Full-Time vending route business

Customers buying from the machines, while hosts such as employers, schools, councils and facility managers provide placement.

Margin on every sale, with more machines per route meaning more income per hour of driving. Some sites may charge commission or rent.

• Sales and contract negotiation
• Route and stock planning
• Bookkeeping and cash handling

• Public liability, product liability and motor vehicle insurance
• Food safety and registration rules for chilled or fresh items, check with your local council and state food authority
• School and government canteen guidelines on what can be sold, which vary by state
• Registering for GST once you reach the threshold
• Workers compensation once you hire a helper

Estimated startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the number of machines, your vehicle and storage, and the stock you carry. Get quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your sites, machine mix and how many machines you run. This is revenue before stock, vehicle and other costs. The estimate assumes at least about 30 hours a week.

Check public liability, product liability and motor vehicle insurance, and food safety and registration rules for chilled or fresh items with your local council and state food authority. Also check school and government canteen guidelines, GST registration and workers compensation if you hire a helper.