Candy and gumball vending machines have been making profits for nearly a century. In the vending world there is no greater mark-up than the gumball. At time or publishing you can purchase a gumball for about 2.3 cents. With a resale price of 25 cents that is over 400% mark-up! At Arrow Vending we offer many different options for gumball and bulk vending. We carry single, double, and triple head bulk candy/gumball vending machines along with the Python Spiral, the Century Capsule machines, and the Quad Revolution bulk vendor. Multiple gumball vending machine packages are available. Call today for more information on the world of bulk vending and gumball machines.

Gumball Machine FAQ

Can I vend products other than gum balls in a gumball machine?
Yes, there are 2 different wheels associated with gumball machines. A gumball wheel and a candy wheel. The gumball wheel is used for anything round like super balls, capsules, and gum balls. The candy wheel can vend any product that is less than 1 inch in size. Some of the more popular candies include: Peanut M&M's, Skittles, Boston Baked Beans, Mike and Ikes, and Hot Tamales. People have also vended animal feed, ping pong balls, nuts, dog treats, and other items.

What's the difference between a metal machine and a plastic machine?
There is a world of difference between a metal machine and a plastic machine. First and foremost is the coin mechanism. A plastic coin mechanism is more prone to failure. An all metal coin mech will stand the test of time. A plastic body on a machine is opening the door for vandalism. With a box cutter, any theft can cut into your coin box. With a metal machine, it is almost impossible to get into the machine without trouble. Metal machines are heavier and less likely to walk off.

How much money can I make from a machine?
That will depend entirely on your location. Some locations may make a ton of money and some locations may make little or no money. The key is to relocate the machines that are not performing for you. Profit margin in the bulk vending world is like no other. You can purchase a gumball for about 2 or 3 cents. When you resell that gumball you make 25 cents. Not a bad mark-up!

Which machine should I choose?
There are many factors to take into account when choosing a bulk vending machine. First of all what type of machine can be supported by your location? Is the location profitable enough to justify offering 3 or 4 selections? Are there more children than adults at your location? This may prompt you to go with a large spiral machine. Also, what is the atmosphere of your location? Is it a higher class place that may require the refined appearance of the Millenia or Triplvend machine? Or, is it more youth oriented where the boldness of the Quad Revolution or the Python may be appreciated?

How do I know what products to vend in my machine?
The best way to answer this question is to ask the location what they want in the machine. Remember, the employees of your location will make up a good portion of your sales. Also, keep asking them in the future what they want. If a particular product is not selling well in a location, you can always switch it out for something else.

What are the advantages of vending?
Vending is a cash business. There are never any unpaid bills from your customers. Once on location your vending machines are selling your product 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are many tax advantages for self employed people and small businesses. And, you get to be your own boss.

What type of permits and/or licenses do I need to be a vending operator?
This answer will vary greatly depending on city and county laws. To obtain the necessary information you should contact your local city and county offices. A good place to start is the Circuit Clerk's office.

How much time do I have to spend on a vending business?
This will be determined by the size and scope of your vending business. Many people operate vending routes on a part-time basis to supplement their income. Others make a full time living from vending. The average machine requires about 5 to 10 minutes of service once you are on location.

How do I locate my machines?
The most cost effective way is to place the machines yourself. Find a location where you think the machine will work and speak with the owner. Simply ask them if you can place the machine in their business. Another option would be to hire a professional locator.

How long will it be before I start making money?
Immediately! Once your machines are on location, your vending machines begin to sell your product to everyone that comes in contact with them.

Do I have to advertise my products?
No, the companies that produce your products spend generously on advertising every year and you can benefit from their efforts. Just think of how many candy commercials are on television alone!

History:

Gumball machines have been dispensing gum balls and of stick gum, since before the 1880s. The stick gumball machines were famous for their mirrors in front, a great marketing ploy, because most people will check themselves in a mirror, and while there, maybe drop a coin into the machine.
Early gumball machines were often very ornate— the glass prism globes distorting the balls to make the multicolor balls look unearthly and slightly bigger than life, the fire-red bases catching the attention of every passing youngster.. Gumball machines were simple at first — in fact, too simple, because kids learned pretty quickly how to stick their fingers up the hole and get a free ball. After that bug was worked out, however, some of them turned to sales gimmicks — an early gumball machine featured a little mechanical man who held the ball in his hands and dropped it down the shoot when you put in your money.
Today gumball machines come is all shapes and sizes. A 5 foot tall spiral machine can be sitting next to a single head millenia machine on a stand. They can vend gum, nuts, candy, mints, rubber balls, plastic toys, jewelry, pet food, golf balls, ping pong balls, money, and many other items. Machines come is 1, 2, 3, 4, and more head selections. The gimicks of the past have also been passed on to todays machines. Spiral machines are available with neon lights and smaller machines even have talking devises attached to them. Kids today still flock to the gumball machines to see what treasures they may offer. Meanwhile, early gumball machines still attract the eye and buyers at antique shows, and gum balls still account for about 3% of the total chewing gum market.