Phone Accessory Vending Machines, Small Route

Customers who need a charger or cable in a hurry: commuters, travellers, students, gym-goers and event crowds. The venue takes a share of sales.

You earn the margin on each item sold, minus the venue's share of sales, card fees and stock costs. More machines in busier spots mean more sales per restocking trip.

• Negotiating with venue managers
• Basic stock and cash tracking
• Reliable, regular restocking

• Public liability insurance, and whether your policy covers machines and stock in other people's premises
• Electrical accessories sold in Australia must meet safety and labelling rules, check with your state's electrical safety regulator and the ACCC
• Theft, vandalism and unsold stock that goes out of date, such as old cable types
• Venue agreements: check the revenue share, contract length, and who is responsible for power and damage
• Card payment fees and GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you buy or lease machines, how many you place and your opening stock. Treat these as estimates and confirm real prices with suppliers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $2,000, depending on the number of machines, how busy each venue is and the share you give the host. The estimates assume at least about 4 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance and whether it covers machines and stock on other people's premises. Check electrical accessory safety and labelling rules with your state's regulator and the ACCC. Also check venue agreements for revenue share, contract length, power and damage.