What sales strategies are in automatic transmission. Vending business - what is it, where to start and how to open

01May

Vending and its popularity

Every year there are new directions for business development. The world of innovation does not stand still, and our life becomes better and much easier. Through numerous developments, we can and own efforts. Today we will talk about such a direction of business as vending, and find out how it makes our life easier.

Have you ever paid for cellular communications through a terminal in a shopping center? Surely you bought coffee in plastic cups, which is prepared in a few seconds in a special machine? If your answer is yes, then you know what vending is!

Vending - These are special devices that allow you to sell goods and even provide services without workers.

The development is aimed at people who are used to doing everything on the go. Today, life is built in such a way that we are constantly in a hurry somewhere. The vending machines help us to buy the right products along the way, without wasting time waiting in the queues of stores.

This direction appeared at the end of the 19th century in the West and in America. In Russia, the business started in the 90s. In our country, there are more than 2,000 people per vending machine.

For comparison, in Japan, there are just over 20 people per service device! This suggests that Russia is extremely underdeveloped.

For the most part, we sell coffee and cell phone bills through vending machines. In the West, there are entire electronic boutiques where you can buy anything from liquor to technology.

Despite the underdevelopment of machines in our country, it is already making itself felt, and its methods sometimes go beyond the law. To start your vending business, you need to come up with something special, which has no analogues yet. Otherwise, it is unlikely to pay off, and the owner will suffer losses.

Such problems often affect beginners in this business, who choose a deliberately unsuccessful option (with the same coffee machines, the vending market for which is oversaturated), lose interest in their own idea, curtailing their activities.

Today we will tell you which direction of vending to choose in order to avoid possible failures, and how to consolidate your position in this market.

What are vending machines

Today, there are many directions for the development of trade through specialized machines. Many believe that they are the future. Shops in our current understanding will someday become a thing of the past. They will be replaced by e-commerce and vending.

Each year is marked by new developments in terms of the device of machines. They have new functions that replace a person. For example, one of the recent innovations is online consultation.

On the touch screen of the machine, after pressing a few buttons, a video with a consultant will appear, who will inform you about the possibilities of the machines and tell you how to use them. This is especially true for older people, for whom slot machines are something of a fantasy.

All existing machines can be divided into 4 types:

• Selling food. Their diversity is impressive. You can buy everything from chocolate bars to freshly prepared pizza, and you can choose the ingredients for the latter according to your taste. It is convenient for a snack on the road, as well as for those who eat at the office or do not like to cook at home. The machine will warm up your lunch and pack it in an environmentally friendly container;
• Selling merchandise. For example, you can buy a tie if you forgot it at home, an umbrella, scarves, and even personal hygiene products. Prices for goods in most cases can compete with store prices, and therefore are in demand;
• Providing services. You have probably seen massage chairs in shopping malls that relax your back muscles for a small fee. These are express services that you can get while shopping. In our country, vending services are still an unoccupied area, and therefore future entrepreneurs have great chances to find their own niche;
• Slot machines. Recently, the demand for them has gone up again. This includes karaoke machines installed in various establishments. For a fee, the device will play any melody.

In each of the above types of vending, there are many subgroups. For example, food vending machines offer both ready-made products in factory packaging (chocolate, chewing gum, baby puree, etc.), as well as freshly prepared dishes (mashed potatoes, spaghetti, etc.).

Selling piece goods is the most acceptable option for beginners. Food tends to spoil, which means that such a machine will need to be monitored quite often. In addition, an unsold product with an expired shelf life is a loss.

Selling children's toys, stationery, appliances, you do not often have to look inside the machine to fill it with new goods.

Services in vending - This is a fairly new and most difficult direction. For example, few people entrust their own hands for manicure to an electronic machine. Most people deal with experienced professionals with whom they have known each other for several years. Moreover, the low cost of vending services is also unlikely to attract customers.

Slot machines have one important feature. If the previous three groups of devices can be placed in almost any shopping center, institution or on the street, then gaming machines have restrictions on placement. In addition, this area has not so many areas for development, and today most of them are already occupied.

Step-by-step instructions for those who want to get into vending

Starting your own business on the example of vending is not so difficult. You don't need to beautify. It acts as an automaton that occupies a minimum of space, and you can place it anywhere.

To start a business based on vending, you need to go through several steps:

• First, decide on the niche you want to fill.. You must choose the actual direction for your own business. Look for it among those that are most understandable to you. Beginners should not open a business in those niches that are already saturated. It is better to look for something new and interesting that will attract a certain category of consumers and will quickly generate income. Here it is important to pay attention to such indicators as the size of the settlement, the demand for goods, the prices of competitors;
• Development of a vending project. , which will include all the detailed calculations. Among the mandatory should be calculations of payback periods, monthly income, expenses for goods, rent and repair of equipment. Here you also need to take into account the cost of the device (it varies from 30,000 rubles to 1,000,000 rubles) and maintenance personnel (who will repair breakdowns). The number of placed machines is also an important factor;
• Registering a business at the official level. You need to register your own activities in accordance with the law. Most often vending. To do this, collect all the necessary documents and go to the tax office at the place of registration. Do not forget . Within 5 days from the date of application, your business will be registered. Only after that you can start spending money on purchases for further activities;
• Purchase of the machine and goods. Equipment that is not always required can be purchased in the city of residence, especially if it is a small town. In this case, you will have to order a machine from a supplier located in another city and wait for delivery. For the purchase of goods, it is better to use wholesale offers so that the cost of the margin justifies itself;
• Equipment installation. You need to decide on the installation site of the machine at the planning stage. This is the most important factor on which your future profit depends. It is necessary to analyze different points and compare rental prices. Choose the most accessible places with an acceptable cost. Conclude a lease agreement, bring the device to the point and do not forget to connect it to the electronic network;
• . Some start-up entrepreneurs often try to repair and load equipment on their own, and this is a big mistake. If there is only one machine (and this is extremely unprofitable), then you can deal with technical issues without outside help. If you have installed several devices, then you cannot do without an employee. Find a qualified person who has experience with such machines. In the event of a breakdown, he will quickly find the source of the problem and restore work. Today, the management of many machines is available online. At home or somewhere away from the device, you can control the remaining products and possible problems.

Each stage has its own nuances. It all depends on your desire, goals, and, of course, the amount of money that you are willing to invest at the initial stage.

The choice of direction largely determines the essence of all subsequent steps, and therefore this issue must be approached responsibly. Today, the sale of food products through vending machines is the best vending for Russia, and therefore it is worth taking a closer look at this area.

Which vending machine will be successful

Any entrepreneur wants his business to bring a high stable income. However, at the initial pores, you will have to work hard to make the most of it. Competition is dizzying for sellers of identical products, who can sometimes take unpredictable actions.

To avoid their tricks and draw the attention of potential consumers to their machines, you need to know some secrets of this area. We will share them with you.

So, in order for your vending to flourish, it is enough to adhere to the following recommendations:

• The machine must be located in a public place. Having placed even the most trendy product in a blind passage, it is unlikely that you will be able to get at least some profit;
• The category of goods must correspond to the population group to which the sale is directed.. For example, placing a tie vending machine in a children's clinic is clearly;
• The machine must be attractive in appearance. If it is bright, interesting, then they definitely will not pass by it. It is better to come up with a catchy design, eye-catching graphics. Then your device will become noticeable;
• Choose a technique that is easy to use. Buying should be easy: in a couple of button presses. More intricate actions will lead to the reluctance of customers to use the machine. It should be understandable for any age and different categories of the population;
• Innovations are the engine of not only progress, but also vending. If your machine has some unique features, this is a big plus. The main thing is that buyers are interested in them. If such functions seem convenient to them, then competitors will lose a share of the profit that will go to you;
• Choose an interesting direction for vending. Battered niches are not your option. Find something special. The development of vending areas is a very promising occupation, because through the devices you can trade anything. There are still a lot of empty niches, which means you have a chance to stand out and take your business to the next level.

One of the main conditions when doing vending is to choose the direction in which you understand. This is the basis of your future activities. Such a business will be understandable and interesting, which means that you will make every effort to develop it.

TOP-20 vending machines

Vending business is an opportunity to show your creative nature by discovering something new. Modern society(especially young people and middle-aged citizens) easily adapt to the ever-changing realities of life. Vending is just something that can demonstrate new items quite often, satisfying the demand for everything unusual.

Choosing a direction for vending is not an easy task. There are plenty of untapped niches that are open to new entrepreneurs. We have selected for you 20 directions for vending machines that will definitely interest consumers with their novelty and convenience. Maybe one of them will be the start of your big business.

The best vending machines:

1. Coffee machines. This type of vending will always be profitable. It has long established itself in the market;
2. Vending for the sale of heated food. In America, for example, they practice the sale of warm eggs, which are bought in large quantities by office workers for a snack at work. Today it is not fashionable to dine in full mode with the first and second courses. There are so many things to do that you want to eat something in a hurry, but you can do without harmful fast food. Warmed food is a ready-made hearty lunch, which will take no more than 10 minutes;
3. Sale of liquor. In Russia, this niche is free. In the West, alcohol has long been sold through vending machines. The sale is built not only on bottles, but also on cups with some kind of drink. Abroad, there are devices with a breathalyzer. Drinking customers will not be able to purchase an alcoholic drink. And for those who, in the middle of a walk, wanted to drink a glass of martini, the machine will fulfill such a desire for a moderate fee;
4. Tie vending machine. It is in high demand in America. It is relevant for those who often forget their tie at home, or some event is planned ahead, and there is no time for shopping;
5. Printing photos from social networks. For example, Instagram photos are especially popular among young people. Machines that allow you to get a ready-made photo card in a matter of seconds are located in the West on every corner. For Russia, this is still a new idea that can bring a lot of income, given the growing popularity of social networks;
6. Sale of live crabs. Japan is the initiator of such trade. In this country, crabs are used in 90% of dishes, and therefore their purchase is carried out daily;
7. pantyhose machine. An essential item for any woman. They are torn at the most inopportune moment, and there is no time to look for them in stores. Such vending will be profitable if the machine is located in a large office building;
8. Vending on medical consumables and personal care products. Many people find it unpleasant to be in the queues of pharmacies for the next purchase. The machine helps to purchase the right product quickly, and besides, without extraneous attention;
9. Sleepbox machine. An actual idea for airports and train stations. It is a small room, no more than 4 square meters. m., where you can sleep while waiting for the flight;
10. Sale of adult magazines. This is a hit shopping in Japan. In order not to blush in front of sellers and buyers standing behind you, you can make a purchase in the machine;
11. Automatic machine with meat products and semi-finished products. Sausages, smoked meats, and even canned food can be sold here;
12. French fries vending. A great idea for those who want to eat when there are no fast food outlets nearby. In such machines, potatoes are cooked in a matter of seconds. You can choose the sauce for it;
13. Sale of cakes. Mini cakes, cupcakes and even pancakes with sweet filling - all this is the object of desire for many sweet teeth. Goodies that can be bought along the way are a great option to have a snack or take edibles for tea in case of unexpected arrival of guests;
14. Lampomat. The sale of light bulbs will be relevant for many, many years to come. Going to the store to replace a burnt out light bulb is a waste of time, and technology can replace such burdensome trips;
15. Machines for forgetful parents. It sells baby nipples, diapers, wet wipes and other useful things that moms and dads need;
16. Sale of sushi and rolls. Russians liked Japanese cuisine, and therefore such vending is very relevant today, just like in the Land of the Rising Sun;
17. Machine with comfortable shoes. This is a great option for women who visit clubs and dance bars in heels. After long dances, the question arises of more comfortable shoes that can be changed right now and at a low price;
18. First Aid Vending. Sale of bandages, adhesive plasters and various medicines. It will be useful for those who rubbed corns in new shoes or got injured on the street. Such a machine makes it possible to treat the wound and continue the walk;
19. Bread trade. An excellent option for machines that will definitely be in demand. Bread in Russia is bought daily in huge quantities, and therefore vending in this area is a profitable business;
20. Vending in the form of an aquarium. In Russia, it has already appeared in many shopping centers. Attracts the attention of parents with children. To feed the inhabitants of the aquarium, you need to pay a fee and press a couple of keys.

There can be many more ideas for vending. The main thing is to hook the consumer, find an approach to him, and then the profit will appear.

We place vending machines correctly

As you already understood, vending will bring high income only if the machines are located in a good place. For these purposes, it is necessary to proceed from the category of goods and the contingent corresponding to them.

Sales, customer demand and all your further activities depend on the location of the equipment. It is important to understand that the right choice of location will set the direction for the business, allow you to move on, develop and give ideas for new developments.

Competitors in vending can be not only the same owners of vending machines, but also various shopping centers, shops, etc. If you sell fast food using a fast food machine, you should not place it next to a cafe fast food. So you definitely won't make money.

It is better to place such a machine at the station, at the airport or in such shopping centers where the presence of small cafes is minimal. A device located in a university or school will also be in demand.

Everything that is aimed at the attention of children is best installed in children's shopping centers or near large children's parks and playgrounds. Children's slot machines are also installed here, which often attract the attention of parents.

Selling coffee or tea is a hot topic for office buildings. There will definitely be lovers of such drinks here, and demand will only grow.

When placing the machine, you need to pay special attention to the patency of the place. If you have chosen a shopping center, then the appropriate option is to exit it. Most often, there is a coffee machine or soft drinks machine. The device should not interfere in the aisle, it should be placed so that it is convenient for any visitor to use it.

Beginners usually place machines near those that competitors have already installed. Here it is important to choose the right pricing policy and pay attention to the variety of goods so that the consumer is interested in the new machine.

Often, machines are installed even on the street. It is important to understand that cheap devices are not suitable for such purposes. The equipment must be of high quality and have anti-vandal protection. Otherwise, you can lose a business in which a lot of money has been invested overnight.

If you decide to start a business with vending, you need to take into account all the nuances of this direction. Your own business is not an easy task: you need to make a lot of efforts so that the process “goes on”. We want to give you some advice so that you have fewer questions and difficulties on the first steps towards developing your own vending business.

Tips for vending newbies:

• Choose the direction you like. You should not engage in the sale of equipment through vending, if it brings high profits, but you do not understand anything about it. Business should be clear even at first, and in order not to complicate your task, find something familiar;
• Install several machines at once. One or two devices will pay off for too long. During this time, you will not earn profit. If there are several machines, then literally in the first year you will be able to expand the boundaries of your business;
• Do not believe those who say that vending is the simplest business that you can sit back doing. Vending machines are complex structures that are a dark forest for beginners in this field. It also requires drawing up a detailed one, and if something goes wrong, then you can incur big losses;
• Do not sell products whose niche is already full. Coffee, soft drinks. Their trade is relevant only in new shopping centers or offices (if you manage to agree with the owner of the building before other competitors). Choose a new area that will be of interest to buyers;
• Do not rush "in the pool with your head". Vending, like any other business, requires careful calculations. If you have some kind of stunning idea - do not run immediately to buy a machine. Analyze the possible profit and payback period, weigh all the pros and cons. Cold calculation and knowledge of the matter are important here. Otherwise, you risk, and then be disappointed in consumer demand. Put yourself in the shoes of consumers and understand what is important to them, not to you as a business owner.

Vending provides interesting opportunities for business development. This niche in Russia is at the beginning of its formation. Any novice entrepreneur, if desired, will be able to occupy his own niche and win the trust of the buyer.

Vending machines have been around for a very long time. The first company using vending machines appeared in Great Britain in 1887. Today, Japan is considered the leader in the number of machines. There, the share of trade through vending machines exceeds 60%, that is, there are 20 inhabitants of the country for each vending machine. Japan is followed by the USA and European countries, where, according to the latest data, there is 1 machine gun for every 40-100 people.
Given the pace at which the vending industry is advancing, it is not surprising that the number of types of goods that appear inside the vending machines is constantly growing. In our TOP, we have collected 90 unusual vending machine ideas from around the world. They decided to exclude, perhaps, only the most common ones - for example, devices for selling coffee and carbonated drinks, snacks, jewelry. So, let's start with the most banal and move towards the craziest!

90. Tie vending machine

If suddenly a Japanese in a hurry to work or a business meeting forgot his tie at home, he will not have to puzzle for a long time where to buy a new one. It is enough to find the nearest "tie machine", and business reputation is saved. Such machines are indispensable in cases of spilling coffee on a tie.

89. Cotton candy vending machine

Cotton candy can be sold not only by a good-natured rosy-cheeked uncle with an ingratiating smile, but also by a vending machine. The process is fully automated: you just need to fill a special container with sugar in time, add water and clean it once a week. If a few years ago such devices were found only abroad, today they can also be purchased in Russia.

88. Electronic cigarette vending machine

In connection with the fashion healthy lifestyle life and the ban on smoking in public places, electronic cigarettes have become in high demand. Looking at this, entrepreneurs decided to sell them through vending machines. For the sale of these goods, there is no special need for sellers, who also need to pay a salary.

87. Banana machine

Spotted in Tokyo in 2010, this banana dispenser sold five fresh bananas. Fruits are kept chilled inside, which allows them to wait for their customer. Interestingly, banana dispensers have long been tested on Russian soil. Back in 2008, the fruit company JFC tried out the banana trade through vending machines, which installed several such machines in St. Petersburg schools. So that bananas do not lose their presentation, they need to be changed to fresh ones every two days.

86. Ice machine: ice vending machine

Well, who doesn’t like to drink a glass of cold fizzy soda, fragrant juice or a mug of foamy beer in a hot summer? Especially for those who want to quickly cool their drink, there are ice machines. As a rule, ice is given out in cubes, and the water for it goes through several degrees of purification in order to meet the hygienic standards of drinking water.

85. Book vending machine

The business is well-known, but not as widespread as the vending trade in newspapers and glossy magazines. Well, really, what kind of literature can be sold in vending machines, especially those located at stations and in the subway? Light detectives on the road and, perhaps, bestsellers. There is not much good fiction in the slot machines, and how to read the annotation to the work is also not entirely clear: you definitely cannot do without a special display with information.

84. Board game machine

If the sale of DVDs through vending machines is no longer in demand, then board games are unlikely to ever become obsolete. This was also decided by Japanese entrepreneurs who decided to trade board games using vending. Many famous games can be purchased in the machine, for example, Monopoly.

83. Rice vending machine

Rice is the number one product in Japan, and it would be very strange if the Japanese did not sell it through vending machines. This 24-hour vending machine, for example, sells rice in 10-kilogram bags right away. And why be trifles when it comes to universal love?

82. Vending sale of children's designer

LEGO can also be sold through vending machines. Constructor - entertainment is quite running and popular, besides, the shelf life of such a product is not limited in any way. This branded machine, for example, was installed by the famous brand at one of the railway stations in Munich.

81. Automatic "All on the road"

This German machine called Berlinomat Design Automat is perfect for those who love spontaneous trips. It is located on the territory of railway stations and sells accessories, shoes, clothes and other things necessary for long journeys.

80. Vending wine trade

There are wine vending machines in Europe and the USA. Two supermarkets in Pennsylvania were among the first to try this type of vending. Apparatus supplied alcohol tester- the car will not serve drunk customers. In addition, the client is required to present documents to verify the age and look into the security camera so that the security guard can approve or cancel the purchase.

79. Tapcomat

Sometimes you can even buy slippers in the vending machines. For example, the Havainas brand became famous for its “tipper” in Sydney in 2012. To make it easier for customers to make a choice, a hint was drawn on the floor with footprints of different sizes. Another "tipper" with beach shoes was created by the American chain of shoe stores Old Navy. The company launched a promotion where anyone could get slippers for free for posting on Twitter with the address of the location of the device. The location of the machines, according to the company's plan, changed daily.

78. Butcher's machine

One of the pioneers in the meat vending trade was a hereditary butcher from Spain, Mikel Izarzougaza. His family store had a vending machine selling various types of meat, deli meats, sausages and sandwiches. Products are loaded into the machine as they are sold, which allows them to be always fresh. Shopping is available in 5 languages, including Basque and Castilian.

77. Furniture spare parts machine

Why not sell furniture spare parts with a vending machine? Especially if you are a world-famous chain, and your furniture is available in almost every home. Everything is quite simple: the same spiral dispensing mechanism, the same appearance, only there are various fasteners, self-tapping screws and other trifles on the shelves.

76. French fries machine

For many entrepreneurs who follow the latest in the world of vending, it is no longer a secret that vending machines are actively mastering fast food cooking. This French fries vending machine was opened in Brussels in 2013. Cooking time for potatoes is only one and a half minutes. The customer is given a 135-gram portion, sauce of choice, a bag of salt and a plastic fork. According to the Belgian culinary tradition, potatoes are fried in beef fat.

75. Cupcake vending machine

Who told you that only perishable products can be sold in vending machines? This is completely optional. The main thing is to equip the machine with unusual products that will be swept off the shelves before they disappear. For example, in the US, the confectionery company Sprinkles Cupcakes decided to sell cupcakes - small cakes made from dough with cream. In order for the products to remain fresh, you need to monitor the machine daily, that is, a passive business in the case of cupcakes will not work.

74. Vending machine for selling bicycle parts

Auto parts vending machines appeared in 2013 in Brooklyn, New York. They work around the clock and offer cyclists the most necessary little things. Cyclists do not have to wait until the morning to, for example, purchase a repair kit, a bicycle light, a new camera or other things. At the time of the appearance of such machines, the cost of goods ranged from 5 to 30 dollars.

73. Bike helmet rental machines

One more interesting idea in this area - rental of bicycle helmets. Reports of the appearance of the first such units can be found in reports for 2010 and 2013. The heroes of the news are the Australian Melbourne and the American Boston. In both cases, it was a rental, but Australian customers were also able to buy a helmet for good.

72. Lampomat

A few years ago, the Savelovsky Machine-Building Plant announced the creation of such an automatic machine, and Mosenergosbyt became a partner in the project, in the building of which the first such automatic machine was installed. To protect products from damage, the developers had to make an elevator delivery mechanism. At the end of 2015, the opening of vending machines for the sale of LED lamps was also announced in Zelenograd near Moscow.

71. Umbrella vending machine

In cities like St. Petersburg, an umbrella is indispensable. But if it is suddenly not at hand, then vending machines for their sale will come to the rescue. The first such devices appeared in the Northern capital in 2011. Prior to this, "umbrella machines" had long been known in Japan and the UK.

70. Machines for forgetful moms and dads

WeGoBabies machine guns are designed for parents who forgot to bring diapers, food, a pacifier and other little things for their child. In the assortment of the machine you can find napkins, drinking cups, rattles, baby food, sunscreen and so on. The company installs its devices in airports, amusement parks, museums and shops.

69. Football vending machines

From time to time, in different parts of the world, there are also vending machines selling soccer balls. And this is not surprising, because football is considered the number one sport on the planet. An increase in the number of such units is observed on the eve of or during major championships, especially when it comes to a country hosting a World Cup or a continental championship. Sometimes they are installed for other reasons. This machine, for example, is installed in a sports complex in New York, allegedly due to the fact that during field battles, participants often lose their balls, and they constantly need a quick replacement.

68. Sports nutrition machines on demand

SuppNow sports nutrition vending machines are much smarter than regular sports nutrition vending machines. When using them, it is not necessary for a person to understand numerous names and brands. Just indicate your need, and the machine itself will suggest the necessary supplements, ranging from pre-workout fat burning supplements to post-workout energy replenishment. The company installs its devices directly in sports halls.

67. Farm salad vending machine

This vending machine from startup Farmer's Fridge is renowned for its environmental friendliness and customer care. The harvest is at 5 o'clock in the morning, and by 10 o'clock the salad and snacks are packed in jars and are in the window. At 6 pm all prices are automatically reduced by exactly one dollar. Lettuce jars are made from biodegradable plastic and can be returned to a special receptacle.

66. Mashed potato dispenser

This machine from the well-known Maggi brand is capable of dispensing cardboard cups with ready-made mashed potatoes. These units were most popular in Singapore, where they were installed everywhere. The machine instantly mixes boiling water and mashed potato powder. Then all this is poured into a substituted container, thickens and poured abundantly with chicken or meat sauce.

65. Noodle machine

The Ramen-square was created by University of Chicago student Leonard Kahn to brew noodles. The American got the idea, of course, from the Japanese, but decided to improve it somewhat. The trick of the device is that students must come with their own noodles, and the machine will cook it itself. The device itself is desktop and resembles a kitchen counter, which is ideal for installation in student dormitories.

64. Vending machine for sushi and rolls

Japanese cuisine has conquered Russian gourmets so much that sushi and rolls will soon not only be served in every restaurant and cafe, but also sold through vending machines. Today, any entrepreneur who has an extra 150-200 thousand rubles can purchase these. True, so far the “sushimats” themselves do not cook, but only store and cool, so sushi chefs can not be fired.

63. Machines with comfortable shoes

The idea of ​​installing vending machines with comfortable shoes in nightclubs was proposed by a student from Munich, Isabella Fendt. On herself, she repeatedly experienced what it means to dance in high heels, and then return home after a disco. And so the first machines with disposable ballet shoes appeared in Bavaria. Shoes come in different sizes and, of course, colors to be sure to match your evening outfit. Similar vending machines called Afterheels selling ballet flats have also been installed in the UK.

62. Vending sale of medicines

Cities such as St. Petersburg and Moscow already know what vending machines selling medicines are, but for the rest of Russia, this is still a curiosity. In the US, this type of vending has long been common. To purchase the necessary drug, you need to give the machine a prescription. Thinking about installing something like this in our country, it will not be superfluous to re-read the legislation several times, which tends to change periodically.

61. Whiskey vending machine

Retro minute in our TOP. USA, 1964, whiskey vending machine for bottling.

60. First aid machine

In this machine you can find first aid for sunburns, cuts, blisters and bee stings, as well as bandages, rubber gloves, hydrocortisone wipes and gauze compresses. The machine was invented by 14-year-old American schoolboy Taylor Rosenthal while working on a project for the School of Young Entrepreneurs. While playing for his high school baseball team, he noticed that with minor injuries, it can be difficult to find a regular Band-Aid nearby. The teenager refused to sell his idea even for 30 million dollars.

59. Vending Machine

Zoom shop machines and similar units of other names are representatives of automatic kiosks that can be found today in the USA, Europe and Japan. Their assortment is much wider than conventional vending machines, so you can buy anything in them, from ordinary carbonated drinks to tablets.

58. Bottled sake vending machine

Agree, it would be surprising if Japan did not sell sake for bottling through vending? Sake is an integral part of this country. Also, like fig. This automatic bartender just offers traditional Japanese alcohol to those who wish. With a couple of beers.

57. Machine that makes you do physical exercises

This machine is called the Nike FuelBox, and it brings people a healthy lifestyle. It was created for wearers of the Nike FuelBand fitness bracelet, which allows you to collect points and achievements for performing certain exercises. These points have become a kind of currency, for which you can buy branded clothes in the machine.

56. Bookcrossing machine

The machine invented by the creator of vending bookcrossing Dina Clark. When you buy a book from a vending machine for $2, but after reading it, you don't throw it away, but return it to the vending machine. The project was conceived as a charity: part of the proceeds from the work of the machine was directed to the construction of schools in Africa.

55. Bibliomat: vending machine selling old literature

The creator of this machine is the owner of the Canadian second-hand bookstore The monkey's paw Stephen Fowler. In order to find the owners of old literature, he came up with a unique device, which was created using several pulleys, levers and a telephone call. To use the machine, you need to lower two dollars into receiver, after which the device will give out a book randomly selected from 50 copies.

54. Manicure Machine

Manicure-capable vending machines originated (guess where?) in Japan. The first apparatus was constructed there in 2002. Today, the number of such units around the world has increased markedly, but not all customers can entrust nail care to machines. In this area, there is a strong attachment to a person - a proven master.

53. Pizza machine

Perhaps this will be news to you, but pizza machines appeared already in 2009. Torghele has developed the first machine capable of baking pizza with fresh ingredients. In front of the client, the machine mixes flour and water, kneads the dough, adds toppings of choice. Today, pizza machines are produced in many countries of the world, including Russia. You can find out more about how to open a business on pizza machines.

52. Dirty water vending machine

By inserting a dollar into a Dirty Water machine, choosing one of the flavors (malaria, cholera, typhoid, and so on), a person can get a bottle of contaminated water. Did you believe? Of course, this is not true. In such an unusual way, UNICEF decided to draw the attention of New Yorkers to the problem of lack of clean water for children in disadvantaged African countries. The slogan under which the donation machine operated was "It takes only $1 to provide a child with clean drinking water for 40 days."

51. Gun Vending Machine

This machine would certainly be listed among the most original examples vending, if it also worked for real. The joke is that you can throw money into the machine, but the device will not give out a weapon. Thus, the South African Union Gun Control Alliance decided to urge citizens to reduce the number of firearms on hand. The machines were installed in shopping malls and college campuses, and all the citizens' money went as donations to the union's fund.

50. Pornomat

In Japan, you can easily find vending machines with porn magazines. In general, as you will see further, scrolling the material to the end, this is only the lesser of the evils that the Japanese are capable of in relation to intimate vending. In Russia, the trade in porno magazines is unlikely to take place. In any case, when one of the entrepreneurs tried to sell porn films through a vending machine in Voronezh, law enforcement agencies immediately reacted.

49. Vending machine that makes burritos

The Burritobox machine, designed for Mexican food lovers, can make burritos. It appeared in California, in Beverly Hills, where it was prepared from the eggs of "free" laying hens, which had never been imprisoned in poultry farms. Cooking time is only 60 seconds.

48. Vending sale of baguettes

A street vending machine capable of selling hot bread was invented by the French baker Jean-Louis Esch from the city of Moselle. Up to 120 semi-finished products can be stored in the refrigerator of the machine at the same time, which are baked in an average of 10 seconds each. For his invention, the Frenchman even received the Grand Prix of the President of France.

47. Meowcomat

Polish vending machine Miaukomat advertises cat food. But to get a free sampler, a person needs to meow loudly and plaintively into the speaker, after which the device will give him cat food. Similar machines were exhibited in several shopping centers and attracted increased attention from visitors with children.

46. ​​Bra and underwear vending machine

Appeared in Japan back in 2013 in the Une NaNa Cool brand store in Tokyo's Shibuya shopping district. The principle of operation of the machine is quite simple. To purchase a bra, customers simply need to enter their size on the electronic scoreboard and pay a fee.

45. Graphomat: Spray Vending Machine

The Graffomat vending machine sells cans of graffiti paint. A few years ago, such machines began to appear in Europe and America. Very handy if you're painting walls at 3am and you suddenly run out of paint. The idea is rather controversial - many consider such devices to encourage hooliganism. Although, if they were installed near gray and boring industrial zones and abandoned neighborhoods, and not in the city center next to historical buildings, hardly anyone would strongly object.

44. Emergency contraceptive machine

Students can purchase emergency contraceptives from a vending machine at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. In addition to condoms in the car, you can find morning pills after intercourse and pregnancy tests. In general, a condom machine today is a fairly common thing and has long been called a condom machine. You can already meet condomats in large cities of Russia.

43. Animal feed fish vending machine

The world's first fish vending machine for animal feed was installed in 2010 at Japan's Tobe Zoo. In this way, the administration decided to deal with those visitors who ignore requests not to feed animals with fast food and various harmful products.

42. Soap dispensers

Several vending machines for soaps, rinses and liquid powder dispensers have been installed in supermarkets in Spain. The local manufacturer reduced its costs for water consumption, production of plastic and cardboard several times, and buyers got the opportunity to dose their purchases and save significantly.

41. A machine that allows you to win a drink for a virtual trick

This Pepsi vending machine was installed as a promotional campaign for the World Cup and allowed you to win a bottle of soda for doing virtual tricks. For example, you need to hold a virtual ball on your foot for 30 seconds, passing through various challenges. Stunts are monitored by special motion sensors.

40. Toilet paper vending machine

39. Pancake vending machine

This domestic unit called "Blindozer" is capable of preparing pancakes in the presence of the buyer. Moreover, pancakes are prepared with fillings, which can be loaded into the machine up to 30 different types. The client's order is completed in just 2.5 minutes. Also, the machine is unique in that it can monitor the expiration date and independently turn off the supply of missing products.

38. Automatic machine with a person inside

This machine is more of a marketing ploy than an idea for a business. So, in order to win brand loyalty, Nestle once put people in their machines in London. Machines that talk to a person are called Human Vending Machine. When buying chocolate bars, the “live” machine talks to the client, gives the purchase in person and gives a hint which sweets are better to choose. In addition, such a machine is extremely polite and will never allow itself not to give change.

37. Christmas machine

Another example from the same series. The "walking" Muji Christmas Machine, which appears every Christmas on the main street of Barcelona. Hidden inside the machine is a salesman who pretends to be Santa and offers the city's residents to buy holiday souvenirs.

36. Vending sale of scooters

Chinese inventor Wang Yixing came up with a way to fit dozens of scooters in a vending machine. Instead of creating a new bulky unit, adapting it to the issuance of scooters, she decided to have a hand in the scooters themselves. Wang Yixing made them foldable. As a result, the buyer receives a flask 50 cm long and 6.5 cm in diameter from the machine.

35. Vending Aquarium

An automated aquarium from the Sea of ​​​​Desires company allows you to feed the fish for 100 rubles. You don't have to do it yourself - the aquarium will do everything by itself. All you have to do is deposit the bill into the bill acceptor. Oh yes, you also need to make a wish. The machine is magical! Well, as an advance, the device will immediately give you a souvenir magnet with the symbols of the World Wildlife Fund.

34. Martini Vending Machine

How many martini vending machines have you seen in your lifetime? In this machine, developed by the Russian company EmWi, this alcoholic drink is loaded directly into bottles, and directly from them it is poured into a glass from a tap. The device is equipped with a flow cooler and two channels for pouring different types of alcohol.

33. Fish broth vending machine

When the first such machines from Nitanda appeared in Japan, there were queues of those wishing to make a purchase, and sales from one machine reached up to 200 bottles per day. The fact is that Katsuo Dashi fish broth is a traditional ingredient in most Japanese dishes. Soups, sauces and main dishes are prepared from it. The most expensive broths you can buy from these machines are flying fish broths. The cheapest are from kelp.

32. Seed bomb vending machine

In the United States, there are vending machines for seed bombs - plant seeds formed into balls with compost and clay. Seed bombs are a very popular item among greens and amateur gardeners. They are usually thrown into areas devoid of vegetation or to restore lost forest cover. Gardeners love seed bombs because they don't require holes or seedlings. In addition, this convenient way to annoy a neighbor, without penetrating into private territory, planting his garden with weeds.

31. Machine for the exchange of things

This machine was designed in 2012 by Brooklyn-based designer Lina Fenkito. Unlike most vending machines, Swap-O-Matic allows you not to buy a new thing, but to get rid of an unnecessary one or get the necessary thing for free. In other words, it's a vending machine. To use the machine, you need to create your account and get points that you can both earn by leaving things in the machine and spend by getting them out of it.

30. Canned bread vending machine

What-what? Yes, yes, no cupcakes or even cakes, namely canned bread! The machine, as you might guess, comes from Japan. If desired, the buyer can choose bread stuffed with chocolate chips, coffee or fruit.

29. Airport poster printing machine

Once, the Dutch Thibaut Bruna and Olvier Jansen noticed that people use home-made posters and streamers to meet people at airports, often using even sheets. Then they decided to create a special machine for the rapid production of posters. Today, such machines are installed at airports in the Netherlands, Belgium, England and Canada. To create a poster, you need to select or upload a background, set the size, print the text, decorate it and deposit an amount from 10 to 20 euros, depending on the size of the poster.

28. A machine that prints literature on a cash tape

In Grenoble, France, they decided to install machines in several public places that allow them to print short stories on a cash register tape. The length of such a cash receipt is from 8 to 60 centimeters. The author of the "literary-vending" project was the French publishing house Short Edition, which specializes in short literature in the "three-minute reading" format.

27. Chicken egg vending machine

If in Russia they started talking about vending machines for chicken eggs quite recently, then in Japan and the USA they have not surprised anyone for a long time. There, such devices appeared back in the 40s of the 20th century! As you might guess, they are usually cells so that buyers can independently get eggs out of them.

26. Jeansomat

German brand Closed decided that buying jeans should be as easy and simple as chips or chocolates. After that, "jeansomats" appeared in Italy, working on the same principle as conventional vending machines. The first such machine was opened at the Florence airport and was intended for travelers who did not have time to run into a clothing store before leaving. The main disadvantage of the idea is that you need to know your size exactly, because the machine works without returns.

25. Art vending machine

Art-o-mats are a series of old cigarette vending machines that have been adapted to sell small pieces of art and souvenirs. In the early 2000s, several dozen of these machines were placed in museums in the United States. All souvenirs were only 3 by 5 inches and were made by hand by about 300 artists involved in the project. It could be anything from photographs to sculptures. 50% of the proceeds went to the author, the rest went to the budget of the company servicing the machines.

24. Automatic restaurant

There are vending machines in Amsterdam that offer customers a full range of dishes, comparable to the assortment of an entire restaurant. The menu mainly presents ready-made fast food, which only needs to be heated. The network of automatic fast food is called FEBO, the concept of which is based on the so-called "wall of cells", united by a single payment system. Such machines have been operating in Holland for more than 70 (!) years.

23. Instant Key Making Machine

In the United States, automatons have long been engaged in the manufacture of duplicate keys. All you have to do is insert the original key to scan, select the key design and wait for the shape to be cut. It will be cheaper to make a regular duplicate. If you order a “printed” key, painted, for example, in the colors of your favorite team or national flag, the production will cost more.

22. Vending machine for black caviar and delicacies

This is one of the famous slot machines that was installed in the prestigious Beverly Hills area of ​​Los Angeles. These machines sell dozens of varieties of black caviar, as well as other delicacies like snails and truffles. All this is offered to be eaten with mother-of-pearl spoons. The prices in the machine correspond to the pathos of the machine. For example, in 2013, the buyer had to shell out $500 for an ounce of beluga caviar.

21. Breathalyzer dispensing condoms

A machine called Johny be good (“Johnny, be good”) was installed for a PR campaign by one of the English dating sites. By blowing into the breathalyzer tube, the client can get a free condom. However, for this, the degree of his intoxication must satisfy the conditions for healthy sex. There are 10 such degrees in total, starting with the category “Sober” and ending with the category “End of the game”.

20. Jewish Booklet Vending Machine

In 2009, vending machines selling religious booklets appeared in Jerusalem. For a small fee, anyone could receive a piece of Jewish wisdom, such as passages from the Torah and other religious texts. Inside you can also find books and video tutorials on religious topics.

19. Vending machine for church candles

In some European countries, candle vending machines are common. They are installed neither more nor less in churches and cemeteries. In particular, such units are available in the churches of Barcelona and in the cemetery of the Finnish city of Tampere. The idea has a pretty reasonable start. Since church shops are open only at certain hours, it is not possible to buy candles in the evening or at night. On the other hand, the desire of entrepreneurs to increase profits in such places may seem rather blasphemous to many.

18. Machine for feeding stray animals

This machine gun from Turkey can hardly be called a "soulless machine". With it, you can do good deeds. Namely, to feed the homeless animals. Moreover, to start the feed dispensing mechanism, you need to lower the used plastic bottle into the machine. The company that developed the machine managed to make both a charity event and a profitable business at the same time, because the cost of the collected containers exceeds the cost of feed.

17. Vending machine that sells syringes to drug addicts

This machine, originally from Berlin, was invented as a method of combating the spread of HIV infection and hepatitis. He sells sterile syringes for drug addicts. If you think that this machine is unique, then you are greatly mistaken. In Europe, no one is surprised by vending machines that sell sterile needles and syringes. For example, in France there were 250 such machines in 2003.

16. A vending machine that sells crack pipes to addicts

And this machine also cannot be reproached for the lack of humanity towards drug addicts. For just a few cents, he allows drug addicts to purchase a clean crack pipe. It was installed at the Vancouver Addiction Resource Center and caused a lot of controversy among the Canadian medical community regarding the fact of its existence.

15. Vending toilet

The development of the Russian company "CLEAN TOUCH LTD" allows you to solve such an intimate problem as the cleanliness of contact with the toilet seat. Many people are categorically afraid or disdain to sit on toilet seats in public places. All sorts of tricks are used, ranging from stocked newspapers as bedding to taking “eagle poses”. Instead of these torments, the company proposes to equip the toilets with a system for automatically wrapping the lid with disposable film, as well as a wall sensor that will allow you to avoid unnecessary touches. The second part of the device is a payment receiver, which is mounted on the wall.

14. Vending machine for toy breasts

Not all Asian women can boast of large breasts. But what can I say, even the "two" for many of them is the ultimate dream. So it is not surprising that such unusual machines can be found in Asia. Whether these breasts are used as a safe alternative to implants, or whether they are some kind of anti-stress toy for men who lack large sizes, is not known for certain.

13. Bicycle rental machine

For Russians, this may seem surprising, but the first machine that allows you to rent a bicycle without human participation opened in Holland back in 2006. The author of the development called Bikedispenser was a company of the same name from Amsterdam. "Bikedispensers" allow you to rent a bike in 15 seconds and are installed at metro stations, entertainment centers, parks and car parks. After ordering, the bike automatically "floats" out of the hole in the machine.

12. Stress Relief Machine

The Passive Aggressive Anger Release Machine is the name of the device developed by designers Yarisa and Kublitz. This is the only device in our rating that allows you not to receive or exchange something, but to destroy it. For example, if your boss got you, you can put money in a bill acceptor and destroy a vase or a porcelain figurine with pleasure on your face.

11 Sleep Vending Machine

The development of the Russian company Arch Group has a telling name SleepBox. These are machines that, for a fee, allow you to ... climb inside and relax! The size of the "Slipbox" is only 3.75 meters. Inside there is a bed, a table for a laptop, a mirror, a TV and several chargers for a laptop. These private spaces are ideal for airports, train stations and hostels. Both single and double machines are available for sale. Time of use - from 15 minutes and more.

10 Celebrity Vending Machine

No, with the help of this machine you will not be able to buy Leps or Lady Gaga. Firstly, because the Icon Vending Machine is Japanese and the stars “in it” are exclusively Japanese, and secondly, it does not sell stars. He sells only a short meeting with them. This vending machine is located in one of the Tokyo cafes called Noodol Cafe, and the user only gets the opportunity to have the selected star serve it. You can chat with her, but no more than three minutes. Among the celebrities are Japanese fashion models, participants in reality shows and youth pop groups.

9. Live worm vending machine

Selling live bait through a vending machine is a common business for entrepreneurs from the USA and Europe. Fishermen love this kind of vending. Interestingly, there are also experiments in opening baited machines in Russia, for example, in the Kaliningrad region, where they were among the first to guess trading in worms. The main thing is not to confuse maggots or bloodworms with human food.

8 Live Rhinoceros Beetle Vending Machine

In Japan, the sale of rhinoceros beetles through vending machines is well established. Along with hamsters, cats and other animals, these creatures are the favorite pets of local residents. Moreover, in Japan they love to arrange fights of rhinoceros beetles. Males are most valued for large horns, so they cost about three times more than females.

7. Live Crab Vending Machine

If machines with live worms and rhinoceros beetles can still be somehow imagined, then a machine selling live crabs cannot even be dreamed of. But no, it exists. In China, live crabs are chilled and put straight into the spiral mechanism of a soulless machine. Creatures are in a sleepy state and "come to life" under the influence of heat. The Japanese (not without them!) Have their own alternative to such a device - arthropods are allowed to be caught with a mechanical hand.

6. Champagne vending machine with gold and Swarovski crystals

A luxurious champagne vending machine from one of the largest producers of this drink, the Moet & Chandon brand, was installed several years ago in London on the eve of Christmas. The machine, finished in gold and 350 Swarovski crystals, was equipped with a gold-plated elevator to deliver champagne to the window. The drink was dispensed to the customer along with a glass and a sterling silver straw.

5. Marijuana vending machine

In the US, where more and more states are legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, you can find these vending machines selling weed. California was one of the first to adopt such devices, and other states followed suit. Of course, you can't just get marijuana out of a vending machine. The developers have provided identification using fingerprints, and the purchase is possible only with a prescription from a doctor. In addition, when trying to break into each such machine, a police squad instantly arrives.

4. Car vending machine

In Nashville, USA, Carvana decided to move this process completely online to develop car sales. Customers are offered to pick up new cars through a 5-storey vending machine! The building is completely robotized and works on the principle of a conventional coffee machine. Having lowered a special coin into the receiving slot, the buyer starts the issuing process using mechanized manipulators.

3. Vending machine for luxury cars and renting yachts and mansions

Miami Beach has one of the craziest and most pompous vending machines, with which you can buy everything from sailing on a yacht to renting a luxurious mansion, from buying a Bently car to a BMW motorcycle. The maximum limit per purchase is limited to one million dollars. Of course, instead of all these cool things, the machine gives out vouchers, which can then be exchanged for a purchase.

2. Goldomat: vending machine that sells gold bars

The first "goldomats" were installed in Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, Madrid and Bergamo and allowed everyone to purchase gold bars weighing 1.5 and 10 grams. The gold rate is automatically adjusted every ten minutes. Naturally, the “gold mat” is super-reliably protected from hacking. The name of this miracle is Gold to Go (“Gold to go”), which sounds somewhat derogatory in relation to coffee-to-go-style machines and everyone who buys this coffee.

1. Vending machine for used Japanese schoolgirl panties

It seems like a joke, but it's true. The first vending machines selling worn-out panties of schoolgirls with the smell of the owners appeared in Japan in 1993. Childhood and innocence in the Land of the Rising Sun are considered the standard of sexuality, so the demand for teenage sex in Japan is off scale. It is said that the more lingerie was used by a schoolgirl, the higher the selling price of the item. And how do you order after that to talk about the depraved West and the chaste East?

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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 in Soviet times. After the collapse of the Union, the Russian vending business was not very popular at first, but in the 2000s 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), toys of small and medium sizes;
• sale of coffee, tea, carbonated and soft drinks;
• jukeboxes;
• massage chairs;
• electronic scales with various functions;
• slot machines.

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

The vending business is considered to be a very promising and highly profitable type of business. But providing for taking into account a number of features and specific requirements.

Starting a business

How to start a vending business? As in any other form of commerce, building a network of vending machines begins with determining the target audience, with identifying your client. The business can target young men and women, businessmen and office workers, shoppers in malls and other clientele.

The choice of the target audience largely determines which machines should be purchased and in which places to install. Successfully chosen locations of 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, railway stations and airports, on busy streets and squares. Cafes and bars, foyers of cinemas, recreation areas in shopping centers will be the most successful place for musical and slot machines.

Aspiring entrepreneurs with little start-up capital are limited to purchasing tea and coffee machines and snack vending machines. The exception is projects that were initially focused on the development of 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 complicated in terms of taxation, so it makes sense to open them only if the company has a separate position of an accountant.

By law, if individual entrepreneur does not earn more than the established norm for a year, a simplified taxation system is available to him. It is recommended to adhere to it until the revenue from the business overcomes the established bar.

Vending company employees

Like any technology, vending machines require maintenance and repair.

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

Repairs are more difficult. Self repair by the organizer of the business is possible only if he has enough special technical knowledge for this. If they are absent, saving on specialists is categorically not recommended. Only a knowledgeable and experienced person can quickly solve any technical problems on the spot, while not damaging or breaking the device.

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

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

Business plan for the development of vending

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 and their maintenance, and the lease of retail space.

Estimated costs will be as follows:

• 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;
• renting an area in a good location - from 3,000 rubles per month;
• the salary of a service worker - from 10,000 per month, a repair specialist - from 20 thousand, in Moscow and St. Petersburg even higher.

When planning revenue, start from averages 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 the cost of maintaining and repairing vending machines, advertising, paying taxes, and contingencies.

Advantages of the vending business

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

According to statistics, in developed countries there are 300-400 vending machines per 10 thousand people. In Russia - 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 the vending machine business is its high liquidity. Always and at any time to find a buyer for a vending machine is not difficult. Thus, it is quite easy to sell part of the machines or the entire business.

The third advantage is simplicity and ease in mastering 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 for the purchase and commercial operation of the machines. However, trade in certain categories of goods still requires registration of licenses and relevant documents, including permits from the SES, electrical supervision and fire inspection. It is also easy to expand the business: you buy a machine, choose a point, rent an area and start the sales process.

In conclusion, it should be noted that almost all vending machines are easily adapted from the sale of some goods to the sale of others, similar ones. The coffee machine can dispense several types of coffee and tea. Changing the recipe of one, unpopular, type of coffee to another, more popular, is a fairly simple procedure. It is even easier to reorient the vending machine selling 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, it will not work to save money by purchasing used machines. With a high degree of probability, all profits will go to their repair and maintenance. Starting a business with 1-2 machine guns 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 certainly will not allow you to hire a repair specialist.

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

Secondly, the payback period. It equals, on average, one year. Even if the entrepreneur installs the machines in a very good place and assumes the responsibility for their maintenance and repair, this period can hardly be reduced to six months.

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

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

The relevance of the vending business in 2020

Due to the 2-3-fold depreciation of the ruble against the world's leading currencies, the cost of new vending machines 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 this money.

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

The increase in the cost of spare parts and consumables affected the prices of the products offered. To keep their business profitable, entrepreneurs have to raise prices and cut costs.

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

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

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The phrase "vending business" may give the impression of a complex term. However, this is quite common in Russia, but not sated with the domestic market, the area of ​​commerce.

Business on vending machines

The bulk of publications about the vending business falls into two categories: reference articles and general discussions. The former are needed by specialists, but will be too complicated for those who are just planning to do this business. The texts of the second kind have little specificity, they do not provide initial data for decision-making and therefore are useless for entrepreneurs.

This article is for entrepreneurs and companies that are considering this Kind of activity as an object of investment and want to receive specific information, presented clearly, without an abundance of professional terms.

What is a vending business

Vending - automated trading, that is, the sale of goods using vending machines. The name comes from "vending" (English), which means "sale through vending machines." Read more about the definition of vending.

Interesting fact. Many vending company owners who work in other areas of commerce consider vending to be the most intellectual type of entrepreneurship in which there is no place for routine. Here, the maximum profit is brought by the personal initiative of a businessman, his ability to analyze the situation and find unconventional solutions. At the same time, the business remains quite predictable, and there are typical working business plans.

Business "Coffee to go"

Statistics

Top 3 types of goods sold through vending machines:

• Hot drinks - coffee, tea, cocoa.
• Cold drinks - mineral water, soda, soft drinks.
• Snacks - chocolate bars, chips, popcorn, nuts.

Pros and cons of vending business

Advantages

Key Benefits: low investment and good payback, simple organization, business expansion, sales prospects.

More about the pros:

1. Cheap rental of a trading place - the device occupies a small area.
2. Cheap service - one person in a car ensures the filling of 20-40 units of equipment with goods.
3. Sale 24 hours a day.
4. Simple accounting - no salespeople, cashiers, managers and cleaners - no need to pay salaries, sick leave, vacation pay.
5. Easily adapts to the flow of customers - the machine can be rearranged to another place, transportation is cheap.
6. A commercial enterprise is easy to study: the devices are typical, the service is standard.
7. Rapid expansion - the purchase of new devices does not require long-term preparation (no need to repair premises, select sellers).
8. Good sales prospects - A successful vending machine business is more in demand than an equally cost-benefit shop or pavilion.

Interesting fact. Vending machines bring additional profit through advertising, and it also helps to increase their sales. Advertisements are placed on the case of devices, receiving a reward from the advertiser. A well-chosen picture will make the machine even more attractive to people - good advertising is unobtrusive, makes you smile and cheers you up. If you advertise a well-known brand, your fleet of vehicles will become subconsciously associated with it, which will increase customer confidence.

Disadvantages and how to deal with them

There are no absolute cons, but there are difficulties with which you need to work. The main difficulty is choosing a place for installation. It is important to take into account not only the flow of customers, but also their preferences.

Plant of vending equipment "Unicum" on NTV:

Why the machine is picky about the location

The device must be placed so that a large number of people pass by it. However, you need to understand that vandals can damage equipment on the streets and in transitions. Therefore, vending machines are installed on well-lit streets, next to round-the-clock retail outlets, in the field of view of metro workers.

A good option is a 24-hour supermarket in the city center or in a residential area, such places are occupied in the first place. It will take time to search, but it is worth doing for the sake of a tangible increase in profits.

You can also install in a store that closes at night. At the same time, you need to clarify whether this place is well visited during the day. If there are many offices nearby and the outlet is interesting for office workers, then there are always buyers during the day. They will use your services and products.

Why 3% of people never buy from vending machines

The vending business is familiar to buyers under 55 and working retirees. Why do older people often refuse machine guns? Three main reasons:

1. In an ordinary store it is convenient to communicate, consult with other buyers and sellers.
2. It is not always comfortable to read the inscriptions on the buttons without glasses.
3. Elderly people are not sure that they will be able to deal with the functionality of the device.

The first factor is partially leveled when the machine is installed in a shopping center. A person can chat with other buyers, consult with sellers, go shopping, and then buy snacks or water in the machine without a queue.

Children's apparatus "Forest Fairy Tale" in the business center of Rostov-on-Don.

The inscriptions on the buttons are large enough to be read with a slight farsightedness. Elderly people use glasses in the store, so there will be no difficulties if the device is installed indoors. On the street, a person does not want to wear glasses, it is easier to go to the nearest trade pavilion and ask the seller.

It is easy to buy in the machine, anyone who uses household appliances can handle it. But for some it is psychologically uncomfortable to understand a completely unfamiliar, as it seems to them, technology. Elderly people start using vending machines when their grandchildren ask to buy something and show them how to do it.

Seasonal fluctuations in demand

In summer, water and soda sell well, and in winter, demand for hot drinks increases. This must be taken into account when planning a vending business. In order to generate a stable profit, the assortment changes depending on the season and / or focuses on products that are not subject to sharp fluctuations in demand (for example, snacks).

Vending enterprise on snack machines. Samara.

Investments in the vending business

The estimated cost of a high-quality new machine is 150-500 thousand rubles.

You can buy cheaper models of little-known brands, perhaps Russian vending machines, but this is not the best way to save money.

1. Firstly, reputable manufacturers maintain a stable level of quality: the machine is difficult to damage, it lasts a long time and looks neat.
2. Secondly, the leading suppliers have a convenient service: if questions or problems arise, they will be solved quickly, the device will not be idle.

Used equipment is cheaper than new, and its purchase can be justified when it comes to reliable brands. But it is not worth buying a machine “from hand”, because only a specialist can determine its real state. It makes sense to buy used devices only in a service organization that checks the equipment, conducts its pre-sale service and gives a guarantee. There are few such services in Russia, so the search for reliable used equipment will take time.

The best way to minimize costs is to become a partner of a vending company.

In this case, the businessman uses the equipment belonging to her, in return the company receives a share of the profits. The disadvantage of this option is limited freedom of maneuver. The entrepreneur will not be able to install and fill the vending devices solely at will, everything must be coordinated with the company.

Payback

Usually the payback period of any vending business is 12-16 months. There are many cases when businessmen paid for a new expensive machine in just 1-2 months. It also happens that the device does not make a profit until a better place is selected for it or the assortment is changed.

Snack machines in the Moscow region

How to start a business

1. Select the products you will sell and determine the approximate number of machines. It is better to plan installation sites, find out about free space and lease conditions at this stage. So it will be possible to adjust the composition of products and the planned number of units of equipment.
2. Make a business plan - the document can be in any form, the main thing is to indicate the type of activity, form of ownership, taxation system, method of tax accounting. It is worth clarifying the mandatory points of the business plan at the local tax office, since requirements may vary slightly in different regions.
3. Register entity or IP. This can be done, including through the Internet on the website of the State Service.
4. Read about OKVED for business on vending machines, briefly: OKVED new 029-2014 (OKVED2).
5. Choose and buy vending equipment. It is better to buy from large suppliers, having previously specified information about manufacturers, about the features of operation and maintenance of different models. Descriptions and analytical reviews of equipment supplied to Russia and serviced in our country can be viewed at, there are also prices for almost all known vending machines.

Examples of vending business plans

Opinions of businessmen

1. Owner of a small network of coffee machines in Samara
   

   I have been engaged in the vending business and, in particular, coffee machines for the second year. Now I have four devices in my asset. The first difficulty for me was to find a suitable place, then negotiate with the tenant and check it out. If the device is often used, then you have done right choice if not, then find another place. After that, you just need to follow the technique, pour coffee, pour water and collect money. Of the pluses, it is worth noting a small cash contribution, that is, you do not need fabulous money for your business. You don't need to hire a bunch of people and pay them a salary. Well, passive income.

2. Businessman Artem from the provincial town of Nevel, Pskov region
   

   Not the most sophisticated device for coffee and tea will cost around $ 2500-3000, it will pay off for at least a year. Of course it depends on where you put it. After 2-2.5 years, it will most likely stop living with you, you will have to change it. Again, do not forget about the cost of rent and regular purchases of consumables. From additional nuances - bill acceptors are often killed. If the place does not turn out to be fish, then you will have to transport the device, which is also not so simple. In general, swimming in money is not particularly successful, but enough for bread and butter.

3. The owner of the snack-coffee machines Mikhail from Tver
   

   When I was not in the vending business and did not know about all the pitfalls, I already assumed that this was a profitable niche. In fact, it can be considered a passive source of income, well, almost. As I remember now, I completed the purchase of my first coffee machine, followed its installation, then chose for a very long time. By the way, at the expense of choice, I think this is one of the important parts. To get the maximum profit, you need to take the choice of equipment as seriously as possible, the better it is, the longer it will last, and the longer it lasts, the more natural the profit will be. In terms of taxes, of course, everyone understands everything, where more people, the more profit. So the key to profit is high-quality equipment and the right installation site.

Video about vending business

Anton gives advice - "How to make money in the vending business?":

There are many different products that can be sold in vending machines. Therefore, there are at least several ways to categorize them. Here we will present for business, included in the TOP 10 best ideas. For convenience, we will divide them according to the products offered and give a detailed description.

Hot drinks are the most popular brands. Partly because 60% of them are now in the workplace. More than 8 million cups of coffee and 2 million cups of tea are sold daily. The selection of drinks continues to grow at a rapid pace. And over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the drink. People want quality and they want more, with the norm. What's more, some begin to grind the coffee beans, which ends with instant coffee mode.

Other hot drinks include: tea, hot chocolate, soup.

Sales of cold drinks

Cold drinks can be served along with hot drinks. But it is better to have separate vending machines for business. Because then customers will be able to choose from a wider range.

It's good to have at least 6 different drinks, preferably well-known brands, for every taste. By paying attention to these factors, you can increase your sales by more than 30%. Given that this is the most popular product category in our country, every decision you make can lead to.

The conveyor dispensing mechanism is recommended for offline vending machines to ensure that the ingredient is not shaken from falling to the hopper. An alternative is to use openable doors. This feature allows the customer to select a product, like most newspaper machines. Since this is a security issue, this method is not recommended for public areas.

Other soft drinks include: cold tea, juice, milk and milkshakes

Snack bars and sweet vending machines

First of all, such business vending machines offer almost any sweet or snack. They can also serve as dispensers for cold drinks in bottles, cans or even tetra packs. Moreover, it could be a potential combination of the most popular products. Snacks usually include various types of chips, pastries, ice cream, candies, sweets, and the like. If you choose to forego snacks and drinks, you will be prompted to set different temperatures. It also helps during the change of season.

Most Popular Items: chips, sweets.

Other

Sales of ice cream and frozen foods

Ice cream vending machines are by far the most sought after on hot days. And frozen food is a good option for those who want more than just a snack. Because, the dispensed product can be reheated in the microwave to a good hot meal. There is also the possibility to combine these machines making a complete freezer.

Most Popular: ice cream and milkshakes.

Other products: nuts, cookies, pastries, sweets.

Food vending machines are categorized into those that serve hot and cold or chilled food. First of all, in their operation, instead of a simple refrigerant, it is necessary to use additional technologies. What's more, it also means less power consumption compared to frozen food.

Like any other, food vending machines can be combined with drinks or other types of snacks. For example, with such as chips, which makes them a one-stop supplier of lunch content. You can also use these devices.

Although some of the products may be prepared in advance, they are sealed tightly, which means they stay fresh for up to 14 days. This is considered a good shelf life among professional vendors. However, food distribution should be checked periodically for safe eating.

Most Popular: sandwiches.

Other products: pizza, soups, salads, hamburgers.

Treats for children

These machines are commonly found in malls, amusement parks, and other entertainment venues with high family traffic.

Being inexpensive and small in size, they can also be easily rented for parties and birthdays. Due to their cheap and small products, they have lower safety requirements and are therefore cheaper in their own right.

They usually only accept coins. Sometimes only a certain type, because basically they sell one product. Although there may be other models that combine several vending machines on one stand or rack. Because children who don't know how to read can use them when trying to place different coins. In such cases, they do not sell the product and do not return the coin.

These vending machines come with extra weight, no sharp edges, and are explosion-proof.

Most Popular: gumballs, capsules.

Other novelties: balloons, tattoos, stickers.

Coolers for water and ice

Wall mounted coolers are one of the most popular water dispensers or coolers. They just need to be connected to a water supply and electricity is required to cool the water. The filter is also fixed, which keeps the water clean for maximum refreshment. These filters can be 100% recyclable. What's more, they help maintain the environment.

And what to do if unexpected guests visit you? You go to the kitchen, check the fridge just to find ice cubes. Therefore, having an ice dispenser at home can be a life saver. This standalone appliance can be really useful in both homes and offices. Because it is important for every catering establishment. It can also be combined with a water dispenser, making it a truly versatile device.

Most Popular: water and ice.

Other products: ice water, watery ice.

Medicine and hygiene products

There are different types of vending machines that we usually see on the wall in the toilet. These include one or more types of condoms, tampons, hand cleaners, daily necessities, and other hygiene products. Most of them are battery operated to make installation more convenient. Although due to the growing positive response from customers, their need is growing. We may soon see offline vending machines that sell organic products.

According to their types, as a rule, there are versions with one and two columns to increase the range. However, if there is demand, 10-column machines can also be installed. The system that distributes the product can be either mechanical or electronic. It usually depends on the number of products to be sold. For one or two post machines, the mechanical system is mostly used because it is cheaper. For vending several different products are used electronic systems increased complexity.

Most Popular: condoms, feminine hygiene.

Other products: soap, toothbrushes, analgin, lip balm.

Although this category contains a variety of drinks, snacks, and foods, they are usually sold separately with the brand " healthy eating". They can store healthy drinks(water, juice) or snacks (fruits, vegetables, etc.). Of course, this usually means that you have to change products more often due to their fast expiration. However, it may turn out to be the right decision if the people who use this machine take care of themselves.

Most Popular: dairy products, nuts.

Other products: fruits, vegetables, whole grains.

Custom Vending Machines

These business vending machines are designed for specific brands and needs. Moreover, user machines can be small (wall-mounted). Or as big as a complete retail line, depending on the products being sold. Products sold in specialized vending machines range from mail, newspapers, lottery tickets to perfume. But these are just some of them.

Most Popular: newspapers.

Other goods: perfumery, sports equipment.