Skin care vending machine route

Customers buying on impulse in gyms, hotels, spas, airports, shopping centres and offices.

Profit on each sale across all machines, less venue fees, stock costs, payment fees and running costs. More machines in good spots mean more income for the same round.

• Route planning and stock control
• Negotiating with venues
• Basic bookkeeping
• Simple machine repairs

• Check that you register as a sole trader or limited company and keep proper accounts
• Product safety and labelling rules for cosmetics, and keep supplier records
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for the machines and your van
• Venues can end a placement at short notice, so avoid relying on one or two sites
• Stock can expire or be damaged by heat, so rotate and check dates
• Cash handling risks and machine vandalism

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on how many machines you buy, your opening stock, and the van and insurance you need. Costs rise as you add more venues to the route.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the number of machines, the quality of venues and what you stock. This is revenue, so stock, repairs, van costs and venue fees come out of it.

Check how to register as a sole trader or limited company, and the product safety and labelling rules for cosmetics. Also check insurance for liability, machines and your van, and remember venues can end a placement at short notice.