Beauty vending machine in local venues

Shoppers, gym members, students and night-out visitors who buy on impulse or need a quick replacement item.

You buy stock wholesale and sell at a higher price per item. The venue usually takes a fixed rent or a share of sales.

• Choosing products that sell
• Negotiating with venue managers
• Stock control and keeping records
• Reliable restocking routine

• Check the cosmetics rules: products sold in the UK must meet UK cosmetic product safety and labelling requirements, so buy from reputable suppliers
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and cover for the machine against theft and damage
• Written agreement with the venue covering rent, power, access and what happens if the machine is moved or removed
• Check whether your site needs any permission from the landlord or local council
• Items with short shelf lives and vandalism or theft risk

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on whether you buy or lease the machine and how much stock you load. Also allow for insurance, including cover for the machine against theft and damage.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,000, depending on the venue, the products you stock and how reliably you restock. Items with short shelf lives and the risk of vandalism or theft can affect what you keep.

Check that products meet UK cosmetic product safety and labelling requirements, so buy from reputable suppliers. Also check insurance, a written venue agreement covering rent, power and access, and whether your site needs permission from the landlord or local council.