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How Much Do Vending Machines Cost?

Owning a business is a dream for millions of Americans and the vending machine business offers great opportunities for entrepreneurs who are looking for freedom and flexibility while earning good money. One of the first questions most people ask when considering starting one of these businesses is, “How much do vending machines cost?”

What is the Average Cost of A Vending Machine? 

This is a straightforward question but the answer isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think. The vending machine business isn’t cookie-cutter. There are a lot of variables that go into the equation for figuring out the average cost of a vending machine. The fact is, you can buy a used, decades-old snack vending machine for a few hundred dollars on the secondary market, or you can spend over $10,000 for a new, high-end machine that dispenses hot food and beverages.

 

The average cost of a vending machine depends on the type of machine you want, the products you wish to sell, and the technology that the machine uses to accept payment, vend items and keep those items fresh.

 

We can say the average cost of a vending machine falls below $10,000 but above $1,500, but let’s dig deeper to help you calculate your costs.

What Are the Costs of Running a Vending Machine Business?

These are some of the costs associated with running a vending machine business.

Vending Machine Units 

You can’t start a vending machine business without the vending machines, and these will be the largest investment you make into your business. The price ranges for vending machine units can vary significantly based on the type of products you are selling. For example, a snack machine typically costs less than a machine that dispenses ready-to-eat meals. An older model machine that only accepts cash and leverages standard push-button operation will cost less than a modern machine that is more intuitive and accepts credit and debit swipes.

 

Because the costs can vary significantly, it’s best to estimate anywhere from $1,500 per machine on the low end to $10,000 on the high end, depending on the products and type of vending machine you are buying.

Restocking Vending Machines

Keeping a vending machine well-stocked is necessary. Without food or beverages, people have nothing to buy from you. Restocking vending machines requires an ongoing investment, and it can take a little while to find the right mix of products and inventory you keep on hand.

 

In the startup phase of your vending business, you will want to be careful about overstocking items. It will take a while to get a feel for your best-selling items and to identify patterns among your customers. Some items will sell well in one location but will be complete duds in others, and you don’t want to buy too much inventory that you cannot move.

 

If you choose to work with a vending machine company that offers extensive support services, they can typically provide you with some initial data to start out with so that you’re making smart choices for your budget. A vending machine company that offers franchise benefits will also typically sell you products at wholesale or reduced cost, leaving you more room to mark up products and achieve healthy margins. Their advisors can work with you to determine the right pricing model for the machines and locations you secure.

Vending Machine License

Business licenses are required for vending machine operators, and those licenses cost money. Costs will vary based on the state and municipality where the vending machines will be located, so it’s important to read and understand all of the legal requirements ahead of time.

 

In most cases, you will need to visit your city or county office to secure a license. If you are required to collect and pay state sales tax, you may also need to secure a seller’s permit. Perishable items may also be subject to health and food permits, as well. The cost of a business license and other permits can range from as low as ten dollars and as high as several hundred dollars and you will need to renew your license every so often, depending on your local regulations.

Location Placement

When it comes to running a profitable vending machine business, one of the pillars of success is location, location, location. It would be nice if you could put a vending machine anywhere you wish, but you need permission from property owners who often want a portion of your profits (a commission).

 

Ideally, you would negotiate a contract that does not include a commission for the location owner, but it’s often a good idea to provide a commission if you want to build a great relationship and if you want to maintain priority space on their property. Commissions are just pennies on the dollar and if a location is generating 100-plus vends per day, those pennies won’t cut into your long-term profits in any significant way.

 

If you’re new to the vending business and you want help finding profitable vending machine locations, Naturals2Go is here to help. As a member of our team of entrepreneurs and an owner of our machines, you will have access to full training and location procurement assistance to help you build a profitable business.

Different Types of Vending Machines and How Much They Cost

As we have previously discussed, the cost of a vending machine will vary based on the type of machine you buy. If the machine must be refrigerated, it costs more than one that does not require refrigeration, for example. Here are some of the different types of vending machines and some cost considerations for each.

Soda Machines

Soda machines are a staple of the vending machine industry. They can produce a high volume of sales and a well-placed soda machine can generate significant profit. They do cost a little more to purchase because they require refrigeration. They can start at $3,600 for an older, bare-bones model and prices can skyrocket based on the technology and features you want your machine to have.

Snack Machines

Traditional snack machines vend grab-and-go items. They can be “junk food” snacks like chips, healthy food snacks like bags of nuts and trail mixes, or some mix of the two. These units can start around $3,000 on the low end and can go as high as $8,000 or more depending on the technology.

Candy Machines

Candy machines can either vend single-serve candy bars and snack-sized bags, or they can be bulk machines that vend just one item (like a gumball machine). Bulk machines cost far less than traditional vending machines, but the profit margin can be significantly lower. If you’re selling gumballs for a quarter, you aren’t likely to make as much as someone who sells full-size candy bars.

 

As with other vending machines, candy machines can also vary in price based on whether the unit is refrigerated and the technology it uses to vend items.  Prices can start as low as $1500 for a simple or used machine and run as high as $8,000 or more on the high end.

Coffee Machines

Coffee vending machines can be some of the most expensive to buy and to operate. In addition to standard electrical connections they require water connections, they have heating mechanisms and cup dispensers, they must be kept clean both inside and out and they typically require much more frequent maintenance than a machine that vends prepackaged beverages.  A new machine on the low end can cost nearly $6,000 just to purchase, then you must factor in the ongoing costs associated with running each machine.

Cost of Partnering with a Vending Machine Franchise

Starting a vending machine business when you have no connections in the industry can be a significant challenge. Even if you purchase an existing route, your location owners may be wary of working with a new person with little experience and you never know for sure how well an existing route has been serviced before you took over.

 

Running a solo business also requires you to do all of your own research into the business, to try and scout and secure locations on your own, create your own contracts, develop your own sales process, etc. This can make it much more difficult to start generating revenue and profits.

 

A vending machine franchise opportunity helps remove all of those roadblocks. Working with an established company with name recognition, a proven business model and dedicated training and support teams gives you a competitive advantage in the vending business.

 

When you work with a vending machine franchise, you pay them a fee to secure your equipment, startup inventory, training, location support and more. And that support doesn’t end once you are up and running. You have ongoing access to their resources as their network of entrepreneurs to grow your business over time. The costs of buying into a vending machine franchise can range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on the company.

 

Be careful when choosing a franchise opportunity and always make sure to read the fine print. Some companies charge small startup fees and then charge exorbitant ongoing fees throughout the life of your vending business. They may also require you to work full-time on your business which can be a struggle for new business owners who want to make sure they have enough cash to remain solvent during startup phases.

 

At Naturals2Go, you get the benefits of a franchise without those ongoing costs and restrictions. Our startup costs are not excessive by industry standards and we allow our entrepreneurs to start and grow their business at their own pace. We understand that our team members have lives and families and that’s why we provide the freedom to choose full-time or part-time, and a growth rate that suits your budget and goals. We believe in providing support and guidance, rather than pressure.

 

Because we understand that starting a vending machine business can be both exciting and stressful, we offer vending machine business financing options, as well. We want to make sure that our entrepreneurs are comfortable with the investment they are making and we will help you determine the right source of financing for your needs.

Are Vending Machines Profitable?

There are around 5 million operational vending machines in the US right now, taking in over $7 billion in annual sales. The snack niche alone generates $64 million in annual profits for vending machine operators.

 

That doesn’t mean every vending machine is cranking out profits. Product mix and location play a huge role in the profitability of a vending machine. A machine in a busy airport probably generates significant revenue while a soda machine in an apartment complex laundry room will generate less.

 

To generate profits, products must be chosen strategically and priced just right. Price your items too low, and you won’t make money. Price them too high in a competitive area and potential customers will choose another option.

 

In the vending industry, the average revenue for a machine is well over $75 each week and over $300 per month. Some vending machines generate much less than this, while some vending machines generate much, much more. The more well-placed, well-stocked machines an owner operates, the greater their revenue and the more profitable their business.

Conclusion

A well-run vending machine business can be very profitable for entrepreneurs. The keys to success lie in planning, support and the amount of work put into building the business. Investing in a franchise or business opportunity that provides resources for owners can greatly increase your chances of running a vending machine business that generates real income.

 

Another key to success is to pay attention to shifting consumer priorities. We are all old enough to remember when every vending machine we saw carried junk food –food that tastes great and offers no nutritional benefits, but those types of machines are very slowly but surely being replaced with healthier snack options like water, juices, nuts, meal-replacement options and items people can feel good about consuming.

 

There is always a time and a place for a soda and a bag of chips, but there is a real opportunity to capitalize on Americans’ desires for healthier, more natural choices. And a bonus for vending machine operators is those healthier options can often be priced to offer healthy margins, as well.

 

If you are interested in starting your own vending machine business, partner with Naturals2Go, one of the top healthy vending machine companies in the United States.

 

The Naturals2Go system is designed to set you up for success and get your business running quickly with equipment, qualified leads, sales appointments, training, support, education and more – all without the strict limitations and fees imposed by other vending companies. With Naturals2Go you get the benefits of:

 

  • Setting your own goals without restriction
  • Access to support staff and mentors at every stage of growth
  • Help to secure financing
  • Training and ongoing education through the life of your business
  • No royalties or exorbitant ongoing fees

 

If you’re ready to get started, we are ready to talk to you. Contact Naturals2Go today to learn more about our proven track record for helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals.

Do You Stress Eat? Here are Some Guilt-Free Snacks You Can Feel Good About!

Let’s face it — we’re living in stressful times. And sometimes, our reaction to that is to eat. Stress-eating is a problem for many individuals, but it doesn’t have to make you unhealthy or add pounds to your waistline. There are guilt-free snacks out there that you can feel good about eating! Here are a few examples:

Healthy Granola Bars

Granola bars and protein bars are convenient and easy snack options. Unfortunately, many are loaded with sugar and processed ingredients. Look for granola or protein bars that have no added sugars and are made with organic, all-natural ingredients. That way, you’ll have a protein-packed, delicious snack that you don’t have to feel guilty about.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits make for a nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-eat snack. Fresh fruit is perfectly fine too, but dried fruit is especially convenient if you’re on-the-go or just want something easy to grab out of a bag in a pinch. Look for dried apples, bananas, apricots, and more — it’s a great snack that is completely guilt-free.

Nuts

Thanks to the high fiber levels found in nuts like cashews, peanuts, almonds, and pistachios, they’re naturally filling. You don’t have to eat much in order to feel satisfied! And it’s incredibly easy to control your portion size when you’re snacking on nuts, and they’re good for you thanks to their healthy amounts of good fats and protein.

Avocado Toast

For an on-trend snack that is as good looking as it tastes, try making yourself avocado toast. It’s an extremely popular dish right now, and for good reason. Avocado toast is packed with heart-healthy fats and protein, not to mention good vitamins and minerals. It’s perfect for giving you a boost of energy and helping you to feel full.

Potato Chip Alternatives

Everyone enjoys a classic snack like potato chips every once in a while. Of course, standard potato chips aren’t very good for you. Fortunately, there are plenty of great chip alternatives out there. Look for kettle-cooked or small-batch potato chips, which have a far lower fat content than normal chips. Kale chips, or bean and rice chips, skip the use of potatoes entirely for a healthy, tasty snack you can feel great about.

 

Don’t let stress rule your diet. Give these healthy snacks a try the next time you have a craving. You won’t regret it!

Is it Time for a Career Change? Here’s How to Make the Switch

As the world deals with a frightening pandemic and the resulting economic hardship, the last thing on many people’s minds is a career change. But make no mistake: right now may be the perfect time to make a switch in your professional life, and it might be downright necessary. Let’s take a closer look at making a career change and how to see it through until things get a bit more stable.

Is It Time to Change?

First, decide whether right now is the time to make a career change or stick with what you have. Ask yourself: are you burnt out with what you’re doing? Have you lost your passion and drive? That’s usually a good indicator that it is time to make a change, regardless of the economic situation.

 

If the difficult economy itself is directly impacting your profession, it might be a good idea to get out ahead of things and make a switch to something that can weather the storm. If current prospects in your field aren’t looking good, it can pay big dividends in the future to make a change now.

Making the Switch

It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to do your research before deciding to make a career change. Only make the switch if you’re absolutely certain it’s necessary and that it will be beneficial. Then, you can forge ahead with your new career and make the most of it, even during trying times.

 

When you do make the switch, there’s no sense in going halfway. Dive in headfirst and put yourself out there — learn your new craft, soak up all of the knowledge and tips you can from others in the field, and devote yourself fully to your new position.

See It Through

A final word of advice: be patient with your new career change, and don’t give up or get discouraged too quickly. Switching careers — especially during an economic downturn — can be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do, and it’s important that you don’t throw in the towel before giving it a chance. Be the resourceful professional that you are, and you’ll find success in whatever you choose to do.

 

Interested in the growing field of healthy vending machine sales? Get in touch with Naturals2Go to learn more.

Did You Know Healthy Living Habits Improve During a Recession?

It’s easy to assume the worst when a recession hits. And it goes without saying that an economic downturn can harm people — especially those who are already suffering or are in poor economic health. But you may be surprised to learn that the data isn’t all negative. Surprisingly, healthy living habits actually tend to improve during times of economic recession for many people!

 

Here are three reasons why:

More Time for Exercise

During booming economic times, most individuals spend most of their time working. That means that they tend to neglect healthy habits, such as exercise. Surprisingly, one thing that often improves during times of recession is the amount of exercise that people perform. And you can take a cue from that fact — neglecting your physical health during this time is not a good idea. Make time to exercise on a daily basis to keep up your health.

Eating Home-Cooked Meals

When the economy is good, people tend to spend more of their hard-earned money on eating take-out food or going to restaurants. While some of that food can be perfectly healthy, much of it is not. During recession times, on the other hand, people tend to make more food at home in order to save money. And that is often a good thing in terms of healthy living — using fresh, nutritious ingredients to make a home-cooked meal is one of the best things you can do for you and your family.

Less Work-Related Stress

There’s no question that things can be stressful during a recession. But compared to the high-stakes stress of the competitive job world, some individuals actually find that they’re less stressed when work isn’t the only thing they’re focused on. In many cases, recession times allow people to focus more on what really matters, like family, relationships, and good health.

 

To put it simply, people tend to focus more on preventative health and wellness care during a recession, largely because they’re spending more time at home and less time at work. So try to look on the bright side during these difficult times — there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Choose a Business Venture That’ll Survive an Economic Downturn

Thanks to the outbreak of COVID-19 this year, the economy has taken a massive hit. Experts say we’re already in a recession, and it looks as though things will only get worse before they get better. There are certain types of businesses in certain fields, however, that seem to be immune to the economic downturn (pun intended).

 

The healthy vending machine business is one of them. Let’s take a look at three reasons why your vending machine business venture will survive when the economy is in a slump.

The Costs Are Low

The costs associated with a vending machine business are low across the board, both for vending operators and the customers who buy snacks from them. On your end, the cost of maintaining machines, stocking your inventory, and tracking your sales is a very cheap process, which helps you stay financially viable in these trying times. For vending customers, the costs of the items in the machines are low, making it likely that consumers will still purchase vending products — especially when they’re short on time or don’t have the resources to prepare meals at home.

Placement Works Wonders

There’s no doubt that vending machine placement is of the utmost importance, and that couldn’t be more true during an economic downturn. When machines are placed strategically in areas where customers can reach them easily, your business sustains itself. Think of the key workers — doctors, nurses, public health officials, and many more — who are working tirelessly during these tough times. They need fed, and if your machines are placed in the areas where they are, it’s a win for everyone.

PEOPLE NEED HEALTHY FOOD

Studies show that healthy eating habits actually improve during difficult economic times, rather than decline. Now more than ever, people are seeking out healthy food. Your vending machines provide that. And in this climate of no-touch or contactless ordering, there couldn’t be a more appropriate vehicle to get food than a vending machine — customers don’t have to come in contact with another person at all in order to get the product, so health-conscious buyers will appreciate that.

 

There’s no question that we’re in unfamiliar waters as the year rolls on. But partnering with a healthy vending machine service is a great way to navigate things. Learn more by contacting Naturals2Go — there’s no time to waste.

Are Vending Machine Profitable?

Vending machines dispense food and beverages to people on the go. The products that are typically sold in vending machines are not big-ticket items (except for car vending machines, of course), so people often wonder if vending machines are profitable. The fact is, vending machines can be highly profitable, if a business is structured in the right way.

 

There is a lot of money to be made in vending, and it shows in the current state of the industry. There are around 5 million operational vending machines in the US right now and they rake in over $7 billion in annual sales for their operators. As far as profits go, the snack niche alone generates $64 million in annual profits for vending machine operators.

 

As long as people eat and drink on the go, there will be a need for well-placed, well-stocked vending machines. But like any business, it is possible to have great success in vending machines, to fall in the middle of the pack, or even to fail. The key is having the right support, the right strategies and the right pricing structures in place to ensure a vending machine business makes money.

How Much Do Vending Machines Make? 

The data surrounding individual vending machine profits can be difficult to parse out because there is such a wide fluctuation throughout the industry. For example, a single vending machine in a busy hotel with no restaurant could bring in hundreds of dollars a day, while a vending machine tucked away in a dark and dusty apartment laundry room could bring in as little as few dollars a month.

 

However, vending is a multi-billion dollar industry overall. People always have a need for food and drinks on the go and the industry shows absolutely no signs of slowing. In fact, it is expanding.  How much a single vending machine makes depends on the type of machine, its location, the products it dispenses and the price of its items. But a great mix of machines and products can generate significant revenue for a vending machine business owner.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Vending Machine Business? 

It does not cost much to start a vending machine business, but startup costs do vary by the path you choose to enter the business. Starting a vending machine business on your own can keep startup costs down, but it can be impossible to break into the vending machine business without support. With no contacts, no established name brand in the industry, no track record and no mentors, it could take a solo vending machine owner months if not years to get a business up and running, which offsets those cheaper startup costs.

 

On the flip side, working with an established vending machine company as part of a franchise or franchise-like system might cost a little more up-front, but it will set up a vending machine business for success from day one by providing support in site selection, contracts, marketing, product sourcing and more.

 

To cover those slightly higher startup costs, there are many options for financing a vending machine business. They include cash, unsecured personal loans, secured personal loans, short-term business loans, an SBA loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or special 401(k) rollovers designed for people starting businesses.  The financing option you choose to launch a vending machine business will depend on your unique circumstances. Whenever possible, work with a financing expert to help you make the best decisions for yourself, your family and your future business.

Average Profit Margin for Vending Machines

As noted, with any type of business, vending machines businesses cost money to start. Those startup costs include the machines, rent for location space, inventory, maintenance, and more. The exact cost of doing business depends on the type of vending machine(s) you choose to operate how many machines you have in operation at any given time.

 

Pricing must also be strategic in order to make money. Let’s say you operate a cold beverage machine and sell products for $2 each but the machine is in a less-than-ideal location and only gets 10 sales per day. That machine’s net income is $20 per day. If the sodas cost you $1.50 each, your profit is only 50 cents per item and your overall profit is only $5 per day. To make your profits worthwhile, you’d have to own hundreds, if not thousands of soda machines in much better locations.

 

Conversely, if you have a well-placed machine filled with snacks, for example, that sold 50 items a day at around $4 each but you paid 50 cents for each snack, your profits would be around $175. If you have several popular, well-placed machines, your profits would be well worth the work.

 

The fact is that the vending machine business can be very profitable, but like any other business you have to put in the work in order for it to be successful.

What Are the Most Profitable Vending Machines? 

While the average profit margins for vending machines can be quite high, some machines are a bit more profitable than others. Here are some of the most profitable types of vending machines:

Coffee Vending Machines 

Americans drink over 77.4 billion cups of coffee and spend $35.8 billion annually. Coffee is big business, but running a profitable coffee machine – like so many other types of machines – requires a bit of strategic planning.

 

There are simply places where coffee machines won’t work like shopping malls and centers. They do work well in places like office buildings, apartment complexes, car dealerships and maintenance centers, medical centers, schools and places where you catch people doing a lot of waiting around or coming and going to work.

 

Pricing coffee requires knowing what a unique market can bear, but many coffee vending machine owners report profit margins over 200%.

Soda Vending Machines 

Soda vending machines are some of the most popular in the market and in warm weather, the demand for cold beverages climbs exponentially. In warm climates, people will buy cold drinks year-round. In seasonal climates, demand can drop in the fall and winter months.

 

Soda and cold beverage machines do require refrigeration, which can make them slightly more expensive to operate, but they are the easiest type of machine to stock as selection can be minimal and profit margins can be strong, which priced correctly.

 

Sodas can be priced anywhere from $1.50 to upwards of $3.00 in some locations and cans are typically priced lower than bottles. Buying wholesale can help keep costs down, allowing operators to hit a $1 target vend goal per transaction.

Snack Vending Machines

Snack machines are highly popular vending machines, and they can be placed almost anywhere with heavy foot traffic. The markup on some snacks is a bit lower than something like candy but overall the margins on snacks are much wider. If a bag of nuts costs a vendor $1 to purchase, they can easily charge $2.

 

Snack vending machines also allow for more variety – which is great for consumers but does mean vendors will have to visit the machine more often to restock popular items.

Cold Food Vending Machines

Cold food vending machines dispense ready-to-eat, frozen or re-heatable items like salads, sandwiches, burritos, breakfast foods and full meals. To make this type of machine profitable, it is important to have a mix of foods that have a short shelf life and foods that have a longer shelf life.

 

Cold food vending machines must be refrigerated so, like soda machines, they can be a bit more expensive to run. Additionally, the food must be turned over quickly. However, because people are essentially paying for meals, items can be marked up considerably, especially if a machine takes credit or debit cards.

Vending Machine Profit Statistics

Realistically, one vending machine won’t be enough for an operator to retire to paradise after a few months in business. However, several strategically-placed vending machines with great products can provide a very healthy revenue stream.

 

Americans spend about $27 per person per year on items from vending machines and the average transaction is around $1.75. The typical vending machine generates over $75 of revenue each week and over $300 per month. Some vending machines generate much less than this, while some vending machines generate much, much more. The more well-placed, well-stocked machines an owner operates, the greater their profits and revenue.

 

It is also worth noting that vending machine tastes are shifting considerably. There was a time when nearly every vending machine in the country carried sodas, candy, chips and other fatty, sugary snacks. Today, consumers want much healthier options. They want water, juices, nuts, meal-replacement options and items they can feel good about sharing with their children.

 

There will always be a place for “junk food” machines in our country, but now is an excellent time to break into healthier product lines, especially because the profits on those lines can be much greater than other foods and beverages.  Industry figures consistently show that the sale of healthy snack items outpaces junk food, and that the gap between the two widens every year.

Are Vending Machines a Good Investment? 

Vending machines can be a great investment when you approach the business strategically. Like any other business, it pays to learn about the industry before jumping in and to have a mentor and someone supportive to help you learn the ropes so that you can turn a profit.

 

And, like any other business, it will take time to post a net profit. You will put money into the business up front, and it will take work to get to the break-even point and then operate in the black. Vending machines are not a good investment for people who aren’t willing to research the business, listen to experts who know what they are doing or who attempt to start a business without any support at all.

 

However, if you are willing to learn about the industry, listen to advice and put in the work necessary at the beginning to make the business work long-term, then vending machines can be a great investment. They can act as a source of second income, as a family business, a full-time business, or a source of passive income.

 

If you have the support of experts behind you, vending machines are great investments because they offer cash flow – customers put their money into the machine or swipe their card and you immediately collect the money.  The business is flexible enough that you can start it in your spare time, as a nine-to-five, a retirement business or a business for stay-at-home parents. Finally, vending machines are good investments because the business is scalable. Once you start earning consistent profits, you can scale up at a comfortable pace.

Start Your Vending Machine Business Today

As you can see, vending machines can be profitable if you have the right support and strategies in place. If you are ready to start your vending machine business, partner with Naturals2Go, one of the best healthy vending machine companies serving the US.

 

Naturals2Go has helped thousands of entrepreneurs start successful businesses both in their spare time and as full-time opportunities. Our team supports you every step of the way and has been voted a Best Business Opportunity seven years running. The Naturals2Go system is designed to set you up for success and get your business running quickly with equipment, qualified leads, sales appointments, training, support, education and more – all without franchise restrictions or fees.

 

The key pillars of the Naturals2Go system include:

  • Support staff that act as mentors
  • Goals set by you, not a franchise administrator
  • Help securing financing if needed
  • Training and ongoing education
  • No royalties or fees
  • Total independent control of your business

 

If you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help you get the ball rolling. Contact Naturals2Go today to see how you could benefit from starting a profitable vending machine business.

The Most Important Meal of the Day: How to Build a Good Breakfast

We’ve heard for years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And it very well may be, assuming you put together a healthy breakfast that does the job it’s supposed to do. So how can you make sure that you’re building a healthy breakfast for yourself and your family members?

 

Here are some of the components of a good breakfast, as well as suggestions on foods that provide these benefits.

Energy

The point of eating a full breakfast is to give your body energy to get through the rest of the day, or at least until lunchtime, when you can fuel up again. One way to do this is to choose whole-grain foods, such as whole-grain cereal, oatmeal, or a whole-grain bagel. These foods keep your blood sugar level up and prevent a mid-morning crash. Protein is also vital for energy, so try to consume high-protein foods like Greek yogurt or eggs.

Fullness

You’ll also want your breakfast to make you feel full so that you’re not distracted through the morning. Plus, if your breakfast doesn’t fill you up, you might tend to reach for sugary or unhealthy snack foods throughout the morning. So be sure to choose high-fiber foods, because fiber helps your body increase the feeling of fullness — nuts, chia seeds, cottage cheese, and flaxseeds are a few good choices.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help prevent cell damage throughout the body, and they help to reduce inflammation and have even been shown to decrease the risk of diabetes and liver disease. Including some antioxidant-rich foods as a part of your breakfast is a great idea. Fruit is a good choice, as certain fruits like blueberries are incredibly rich in antioxidants and are even considered a “superfood” by some nutritionists. And your beloved cup of coffee actually provides antioxidants, too, so don’t feel guilty about a cup or two.

Probiotics

Greek yogurt also comes through as a good source of probiotics, so it’s a really great, all-around breakfast food. Probiotics are beneficial microbes that live in the gut and promote good stomach health — you’ll see phrasing like “contains live and active cultures” on the label of Greek yogurt that contains good probiotics. Try topping your yogurt with berries or seeds for an extra nutrition-packed punch.

 

It’s time to revitalize your mornings and turn your whole day around right at the beginning. Do that by putting together a healthy and nutritious meal that’s perhaps the most important you’ll eat all day: breakfast.

Vending Machines: The Next “Family Business” Idea

It might seem that the days of the family business have long since passed. The idea of an individual launching their own business venture, and it maintaining success for decades until that person passes the operation down to their children, can seem like something out of an old movie. But make no mistake: the healthy vending machine industry is the perfect opportunity for a family business, and it’s built to make the transition to a profitable family business as easy as possible.

 

Here’s why the vending machine business can help you build an empire that you can pass along to future generations:

Built-In Longevity

The very nature of the vending machine business is built on longevity. Vending machines aren’t there to make a huge profit at the snap of a finger — on the contrary, vending machines are playing the long game. Profits build over weeks, months, years of the machine functioning productively in a prime location. Multiply that prime location by several perfectly placed machines, and you have a profit-generating empire on your hands. You’ll be in control of the healthy vending market in your town, and that’s something that can be passed down.

Relaxed Management Approach

Vending machines serve as individual revenue sources without the need for a lot of hands-on operation. Customers use the machines, get their products, and the machine collects payment. All you have to do is make sure they stay stocked and then collect the profits. This kind of “relaxed” or hands-off approach is perfect for the family business. You spend your time overseeing your operation, not necessarily out in the field, doing a lot of hands-on work. This approach is something you can show your family members or children, allowing for a smooth transition when you’re ready.

Constant Support

If you’re interested in running a vending machine business alongside your family members, or passing your operation down to the next generation in the future, you don’t have to teach those people a lot of complicated technical jargon or product information. When you partner with Naturals2Go, that kind of thing is taken care of for you. Our 24/7 operator support gives you help with tech support and product sourcing information, and we have lifetime coaching available to help you — or the next generation — at every turn.

 

What are you waiting for? Take the plunge and learn more about the healthy vending machine business — it’s an investment in yourself and the generations behind you.

Healthy Living Habits As Told By the State of California

Californians sometimes get a bad rap — after all, the state is a mecca for hippie culture, surfer dudes, and Silicon Valley moguls. But when it comes to good health, California tends to be on the leading edge. The state ranks highly when it comes to healthy people, especially considering its massive size compared to much smaller states, and is often a leader in terms of environmentally conscious regulation. So what can we learn from the example of Californian

Tobacco Regulation

By now, everyone is well aware of the dangers that smoking cigarettes poses. All the way back in 1988, the state of California approved a proposition to tax cigarettes in order to fund a tobacco control program. A decade later in 1998, they banned smoking in public areas like restaurants and buses. Many states followed suit, and California became a model for public health initiatives like those that they passed on tobacco.

Cutting Air Pollution

California has a long history of doing their part to limit air pollution. It was the first state to ban a harmful chemical used in laundromats (perchloroethylene) and prohibit lead gasoline and require smog checks. California also recently passed a rule requiring more reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and the state is also committed to putting more zero-emissions vehicles in the hands of drivers.

Good Diet and Exercise

California residents tend to practice healthier lifestyle habits — the state ranks 10th in physical activity, fourth in healthy blood pressure, and fifth for a diet with high levels of fruits and vegetables. Considering that California is home to millions of people and is far larger in terms of population than many other states, those are very good rankings! Eating right and getting regular exercise are two of the best possible ways to maintain your health for the long term, so follow the example of Californians and commit to a healthy diet and exercise.

 

When you live in a healthy environment, don’t smoke tobacco, and consume healthy foods and exercise regularly, you’re putting your health first. And these are only three of the many examples of the ways Californians maintain their good health. It’s time to follow their example — start taking after the residents of The Golden State and see how good you feel!