Beauty vending machine in one busy location

Shoppers, students, gym members, travellers and event-goers who want a quick, convenient purchase.

You earn the difference between what you pay for the products and the price on the machine, minus the site's fee (a flat rent or a share of sales) and card payment fees.

• Choosing products people will buy on impulse
• Negotiating with property managers
• Tracking stock and costs
• Reliable restocking routine

• Check whether the host site wants a written agreement, a rent or a revenue share, and who is responsible if the machine is damaged or stolen
• Cosmetics sold in Canada must meet Health Canada rules, including labelling, so check requirements with your supplier and Health Canada before selling
• Check with your municipality whether a business licence is needed and register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold
• Commercial general liability insurance is worth checking, and many sites will ask for proof
• Check expiry dates and temperature limits on products, since cold winters and hot cars can spoil stock

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $9,000, depending on whether you buy or lease the machine and how much stock you load. Your host site may also ask for rent or a revenue share.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on the foot traffic at your site, your product mix and how reliably you restock. Treat this as revenue before stock and site costs.

Check Health Canada cosmetic rules, including labelling, with your supplier. Also check the host site agreement, municipal business licence and GST/HST registration once past the small supplier threshold, and commercial general liability insurance, which sites often ask for.