Skin care vending machine in a gym or venue

Gym members, hotel guests and shoppers who want a quick purchase such as moisturiser, lip balm, sun cream or face wipes.

You keep the difference between what you pay for the products and the shelf price, after paying the venue a rent or a share of sales if they ask for one.

• Good at spotting what sells
• Organised with stock and restocking
• Confident approaching venue managers

• Product safety: check that cosmetics you sell meet UK cosmetics rules and come from reputable suppliers with proper labelling
• Public liability and product liability insurance, check that the insurer covers vending
• Agree the placement terms in writing, including rent, power supply and who handles faults
• Card reader fees and machine maintenance can eat into profit
• Check storage conditions, as some products should not get too hot or cold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on whether you buy or lease the machine, how much stock you load and the card reader you choose. Machine maintenance and card fees can reduce your profit.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £150 to £900, depending on the venue, footfall, the products you stock and how many machines you run. That is revenue before stock, fees and any rent to the venue.

Check that the cosmetics you sell meet UK cosmetics rules, come from reputable suppliers and are properly labelled. Also check that your insurer covers vending, agree placement terms in writing, and check storage conditions as some products shouldn't get too hot or cold.