This “Boring” Vending Business Now Makes $50K Every Month
The Surprising Comeback of a Classic Passive Income Source 🚀
While everyone’s chasing digital side hustles online, Anthony Kolodziej went old-school. He breathed new life into vending machines. Not your typical snack boxes, though! In just 16 months, his company H&H Vending went from nothing to making over $50,000 every month. Turns out, the stuff people ignore often hides the best chances to make money.
Think about it. Anthony turned $400,000 into a business with machines in more than 30 places. Thousands of people buy from his machines daily. And he doesn’t need to run around filling them himself anymore. He’s free to grow his business instead. Pretty cool, right?
Beyond Snack Machines: Revolutionizing an Old Model 💡
Anthony doesn’t call them “vending machines.” Nope. He sells “AI-powered smart markets.” That’s a big reason why he’s winning. He doesn’t just sell snacks – he makes life better in apartments and workplaces.
Here’s what makes his approach different:
- Smart location hunting: He targets factories with at least 150 workers, fancy apartments with 200+ units, and busy workplaces
- Clever wording: He never says “vending” when pitching. Instead, he talks about amenities and making life easier
- Products people actually want: He puts QR codes on machines so folks can ask for specific items
- Cool tech: His machines have AI and video screens that can show ads for extra money
“I find places that truly need vending, not just spots where it might be nice,” Anthony says about picking locations. His rule? If a spot won’t make $2,000 monthly, he walks away.
The Business Model That Scales 📈
Anthony didn’t just grow by finding good spots. He built a system that could get bigger fast:
Smart Financing Strategy
Instead of spending all his cash on machines, he got smart with financing:
- No money down
- 60-month payment plans
- $175 monthly payments per machine
This way, each machine practically pays for itself while making money. A machine that costs $9,000 brings in $750-800 profit each month and pays for itself in under a year.
Revenue Sharing That Drives Growth
Anthony gives property managers a cut (3-5% of sales), with a twist:
- They start getting their cut after 6 months
- Or they can get paid right away if they introduce him to three other possible locations
This clever move created a referral machine, helping him add new spots quickly without spending on ads.
Beyond Snacks and Drinks
While old-school machines just sold candy bars, Anthony stocks everyday stuff people need:
- Tide pods and Clorox wipes
- Headache pills and basic medicines
- Seasonal items like sunscreen
His product costs run 30-40%, and he spends about $27,000 monthly on inventory. That leaves plenty of room for profit while giving customers what they need.
From Operator to Entrepreneur: Building a Team 🏗️
The big jump from doing everything himself to running a real business was huge for Anthony. When he hit 10,000 units sold, he knew things had to change:
- Hired people to fill machines so he didn’t have to do it all
- Got a delivery van ($300/month) to make restocking faster
- Created central inventory systems with storage units in key areas
These changes freed Anthony to focus on growing his business instead of just keeping it running. Many small business owners never make this jump.
What’s really neat? Anthony brings his kids along on Costco runs and teaches them about running a business. “They spot vending machines everywhere now—in movies, songs, stores,” he says. “It’s becoming part of their childhood, not just my job.”
Lessons From the Vending Frontlines 🔍
Anthony learned some tough lessons along the way:
Location Qualification Is Everything
His first location taught him to ask better questions:
- “How many people work here?”
- “When are their shifts?”
- “Do you already give out free snacks?”
His first machine only makes $700 monthly with tiny profits because he didn’t check how many people actually walk by it each day.
Multiple Growth Paths Exist
Anthony has tried two ways to grow:
- Starting from scratch: More cold calls and convincing people
- Buying existing routes: Faster growth but needs fixing up
This shows you can pick the path that fits your style and money situation.
The Future of Vending: Not Just About Snacks 🌱
Anthony sees beyond just selling chips. His machines with screens can show ads for extra money. The AI helps track what sells best. These aren’t just snack boxes – they’re mini convenience stores that learn what customers like.
For anyone thinking about starting a business, vending offers some real perks:
- Money you can count on: Unlike businesses that boom and bust
- Room to grow: Clear path to making more by adding machines
- Kid-friendly: A chance to teach your children about business
- Easy to start: Begin with just a few machines in good spots
Your Takeaway: Opportunity in Plain Sight 🏆
The biggest lesson here isn’t about vending machines. It’s about spotting chances others miss. While everyone chases trendy online businesses, Anthony built something solid by updating an old idea.
As you think about starting your own thing, ask yourself: What ordinary business could I make extraordinary with a fresh approach? What everyday service could become something special?
Anthony’s advice is simple but powerful: “Push through tough times and you’ll make it.” In a world full of shiny new business ideas, sometimes the best opportunity is one that’s been sitting there all along, just waiting for someone to give it a second look.
Whether you’re interested in vending or just seeking inspiration, remember that innovation doesn’t always mean inventing something brand new. Sometimes it just means taking something that works and making it better.