In the world of owning your own business, most people think of either traditional brick and mortar stores or the rising tide of e-commerce. Seemingly lost in the shuffle are businesses that serve others in their locations instead of making your customers come to you. Are you thinking food trucks? That’s what pops into most people’s mind when you think of a mobile service. Delivery services, portable pet groomers and even home health care workers also come to mind. What most people don’t think of are vending machines. Most vending machines aren’t owned by the businesses in which they operate; they’re owned independently.

What’s Available

There are many options for different types of vending businesses. If you can think beyond the “grab the toy with the claw” game, your options broaden and so do your opportunities. You could own and operate a Pittsburgh Commissary to offer the opportunity for healthy, flavorful lunch options in a busy business district. A gym might allow you to place protein shakes or electrolyte drinks in their lobby. Think coffee in the courthouse, first aid kits by the front desk and office supplies near the operations department.

Your Variables

Depending on the type of product you’re selling in your vending machine, you can vary how much attention you’re paying to each location. For example, if you’re selling healthy foods through your commissary, you’re going to have to prepare those foods and then replenish them daily. Selling beverages in containers or non-perishables will give you more time between stocking the products. How quickly what you offer turns over in each location should figure into how often you replace your sold goods, as well. You don’t want to leave empty space in your machines because that decreases your money-making potential.

Owning your own vending machine business can be both flexible and profitable for you.