Bulk Vending Machines -- Where Do You Place Them?
One of the most exciting -- and profitable -- areas of the vending machine business today is in the ownership and placement of bulk vending machines. These types of vending machines typically deliver gumballs, loose candy, small toys and fake jewelry items with the turn of a crank or lever (they are also typically non-electrical). Usually these machines have a large square or round storage receptacle at the top, constructed of heavy duty glass or a similar transparent material, which allows the public to see the different types of items contained in them.
Some bulk vending machines dispense loose items, like candy pieces or gumballs; other bulk vending machines dispense their wares in small plastic capsules which keep the item contained within from being damaged in the bulk vending machine dispensing mechanism.
Bulk vending machines are extremely popular with owners of businesses primarily because the profit margin on the sale of these small types of items can be exceedingly high. That is because the items sold in bulk vending machines can be purchased in very large quantities, at an extremely low per-unit cost. Some of these items can be purchased for one or two cents a piece, and sold for $.25 -- $.50. Bulk vending machines also are much less expensive to purchase and repair than their larger cousins which dispense soda pop and snack foods.
One of the recurring issues, however, with the bulk vending machine business is just where to place these units. In general, anywhere people congregate -- especially children -- can be a profitable location. For example, in a community youth center or a business located near a public school where children may visit between classes and at the end of the day -- any location like this can be a good one.
Another place where bulk vending machines may work well is a retail mall, especially when located near restroom areas or locations with tables and chairs. Another good location for bulk vending machines is a grocery store -- as many parents will take their kids with them grocery shopping.
Need some additional locations for the placement of your bulk vending machines? Well, how about a barbershop? How about a unisex styling salon, where parents may take their kids? How about a thrift store, near a news stand, or a toy store? Have you considered the placement of your bulk vending machines in an arcade or video rental store -- perhaps even a tattoo parlor?
Here's a tip: advertise that you will donate a certain percentage of your proceeds to a local charity -- make sure a sign or label is attached to your bulk vending machines to tell the public this. It does not need to be a large percentage, or a huge dollar amount -- this will create a lot of goodwill in the community and put your business in a good light. An added bonus is that many business owners will allow you to place your bulk vending machines in their buildings without charging you a commission, when you make donations to local, popular charities.
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