Healthy snack vending for gyms and workplaces

Gym members, staff, patients and visitors pay at the machine. Some sites may ask for a commission or a specific product mix.

Higher margin per item on specialty products, plus steady repeat sales from regular users. Some items cost more to buy, so track spoilage and pricing closely.

• Product sourcing and pricing
• Pitching to site managers
• Stock rotation and date checking
• Customer feedback and menu adjustment

• Commercial general liability insurance and product liability cover
• Check your local public health unit for food handling rules, especially if you sell anything refrigerated
• Labelling and allergen rules for packaged foods, which you should confirm with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Refrigerated machines need reliable power and regular cleaning
• Short shelf life can mean waste if a site is slow
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the number and type of machines, including any refrigerated units, and your opening stock. These are estimates, so compare machine and supplier quotes.

Check commercial general liability and product liability cover. Ask your local public health unit about food handling rules, especially for refrigerated items, and confirm labelling and allergen rules for packaged foods with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on your sites and product mix. Short shelf life can mean waste if a site is slow, so check dates and adjust stock. Hours start at about 8 a week.