From $0 to $50,000 in Monthly Vending Revenue in 16 Months - Side Hustle Nation

      Side Hustle Nation aims to enhance your personal profitability. To achieve this, we frequently collaborate with companies that have a similar goal. If you register or make a purchase using links from our partners, we might receive compensation—at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Vending machines remain a timeless source of passive income that continues to yield profits today.

      Previously, we had Mr. Passive himself, Mike Hoffman, on the show discussing how to grow his vending machine business. Today, one of his mentees, Anthony Kolodziej from H&H Vending, is with us. In just 16 months, he scaled his vending operation from nothing to over $50k per month. This growth includes over 30 locations and thousands of transactions, employing a strategy that transforms vending into something more than just the old-fashioned snack machine found in breakrooms.

      Tune in to Episode 662 of the Side Hustle Show to discover:

      - How to secure prime locations

      - How to negotiate effectively

      - Why he avoids using the term "vending" when approaching property managers

      Interested in learning more? Check out Mike Hoffmann's Vendingpreneur training program, where Side Hustle Show listeners get a 10% discount!

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      Getting Started in Vending & Finding the Right Locations

      Anthony has been involved in real estate since 2009, but it was always a rollercoaster. After closing a deal, he often found himself starting from scratch again. He was seeking a more stable and predictable venture—something his children could participate in to learn about entrepreneurship and work ethic.

      Upon discovering Mike Hoffman, Anthony joined his community in late 2023. He has established one guiding principle in his vending machine business: location is crucial.

      His preferred locations include:

      - Manufacturing facilities with a minimum of 150 employees

      - Class A luxury apartments with over 200 units in a single building (no scattered buildings with clubhouses)

      - Workplaces with significant foot traffic

      - Office buildings—he inquires about vacancy rates, remote work policies, and whether snacks are supplied for employees

      “I don’t want to be the guinea pig,” Anthony explained, emphasizing his preference for locations that genuinely require vending machines rather than merely desirable spots. If a location can't generate $2K per month for him, he deems it unworthy.

      Pitching & Closing Deals

      When approaching property managers, Anthony avoids using the term "vending." Instead, he refers to it as “AI-powered smart markets” and promotes it as an amenity for residents or employees.

      He recognizes that many locations already have vending machines that are poorly stocked, and operators are hard to reach. This is where Anthony's proposal stands out: he assures them, “I'm local. You can contact me directly at this cell phone number.”

      Anthony also proposes revenue sharing (3-5% of gross sales), which prevents competitors from swooping in with better offers later. Although he introduces revenue sharing to property managers, it does not commence until six months afterward due to his substantial up-front investment in equipment. However, if they're willing to connect him with three additional buildings, he will begin sharing revenue immediately. Many accept this deal, allowing him to transform single placements into multiple lucrative locations, thus scaling his route.

      Each location features a QR code for residents to request specific inventory, ensuring that Anthony's team meets customer demands. Therefore, it’s not just about vending; it’s about providing a customer-focused service.

      Starting a Vending Machine Business

      Anthony has invested $400K in equipment, incorporating various types of machines:

      - Futura combo machines — $5K refurbished

      - Micro markets — $8-9K each

      - Stockwells AI smart machines — $8K each

      - Micromart’s AI refrigerators with video screens — $12K each

      The Micromarts feature screens that Anthony is considering using for advertising space, creating an additional revenue stream on top of vending sales.

      The Numbers: ROI & Financing

      How long does it take for a machine to pay for itself? Anthony acquired a $9K machine that generates a profit of $750-800 each month, allowing him to break even within 10-12 months. After that, it's all profit.

      However, he doesn’t buy each machine outright with cash. Instead, he utilizes financing to expedite scaling. Most machines are obtained with $0 down, 60-month financing, resulting in a monthly payment of $175. This strategy preserves cash for inventory, expansion, and growth. If you're just starting and lack capital, this method allows