Beauty products vending machine route

Shoppers, students, gym members, travelers and hotel guests who want a quick beauty purchase they forgot or need on the spot.

You earn the difference between what you pay wholesale and the price in the machine. The location owner may take a flat fee or a share of sales, so agree on terms before placing a machine.

• Choosing products people buy on impulse
• Negotiating with property managers
• Organizing restocking routes and inventory
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check with your city or county about a business license and whether vending machines need a separate permit or sticker
• Check your state's sales tax registration rules for vended goods
• General liability insurance, since many property owners ask for proof before allowing a machine
• Cosmetics are regulated by the FDA, so buy from reputable suppliers and avoid products with unclear labeling or ingredients
• Heat, expiry dates and theft or vandalism can cause losses, so check product shelf life and location security

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many machines you buy or lease, your opening stock and any location fees. Treat this as an estimate and compare machine prices.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on the number of machines, how busy each location is and your product mix. Theft, heat and expiry dates can cause losses, so check shelf life and security.

Check with your city or county about a business license and whether vending machines need a separate permit or sticker. Check state sales tax registration, general liability insurance that property owners may ask for, and FDA rules for cosmetics.