How to Find a Vending Machine Business for Sale

It can be extremely difficult and time consuming to find the right vending machine business for sale.  There are a number of factors to consider when researching vending routes for sale.

The first variable to consider is what type of vending business you want to purchase.  There is an incredible amount of variety when it comes to vending routes.  There are full sized snack/drink routes, bulk candy routes, sticker/toy routes, electronics routes, ATM routes, etc.  The types of vending routes will continue to evolve over time.  For example the electronics routes that sell phone accessories and other items are relatively new.  It is important to consider how much your inventory will cost and whether or not it will expire or become unpopular over time.

Another one of the primary decisions is how big of a route you want to run.  Some vending routes can take as little as a few hours per month.  Others can be full-time, 40+ hour per week businesses.  If you build the route yourself you will have better control over the size and demands of the route.  When purchasing an established route you can discuss the time and effort requirements with the previous owner.  Of course the amount of time and effort you put into the business will likely affect the income you generate.  You will also want to consider what days and times the machines will be available for servicing.

Machine cost, the upfront cost AND maintenance costs, will also play an important role in your decision making process.  Bulk candy machines have a very low upfront cost and are relatively easy to fix.  Newer full sized machines can be much more complicated…especially when they contain electronic parts and other specialized features.  There are many sources for both new and used machines.  Buyers can typically find discounted equipment if they are willing to takeover an established route as well.

Amazon offers a number of books and other resources on starting/managing vending businesses…

If you have any questions on starting a vending machine business or buying an established route please contact us.  Thank you!

Mission Tortilla Routes – FAQ

This post will discuss Mission tortilla routes and some of the more frequently asked questions about owning a Mission route.  These distribution routes are typically handled by independent operators (IO).  The company sells an exclusive sales territory to the owner.  The owner is then in charge of selling and distributing those products inside of their territory.

How are the routes priced?

Mission tortilla routes are priced based on their weekly sales average.  Each market is different and there are a number of variables to consider, but typically the routes sell for 6-12 times their weekly sales volume.  For example, a Mission route that averages $10,000 in sales per week will sell for between $60,000 and $120,000.

What are owners responsible for?

On a day to day basis the route owner is responsible for loading their truck, delivering product, setting up displays, ordering product for future deliveries, etc.  Income and route resale value are based on average weekly sales so the route owner should always try to increase their sales volume.

The route owner is responsible for all expenses incurred by their business.  This includes vehicle maintenance, insurance, gas, handheld/printer costs and more.  Of course these items are deductible from a tax stand point.

What products do Mission route owners sell?

Mission tortilla routes will obviously sell all versions of Mission tortillas, chips and dips.  Depending on the area they may own the distribution rights for other brands such as Calidad.  These products are sold to large grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, restaurants, schools and many other types of businesses.

How do I buy a Mission tortilla route?

Unfortunately there is no company financing available for Mission routes.  This means that any financing opportunity would have to come from the owner/seller or a third party.  We do have partnerships with third party funding organizations…if you are interested submit this form and we will have a funding specialist contact you.  Full payment for the route will be due at closing.

The actual purchase process is very simple.  Once the buyer and seller have agreed to the purchasing terms, the buyer will meet with local Mission management.  Sometimes a Letter of Intent and a deposit will be required to reserve the route during this process.  The Mission managers are typically in charge of increasing sales in the area and supporting the local distribution system.  This is a good opportunity for the buyer to ask questions about the route or even the corporate side of the business.  After the meeting the Mission team will start drawing up the purchasing contracts and agreements.  Once the documents are ready to go there will be a closing with the current route owner and the buyer.  The paperwork will be signed by both parties and the territory ownership will be transferred to the buyer.  The buyer will also present payment to the seller at this time…typically in the form of a cashier’s check or wire transfer.

Interested in buying a Mission tortilla route?

If you are interested in buying a Mission route please review our routes for sale page.  We have sold a number of Mission routes and will do everything we can to find a route that works for you.  If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us.  Thank you.