Established collections of vending machine locations serviced by a single operator, often called routes, are sometimes offered for purchase. These pre-existing businesses provide a turnkey solution for entrepreneurs seeking entry or expansion within the vending industry. A prospective buyer acquires not only the machines themselves, but also established client relationships, placement agreements, and historical sales data for each location within the route.
Acquiring an established route offers several potential advantages. It eliminates the often time-consuming process of securing locations and negotiating contracts. Existing revenue streams and performance data provide valuable insights for forecasting profitability and making informed business decisions. Furthermore, purchasing a route often includes existing inventory, reducing initial startup costs. Historically, these opportunities have been facilitated through industry-specific brokers or direct networking, but online marketplaces are becoming increasingly prevalent.