It was in the 1800s when the concept of Vending Machines was introduced, and it became popular. These machines serve a great purpose today by quickly dispensing food items, beverages, etc. Naturally, these highly useful machines also prove to be a lucrative source of business.
However, if you are considering entering India’s thriving retail industry with Vending Machines , you might have several questions and queries on how to get started. So, here’s your step-by-step guide on starting, maintaining, and developing a profitable Vending Machine business.
Your 7-Step Guide Book to a Successful Vending Machine Business
Bearing the initial low-cost investment and low-risk factor in mind, launching a Vending Machine business will be easy.
1. Decide on the Type of Vending Machine Based on Target Audience
A Vending Machine can store and dispense multiple things- from packaged food, snacks, tea, and coffee to cold drinks and even merchandise of different kinds. The first step of starting a Vending Machine business is deciding what to stock. The best way to figure this out is by locating your target audience.
Let’s take a corporate office building, for example. It has its cafeteria, and there are also food joints around. However, few affordable or quick tea and coffee options exist for employees. Here, installing an instant tea and coffee machine would be a profitable business idea.
2. Do Some Research and Find the Ideal Location
You need a location with high and regular foot traffic. Furthermore, the machine should be easy to spot. Suppose you are going with the business idea we discussed above. Now, you must find the spots in the office building where installing the Vending Machines will attract good business.
The cafeteria can be a good spot since people generally go there for food and beverages. You can install the Vending Machine in the lobby, where the workers can quickly visit and grab a cup of tea or coffee while working or between meetings.
3. Select a Suitable Vending Machine
Once the what and where are decided, buy a good quality Vending Machine at the best price. A quality machine should have multiple dispensing options, customisation choices, consistency in taste, and a proper water filtration system (especially for beverages and food items dispensing). The machine should have a user-friendly interface and a quick dispensing system so people can seamlessly get what they want.
Furthermore, you should buy a durable machine with an effortless cleaning and refilling option. Another important factor is aesthetics. The Vending Machine must look stunning and well-designed. Check out the options with said features and compare their prices. Determine India's average Vending Machine price and set a budget. Now, get the machine that offers the features within your investment limit.
4. Take Care of Documentation and Legal Requirements
A business requires certain licenses and permits to operate legally. You must learn about the legalities of a Vending Machine business. Trade licences, FSSAI licences for food Vending Machines and fire safety certificates are common requirements in India. You will also need a GST certificate.
Different cities and states in India may have their own sets of rules and regulations. Make sure to take note of these and run your business accordingly.
5. Stock up Regularly
Keeping the Vending Machine stocked up at all times is the key. If people start facing inconveniences when trying to buy from your machine, they will eventually stop using it. Hence, once you have installed the machine, it should have all the options it promises. Thus, buying in bulk is always a better choice to grab the best deal. You can approach wholesalers or membership clubs for the same.
After a while, you can monitor the usage, determine which products are more popular, and end up sitting in the machine for a long time. You can then adjust your product’s quantity accordingly.
6. Don’t Neglect Maintenance and Repairs
Vending Machines must be maintained properly to provide quality service and have a long lifespan. Clean the machine at regular intervals. If it needs any repair, get it done. Taking care of a small repair is better and less expensive than replacing the machine quickly.
7. Think about ROI, Review, and Plan for Optimisation
The ROI depends on multiple factors, including the location, foot traffic, and the set profit margin. Suppose you have kept the profit margin between 15 to 20%. At this rate, you need 1 or 2 years to recover your initial business costs. Once the investment is recovered, you can enjoy the profit. The profit and your earnings can be less or more based on the adjustments in the profit margin.
Maybe you can set a higher margin, change your supplier to get better deals while restocking or negotiate a more advantageous contract with the location owner. Take your time to review your business plan and profits to see if you need to make any changes. Additionally, consider factors like the initial Vending Machine price in India and ongoing operational costs to ensure a comprehensive assessment of your vending machine business's financial viability.
Wrapping Up
Thorough research and drafting a business plan beforehand will make your entry into the Vending Machine business more efficient. Follow an open mindset for feedback since your success depends on the regular users of your Vending Machines. When planning for expansion, do fresh research to identify new requirements.
