Everything about vending, where to start. Business plan for coffee vending. Mashed potato dispensing machine

Capital investments: from 163,000 rubles
Payback of the vending business: 6 – 18 months

What do you think shopping centers, cinemas, hospitals, and offices have in common?

All of these areas are considered excellent locations for vending machines.

Automated sellers are suitable not only for selling small low-cost goods, they also act as mini-manufacturers (for example, coffee machines).

They quickly entered our lives and confidently took their place.

Because the question is how to open a vending business, has been relevant for several years now and this is not at all surprising.

The vending business especially attracts beginners.

There are many reasons for this: from the low threshold for entering the business to the lack of an advertising campaign (the advantages will be discussed in more detail below).

The vending business really has many advantages, and the prospects for development are quite bright.

What development trends and prospects does the vending business have?

The history of the emergence of the vending business has “gaming” roots.

Back in the distant 20s, the so-called one-armed bandits were popular - slot machines, which soon fell out of favor with the state.

The reason was simple - all cash turnover from the devices was not taxed.

Therefore, they were hastily converted for other needs - the sale of chewing gum.

However, it is not the United States that currently leads in the number of “cars” per capita.

In America, there are 40 people per machine, but in Japan, the main (60%) trading operations are carried out on machines.

And there is one vending machine for only 20 people.

In Russia, the level of popularity is much lower, so the domestic vending business has room to strive.

The slot machine business, which flourished in the USSR since the 50s, was based on coins.

The machines for the famous sparkling water were especially popular.

But with iron money falling out of use, its popularity gradually faded away.

Current machines “use” mainly paper bills.

In the late 90s, used vending machines began to be supplied from abroad, and of a wide variety: for sparkling water, chewing gum, and newspapers.

But time has shown that the most popular vending machines are for selling coffee.

What are the pros and cons of the vending business?

The vending business has some features that can be called disadvantages:

Vending machines often deteriorate or even break down.

Therefore, the entrepreneur must budget a considerable amount for the vending machines to be repaired.

We must not forget that this is also a downtime, during which you will profit inexpensively.

To minimize this risk, you should choose places where there is security surveillance: shopping and office centers, etc.

The machines require a 24-hour connection to the electrical network.

Any vending machines - gaming machines, for sparkling water or shoe covers - require systematic maintenance.

You need to refill new consumables, wash them inside and out, and just check their functionality.

This service can be provided by equipment suppliers upon agreement.

It matters a lot where exactly your vending machines will be installed.

Only in places with large crowds of people or their active movement will you receive sufficient demand.

And some of them (such as shoe cover vending machines) can only be placed in specific places.

Beginners in the field of entrepreneurship may be frightened by the gaps in the legislation of the Russian Federation regarding the vending business.

However, difficulties with design can, if desired, be resolved if you understand the intricacies and structure of the equipment.

However, the number of advantages of the vending business is still greater, which explains its high popularity.

• The vending business provides stable income, which is almost not subject to risks.
• To enter the vending business, a low investment threshold is required.
• An exceptional case - advertising is not needed at all for the vending business!
• The machines can be quickly moved if the location no longer suits you or no longer brings the desired income.

The vending machine will sell at any time of the day or night (if it is located in an open area, of course).

At the same time, you do not need to hire a salesperson for this - an additional savings item.

For 7-10 installations, it is enough to involve only 1 person who will be responsible for refilling water, coffee, cups (depending on the type of device), cleaning and minor repairs.

• Such a personal business as a vending business can be combined with other business options without any difficulties.

Vending machines are easy to install and register, despite gaps in the law.

For example, you don't need a cash register.

How to open a vending business in a promising niche?

Indeed, vending machines have now been adapted for many types of activities.

For Russian people, familiar associations are machines for sparkling water, coffee, and snacks.

But there are also absolutely unique options for using automated sales.

And not only abroad, but also in Russia.

For example, in the Mosenergosbyt office, a vending machine was adapted to sell energy-saving light bulbs!

Subsequently, several more were installed throughout the city.

After all, we all know how important (and recently fashionable) it is to take care of the environment!

And in Spain they implemented an idea that would appeal to many Russians.

Local entrepreneurs have installed equipment in supermarkets that sell liquid soap and powders by the glass.

The absence of the need to hire a seller and make beautiful packaging made it possible to reduce the price of the goods.

And this created a great demand for the service.

To help you decide on the direction for your own vending business, follow these steps step by step:

• analyze the market in your region to identify profitable niches to start;
• Watch your competitors - do they fully satisfy the demand in the vending category?
• study which places in the city are especially crowded - the success of a business almost 100% depends on the location;
• consider the option of running several different machines at once (for example, install a duo of a soda water machine and a sandwich machine so that a person can have a full meal).

Where to start a vending business?

Once you have finished choosing the type of machine that you will be working on, you can finally proceed directly to the implementation of the idea.

If you boil everything down to a brief instruction, it will look like this:

The future businessman must choose between an LLC and an individual entrepreneur, and then register to conduct legal activities.

In addition, we have to decide on the taxation system.

You can buy machines either in a single payment or take out a loan.

In the first option, it is also worth considering purchasing used equipment, especially if this is your first business and the business model still needs to be tested.

Like any other business, vending should be started with.

An example for financial calculations is given in the article below.

Analyze the prices and range of your competitors, as well as the cost of the raw materials you use.

This will help you set prices for your items.

For the machines you need to choose a place in accordance with the recommendations given below.

Enter into an agreement with the owner of the territory, agreeing on a fixed monthly fee or a percentage of revenue.

How to open a vending business alone?

Typically, entrepreneurs immediately open a network of machines and hire a person to service it.

Beginners may want to perform its functions themselves to save money.

If you intend to do the same, you should familiarize yourself with the list of responsibilities.

As a rule, for a salary of 15-20,000 rubles, a hired person travels for inspection several times a week.

During his visits, he checks how the machines operate, cleans them inside and out, repairs them on site, or sends parts that need repairs for service.

These items vary depending on need.

But the list of these remains the same: fill with consumables and take money.

Theoretically, one person can easily do this job if he has a car.

But do not forget that even minor repairs require special knowledge.

At the same time, specialists are in a hurry to reassure you - if the equipment was purchased new and of high quality, you will not have to undergo frequent repairs.

It is enough to allocate $1000-1500 per year in a business plan to cover such needs.

But even a beginner can solve accounting issues on his own - you don’t need an outsourcing company, much less a full-time specialist.

How to choose a location for a vending business?

“Business is the art of extracting money from someone else’s pocket without resorting to violence.”
Max Amsterdam

Nothing determines the success of a vending business more than the location of the machines.

The main rule is that there should be an active flow of people in this place.

But at the same time, it is important that people do not rush past this place at maximum speed (as at the entrance to the subway, for example).

But educational institutions are excellent.

After all, although students move actively through the corridors, they are happy to stop to “grab” a candy bar or a glass of coffee.

One negative side of this arrangement is the difficulty in reaching an agreement with management.

An alternative to this option is office buildings.

Here the public is more solvent, and it is easier to conclude a lease agreement if competitors have not yet completely occupied the territory.

But the most popular location option has been and remains shopping centers.

The management is open to any agreements, because renting out space to entrepreneurs is their main goal.

And if the shopping center is popular, then the machine will accordingly have a large flow of customers.

Another significant advantage of such a place is the presence of security and video surveillance.

How to start a vending business: initial investments

As mentioned earlier, the threshold for entering the vending business is relatively affordable.

The list of expenses is unusually short:

What monthly investments are needed in a vending business?

Unlike capital investments, the list of regular expenses will be broader:

A few more words about the vending business,

its types, advantages and disadvantages,

you will hear in the video:

What is the payback period for a vending business?

If we talk about vending machines selling sparkling water or coffee (which are the most popular in the CIS countries), then the average revenue from one is about 17 thousand rubles per month.

At the same time, the markup on one glass of drink is about 300%.

In addition, you can earn income by placing advertisements from partners, both on the equipment itself and on glasses of water or other drinks.

With such indicators, the payback of the machine occurs in six months to a year.

The figure varies depending on the correct choice of location, the quality of the sparkling water or coffee itself, the frequency of breakdowns or stoppages for other reasons.

Experienced people suggest that a vending business should be considered such only in the case when an entrepreneur purchases 5-10 machines at once.

Therefore, having recouped the first investment, it is worth directing the funds to scale the business.

No matter how simple and accessible it may be to enter vending business, yet it will also require constant participation from the entrepreneur.

You need to monitor the supply of sparkling water, bring cups and coffee, send broken parts for repair, look for new locations and compete with competitors.

But everything comes with experience.

So if you have a desire to open your own business and develop it, opening a vending business will be within the capabilities of even a beginner!

Useful article? Don't miss new ones!
Enter your email and receive new articles by email

In this material:

Vending business is a direction in the field of selling goods and services using specialized machines. The first vending machines for soda water appeared back in Soviet times. After the collapse of the Union, the Russian vending business was at first little popular, but in 2000 it began to actively gain momentum.

The following main areas of business of this type are distinguished:

• trade in packaged products (chocolate bars, chips, popcorn, bottles and cans of drinks), piece goods (chewing gum, shoe covers, condoms, cigarettes, contact lenses), small and medium-sized toys;
• sale of coffee, tea, carbonated and soft drinks;
• jukeboxes;
• massage chairs;
• electronic scales with various functions;
• slot machines.

For each area of ​​the vending business, their own vending machines are created, differing in size, design, set of functions and other parameters.

The vending business is rightfully considered a very promising and highly profitable type of entrepreneurship. But it requires taking into account a number of features and specific requirements.

Starting a business

Where to start a vending business? As in any other type of commerce, building a network of vending machines begins with identifying the target audience, with identifying your client. The business can be aimed at young people and girls, businessmen and office workers, shoppers in shopping centers and other clientele.

The choice of target audience largely determines which machines should be purchased and in which places to install them. Well-chosen locations for vending machines can provide high profits and vice versa. It is better to install vending machines for snacks and drinks in shopping centers, universities and schools, train stations and airports, on busy streets and squares. The best places for music and slot machines will be cafes and bars, cinema lobbies, and recreation areas in shopping centers.

Beginning entrepreneurs with small start-up capital are limited in purchasing tea and coffee machines and devices for selling snacks. The exception is projects that are initially focused on developing a network of specialized vending machines (for example, selling contact lenses).

When choosing the form of a legal entity, preference should be given to individual entrepreneurs. Limited liability companies and joint stock companies are too complex in terms of taxation, so it makes sense to open them only if the company has a separate position for an accountant.

According to the law, if an individual entrepreneur does not earn more than the established norm in a year, a simplified taxation system is available to him. It is recommended to adhere to it until the revenue from the business exceeds the established level.

Vending company employees

Like any equipment, vending machines require maintenance and repair.

When there are no more than 10-15 machines, an individual entrepreneur can perform the functions of storing goods and withdrawing proceeds independently. If there are a lot of machines and they are located far from each other, you cannot do without the help of hired labor.

With repairs the situation is more complicated. Self-repair by the business organizer is only possible if he has sufficient special technical knowledge for this. If they are absent, it is strictly not recommended to save on specialists. Only a knowledgeable and experienced person can quickly solve any technical problems on the spot, without damaging or breaking the device.

An extensive network of vending machines requires a whole staff of employees who can monitor the operation of the machines several times a day (including on weekends) and monitor the availability of products in them.

Expensive models of vending machines can be equipped with GSM-GPRS modules and transmit data on the availability of product range via the Internet. This allows you to monitor the operation of the machines remotely and send specialists to service and repair them not on a schedule, but as needed.

Business plan for vending development

Drawing up a business plan is very individual and depends on many parameters related to the amount of investment in the project, the chosen direction, the high cost of the machines themselves and their maintenance, and the rental of retail space.

Estimated costs will be:

• a coffee machine will cost from 100 to 300 thousand rubles, snack machines - from 200 to 500 thousand;
• expenses for coffee components and cups - about 10 thousand rubles per month;
• rent of space in a good location - from 3,000 rubles per month;
• the salary of a service worker is from 10,000 per month, a repair specialist is from 20 thousand, in Moscow and St. Petersburg it is even higher.

When planning your revenue, start from the average of 100 servings of coffee per day if the machine is located in a crowded place (station, shopping center, airport).

A business plan for a vending business should also include costs for the maintenance and repair of machines, advertising, taxes and unforeseen expenses.

Advantages of a vending business

The main advantage of the vending business is the high development potential in Russia.

According to statistics, in developed countries there are 300-400 vending machines per 10 thousand people. In Russia there are only 4-5. The same is true in Belarus and Ukraine. This indicator best characterizes the prospects for the development of the vending business in our country.

The second advantage of business on vending machines is its high liquidity. Always and at any time, finding a buyer for a vending machine will not be difficult. Thus, selling part of the machines or the entire business is quite easy.

The third advantage is the simplicity and ease of learning and running such a business. If there is an intelligent machine repair specialist, the entrepreneur himself does not need any specific knowledge. There is no licensing or certification required for the purchase and commercial operation of machines. However, trade in certain categories of goods still requires the issuance of licenses and relevant documents, including SES permits, electrical inspection and fire inspection. Expanding your business is also not difficult: you buy a machine, choose a point, rent space and start the sales process.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that almost all machines can easily be adapted from the sale of some goods to the sale of other, similar ones. The coffee machine can sell several types of coffee and tea. Changing the recipe for one unpopular type of coffee to another, more popular one is a fairly simple procedure. It’s even easier to reorient a machine that sells buns to sell, for example, chips.

Disadvantages of vending machines

Along with undeniable advantages, the vending business also has very specific disadvantages.

First of all, this is the high cost of the devices themselves. Moreover, you won’t be able to save money by purchasing used machines. With a high degree of probability, all profits will go towards their repair and maintenance. Starting a business with 1-2 machines is also a joyless task. The level of profit from one device will be disproportionately small in comparison with the efforts to purchase, install and maintain it. And it certainly won’t allow you to hire a repair specialist.

According to experts, the minimum number of machines that will allow you to make a tangible profit is 10. To buy this number, you need an initial capital of at least 1 million rubles.

Secondly, the payback period. It is equal, on average, to one year. Even if an entrepreneur installs the machines in a very good location and assumes the responsibility for their maintenance and repair, it is unlikely that this period can be reduced to six months.

Thirdly, damage to machines by intruders and vandals. If the machines installed in shopping malls and centers are somehow looked after by security guards, then street machines are not protected by anyone.

The last disadvantage can be considered that all production of vending machines is concentrated abroad. Fluctuations in the exchange rate of the dollar and euro directly affect both the cost of new machines and the price of spare parts and consumables for them.

Relevance of the vending business in 2020

Due to the 2-3-fold weakening of the ruble exchange rate against leading world currencies, the cost of new vending machines has increased accordingly. For example, if 2 years ago a top-end coffee machine cost 150-200 thousand rubles, now only simple models can be purchased for that money.

The development of vending in Russia has practically ceased. Only a few owners of extensive networks are trying to expand their business, occasionally buying new devices. Most entrepreneurs try to make a profit from existing ones.

The increase in the cost of spare parts and consumables affected the prices of the products offered. To maintain business profitability, entrepreneurs have to raise prices and reduce costs.

But rising prices do not always lead to increased profits. The limited purchasing power of the majority of the population leads to an outflow of customers. Under these conditions, entrepreneurs begin to sell their business in parts or entirely, often at a loss.

Currently, investors and aspiring entrepreneurs are advised to carefully weigh their capabilities and the current market conditions before opening a vending business.

Order a business plan

	Investments: from RUB 4,900,000. The Catering Stars company has been known on the Russian market for more than 12 years and is one of the honored leaders offering comprehensive equipment for public catering establishments, hotels and shopping centers. The company's goal: to offer its customers a quality product from the world's best brands. In 2014, the company “Stars of Public Food” managed to offer its client-partners a completely unique product, which is now fashionable to call INNOVATION.…
	Investments: Investments 450,000 - 1,100,000 ₽
	Investments: Investments 1,000,000 - 3,000,000 ₽ DH Design School is one of the leading modern design schools in St. Petersburg and Russia. The School provides training for adults in the following areas: “Interior Design”, “Graphic Design”, “Fashion Design”, “Landscape Design”. First of all, these are vocational training programs in which students, over the course of two years, receive the knowledge and skills necessary to start a successful career in a new…
	Investments: Investments 4,000,000 - 6,000,000 ₽ Cofix is ​​an Israeli coffee chain founded by famous businessman Avi Katz in 2013. In just three years after the opening of the first outlet, the COFIX chain has won first place in the established coffee market in Israel both in terms of the number of outlets in the cafe segment and in the take-away food service segment. Now the COFIX network has 153 branches in foreign...
	Investments: Investments 1,200,000 - 1,750,000 ₽ The concept coffee shop People like U was founded in 2017 by a couple of young, but very ambitious and creative entrepreneurs. The culture of coffee consumption, and the coffee market as a whole, is growing inexorably, but it’s no secret that in addition to the unconditional quality of the product offered, there is a philosophy behind any great brand. When creating our brand, we wanted to be radically different from everyone else...
	Investments: Investments 670,000 - 1,400,000 ₽ The LLC UK "ICE BOX" company appeared in Tolyatti in 2015 and began its activities with a delivery service for natural homemade ice cream. The main advantage of the brand is its 100% natural composition, which excludes the presence of any dyes, flavors, industrial pastes, vegetable fats and E-components. IceBox ice cream is made exclusively from fresh farm cream and milk, natural berries, fruits, nuts,…	Investments: Investments 3,500,000 - 10,000,000 ₽ The network was founded by the Korean company Relay International Co. ltd. – developer and first manufacturer of frozen yogurts in the world. The first Red Mango opened in Seoul in 2003, two years before Pinkberry and several years before other frozen yogurt chains were founded. Red Mango is the winner of many awards recognizing the quality...
	Investments: Investments 357,000 - 825,000 ₽ The history of the Mayak 13 holding began in the city of Izhevsk, opening the first time coffee shop in 2012; in 6 years the company grew to 4 projects and more than 100 establishments throughout Russia and the CIS. Currently, the holding is developing such brands as: – Coffee Moose – a chain of “coffee to go” coffee shops – New York Coffee –… Investments: Investments 5,000,000 - 5,500,000 ₽ We are a federal chain of drive-thru coffee shops, Drive Through format (similar to Mak-auto). This format is actively gaining popularity in Russia, because people have to become more mobile. In short, we prepare delicious and healthy food at the price of fast food. Availability, mobility, tasty and fresh food - this is the key to the success of our company. We spent years developing the menu, but...
	Investments: Investments 700,000 - 1,000,000 ₽ "Coffee Smile" is a federal chain of coffee bars in the "Coffee to go" format. A leader in sales at the regional level and a high rate of development in other regions of Russia. The federal chain "Coffee Smile" was founded in 2014 in the city of Syktyvkar. Today the network consists of 22 coffee bars, and includes partners in 15 cities of Russia under the franchising system. Business in the format…

Often, many people want to start their own business, but they are looking for a starting option so that the costs and efforts are relatively small, and the income is high. One of these is the vending business. Competition in this area is still small. This is just a plus.

For example, in Japan, a country that holds the record for the vending business, there is one vending machine for every twenty people. The United States of America is a little behind - there is one device for every forty people. In the CIS countries the situation is still completely different. The number of vending devices is approximately one per eight to nine thousand people! If you get into this business now, you will be able to operate in this market with little or no competition.

Type of product or service

The first step to start organizing a vending business is to decide what product or service you will sell through vending machines. Both food and non-food products can be sold as goods. Of the food products sold through vending, the most common are drinks - coffee, tea, juices, soda, and sweets - chocolate, candy bars, candies, ice cream, chewing gum. It is also easy to sell chips, snacks, nuts, and indeed any packaged products with a relatively long shelf life through the machines. You can also sell a lot of non-food products - cigarettes, magazines/newspapers, pocket books, batteries, stationery, flowers, cosmetics, household chemicals, children's toys.

If the goal is not only to sell, but also to attract attention, then it makes sense to think about what unusual product can be placed in the vending. For example, in China they even sell live crabs and whipping porcelain through vending. Here you can learn about other unusual vending devices.

Vending machines through which you can receive a certain service are also common abroad. Residents of the CIS countries are still intimately familiar only with payment machines, but vending provides an opportunity to sell other services: hardware massage, instant photography, copier, charging phones and other gadgets, shoe shine. Information devices can be created. They will be especially good in tourist cities.

Business registration

To install vending machines, you must register your business. You can choose either an LLC or an individual entrepreneur. Having chosen an individual entrepreneur, starting a business will be somewhat easier. It is worth immediately determining the type of taxation. It depends on what product and how the device will be sold. After all, he can not only sell, but also “produce” the product (for example, pizza vending machines prepare it from the ingredients and heat it before giving it to the buyer). We determine the type of activity (retail trade, production), and then look at what taxation system can be used in this case. Typically, owners of vending machines choose a simplified taxation system.

Equipment selection

The necessary equipment can be purchased from supplier companies, of which there are now many. The most common brands are: Necta, Venson, Saeco, Jofemar, Unicum, Azkoyen, Bianchi and others. Make sure that you are provided with a warranty card for each machine. Companies that deal with equipment can also supply you with the product itself or the ingredients for it. If the machine breaks down, then also contact the manufacturer - he will help with repairs and provide the necessary spare parts.

Many entrepreneurs are tempted to buy used vending machines, since they are much cheaper. SES employees, when checking equipment, place very strict requirements on it, and the risk that they will still find critical flaws increases greatly. Therefore, it is better for us to buy only new, high-quality equipment from reliable suppliers.

To obtain permission for vending activities, it is necessary to check the machines and the goods themselves for purity and suitability for trading. Such examination is paid, carried out by sanitary and other services.

Since beverage vending machines are common in our country, let’s look at them in a little more detail. Devices that prepare hot drinks must be connected to the water supply. You can use tap water to make tea and coffee. A water filtration and purification system must be installed - this is an invariable condition of sanitary and epidemiological stations. Moreover, the source of water supply must be constant. All ingredients for drinks (tea, coffee, milk and other additives) are loaded into the machine in dry form. But the inspectors also examine them for suitability for consumption and draw their conclusions. You cannot do without a cash register in any type of trade, but in the vending business it is not needed. The payment system installed in vending will cope with this task well.

Equipment installation

It is best to place vending machines in places with large crowds of people - in shopping and entertainment centers, office complexes, educational institutions, manufacturing enterprises, clinics, car washes and service stations. The owners of such companies usually give the go-ahead for the installation of vending machines on their premises, since this is also a plus for them - it increases consumer loyalty to the establishment. It is better to place devices with “children’s” products – candies, sweet soda, toys – near schools and various children’s sections and courses.

For renting a retail space for a device (about one square meter) you will have to pay about 10% of sales or a fixed amount ranging from 20-100 dollars. It is possible to simply install vending machines on the street, but this involves some potential dangers. The machine may become a victim of vandalism and hooliganism, and you will suffer losses.

Payment systems

The payment system installed on the vending machine affects the level of income from sales. The wider the capabilities of the payment system, the more customers and profits the vending business will have. The device must be able not only to accept paper bills, coins and give out change, but also to work with credit cards.

Where to start?

And a couple more points in conclusion. There will be no problems loading goods into the device - you will only need to allocate a few hours a week. It is necessary to monitor the demand for the product and the level of sales. If sales are not going the way you would like, you may have chosen the wrong vending location.

Replace broken parts in a timely manner and always maintain the machines in working condition. The psychology of the consumer is such that if he comes across the same non-working machine several times, then next time he is unlikely to approach it, having lost confidence.

How many devices should you start with? Here the opinions of the players in this business differ. Some advise starting with several at once - the more there are, the higher the profit, and the business will pay off faster. Others believe that you need to start small - install a couple of things, monitor the reaction of consumers, understand whether this is “your” business or not. And only then expand. If you have not come to a clear decision on this issue, we recommend that you start with ten machines located in different places. If you aim yourself at a serious matter from the very beginning, then success will definitely come to you!

Vending - from English. “vending”, which means “retail sale of various goods and services through vending machines.” The economic dictionary gives a similar meaning.

Vending machines

Selling almost anything is possible using equipment for the vending business. In Japan, they even buy live beetles this way, which, according to local beliefs, are talismans. In China - the most common eggs. In Russia, for example, it is possible to install a special machine for selling car windshield washer fluid. Thus, it is possible to sell various shoes or equipment, or newspapers or books. Similar equipment already exists in Russia.

However, today the most popular ideas for the vending business are machines that offer everyone who wants to treat themselves to coffee and other hot and cold drinks, various chips, crackers, chocolate bars, and sandwiches.

Vending devices are also considered to be devices that provide the sale of services - payment terminals, in addition, cameras.

Directions of vending business

Thus, the vending business today has three major areas:

Sale of food products;

Sale of various consumer goods;

Provision of services.

Vending today

The vending business today is one of the few areas that will be especially relevant for individual entrepreneurs. It has several advantages. Firstly, its low initial price, secondly, the relative ease of doing business, and thirdly, the quick payback.

Vending business: the beginning

First of all, it is important to decide on the area and place of activity. After this, it will become clear what is needed for a vending business.

If you choose a coffee machine for your business, then its installation will be very relevant in a company office, a large library, an educational institution, a shopping center, or a train station. Both the employees themselves and possible visitors to these establishments will agree to pamper themselves with a cup of aromatic coffee.

Installing a copy machine will be relevant for a library or educational institution; apparatus for selling various newspapers - for hospitals, train stations; for the sale of packaged shoe covers - for hospitals and museums, etc. After choosing the location for installing the equipment, you can begin to develop a detailed business plan for the vending business.

Also pay attention to the installation of signs to attract the attention of potential buyers to the product, and the presence of competing machines.

Equipment

To start your commercial activity in such a direction as the vending business, one machine is enough. However, according to the experience of many manufacturers and entrepreneurs, the minimum and also cost-effective number of devices is reduced to three. In such a case, transport costs will be very optimal. And for consumables, at appropriate costs, it will be possible to count on the provision of wholesale discounts.

Required documents for equipment

Opening a vending business requires having an appropriate set of necessary documents for all purchased equipment:

Firstly, this is a product passport, which, in turn, must contain key information about the provided machine;

Secondly, these are the technical characteristics of the purchased equipment, as well as a description of its features;

Thirdly, a complete set of delivery;

Fourth, a description of the warranties that the manufacturer provides for this equipment;

Fifthly, a description of the working conditions, under which this type of equipment can last the maximum amount of time, etc.

It is also mandatory to have a certificate of conformity in hand, which must be issued by an authorized body of the general certification system of the State Standard of the Russian Federation.

The instructions from the operator of this machine are important. It is desirable that there be an appropriate operating manual for certain individual components necessary for the successful operation of the device, as well as programs and a variety of drivers.

Adaptation of machines in Russia

The adaptation of any of the imported devices in Russia is carried out by the structures that sell them (either sellers, or technical personnel who provide further maintenance, service centers). Having installed vending machines, the business of which is becoming increasingly popular, they must provide the buyer with all technical and service documentation, and in addition, issue the appropriate certificate. Any of the documents must be in Russian in a high-quality translation from the manufacturer’s language. Of course, all this will be reflected in the final cost of the purchased equipment, due to which the vending business, reviews of the owners of which can now be heard anywhere, will be profitable.

The daily maintenance of such machines (collection, loading of various consumables, etc.) can be handled by the owner of the equipment himself, but in the event of a breakdown, the seller’s service department is usually invited to solve the problems that arise.

Maintenance

However, it is important to think in advance about how to arrange everything so that a machine that suddenly breaks down is checked and repaired as soon as possible, and the sale of the vending business is not required due to constantly inoperative equipment. A positive nuance is that modern machines have a program that will report a breakdown on its own, that is, via an SMS message it will send a “distress signal” to the stated mobile phone number.

Do not forget that a broken machine will not evoke positive emotions either among potential buyers (who were just planning to use a service or purchase a product), much less among those who did not receive the previously paid service or item in part or in full. Just imagine your emotions when you wanted to quench your thirst, paid for a bottle of sparkling water, and it broke due to a breakdown of the machine! Or you were in a hurry to print out the necessary document, and the paper issued by the machine was jammed in the middle of the order! At the same time, there is also no opportunity to contact technical support, since today is a day off...

True, the entrepreneur, the owner of the machine, will also be the victim in such a situation. Since part of the daily revenue will be lost irretrievably for the reason that the device was currently full of products and could more than once provide the corresponding service and “receive” more revenue. Especially if your equipment is located in a particularly profitable location on weekends. For example, in any of the hypermarkets, sports clubs, dance floors of the city, etc.

as well as a fiscal problem

An activity such as vending does not have its place in OKVED. Therefore, different codes are used in this case. For vending machines that sell food and other types of goods, group 52.63 is usually used - “Other retail trade outside the premises of stores”; for terminals it is most often recommended to use the full set of codes: 52.61.2 - “Retail trade through computer networks and teleshopping (trade, including Internet)"; 52.48 - “Other trade in various specialized stores”; 72.60 - “Activities related to the use of computing information technologies and equipment”; 74.84 - “Provision of other services”; 93.05 - “Provision of other personal services.”

For machines that perform autocopying, you should use code 74.83. This encrypts “the provision of editorial, secretarial, and translation services, including photocopying, copying and other similar copy-making activities.” Or the OKUN code, which means “All-Russian Classifier of Services to the Population.” Or code 019726 is “Provision of services for writing applications, filling out forms, making copies.”

Car seats that provide “massage services” to everyone, as a rule, are carried out through codes 71.40.3 (this is “Rental of furniture, non-electric and electrical household appliances”) and 71.40.9 (this is “Rental of other household products, as well as personal items use for various households").

In order not to encounter the problem of correctly determining the code, it is worth getting advice on this issue from the relevant tax office where you are registered with the tax authorities, since it is these inspectors who will subsequently evaluate the documents you provide.

Taxation of vending business

In this case, taxation will be much simpler. In this situation, it is quite possible to use any of the presented tax regimes, both general and simplified or UTII (if it was previously introduced in a specific region for a certain type of activity). Although, taking into account that activities involving the sale of something using machines, as a rule, are already classified as retail trade or the provision of household services, the latter option will be mandatory for further use. The Ministry of Finance has nothing against such an interpretation.

However, if we study the taxation of the vending business, the most controversial issue regarding vending machines remains the problem of the need to use cash register equipment with fiscal memory in such devices.

Approximate payback calculation

We will perform an approximate calculation of the payback using the example of one of the automatic copying machines, which is installed in a large educational institution.

Over the course of 1 hour, let’s say, 5 students use the copier, making 3 pages of copies for themselves. At the same time, the copy machine is available from ten o'clock in the morning until eight o'clock in the evening, which is a total of ten hours a day. The library is open every day, excluding Sundays, that is, about 26 days within 1 month. Thus, having made the appropriate calculations, we conclude that the machine produces 150 photocopies throughout the day or 3,900 copies within a month. If such data is multiplied by all 12 months of the year, then it is realistic to get 46,800 copies for this period.

If the price of one printed page is 5 rubles, then the “performer” will receive 234,000 rubles per year.

A copier will need two different types of cartridges to operate successfully. Toner, firstly, and print cartridge, secondly. As a rule, the first element will be enough for about 4000-6000 copies. And if we take it to a minimum, then the cartridge will have to be replaced once a month. At the same time, the price for it will be somewhere around 3200 rubles. However, the ability to refill a toner cartridge is limited (up to two times). And the price for each refill is 900 rubles. Thus, counting on 5,000 rubles, it is realistic to use one toner cartridge only three times. Replacement will be necessary four times during the year. And already 20,000 rubles. will be spent per year only on cartridges.

The drum unit is typically designed for 20,000 prints. Thus, 2 such elements will be needed for one year. If one drum is valued at 3,000 rubles, then for a year the amount already equals 6,000 rubles.

The cost of paper is about 120 rubles, if there are 500 sheets in a pack. When 3,900 copies are released per month, then, accordingly, 8 packs will be needed, which will amount to 960 rubles per month or 11,520 rubles per year.

Thus, total expenses for the year are equal to 20,000 + 6,000 + 11,520 = 37,520 rubles.

Now we add up the two amounts received (for consumables and operating costs) and thus get 85,520 rubles.

It's also worth remembering taxes. From certain calculations, an amount appears equal to 14,040 rubles. in a year. And the total cost is 99,560 rubles.

Taking into account the total income for the year (234,000 rubles), we obtain the value of the possible annual profit - 134,440 rubles. And for this amount it is quite possible to purchase one and a half very functional copiers. Thus, the autocopier will pay for itself in full within a year.

True, we should not forget that this calculation is only a simplified example, in which it is initially assumed that the work is carried out by the entrepreneur alone without the involvement of hired persons. The fixed contribution for compulsory pension insurance also remains outside the calculations.

Vending as one of the most promising areas of business

However, excluding a variety of law enforcement and legislative, as well as practical problems, vending today remains one of the most promising areas, which provides everyone with the opportunity to implement possible options for various business strategies.

Business strategies

1. Limit yourself to one or three machines, receive not so significant profits from them, or work on a network of machines, accumulating more and more income.

2. Development according to a franchising scheme with the involvement of other entrepreneurs.

3. As a second type of activity. You already have your own store, and you are also introducing vending machines as a second income option.

All in your hands! Maybe we should start taking action?

Perhaps this article will help beginning vendors avoid some mistakes or even choose a different type of activity. I am a person, more than many, interested in market growth and business development in Russia, because our company has been selling vending machines for more than seven years. Today we are also beginning vendor-operators. I admit honestly that over the years of activity we have tried ourselves in many segments: a small network of payment terminals, coffee machines, snacks. But all this ended at such a minor level of development that many do not even know about these unsuccessful experiments. I was prompted to write this article by a constant question from our clients: “Where do used equipment come from, or as many say, “used machines”??? Behind this question lies a suspicion or doubt as to whether we, equipment sellers, are deceiving us that the vending business is really profitable and brings at least some profit. Of course, we answer: “Yes, yes, it is very profitable,” but we add, “If anything happens, we will always help you sell your machines.”

What happens? Are we really deceiving everyone, just to sell? How then can we explain such a successful development of this business in Western Europe, the USA, and Japan??? Do they have so much money, or do they invest it in vending and do not expect any return??? Is everyone working on their image???

In this article I will try to answer all these questions as simply as possible. And perhaps the doubts that plague many novice vendors will disappear or, on the contrary, will intensify.

First: Of course, automated trading is the business of the future; in just a few years, the number of machines in all vending segments will grow rapidly.

Second: Automated trading is a NETWORK business.

Let’s start with the second one, “Why haven’t many people been able to build a network?”

I will try to give examples using not only my own experience, but also the experience of entrepreneurs whose machines end up on the secondary market. Of course, I will only use examples that I am personally familiar with. First, I will briefly describe the areas that are most popular today. After reviewing the market segments, I will answer questions about why people leave the vending business. The answers are almost the same, regardless of direction.

I would like to note that I will refer to pessimistic and average data; I will not write about super-profitable places that are the stuff of legends. Moreover, machines from such places rarely end up on the secondary market.

Coffee machines.

“This is the simplest and most profitable line of business,” this is what vending experts say and write. Despite this, the market for used coffee machines is growing rapidly, and not only because operators are replacing old models with new ones. After spending a little time on the Internet, you will find both old “prehistoric” models and practically new machines.

The profitability of the business is high, the markup on drinks reaches 500%, but... the average revenue from a machine is up to 15,000 rubles, the machines require careful care, and due to high competition it is quite difficult to find a location.

Snacks.

“Today the profitability of snack machines exceeds coffee” - Hurray!!! Let's all install snack vending machines!!! There is a huge selection of vending machines for snack products from various manufacturers; there are centers for the sale of fillers, i.e. there is no need to go to Auchan, Metro or any other wholesale base. Everything will be delivered to you, just download...

But, despite all the delights of business, used machines appear, and many are disappointed. Again, placing a snack vending machine is not that easy.

Carbonated drinks.

“We remember them from childhood, they were and will be in great demand, the profitability of the business is very high!!!” - Yes, we remember them from childhood and they were in great demand, but there were too many alternative drinks on one hand, today you can get dizzy if you start choosing lemonade in a hypermarket.

Massive business is most relevant in the southern cities of Russia and during the season... There is also a market for used machines.

Hot food.

This is over, the topic mostly concerns our company, although there are already other market representatives developing this direction. /
“A new niche, you can become the first globalist and win a large market share, a super profitable business.” The niche is new and completely unfilled, but the market for used machines already exists.

First of all, in your calculations you need to start from the average revenue of 40,000 rubles, and not 100,000 rubles, as many mistakenly believe, and not forget about the cost of the equipment. There are many nuances in the approach to this business that clearly distinguish this area from traditional vending. I will write a separate article about them.

Other vending machines.

I will not touch on vending machines for services, such as massage chairs, scales, etc., we will only focus on vending machines for goods/

I can say that on the secondary market there are vending machines selling DVDs (but essentially these are the same vending machines selling piece goods) popcorn, hot dogs and other innovative items in small quantities.

What do most entrepreneurs who left vending, thanks to whom we now have a secondary market for vending machines, summarize??? – And this despite the fact that the vending market in Russia is at the initial stage of development, or as some write: “There is no vending market in Russia yet.”

Not a coincidence of desires and one’s capabilities,

There is no coincidence of desires and business opportunities.

Let's look at the main illusions.

Illusion No. 1. “You can start a business without money”

To enter any business you need start-up capital, vending is no exception. If you go into business entirely with borrowed funds, and even with the calculation of the return of funds within a year, this is an immediate “crash”. Completely without investment, you can try yourself in various companies as an employee. And in order to become a borrower or lessee for vending machines, you must have a positive history of business activity, security, etc.

Illusion No. 2. “Invest money and make a profit.”

Of course, this is the most common misconception; at a minimum, you still need to find good locations for placing the machines. This is the salt of vending. You can try to invest money in some mutual funds, shares of government corporations, etc. But even the most famous company name in the world does not guarantee you will receive dividends. So why should vending, a new, developing business, give you a 100% guarantee????

In the case of vending machines, you can at least change the situation, rearrange the machines, change the fillers, reduce costs, etc. But at the same time, you must work or you must have a competent manager who will do this work, whom you can afford if you have a network of 50-100 machines. But even so, assistance in placing the machines is necessary. It's really difficult.

Illusion No. 3. “My partners and I will create a business”

The key word is partners, based on our practice, this is a fairly common illusion. A group of 2 to 5 people gathers, invests in the purchase of the first 20 or even 50 machines, then a company is created and personnel are hired. As a result, at best, the company breaks even. Next, the meeting of founders makes a decision that the business is not interesting.

Networks of up to 20 machines do not include hired personnel, office and other commercial and management expenses in their payback calculations. This is a business for one person and a maximum of a hired operator. Not to mention partners and dividends, even if they exist, they will be so insignificant that no one will be interested anyway.

A network of 20 machines, no matter which ones, can generate marginal income of at best 200 rubles. up to 500 tr, and if you subtract the salaries of hired employees, rent, taxes, and other expenses, and suppose the remainder is divided into 3-4 parts, then you will be left with 20 tr for each businessman. up to 60 tr. I don’t think that anyone starting a business dreams of such a “fabulous” income.

Illusion No. 4. “I’ll start a completely new direction, which doesn’t exist in Russia today, and I’ll get rich”

It’s good when people think creatively, but maybe this area of ​​vending doesn’t exist because no one needs it? This also happens sometimes. Starting with something that doesn’t exist, you start an experiment; if it’s successful, it can turn into a business. This is why some new trends in vending in Russia end before they even begin.

Maybe the article turned out to be pessimistic and someone reading it became reluctant to go into this business. But this could only happen if you had at least one of the above illusions...

Vending is truly the business of the future; soon there will be tens and hundreds of times more vending machines than there are today. Vending is profitable and profitable; there are absolutely empty niches.

First of all, vending is a business, and any business requires: investments of financial resources, effort and time, development of a development strategy, market monitoring and proper business planning.

When planning the development of a vending business, choose professionals from this market as partners and suppliers. They will not just sell you equipment, but will also provide full consulting support, teach you how to properly run a business, help you avoid typical beginner mistakes and build a profitable network.