main business advantages based on vending machines, we can note:

There is no need to purchase or rent retail space.
The number of people required to open a business is minimal.

A brief business plan for opening such a business

The first thing you need to do to open such a business is to register it. The best way to do this is to assign yourself the status (IP) in the manner prescribed by law and. In this case, a single tax is best suited.

The best place to install a vending machine, as practice shows, – shopping centers. In such places, people are ready to make an impulse purchase, for example, drinking a cup of coffee or buying a toy for a child. The flow of potential clients here is much higher than in government agencies or company offices, so with the right approach you can reach a fairly decent level of income.

The following video material will help you properly organize a business selling using vending machines:

To successfully run such a business, all equipment is necessary service regularly. Some of them require only loading of goods and cleaning, others require checking and setting up equipment (for example, a device for selling flowers). To do this, one or two people are enough, who from time to time, according to a clearly established schedule, will go to the site to load the machine and check its performance. Hence, personnel costs in this case are minimal.

Special attention should be paid to expenses.

To install such a device and successfully conduct business necessary:

Buy the machine yourself. Its cost varies from 1000 to 6000 euros.
Pay for the services of a specialist for technical inspection of equipment.
Prepare the necessary goods.
Conduct an advertising campaign.
Receive the entire list of permits - conclusions of the sanitary-epidemiological station and fire inspection.
Pay tax.
Leave some money aside for unexpected expenses.

Thus, with a competent approach, it can bring considerable income. The main thing is to create a good one and think through all the smallest details of the project, to implement the right one. Despite the high cost of each device, all costs are recouped in a few months, and the profit is many times greater than what was initially invested in opening the business.

Today, such a business is one of the most profitable - with minimal investment of effort and money, you can reach a decent level of income a couple of months after opening. The maximum payback period, as a rule, is no more than six months.

Hello! Today we’ll talk about the vending business.

From this article you will learn:

What is vending;
How to start a vending business;
Legal aspects of vending business;
What types of vending machines are there and how to choose the right machine;
Reviews and recommendations from entrepreneurs in the vending business.

Vending is a relatively young business sector for our country. The activity is based on making a profit from various types of devices for selling goods or providing services. The case has its own characteristics, pros and cons. With a competent approach to choosing a location, product range, equipment and attentive attitude towards customers, there is a high probability of achieving success.

What is vending and vending business

Vending — This is the sale of goods and provision of services using vending machines. Vending has become very widespread in the world as a very convenient and not at all demanding way to conduct trade or provide services.

Surely you have at least once bought coffee from a vending machine or paid for any services in the form of topping up the balance on your phone or home Internet. These are vending machines.

In the modern world, the leaders in the number of vending machines are Japan and the USA. Approximately 30-60 people per 1 vending machine. In Russia this is not such a developed business; there are 4-7 thousand people per e-seller. Competition is minimal, especially in small towns. If you hurry, you can occupy a profitable niche in this type of business.

Step 1: Choosing an idea in the vending business

Before choosing a business idea or direction in the vending business, you need to study the work of competitors, determine the most profitable niches for starting, and study the purchasing power of the population.

What can be sold in vending machines:

ready-made food - snacks, chewing gum, canned drinks, etc.;
products that require cooking - coffee, tea, cotton candy;
non-food products - books, magazines, flowers, toys, cigarettes, household chemicals, stationery, umbrellas;
services – replenishing your phone balance, providing information, printing, etc.

To attract the attention of potential buyers, you need to think about an unusual product. You will need imagination and out-of-the-box thinking. For example, the Chinese came up with the idea of selling live crabs in containers. An equally unconventional idea is to sell dishes so that you can break them later and relieve stress.

In our country, the services that can be obtained through the machine are limited to payment functions. But devices for massage, manicure, photography, photocopies, charging gadgets, and cleaning shoes are widely used abroad. There is even a vending machine-toilet. In tourist cities there are machines with information services.

It is better for beginners to start a vending business with popular machines, for example, those that produce coffee, and after a while install machines with original products or goods nearby.

Step 2: Drawing up a business plan

A business project must be developed in the most detailed manner. It requires introductory information:

type of activity: trade in goods, products or services;
form of ownership (individual entrepreneur);
tax form;
method of maintaining tax accounting (independently or with the assistance of a specialist);
geography (settlement and number of people in it);
planned number of devices;
range of goods or services, if implied;
the amount of “financial cushion” in case of unforeseen circumstances.

The goal of any business plan is to calculate the profitability of a vending business in a specific geographic location and predict its feasibility.

A competent business project contains the following sections:

Description of the characteristics of services or goods with detailed information about the range, certificate and sales rights.

Information about the company indicating the scope of activity and, if any, experience.

Market research results. This section describes the assessment of trade turnover in the world and in Russia, the population of the geographical location under study, inflation, factors influencing demand, customer preferences, classification of vending machines by demand and costs.

Classification of machines by payment device, OKVED, type of product and control.

If you plan to hire employees, then a section is needed - an organizational plan. It contains: job responsibilities and personnel data.

Marketing plan with identification of the target audience of consumers, methods of sales promotion. It also indicates an analysis of customer needs, an assessment of competitors, business risks and opportunities.

Production plan with information on renting premises and purchasing machines. The section also contains the schedule according to which the project is being implemented.

A financial plan containing the initial investment and expenses for the implementation of the business.

Efficiency analysis is a section containing economic indicators of net income, payback period, and profitability ratio.

Analysis of risks possible for the vending business (breakdown, lack of spare parts, lack of raw materials, vandalism). It also reflects ways to solve these problems and the break-even point, when income covers losses.

The project summary contains: business goals (development of a vending network, attracting investors), a description of the project (location of machines, area of the place, markups on goods or services, operating hours), performance indicators, costs of implementing the plan, sources of financing.

Step 3: Legal registration of the vending business

To legalize a vending business, you need to select a registration form. You can or.

UTII is the simplest option.
– chosen by entrepreneurs who will not create a separate legal entity.
and accounting provides for payments of 6% of total income or 15% of income minus expenses.

Vending machines not only sell finished products, but also produce goods from raw materials (for example, coffee, pizza). Depending on the type of activity, a suitable taxation system is selected. Also important in choosing a system is the presence or absence of employees.

A businessman must find out information about the simplified system and UTII from the local tax office. Since these systems are regulated by the laws of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Attention! UTII is paid by owners of vending machines with toys, snacks, chewing gum, newspapers, books, cigarettes and other things. Vending machines with coffee and other drinks provide catering services, but do not have a service area, and therefore do not fall under the single tax.

Step 4: Prepare documents for the vending business

To register an individual entrepreneur you will need the following documents:

full photocopy of passport;
application for registration of individual entrepreneurs;
tax election statement;
copy of TIN;
provide foreign citizens with permission for temporary registration;
receipt with state duty.

When opening a vending business, an entrepreneur must have on hand documents for the purchased devices:

certificate of conformity of the State Standard of the Russian Federation.
equipment passport;
specifications;
equipment;
warranty cards;
conditions to ensure long-term, uninterrupted operation.

There is no specific OKVED code for business vending. It is customary to indicate the following values:

If the business is based on payment machines (52.61.2).
For copying and printing documents through machines (74. 83).
For the sale of any goods and products in vending machines (52. 63).
To carry out business with massage chairs (71.40.3).

Step 5: Choose a vending machine: where to buy, used or new

First, you need to decide whether these devices will be new or used. Of course, the price of the latest machines is much lower. But you need to take into account the fact that the SES approves new devices faster, without any problems. Inspectors apply the most stringent requirements to used devices.

There is another argument in favor of new equipment. Companies that sell new machines often conduct training on the basics of the vending business. Don't neglect free education.

It is important to find a supplier who offers not only devices, but also consumables and guaranteed service. Popular machines are from the following manufacturers: Bianchi, Venson, Jofemar, Necta, Unicum, Azkoyen, Saeco and others. Each machine comes with a warranty card.

After purchasing equipment, goods and consumables, the SES carries out examinations and, based on them, provides confirmation of the safety of the products and the equipment itself.

To implement a vending business for the production of coffee, tea and soft drinks, you need to take care not only of the power supply, but also of the connection to the water supply and filters.

Cash registers are not required, because inside the machine there is already everything necessary for settlements with customers. If the device does not provide cashless payments by cards, you can install it additionally.

Each vending machine must contain information about the entrepreneur and his contact number.

Step 6: How to choose a location for the vending machine

First, the place must be crowded.
Secondly, you need to pay attention to whether people are on the move (busy) or bored and waiting for someone's event.

There is a method in which two machines are placed at a certain distance in a place where people are walking in a stream. The man saw the machine and noticed that it would be nice to buy coffee, but he didn’t approach, then he walked some distance and made a purchase at the second machine.

Of course, it is worth taking into account the age categories of people. For example, it is better to install vending machines with toys and sweets in children's centers, clubs and near schools.

You can agree on the installation of snack and coffee machines in clinics, educational institutions and office buildings. Usually management is willing to cooperate, because it is interested in comfortable working conditions for its employees.

The devices can be installed on the streets, but there is a high risk of attack by vandals. Most devices have their own temperature regime for uninterrupted operation: no lower than 5 degrees below zero, and no higher than 40 degrees hot. Therefore, it is still better not to place the devices in the fresh air.

In shopping and entertainment centers, vending machines increase the loyalty of visitors to the establishment. As a result, everyone benefits: the businessman, the visitors, and the owner of the property himself.

Action plan for installing vending:

sign an agreement with the management of the establishment;
find access to the electrical network and, if necessary, to the water supply;
install and start up the equipment.

Rent can range from 1000 to 4000 rubles per month. This is about 10-20% of the profit from sales. But if you try, you can negotiate a free rental. To do this, it is necessary to convey to the owner of the premises (director) information that vending machines are necessary for his employees and to attract the attention of customers.

How many vending machines to install?

Experienced businessmen have different opinions. Some started with a large number of machines at once and were satisfied, because the initial costs quickly paid off.

Others advise installing one maximum two devices to begin with, monitoring the feasibility of such a business, and understanding whether it is worth doing it in this region.

What is the best way to accept payments in vending?

Plays a big role in making profits. A person does not always have cash, bills or coins. Therefore, you need to install as many payment systems as possible. This includes a coin acceptor, a bill acceptor, and payment by plastic cards. You definitely need to take care of the system for issuing change.

Maintenance of vending machines

Loading the machines with goods takes several hours a week, and it is necessary to monitor the level of demand and sales volume. If the product is not in demand, the installation location may have been chosen incorrectly.

It is important to keep the machines in working condition around the clock. If a consumer comes across a non-working device once or twice, then he is unlikely to approach it in the future.

It is necessary to ensure that the device is tidy and that there are instructions for use.

Determining the price of services or goods

There is no clear decision on the amount of cost of a service or product. A price that is too high or too low can backfire on a business. You should conduct observations and analyze prices for similar products from competitors. It is advisable to compare the size of the markup with the income of potential buyers and the distance of the device from traditional stores.

How much does it cost to open a vending business?

The expense item for a vending business project contains the following items:

purchase of equipment (devices and components);
installation;
rent;
technical inspection of devices;
purchase of goods, consumables, products;
advertising;
permission from the SES and receipt of relevant documents;
permission from electricians and approval from the fire inspectorate;
taxes;
Unexpected expenses.

The purchase of vending machines will cost 150-300 thousand rubles, if we are talking about new equipment. The price for used devices is about 90-120 thousand and depends on the level of wear and service life. You should pay attention to the technical inspection of such equipment before purchasing; there is a risk of spending a large sum on repairs and ending up in the red.

At the initial stage of business, it is better to handle the functions of the operator yourself: cash collection, storage of raw materials, goods, products, inspection. When the business is established, you can hire staff.

Assessing the prospects of the vending business

Before you try your hand at vending, you need to evaluate the prospects. To do this, it is important to understand whether specific devices will be relevant in a particular place. In other words, you need:

assess the demand for the product;
study the infrastructure of nearby retail outlets;
determine the number of competitors;
analyze the level of related business;
find out and analyze information about already operating vending points in a particular area: profit margins, costs.

The vending business involves the absence of large expenses and minimal investments compared to the usual sale of goods through retail outlets.

According to reviews from vending entrepreneurs, this business can bring in 1,000 rubles a day or more. On average, income from one machine is 10,000 - 30,000 rubles per month. The costs are recouped in about 1-1.5 years. All this is possible with a competent approach to business, patience and the ability to achieve your goal.

Pros of vending

Low rental costs, because the vending machine occupies a small area.
The operating condition of several devices can be maintained by one person, and in the early stages, by the businessman himself.
Ease of purchasing a product or receiving a service, because all procedures are standard and have instructions.
You can earn additional income by placing advertising on the device.
The machine is designed for continuous sales 24 hours a day.
If one of the devices has ceased to generate profit, you can move it to a new location without great expense.
You can sell your entire vending business if you are not successful.
It is easy to expand your business, without complex schemes, by simply purchasing more devices and installing them at selected points.
Opportunity to quickly learn the basics of the vending business.
In Russia, this line of business has many empty niches.
You can quickly change the assortment depending on customer demand.

Disadvantages of the vending business

Choosing the wrong location can cause losses.
It is necessary to regularly monitor the filling and cleanliness of the devices.

Possible damage to machines on the street, in the passage and subway.
The purchased ingredients for preparing drinks are imported and expensive, so not all buyers can afford such products.
Not all age categories of people are able to use machines; older people find it difficult to understand the functionality.
Lack of quick payback - it will take at least 1 year.
In some metropolitan areas, fierce competition has already emerged.
The seasonality of some vending machines, for example those selling soft drinks, will not bring profit in the winter.

2.9 / 5 ( 65 votes)

Every year more and more new opportunities for business development arise. Thanks to modern developments and unique equipment, you can not only save time, but also launch a profitable company. One of these areas is vending. What is vending? How to start your own vending machine business?

What is vending and vending machines?

In a modern city, all residents have at least once paid for a mobile phone through special terminals that are located almost everywhere, bought coffee or sweets from vending machines. The buyer puts in coins and automatically receives the goods, and the entrepreneur who installed the equipment makes a profit. This is what is called vending.

Vending is a special device that can sell goods and perform certain tasks without the participation of a seller or other employees.

The main goal of such machines is to simplify human life as much as possible. This is especially true for those who are used to doing everything quickly and do not have time to stand in lines or look for cafes and shops. Vending devices help save time.

The first machines appeared in the 19th century in the USA, after which manufacturers began to popularize them in Europe. Today in our country the vending business is very poorly developed. GenerallyThere are about 2 thousand people per machine. For comparison, in Japan this number does not exceed 20 people.

In our country, vending machines mainly sell coffee or terminals, although in most countries you can purchase almost any item through them. Japan and China have full-fledged self-service stores with many devices installed. They buy food, hygiene products, electronics and many other products there.

Despite the fact that vending is poorly developed in the CIS countries, most such companies essentially have a monopoly on a certain area of the market. For example, a company that installs coffee machines in a specific area of the city can create such conditions that they simply have no competition. After all, in addition to the equipment itself, it is also necessary to choose the right place for installation or installation of the device, maintain it and much more.

For those who want to engage in vending, it is best to choose an area in which there is no competition in your region.

It may seem that it is impossible to find a niche in vending to make a profitable company, but this is not so. There are many types of machines that will bring income to your company. The main thing is to research the market and user needs.

What types of vending machines are there?

There are many areas in which specialized vending machines are being developed. Moreover, many experts believe that in the near future vending devices will completely replace the traditional sales system. Online stores and vending outlets will remain on the market.

New products are constantly being released to meet user needs. For example, one of the latest devices that are already being installed on the streets are machines that provide online consultations. All you have to do is approach him, connect with a consultant (this is a real person) using video, audio or automatic buttons, select the question you are interested in and get an answer. Most often this is installed in large cities and concerns tourists who need help.

All vending machines can be divided into several types:

Food.The most popular and in demand type of vending machines. Here you can buy a variety of food products - chocolates, sweets, even freshly prepared sandwiches. Some machines can heat food, prepare lunch, and pack it.
Piece goods. The second most popular are vending machines that sell small items. Most often, they are aimed at fast-growing items or disposable goods that may suddenly come in handy. For example, umbrellas, headphones, stationery, ties, personal hygiene products, napkins, plasters and much more. The cost of products in vending machines is usually much cheaper than in regular stores (costs for employees, premises rental, and utility bills are reduced), which is why they are in such demand.
Services.The appearance of vending machines that provide services differs from similar products. These could be, for example, self-service massage chairs, which are often installed in shopping centers. In our country, this area has no competitors, so entrepreneurs can make good money from this if they occupy their niche.
Gaming devices.Such vending services have become in great demand over the past two years. These include devices that are installed in entertainment establishments (karaoke, music boxes, dance playgrounds), and vending machines with toys, which are now available in all passages. But with such equipment it is necessary to follow the laws, because there is a very thin line between casino analogues, so it may be that they are prohibited for installation in certain places.

Each of the vending machines has its own amount of profit and its own costs. Vending machines that sell food need to be serviced much more often because it can spoil.

The most profitable equipment is with piece goods. It requires a minimum starting amount to launch, and the goods themselves will not deteriorate in a few weeks.

Working with service machines is more difficult. Many people do not trust such equipment or do not understand how it works, so you should not expect big profits.

How to start your own business with vending machines?

Starting your own company that will provide vending machines to customers is not at all difficult. This task is much simpler than, for example, opening your own store or cafe. The machine itself takes up little space, and the business owner does not need to have huge start-up capital.

Founding such a company can be done in several steps.

Finding your niche.

This is the first step to start a company. And this is not as simple as it might seem, and the task itself is very important, because your profit and the success of the company will depend on it.

Choose an area in which you understand something and which interests you, because you will need to constantly develop and improve. In the region where the entrepreneur is going to work, there are already some types of vending, so research this issue so as not to occupy a niche where there is already high competition.

Look for something new and original. What people need.

Research the territory, the market and the needs of potential buyers, and then choose your own niche.

For example, carefully walk along the street where you want to place the vending machine. What do you see there? Are there many cafes and small shops selling coffee and tea, but there are no vending machines themselves? So a coffee machine would be very appropriate. Most often, such devices are installed near the metro, in a shopping center or other crowded places.

If there are several stores on the territory with office supplies and other necessary small items, then it will be beneficial to install a machine with piece goods.

Development of a vending project.

High quality and detailed - This is a mandatory element that needs to be thought through before opening your own company. It must include all the details of the new company, calculations, expenses, payback, income, equipment maintenance.

Be sure to take into account the cost of the vending machine itself, based on which you can see how much money is needed to start a business. Remember to pay the maintenance staff and couriers who will load the goods into the equipment. (Small companies with only a few machines often have one or two employees, or the businessman himself handles the loading first.)

Legal issues.

Be sure to register your company according to the law. In most cases, if you install machines in different places, you must register yourself as a private entrepreneur.

Collect all documents, settle issues with the tax authorities and choose the best tax system. Only after this do you start purchasing equipment.

Purchase of machines and goods.

There is not always a company in your city that produces such equipment, and you need to buy it from the manufacturer. Find a high-quality and reliable company that manufactures exactly the vending machines that you need.

In addition, if you are planning to open a large company with a lot of equipment, then you need to remember that it is best to order several devices in bulk. In this case, you may be given a big discount.

Equipment installation.

Even at the business planning stage, you must select the places where you will install the machines. Make sure it's legal and sign contracts with whoever owns the area, the mall's landlord.

Compare rental prices throughout the city, choose the most suitable location, and then set up a vending service with specialists.

In fact, most vending machines in 2019 only require an outlet. The device is installed in a free place, connected to the power supply and started.

Hiring staff for maintenance.

It is necessary to distinguish between several types of employees that your company will need. The main part of the staff are couriers, who must load and replenish the quantity of goods in the vending machine. It's not difficult, but you still need to have experience or at least undergo training from the manufacturer. A minority of employees are those who will be involved in repairs.

Most novice entrepreneurs try to do the maintenance themselves, but this is only possible if there is one or two machines. In another case, one person simply will not be able to do this.

Find a professional who has experience working with similar vending machines. He will be able to quickly repair damage and malfunctions.

The vending business in our country is very poorly developed, so if a novice entrepreneur finds his niche and chooses an installation location, he can become a successful businessman and make his company profitable.

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