I’m sure everyone as seen energy product being sold almost everywhere from 7-11 to supermarkets. It’s almost to the point that you can’t go anywhere without running into some type of energy product. Even mainstream products like soda and water are being infused with vitamins, minerals and other “magical” energy ingredients promising better health, more sex drive, and endless energy. Call me a cynic, but I have the same “magical” formula but mine consists of diet, exercise and getting enough sleep. Of course the American Medical Association is also onboard with my “magical” formula, but it’s just not sexy enough to market.
Energy products are now being touted as the latest greatest vending product; you’ll see these offers proliferating all over the internet. Personally I’m not convinced that energy vending is all that and a bag of chips for the long term vending business owner and I’m here to tell you why.
My main reasons for not being sold on energy vending:
- Overpriced machines. I can buy a top of the line Northwestern double head vending machine with stand for about $200 delivered right to my door. I don’t recommend that anyone get involved in what are euphemistically called vending business opportunities. Overpriced machines with over hyped profit margins. You can’t go wrong with the old chestnut, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
- Buying product. I can buy candy and nuts from several different sources, but in energy vending, you may find yourself tied to one wholesaler.
- Market. Candy and nuts are appealing to both children and adults giving me a larger market.
- Limited product capability. With energy vending machines, you can only vend one type of product out of these machines. With a typical bulk machine, I simply change the wheel and I can vend several different types of candy, gumballs, nuts, or toys.
- It’s a fad. Yes, the energy vending fad appears to be settling in for the long haul, but it is still faddish, but candy and nuts are here to stay.
I’m not saying that you can’t make money with energy vending, only that you should take these things into consideration. Personally I wouldn’t make energy products the main source of my vending route, but if you get a good price on a couple machines, you might be able to make some money on this fad. As for me, I’m sticking with my candy and nuts.
