The Quiet Hustler does Vending Machines!

Hello and Happy Monday, Hustlers!

Are you tired of your 9-to-5 grind and looking for a side hustle that doesn't involve MLM schemes or selling your soul to the gig economy? Look no further than the humble vending machine!

Yes, that's right. Those metal boxes lurking in the corner of your office breakroom or gym could be your ticket to sweet, sweet side hustle cash. But how do you get started? And how much does it cost? Let's dive in.

First, you'll need to decide what type of vending machine you want to operate. There are snack-only machines, drink-only machines, and the coveted drink and snack combo machines. The snack-only machines are the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the size and brand. Drink-only machines are slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. And if you want to go all out and get a drink and snack combo machine, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 for a new machine.

But what if you're on a budget and can't afford a brand-new vending machine? Not to worry! You can still get started with a refurbished machine or a used machine. Refurbished machines are older models that have been reconditioned and updated with modern technology. You can expect to pay around $1,500 to $3,500 for a refurbished snack machine, and $2,500 to $4,500 for a refurbished drink machine. Drink and snack combo machines can be a bit pricier, ranging from $4,000 to $6,500.

If you want to go even cheaper, you can look for used vending machines on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Used machines can be a bit riskier since you don't know what condition they're in, but you can often find good deals if you're willing to do some research and haggling. Prices for used machines can vary widely, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the condition and age of the machine.

Once you've secured your vending machine(s), you'll need to find a location to place them. This is where the real hustle comes in. The most common locations for vending machines are in offices, schools, gyms, and other public spaces with high foot traffic. You can approach business owners or managers and ask if they'd be willing to let you place your machine in their location for a cut of the profits. Just make sure to do your research and find out what the going rate is in your area.

But what about the competition? Won't you be going up against those big vending machine companies with their fancy branded machines and full-time staff? Yes, but don't let that scare you off. As a small operator, you have the advantage of being able to offer personalized service and products tailored to the specific needs of your customers. Plus, you can always differentiate yourself by offering unique products that the big guys don't carry. (Hint: People love local and artisanal snacks and drinks!)

So, there you have it. Running a vending machine business as a side hustle is a fun and relatively low-risk way to make some extra cash. Just remember to do your research, hustle hard, and always keep your machines stocked with the good stuff.

Until next time, keep on hustlin'!

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