If you’re considering buying into a healthy vending franchise, I have a few words of caution before you decide. I have received too many calls lately from adventurous entrepreneurs who have heard the great sales pitches from companies like Healthy You, Healthier 4U Vending, H.U.M.A.N. Vending, Fresh Healthy Vending, Sprout, and many others. They all offer you a world of support to start up your business, a big warranty on the machines, locations for the machines, accounting software and the latest and greatest vending machines on the market. Unfortunately after you’ve listened to them for a few hours you realize that the price is quite exorbitant. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to spend a hundred thousand dollars get great insider secrets and a high quality healthy vending machines.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… The number one thing you need to succeed in vending is a good location. The number two thing is a sharp looking, reliable machine. If you’re buying into the franchise for any other reason, then you’re a sucker. Sure they will offer you a lot of extra fluff but it’s just not worth the money.
Many franchises do offer locations as part of their package or you can upgrade for an additional $1000 or so. Please be very careful to not overpay for a location that is no good. I have personally heard from too many good people who got scammed by the vending locator. Do not give them any money until you approve the location. And you don’t have to be part of a franchise to get good locations. I’ve discussed in [other articles] how you can find good locations on your own.
Most franchises also offer a warranty on the healthy combination vending machine and free phone support as well. Let me just say that a warranty is only as good as the company that’s backing it up. What are the chances that a one year old company will be around to honor their 7 year warranty? Most healthy vending companies never live to see their warranties expire. We see them close down after just a couple of years all the time, so please be very cautious of this.
If you are new to vending, then I can see how you might be scared to do this alone and you may feel like you need to spend thousands of dollars to get the right education before jumping into the business. This is exactly how the franchisor wants you to feel.
