Hey, Oddies.

Jen Glantz here. One of my dream side projects is to own and operate a vending machine. I think it would be a fun small business to do with my baby girl once she’s a little older.

Aside from stocking the machine and maintaining it, a lot of vending machine money is passive income — my favorite type of income.

So as I daydream about vending machines and include it in my 10-year-plan, I started thinking about the types of machines I want to own.

Sure, there’s soda and candy, but in 2024, there are a whole lot of other, unique, options too. I’m sharing 25 of them below.

Ps. If you’re daydreaming about a side hustle idea and want to put it in motion, let me help you get started. Here’s how.

Share

But First: 💻 My Tech Stack

I’ve been eyeballing a lot of X threads of people’s tech stacks — the tools they swear by for their business and life. So I decided to keep a running list of my own right here. I’ll update this each week with the best tools I use as a solopreneur:

Social Media & Marketing:

• Tailwind: Makes it super easy to schedule 100+ pins a month on Pinterest.

• Flodesk: Marketing emails that are easy to design and send.

• Event Share: Lets all guests upload photos to one spot at/after an event

• Any Email Finder: Gives you anyone’s email. I use this for outreach.

• 48-Hour Logo: A speedy fast way to get logo designs for your bizz.

• ReplyGuy: A service that mentions your bizz on Reddit and Twitter.

Website:

• Showit: Both of my websites are designed on this platform.

• InstaWP: A fast and easy way to build a Wordpress website.

• Weebly: Free website builder that requires zero coding or skills

• Opt-in Monster: Helps you capture leads on your website in a handful of ways

• Swift Brief: Scans your website and suggests + writes SEO blog posts for it.

Content Creation:

• Fiverr: Outsource work and get quick results. I use it for editing, social media, and design.

• Typefully: Writes you catchy, personalized, and engaging Linkedin posts

• Hemingway: Edits your writing in real-time to make it perfect and professional

Random but Good:

• Toggl: A time-tracking tool that organizes how you spend your minutes.

• Cratejoy: My go-to last minute gift for a birthday or holiday.

• Classpass: Not tech but it’s part of my life stack. I take workout classes using this app.

Make Money Stack:

• Poshmark: I sell clothes and other items around the house

• Etsy: Dreaming up what to sell on this platform.

• Survey Junkie: Get paid to take surveys

• Howl: How I get affiliate/brand deals as a creator

Share

🍫 25 Vending Machine Ideas

Vending machines have been a reliable source of passive income for entrepreneurs for decades. With advancements in technology and an ever-expanding variety of products, the vending machine industry offers a wide range of opportunities for those looking to start their own business. In this post, we'll explore 25 different types of vending machines you can own and operate, along with some essential details to help you get started.

1. Snack Vending Machines

Snack vending machines are the most common type, dispensing chips, candy, and other packaged snacks. To get started, research popular snack brands and purchase a machine from a reputable supplier. Negotiate a contract with a property owner to place your machine in a high-traffic location like an office building or school. Regularly monitor inventory levels and sales data to optimize your product mix and pricing. Consider offering healthier snack options to cater to health-conscious consumers.

2. Soda Vending Machines

Soda vending machines are another popular choice, offering cold beverages to thirsty customers. Invest in energy-efficient models with modern payment options like credit cards and mobile payments. Partner with major soft drink brands to offer a variety of popular beverages. Place your machines in high-traffic areas like shopping malls, universities, and public spaces. Regularly maintain your machines to ensure optimal performance and customer satisfaction.

3. Healthy Vending Machines

As health consciousness grows, so does the demand for healthier vending options. Stock your machine with organic snacks, protein bars, low-calorie beverages, and fresh fruit. Research health food suppliers and negotiate bulk purchasing agreements to maximize your profit margins. Target locations like gyms, wellness centers, hospitals, and offices with health-conscious employees. Promote your healthy vending options through targeted marketing campaigns.

4. Coffee Vending Machines

Coffee vending machines provide a quick caffeine fix for busy individuals. Invest in a high-quality machine that offers various hot beverage options like cappuccinos, lattes, and hot chocolate. Partner with a reputable coffee supplier to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality beans and ingredients. Place your machines in office buildings, universities, hospitals, and transportation hubs. Offer loyalty programs and discounts to encourage repeat business.

5. Ice Cream Vending Machines

Perfect for warm weather locations, ice cream vending machines can be a profitable venture. Opt for machines with multiple flavors and novelty ice creams like character pops and ice cream sandwiches. Negotiate contracts with popular ice cream brands and distributors. High-traffic outdoor areas like amusement parks, beaches, and tourist attractions are ideal locations. Regularly maintain your machines to prevent breakdowns during peak season.

6. Fresh Food Vending Machines

Fresh food vending machines offer meals like salads, sandwiches, and yogurt parfaits for health-conscious consumers on the go. Partner with local food suppliers and restaurants to ensure a consistent supply of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Invest in machines with refrigeration units to keep food fresh and safe. Place your machines in office buildings, hospitals, colleges, and airports. Regularly rotate your menu offerings to keep customers engaged.

7. Personal Care Vending Machines

These machines dispense essentials like toothpaste, razors, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products. Research popular personal care brands and negotiate bulk purchasing agreements. Stock your machines with travel-sized items for added convenience. Place your machines in high-traffic locations like airports, hotels, dormitories, and gym locker rooms. Regularly monitor inventory levels to prevent stockouts of popular items.

8. Electronics Vending Machines

Electronics vending machines sell small gadgets, phone accessories, and charging cables for tech-savvy consumers on the go. Partner with popular electronics brands and distributors to offer a curated selection of in-demand products. Place your machines in airports, shopping malls, convention centers, and tech-focused locations like startup hubs and universities. Keep up with the latest tech trends to continuously update your product offerings.

9. Book and Magazine Vending Machines

These machines offer reading materials for those on the go, including best-sellers, popular magazines, and local publications. Partner with major book publishers and magazine distributors to offer a diverse selection of titles. Negotiate revenue-sharing agreements to minimize upfront inventory costs. Place your machines in airports, train stations, hospital waiting rooms, and hotel lobbies. Regularly rotate your inventory based on sales data and customer feedback.

10. Laundry Supply Vending Machines

Perfect for laundromats and dormitories, these machines dispense detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and other laundry essentials. Partner with popular laundry supply brands and negotiate bulk purchasing agreements. Offer competitive prices and convenient packaging options like single-use pods and travel-sized bottles. Place your machines in high-traffic laundry facilities and residential buildings. Regularly monitor inventory levels and machine functionality to ensure a seamless customer experience.

11. Toy Vending Machines

Toy vending machines are a hit with children, dispensing small toys, stickers, temporary tattoos, and collectibles. Research popular toy trends and partner with reputable toy manufacturers and distributors. Offer a mix of classic toys and trendy items to appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. Place your machines in family-friendly restaurants, shopping malls, amusement parks, and movie theaters. Regularly update your toy selection based on customer feedback and sales data.

Share

12. Pet Supply Vending Machines

These machines cater to pet owners, offering treats, toys, waste bags, and other pet essentials. Partner with trusted pet supply brands and negotiate bulk purchasing agreements. Offer a mix of popular pet products and unique, hard-to-find items. Place your machines in pet stores, dog parks, veterinary clinics, and pet-friendly apartment complexes. Regularly monitor inventory levels and customer feedback to optimize your product mix.

13. Art Supply Vending Machines

Art supply vending machines are perfect for schools, museums, art studios, and craft stores. Stock your machines with sketchpads, pencils, markers, small art kits, and other essential supplies. Partner with reputable art supply brands and negotiate bulk purchasing agreements. Keep your prices student-friendly and offer a mix of basic supplies and specialty items. Place your machines in high-traffic areas like school cafeterias, museum gift shops, and art supply stores.

14. Bike Repair Vending Machines

These machines provide cyclists with essential repair items like inner tubes, tire levers, multi-tools, and patch kits. Partner with reputable cycling brands and distributors to offer high-quality, reliable products. Place your machines near popular bike trails, parks, urban cycling routes, and bike rental shops. Regularly monitor inventory levels and machine functionality to ensure a seamless customer experience. Consider offering bike-sharing memberships and loyalty programs to encourage repeat business.

15. Sticker and Decal Vending Machines

Sticker and decal vending machines appeal to younger audiences, offering trendy designs, popular characters, and unique artwork. Partner with talented artists, graphic designers, and popular media brands to offer a diverse selection of stickers and decals. Place your machines in shopping malls, arcades, youth-oriented venues, and tourist attractions. Regularly update your designs based on customer feedback and current trends. Consider offering custom sticker options for added personalization.

16. Gumball and Candy Vending Machines

Gumball and candy vending machines are classic favorites that appeal to all ages. Partner with popular candy manufacturers and distributors to offer a mix of classic and trendy confections. Offer a variety of pricing options and machine sizes to suit different locations and budgets. Place your machines in high-traffic areas like movie theaters, shopping malls, and family restaurants. Regularly monitor inventory levels and machine functionality to ensure a seamless customer experience.

17. Sunscreen and Beach Gear Vending Machines

These machines cater to beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and other beach essentials. Partner with popular sunscreen brands and beach gear manufacturers to offer high-quality, reliable products. Place your machines near beaches, resort pools, water parks, and outdoor recreational areas. Regularly monitor inventory levels and expiration dates to ensure product freshness and safety. Consider offering eco-friendly and reef-safe sunscreen options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

18. Baby Supply Vending Machines

Baby supply vending machines offer a convenient solution for parents on the go, providing diapers, wipes, baby food, and other essentials. Partner with trusted baby product brands and distributors to offer a curated selection of high-quality items. Place your machines in family-friendly locations like airports, shopping malls, amusement parks, and pediatrician offices. Regularly monitor inventory levels and expiration dates to ensure product freshness and safety. Consider offering organic and hypoallergenic options for health-conscious parents.

19. School and Office Supply Vending Machines

These machines cater to students and professionals, offering pens, pencils, notebooks, and other essential supplies. Partner with popular stationery brands and distributors to offer a diverse selection of high-quality products. Place your machines in schools, universities, libraries, and office buildings. Regularly monitor inventory levels and sales data to optimize your product mix. Consider offering eco-friendly and recycled supply options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

20. Umbrella Vending Machines

Umbrella vending machines provide a convenient solution for those caught in unexpected rain showers. Partner with reputable umbrella manufacturers to offer a range of sizes, colors, and styles. Place your machines near public transportation hubs, office buildings, shopping districts, and tourist attractions. Regularly monitor weather forecasts to ensure adequate inventory levels during rainy seasons. Consider offering compact and travel-sized umbrella options for added convenience.

21. Skincare and Cosmetics Vending Machines

These machines cater to beauty enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of skincare products, makeup, and cosmetic accessories. Partner with popular beauty brands and distributors to offer high-quality, on-trend products. Place your machines in shopping malls, department stores, beauty salons, and fitness centers. Regularly update your product offerings based on customer feedback and current beauty trends. Consider offering travel-sized and sample-sized options for added convenience.

22. Headphone and Earbuds Vending Machines

Headphone and earbud vending machines provide a convenient solution for those in need of a quick audio fix. Partner with reputable audio brands to offer a range of styles, colors, and price points. Place your machines in airports, train stations, libraries, and university campuses. Regularly monitor inventory levels and sales data to optimize your product mix. Consider offering both wired and wireless options to cater to different preferences and device compatibility.

23. Greeting Card and Gift Wrap Vending Machines

These machines cater to last-minute shoppers, offering a selection of greeting cards, gift bags, and wrapping paper for various occasions. Partner with popular greeting card brands and gift wrap manufacturers to offer a diverse range of designs and styles. Place your machines in shopping malls, grocery stores, and other retail locations. Regularly update your offerings based on seasonal trends and customer feedback. Consider offering personalization options like custom message printing for added convenience.

24. Fitness Supplement Vending Machines

Fitness supplement vending machines cater to health and fitness enthusiasts, offering protein bars, energy drinks, and workout supplements. Partner with reputable supplement brands and distributors to offer high-quality, safe products. Place your machines in gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities. Regularly monitor inventory levels and expiration dates to ensure product freshness and safety. Consider offering a mix of popular brands and niche products to appeal to a wide range of fitness goals and preferences.

25. COVID-19 Safety Supply Vending Machines

In light of the ongoing pandemic, COVID-19 safety supply vending machines have gained popularity, offering face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, and other protective gear. Partner with reputable PPE manufacturers and distributors to offer high-quality, certified products. Place your machines in public spaces like airports, shopping malls, office buildings, and schools. Regularly monitor inventory levels and stay informed about the latest public health guidelines to ensure your offerings meet current safety standards. Consider offering both disposable and reusable mask options to cater to different preferences and budgets.

To get started with any of these vending machine businesses, thoroughly research the costs involved, including the machine itself, inventory, maintenance, and location rental fees. Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your target market, marketing strategy, and financial projections. Secure prime locations and negotiate favorable contracts with property owners. Regularly monitor sales, restock inventory, and collect money to ensure smooth operations and maximize profitability.

Vending machines offer a flexible and scalable business opportunity with a wide variety of niches to choose from. By selecting the right type of machine, products, and locations, and implementing effective marketing and management strategies, you can build a profitable vending machine business that generates passive income for years to come. Stay informed about industry trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements to continuously adapt and grow your business in this dynamic and rewarding industry.

Leave a comment

Where to Buy a Vending Machine

It looks like there are a ton of places you can buy new and used vending machines. If you have a couple thousand dollars to spend, some places to look are:

• Vending

• Sam’s Club

• Discount Vending

Real People Who Have Made $$$ Off Vending Machines

Here are some real stories of people who made money by owning and operating vending machines. It’s not always easy money. Some people make thousands a month and others lose money doing it. Here are some stories to check out:

• The 7 steps of owning a vending machine

• Pros and cons of owning a vending machine

• Someone who walked away from the vending machine business

• How much money you can really make owning a vending machine

Share

Need help taking one of these ideas and making it your own?

• Take our Side Hustle Course. It walks you through everything you need to launch a business in 30-days or less.

Let's Go

• Thanks for reading Odd Jobs. I appreciate your eyeballs on this and the space in your inbox. This newsletter is reader-supported so thank you for having our back. If you want access to more goodies: workshops, brainstorming sessions, and more, consider becoming a paid subscriber: