Beauty vending machine route

Shoppers, students, gym members and travellers buying on impulse.

Profit on each sale across all machines, after product costs, site fees, payment fees and vehicle costs. More machines spread your restocking trips over more sales.

• Route and schedule planning
• Inventory and cash flow management
• Negotiating with several site owners
• Reading sales data to adjust product mix

• Each site may have its own agreement and insurance requirements, so check terms before placing a machine
• Check Health Canada cosmetic labelling and ingredient rules for every product you stock
• Check with each municipality about business licences and register for GST/HST once required
• Check provincial WCB/WSIB rules before hiring anyone to help with restocking
• Vandalism, theft and machine breakdowns can cut into profit, so ask about insurance and a service plan
• A vehicle is usually needed for restocking, and winter driving can slow your route

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $10,000 to $40,000, depending on how many machines you place, whether you buy or lease them and how much stock you carry. You will also usually need a vehicle for restocking.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the number of machines, the quality of your sites and your product mix. Vandalism, theft and breakdowns can cut into profit.

Check each site's agreement and insurance requirements, Health Canada cosmetic labelling and ingredient rules for every product, and municipal business licences. Also check GST/HST registration and provincial WCB/WSIB rules before hiring anyone to help with restocking.