Vending Machine Biz Ops

Since vending is an easy business to start, it is said to be a low barrier to entry opportunity. Unfortunately this means that the market is crowded. If you have a hundred dollars, you can start a vending business. A low barrier almost certainly means that there is tougher competiton to succeed and less profits to be made. Since vending is a crowded field, you need to stand out. This means long hours and better decision making to compete. Make sure to avoid the vending machine biz op. scams that are very popular. A big biz op scam [http://thevendingmachinebusiness.com/vending-scams/more-on-biz-ops-and-other-scams/] these days seems to be energy pills or gel. Biz ops all have a similar feel. For a big hunk of cash (think 10-20 thousand) they'll claim to give you everything you need to be succeful. These business opportunties sellers will tell you that you will make tons of money. Vending is numbers game. With bulk machines, you need many heads in many locations all working at the small gain to make any money. Many people who get involved with biz ops get beaten down by it and leave vending entirely. They sell their vending machines online everyday. If you have been conned into one of these plans, your choices are limited, you can complain to the Better Business Bureau, file a complaint with the Justice Department, or get a lawyer. That money will more than likely never be seen again. The most important part of any start up is the research phase. If you're being told about business profits that seem too high or unbelievable then trust your instincts, they are most likely false. Set attainable practical goals before you decide to leave your work to get into the vending biz full time. I'm not trying to talk you out of vending; I'm just making sure you have all the knowledge needed to be successful. Vending machines make an average of seven dollars. This may be the average, but not everyone makes it. Although $7 is the average, not everyone makes it. For myself, my current head average is $5. With these kind of numbers, it obviously takes quite a few machines to earn a decent living. Another thing to avoid is problems with locators. Locators help you by making lots of phone calls to zip codes you provide to help you get your machines placed faster. Sometimes you can hire a person to drive around and place machines. Most locators charge about the same, which is $40 to $50 per machine. To expand your business more efficiently, a locator can be a real asset. Not all locators give you a guarantee. Despite what you may hear, excellent locators can be found, the problem is finding one. It's best to use a locator that has a known reputation and not just anyone off of Craig's List. Joining a vending chat group is a good way to find a trust worthy locator. Vending isn't a get rich quick plan. Vending requires a lot of time and committment to be successful just like every other business. Most people that start out in vending will quit, this does not mean that it is not a viable business plan. Most people are simply not cut out for being entrepreneurial. Since I'm guessing you don't have unlimited funds, I say buy a couple cheap machines, get them working for you and see what happens. A vending business gives you the ability to proceed at your own pace while keeping your current employer to minimize your risk. If you go into vending with a business plan, invest your time and money wisely, you will be able to determine for yourself what are realistic goals. by Vince Conner