Written by Info Expert on July 12, 2010 | Posted in Business

Here are a few tips that you might find handy when just starting out in the vending business.

To keep Mike & Ikes, Hot Tamales, and other similar candies from getting all stuck together because of the heat, apply a little bit of Pam to a spoon and run it through the candy. Do this at home prior to your run, because people are funny about stuff like this. It’s perfectly safe though and works like a charm.

Use tape on the stand right under the vending machine head to keep out ants and insects. You can use double sided tape or one sided tape applied tight. Some vendors use petroleum jelly, which does work, but I find that in the heat this creates a nasty oily mess. At home you can spray the base with insect repellent, but you need to be careful using product around food products.

You’ll want a cooler and a couple reusable ice packs for working in the summer. It doesn’t take much for candy to melt in the sun.

Carry a box of food preparation gloves with you when you service your route. Use them every time you put in candy, not only is it safer after handling money, but it shows you’re professional, plus they’re pretty cheap.

Get some cheap business cards made and tape them to your machines. This not only make you look more professional, but it gives business owners a way to contact you if your machine is broken or they want it serviced.

Don’t give up on a new location if it’s not performing. A bad location can sometimes be made profitable with a machine change or a product change, so try a few things out before you just throw in the towel.

You’ll need a way to carry your product and equipment when you go out servicing, some people use the plastic bins on a dolly, but I use a big rolling duffel. My duffel is outfitted with two soft sided cooler inside for organization. I carry a couple screwdrivers, tape, business cards, Lysol wipes, gloves, small zip lock bags for coins, big zip lock bags for candy and trash, a notebook, ice packs, keys and candy. The bag can be quite heavy but all this stuff is necessary.

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