Full-Time vending route business

Everyday buyers at each site. Contracts are with property managers, schools or employers who allow the machines, sometimes for a commission.

Margin on each item sold, multiplied across many machines. Cashless payment readers and tracking sales by machine help you drop weak spots and expand strong ones.

• Route planning
• Sales and contract negotiation
• Basic machine repair
• Inventory and cash management

• Check state and local rules on vending licenses, sales tax and food safety, which vary a lot
• Schools often have nutrition standards for items sold, so check district and state rules
• General liability, commercial auto and workers' compensation if you hire a helper
• Large upfront spending on machines, a reliable van or truck, and starting stock before locations are secured; used machines can lower the cost
• Competition from established vending companies that may hold exclusive contracts at larger sites

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the machines, a reliable van or truck, and starting stock. Used machines can lower the cost. Plan for spending before your locations are secured.

Check state and local rules on vending licenses, sales tax and food safety, which vary a lot. Schools often have nutrition standards, so check district and state rules. Also check general liability, commercial auto and workers' compensation if you hire help.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your sites and contracts. Established vending companies may hold exclusive contracts at larger sites, so competition can limit which locations you win.