Often ideas for business are in plain sight, but people don’t notice them or don’t understand that you can earn good money from simple and familiar things. One of these ideas is coffee machines as a business. They bring good money without requiring you to be constantly present on site. Essentially you get passive income, spending a minimum of time on business.
Principle of operation
Selling goods and drinks through machines is called vending. This is enough profitable business, which quickly pays for itself and is guaranteed to start making a profit. The main thing is to choose a good place for the machines. They are usually installed in public places: shopping centers, gas stations, universities, etc. A good location is the key to constant and high profits.
Coffee vending business quickly pays for itself
The coffee vending machine does not require an operator or regular maintenance—it can operate autonomously for several days. All you need is to collect it as needed and fill it with ingredients. You can do this yourself or hire an employee to completely automate your business.
Where to get the devices
Coffee machines are sold in many places - you just need to enter the corresponding query on the Internet and choose the most suitable one. suitable option. Be sure to read reviews about the machine and study its capabilities before purchasing. Typically, this business uses equipment from Korea and Europe. A high-quality Korean machine costs about 90-100 thousand rubles, a European one 120-150 thousand.
Note: If you don’t have start-up capital, you can rent machines. In any case, vending pays off quite quickly, and the leader in payback is coffee vending.
You should also ask the seller/lessor about the availability of documents for the device. Usually there are no problems with this, but if the documents are missing, then you will probably have problems with regulatory authorities. License for this type no business needed.
What is the best way to build a business around coffee machines: buy them or rent them? Let us list the main advantages of both solutions.
- The purchase requires a large starting capital, but from the start you work only for yourself. You won't have to hand over a portion of your rental income, but you will need to find a really good place to sell, otherwise you risk losing your money.
- Renting is beneficial because there is no risk. Typically, the device costs 10 thousand rubles per month, and it is the owner who is responsible for its repair and maintenance. You will be able to understand the business without major investments and check the profitability of the point without risking your money. True, you will have to pay approximately 10-15% of your earnings for the machine itself.
It is more profitable to buy a machine so as not to pay rent
How to work correctly
The costs of running a business selling coffee are minimal - you just need to register as an individual entrepreneur and sign a lease agreement for the place. You should also find a raw material supplier who offers the most favorable prices with excellent product quality. After that, all you have to do is take money from the machine and add ingredients to it.
Vending is trading using vending machines. The use of vending machines turned out to be so profitable that more and more goods began to be sold this way. However, as it turned out, not every product, despite low costs, pays off. The most profitable area of vending has become the coffee machine.
Selling coffee and tea using coffee machines is so profitable that in public places even in small towns you can see several of these machines at once. Vending trade has a number of advantages compared to other types of trade:
- low entry threshold. Even a small capital of up to 100 thousand rubles is enough to get started;
- coffee machine occupies small area. A space of 1 square meter is sufficient for installation. m. The coffee machine can be installed even in a small corridor. This makes it possible to significantly save on rent;
- no need to hire salespeople and pay them salaries. The entire process of cooking and serving is performed automatically;
- savings on advertising;
- the coffee machine can be moved to any other location if the previous location turned out to be unfavorable;
- high profitability and quick return on investment.
Vending coffee machines have one significant drawback. They can be hacked. Most often, it is the fear of losing proceeds from the actions of criminals that prevents many entrepreneurs from starting this type of business. But if you install them in a secure area, then there will be no reason for concern.
How to set up a coffee vending business
The profit from an installed coffee machine largely depends on its location. In uncrowded places, in buildings that are rarely visited, the revenue will be very small. It will hardly be enough to pay rent, pay taxes and buy toppings (coffee, tea, cream, etc.). Therefore, the choice of retail location should be treated with particular scrupulousness. At the planning stage, statistical data is studied, used personal experience and observations. The most advantageous places for installing coffee machines are:
- airports and train stations;
- clinics;
- higher and secondary specialized educational institutions;
- shopping centers and shops;
- office centers;
- parking lots and lots;
- bazaars;
- gas stations;
- any premises in which there is a high turnover or congestion of people.
At all of the above facilities, conditions of fierce competition have already developed. To get maximum profit, simply installing a coffee machine is not enough. It should have many functions so that the buyer has plenty to choose from, and a convenient control panel. You can try to squeeze out competitors by installing several coffee vending machines at once in a profitable area, but for this you need to have more funds than a novice businessman can afford.
Coffee and snack machine
How to influence work efficiency
It is profitable to sell coffee on vending machines, but only if economic factors were taken into account when opening a business. The level of business risk has been determined. An analysis of the work of competitors was carried out. The break-even level and the minimum price per unit of goods were calculated. The market volume was determined.
Despite some peculiarities, this is a business like any other. The problems that an entrepreneur will face are exactly the same as with regular trading behind the counter. Only it will depend not on the behavior of the seller, but on the state of the equipment. If the device does not work, it runs out of materials, then the businessman will suffer losses due to repairs and downtime. To prevent this from happening, you should check the condition of the coffee machine at least once every 2-3 days.
Timely checking and price comparison will help increase your competitiveness. If competitors have reduced prices, then the only way to maintain the market is to set the same price, even lower, provided that this step does not lead to a loss. If you cannot do this, you should change the location of the device.
You can place a table and/or bench next to the coffee machine. In some cases, this improves operational efficiency better than cutting prices, but only works when the competitor's machine is much further away.
Choosing a coffee machine
For a novice businessman, the main selection criterion most often becomes price. The price depends not only on the functionality of the device, but also on the brand, country of origin and date of manufacture. A novice entrepreneur can purchase a coffee machine for business that has already been used. It costs less than a new one. This is often an outdated model, but it can be a good start. But if funds allow, it is better to buy a new one. When purchasing, you should consider the following factors:
- is there in your city or area service center on maintenance of the selected coffee machine for business;
- How is it staffed? Does it have an anti-burglary system installed on it and, accordingly, can it be installed outdoors or is it only suitable for secured premises;
- availability of warranty and post-warranty service;
- functionality. A wide range of drinks and prices will help satisfy the preferences of different customers, thereby increasing the efficiency of using the machine;
- maximum possible load of the machine: the number of glasses of coffee the selected machine can dispense without refilling.
Buying a new and expensive coffee machine for business is often more profitable than purchasing an old but cheap one. New performs more features, works faster and without failures. There is virtually no risk of downtime due to breakdown. This means he can sell more drinks per day.
Fillers for coffee machines
A coffee vending machine is installed in a building that is visited every day by the same people. The main task of an entrepreneur is to make them his regular customers. If coffee from one machine is tasty, but not from another, then people will buy more often from the first. Therefore, coffee for vending machines and other products must be of high quality. Before signing a supply agreement, try drinks made from the supplier's ingredients, but not from samples. You can try drinks from competitors. If you like the taste, feel free to sign the contract.
To fill, use the following components:
- powdered coffee (instant or grain);
- tea drinks;
- filtered water.
- cocoa;
- powdered milk and cream.
These components differ in shape and processing technology from conventional ones. For vending machines, coffee is roasted and ground in such a way that during the entire storage period, grains of sand or granules cannot cake and lose their taste and aroma. In addition to fillers, you will also need paper or plastic cups and stir sticks made specifically for vending machines.
Enterprise registration
You can start a business with coffee machines only after registering as an individual entrepreneur. During registration, a businessman will be offered several taxation options to choose from. It is more profitable to use the simplified tax system or UTII. Keeping records using such systems is simpler and taxes are lower.
A license to run a coffee machine business is not required. But there must be quality certificates. In case Rospotrebnadzor employees or buyers demand to see these documents. Certificates can be obtained from suppliers of fillers for coffee machines.
Expenses and income
First you need to find out how much a coffee machine costs and calculate the approximate costs of fillers, materials and maintenance. On average, the price of coffee machines for business ranges from 90 to 350 thousand rubles and depends on many factors. A used machine can be bought for 40-60 thousand rubles. Although such devices are cheaper, they can be expensive to maintain. For obvious reasons, it is better not to take them. Usually they have already exhausted their resource and often fail. The coffee machine sits idle for several hours and days. As a result, the businessman receives less profit.
Therefore, it is better to buy new coffee machines. This will not make your business any less profitable. The payback period may only increase, but it will last longer, and repair and maintenance costs will be minimal. It costs on average about 150-160 thousand.
How profitable coffee machines are as a business can only be assessed after calculations of costs and revenues have been made:
- price per cup of coffee for the buyer - 26-35 rubles;
- consumption per unit of production - 6-15 rubles;
- profit from the sale of a unit of product is on average 15-20 rubles;
- the average number of units sold per day is 55-100 units (depending on the location);
- Accordingly, gross profit per day is from 800 to 2000 rubles or from 23,000 to 60,000 rubles. per month.
In addition to the cost of purchasing components, that is variable costs, there are also constants, let’s do the calculation:
- electricity fee – 2-3 thousand rubles per month;
- rental payment for the premises - from 2000 to 25000 rubles. (it all depends on the region and area) per month;
- depreciation – 8000-30000 rub. per year (500-600 rubles per month).
From the given expense it is clear that the profitability will average 23,000-25,000 rubles per month. This level can be achieved with making the right choice space and inexpensive rent. This combination rarely succeeds on the first try. You may have to change the location of the device several times.
The coffee machine does not require much space
Payback of the coffee machine
The payback for a coffee machine usually occurs within 1-2 years, depending on how well the location was chosen, the level of competition and the cost of purchasing equipment and materials. At the same time, a coffee machine gives a monthly profit of approximately 20 to 120 thousand rubles. The income will be stable for a number of years. As you can see, coffee machines are a profitable business.
The main source of risk, as strange as it may sound, can be the manager public building or the owner of the store where the coffee machine is located. Since a lot depends on the right location, there is a high probability that the owner of a retail outlet will want to install a coffee machine for the business himself, rather than rent out the place.
Selling coffee using coffee machines is a profitable business that quickly pays off and does not require large initial investments.
Coffee is one of the most popular modern drinks. It accompanies our morning getting up, lunch in the office, traveling by transport, waiting in the cabin. Almost anywhere in the metropolis, an alluring aroma will attract our attention - these are coffee machines. It turns out that you can not only spend money on your favorite drink, but also earn money with it.
For those who want to earn money
Entrepreneurship for the inexperienced seems incredibly profitable and at the same time difficult and inaccessible. This is not always the case: there are areas in which you can get by with your own ingenuity and small investments, receiving in return a stable and quite pleasant profit.
Remember the phrase “To live well, but to live well is even better?” The same can be said about business: making good money by providing people with convenience and pleasure. This fully characterizes coffee machines - a business whose reviews are very positive
Vending - profitable and affordable
This type of income was not invented yesterday: this method has long been used by experienced entrepreneurs in various variations. Such a remote business is called the fashionable word “vending” - from English “to trade through machines.”
This business (coffee machines) is quite successful. Reviews indicate that the equipment will pay for itself quickly. Many people love coffee, business expenses are relatively low, and with proper marketing it is possible to earn a good income.
Modern business - coffee machines
Reviews indicate that even entrepreneurs with no experience can start their own business trading using special equipment. And this option is just as suitable for experienced businessmen who want to develop another line of activity. It is important to think through and correctly calculate your actions - then the profit will not be long in coming. Several points are important in this matter:
- the machine must be located in a crowded, frequently visited place: bus station, airport, clinic, salon, government agencies, universities, shopping centers - there are many options;
- much depends on the rent that the owner of the premises asks for: in fact, it is small, because 1 sq. m is enough for equipment. m of area (but if there is an option to agree on a percentage of sales, this option would be ideal for starting);
- do not skimp on the quality of the drink: the price should be reasonable and the quality should be high, so that customers are happy to use the services of the machine;
- no need to hire office staff, except for the service technician, and this also does profitable business on coffee machines;
- Feedback from entrepreneurs suggests that the starting number of machines should be at least five, in which case the profit will be noticeable.
Is it necessary to register an individual entrepreneurship?
It should be understood that coffee machines are a business. Reviews from those experienced in this matter testify in favor of official registration. Supplying electricity, supplying water, renting premises, paying taxes - for these purposes it is preferable to have official permission.
IN current conditions It is not difficult to obtain the status of an entrepreneur: you can contact the district tax office directly or intermediaries who will take care of the registration. Once you register, you can work peacefully. How do reviews recommend running a business (coffee machines)? Do I need to register an IP? The answer is clear - yes.
There are no activities provided, which is an additional advantage, but it is required for equipment. It is usually included with the purchased device, so receiving it will not create much trouble.
What other “ingredients” are needed to get started?
What kind of material investments will coffee machines as a business require? Owner reviews advise purchasing ingredients only from specialized companies supplying the vending business. Why is it important?
Coffee and other components of drinks that can be bought in vending machines are prepared in a special way, and their sticking and caking are completely eliminated. In addition, the raw material does not absorb foreign odors, dissolves easily and well, which makes the drink taste amazing.
To “refuel” the device you will need the following products:
- coffee;
- powdered milk or cream;
- cocoa or hot chocolate (depending on the type of machine);
- sugar;
- mineral water;
- disposable cups;
- stirrers.
If at first it is not possible to hire an employee to service the device, you should also include the purchase of detergents and disinfectants for cleaning equipment that will have to be brought into salable condition with your own efforts.
Brief business calculation
Where to start? We need to make a plan for (coffee machines). Reviews indicate that it is beneficial to start this business in partnership. To get a decent profit in the shortest possible time, experts advise purchasing five coffee machines, and for this you need a certain start-up capital. Based on this minimum, we obtain the following calculations:
- purchase of 5 machines - on average 90,000 rubles. for one unit; total - 450,000 rubles;
- purchase of ingredients for a month - 18,000 rubles.
Monthly expenses:
- rent - from 1000 rub. per unit, total 5000 rub.;
- payment for electricity supply - from 10,000 rubles. for all equipment;
- maintenance of devices - from 1000 rubles per one; total - 5000 rub. per month.
From the calculations carried out, even those who doubt it will not be difficult to understand that coffee machines are a business.
Reviews: How long does it take for coffee vending to pay for itself?
Depends on the cost of equipment and components, on the size of the rent and, first of all, on the number of cups of aromatic drink prepared per day.
The averages are approximately as follows:
- the cost of one glass is about 10 rubles;
- The cost of a finished portion is about 30 rubles.
Experts say that a decent profit can be obtained provided that the machine produces from 30 to 50 cups per day, that is, high traffic in the location of the coffee machine must be supported good quality product so that customers would strive to drink the next portion of coffee from this particular machine.
With such indicators and compliance with all conditions for good business practices ( working condition apparatus, high-quality water and components, advantageous combination prices and quality of products), investments in this business pay off in 9 months to a year.
Some talented entrepreneurs managed to arrange things in such a way that the business began to make a profit within 7 months! In this case, the seasonal factor also played into their hands, because in cold weather people are more willing to buy hot coffee.
Why do coffee machines work at a disadvantage?
Like every business, vending has its own risks, which is confirmed by some reviews from entrepreneurs.
A coffee machine is a vending equipment designed for selling coffee in crowded places. The popularity of coffee in Russia is growing from year to year, and the number of machines offering a high-quality and inexpensive drink is hundreds of times lower than in Europe. Minimum costs and a markup of up to 200% allow you to quickly recoup your investment and make good money.
A coffee machine is the most popular type of vending equipment. It is a sales unit that sells ready-to-drink coffee - in cups, with sugar, milk and other additives. Coffee machines require a minimum of retail space - 1-2 m 2 in good location with great traffic. The machine is filling up necessary ingredients for preparing up to 600 servings of coffee with various fillings. Maintenance - once every few days.
The retail price of the drink is almost three times higher than the cost - with costs ranging from 10 to 18 rubles. per serving you can sell it for 30-45. The average sales volume in the right location is 50 servings per day. The income from each is at least 20 rubles, which ultimately gives a daily profit of 1000.
Prospects for coffee vending in Russia
For Russia, the business of coffee machines is quite new, but it is developing quickly. This is due to an increase in coffee consumption and an improvement in the quality of the drink offered through vending machines. The percentage of trust in them is growing - according to the observations of Magic Group experts, the increase in fans of coffee machines is 20-25% per year.
Coffee machines can be found everywhere in megacities, in the regions - their number is minimal, which provides ample opportunities for vending.
In the USA there is 1 coffee maker for every 35 customers, in Europe the ratio is 110:1. In Russia, for every 2,500 consumers there is 1 not the best modern apparatus.
At the moment, business coffee machines and ingredients are represented mainly by imported products. Financial crisis and economic sanctions 2014-2015 caused a significant increase in prices for imported machines and consumables. The market froze for a short time, but gradually there was a redistribution in favor of domestic producers, offering equipment at more low prices. In turn, previously purchased imported installations are gradually being transferred to the use of cheaper ingredients Russian production. This made it possible to keep prices down ready drink at the pre-crisis level - from 20 rubles. per serving of instant coffee and up to 45 for a latte or cappuccino.
According to the VendShop company, the largest Russian manufacturer and distributor of vending equipment, at the end of 2015, a 1.5-fold increase in demand for domestic machines was recorded.
According to Vendexpo-2016 participants, the number of entrepreneurs interested in an additional source of income has increased significantly. Having your own space - a store, beauty salon, office, etc. - simplifies the installation of coffee makers and allows you to easily remove additional income. Trend last year- launching a network of coffee machines, requiring high costs, but also giving much tangible returns.
Types of coffee machines
To start a coffee machine business, you need to decide on the type of equipment used. The following varieties are available on the market.
For bean coffee with push-button control panel
More than a dozen drinks (12-15) are prepared using grain raw materials with the addition of milk, sugar, chocolate and other soluble ingredients. Depending on the characteristics of the drink, coarse, medium or fine grinding is done. Optimized for indoor use. Selecting drinks and adding ingredients is done by pressing buttons. Equipped with a coin and bill acceptor, a built-in boiler and coffee grinders (up to 3 pcs.), as well as an option for issuing change. Operate from running water or using bottled water.
For instant coffee with buttons
They are economy-class devices, which is due to the use of exclusively soluble raw materials. Prepare up to 10 drinks by mixing no more than 3 components.
The devices are less expensive compared to grain analogues. Designed for indoor installation, equipped with a bill and coin acceptor. Uses water from a bottle located in the side cabinet. Control is carried out by a button panel, with light indication. The range is not wide, which is explained by the limited number of components. Suitable for installation in places where the determining factor is the low cost of the drink.
For beans and instant coffee
More universal machines offering a wide range of drinks, both in composition and cost. They combine the functions of the first two types and are equipped with a coffee grinder, a water heater, and an option for mixing components. Possible collaboration with a snack vending machine. Designed for preparing no more than 15 drinks of various compositions. The sugar supply is dosed and the coffee grind is adjusted. The assortment includes drinks of a wide price range.
For capsule coffee
The device operates on coffee capsules. This is a fairly new direction in vending. The equipment is represented exclusively by imported products. Lavazza brand capsules are used as the main ingredient. The drink has a very rich taste and is positioned in the premium class - its cost ranges from 15 to 25 rubles. per serving. Slot machines represent more modern solutions- innovative display, user-friendly interface, expanded menu, option for your own mug.
Combination machines with coffee function
The unit combines the functions of coffee and snack. On top there is a coffee machine that works with coffee beans and instant ingredients (up to 6 pcs.). The drink is served in paper or plastic cup. Some models have the option of your own glass. Under the coffee shop there is a retail sector selling snacks in individual packaging - chocolate, cookies, chips, crackers, carbonated drinks and bottled water. There is a coin and bill acceptor and an option for issuing change. Can be operated from water supply. Requires larger area and more frequent maintenance. They are brightly decorated, equipped with lighting, allowing you to implement a large assortment goods.
With touchscreen
Fundamental difference The difference between devices with a push-button control panel is the presence of a modern liquid crystal display. To select and purchase a drink, you just need to touch the screen. They work with grains, instant coffee and tea. They use additives - cream, sugar, chocolate and prepare up to 18 drinks based on them. Productivity - up to 600 servings. The touch screen greatly simplifies the operation of the device. Its presence increases customer confidence as the most modern and simple device. This equipment is equipped with special software. All functionality is on the screen, including simple, step by step instructions manual. Provided autonomous water supply(canister with pump).
*Prices include bill and coin acceptor.
**Information from the websites of VendShop, First Vending Company, SIBA-Vending, VALEO,
Ingredients for coffee machines
Operation of any of the above units requires the use of appropriate ingredients. They are usually offered by companies that sell vending equipment. Below is a calculation for two full loads of a machine that works with grain and instant coffee, designed for 400 servings of the drink.
| Name | Number of units | Price per one.* | Total in rub. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant coffee | |||
| Soluble sivki | |||
| Coffee beans | |||
| Instant chocolate | |||
| Sugar soluble | |||
| Cups | |||
| Stirrers | |||
| Water in 20 liter cans | |||
| Related products for vending machine maintenance |
Total: 89,998 rub.
*Information from the websites of VendShop and SuperVending.
Business Startup Costs
To make money from coffee machines, you need to register a business (from 10,000 rubles), rent a place (from 3,000 rubles), purchase equipment (from 271,245 rubles for grain and instant coffee) and components for its operation (89,998 rubles according to above calculation). Total - 374,243 rubles. (more is possible cheap option with the machine only for grain or instant coffee). All subsequent costs are reduced to maintenance, refueling and possible repairs. When developing a business plan, do not a large amount it is still necessary to provide for it. The investment pays off in a year and a half.
Summary
You can start a coffee machine business in any season, regardless of the time of year. There is always a need for hot drinks; you just need to correctly identify the places where their potential consumers gather. Competition in this business is high, but the density of operating devices is low and there is a place for everyone. This is one of the lowest risk ways to earn money.