Hey there, Vendpreneur!

Welcome to Becoming a Vendpreneur—where every week I help you navigate the challenges of running a vending machine business, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your operation.

This week, we’re talking about why AI can’t replace the vending hustle.

If you’re worried about the future of your job, here are five reasons why vending still has your back:

• Reason # 1: It’s Location-Based

• Reason # 2: People Buy From People

• Reason #3: AI Can’t Handle Physical Logistics

• Reason # 4: Impulse Buying Is Human

• Reason # 5: Vending Is Personal

But before we jump into more details, I want to share a few quick updates on my nightlife vending franchise, Pod Plug:

• Hired my sister Madi as our franchise sales appointment setter! Been training her daily, and man, her voice on calls is a game-changer. She’s already booked 13 calls this week! 😎

• Hired Charles, a full-time procurement manager, with 11 years of logistics experience. The guy knows his stuff! 📦

• Had 33 franchise sales calls this week with markets like Nashville, Tallahassee, Atlanta, and Charleston really heating up. 🔥

• Just closed the biggest deal in company history in Oxford, MS! The machine's projected to make $8-10k/month in revenue! Installation next month—let’s go! 💥

• Our first two machines in Jackson, MS are pulling in $1,500 each (super solid). A third machine is going in this weekend! 💪

• We’re using the 20/80 rule to document all our core processes; marketing, sales, HR, finance, logistics, and more. Efficiency is key! 🔑

• Our team is now 17 strong, so we’re migrating to ClickUp for task & project management. Sad to leave Slack, but it’s time to level up! 🚀

• Latest YT vid is blowing up with almost 1k views in under a week. Plus, we got 3 franchise applications from it! 💰

🚀 Business Updates

🔗 Best Links

Curated picks for Vendpreneurs

📱 Top Reads

• 🚜 Farms are diversifying their income with 24/7 vending machines. (BBC)

• 🇮🇪 A fully automated convenience store debuted in Ireland. (Retail Customer Experience)

😱 Trending Now

• 🍮 In the mood for pudding? Check out this vending machine. (YouTube)

• 🔨 If you’re a fan of LEGO, you’re going to love this. (Brick Fanatics)

By 2030, as much as 30% of jobs could be gone.

So, if you’re worried about AI stealing your job, don’t sweat it.

There’s one business AI can’t disrupt: vending machines in nightlife.

Here’s why. 👇

Reason # 1: It’s Location-Based 📍

Vending is all about being where the action is.

To succeed, you’ve got to place your machines in the right spot. For example: bars and nightclubs where people gather late at night.

But getting in those prime spots takes more than just numbers, it takes real relationships with the owners and staff (people who run them).

AI can’t do that. AI can’t scout neighborhoods, read foot traffic, or connect with people.

Humans still run the streets, and that leads us to our next point…

Reason # 2: People Buy From People 👏

Did you know 78% of business leaders say face-to-face meetings are “absolutely necessary” or “very important”?

And honestly, that makes total sense.

AI can’t do what humans do best:

• 💬 Negotiate

• 💪 Follow-through

• 👀 Read the situation

• 🧠 Solve problems on the fly

• 🤝 Build genuine relationships

Plus, a good vending operator brings personality…

Whether it’s funny notes on the machine, cool product picks, or giveaways. That human touch is what really sells.

Reason #3: AI Can’t Handle Physical Logistics ⚙️

AI struggles with "out-of-distribution" problems. That’s when things go off-script and it’s faced with something it hasn’t been trained for.

So when you’re in a bind, AI’s not exactly your go-to for quick fixes.

Tasks like stocking machines, moving inventory, checking for damages, or fixing malfunctions need someone on the ground, handling things in the moment.

Real-time hustle is key.

Speaking of hustles…

Check out these side hustles no one talks about 👇

Reason # 4: Impulse Buying Is Human 💸

Late-night cravings, curiosity, or convenience. Those spontaneous buys are emotional, not algorithmic.

And that’s where vending machines come in.

Customers want what they want, and they want it fast — whether it’s cash or card, all in just a few seconds.

Impulse buying plays a big role in that. In fact, impulse purchases make up to 40% of retail sales.

NAMA backs it up, saying impulse buying is a key factor in vending machine success, especially for snacks, drinks, and essentials.

Bottom line: The instant convenience of vending and the power of impulse buying keep this business solid and thriving (no matter how much AI tries to take over 🫠).

Reason # 5: Vending Is Personal 🤖

With vending, you’re in control.

Your route, your machines, your wins and losses. It’s a hands-on business, and that makes it yours.

And you’re not alone in wanting that control:

• 79% of Americans have little or no trust in businesses using AI responsibly.

• 54% don’t trust AI to make unbiased decisions, and 42% don’t believe AI provides accurate information.

• In fact, 81% of Americans say they rely heavily on their own research when making big decisions (way more than those who trust experts or automated systems).

There are 10 more reasons why vending will beat out every AI trend, but let’s keep it simple for now…

While AI keeps advancing, there’s two things it simply can’t replicate: the hustle and ✨personal touch✨ that make the vending business, especially in nightlife, such a great investment.

That’s why a vending franchise is such a powerful opportunity.

You get the best of both worlds: real-world hustle with a proven system that’s already set up for success.

With my franchise, you’ll get:

• ✅ Smart machines

• ✅ Prime locations already lined up

• ✅ Ongoing support to make sure everything runs smoothly

If you’ve got:

• 💵 $25K in liquid capital

• 💼 Sales experience (or the motivation to learn)

• 🔥 A passion to grow

• 💪 The drive to make it happen

We should definitely talk!

Investing in the right machines is one thing.

But investing in the full system, that’s how you turn a side hustle into a vending empire.

And That’s a Wrap!

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter.

Hit reply and let me know what you found most helpful this week—I read every single reply and I’d love to hear from you!

See you next Saturday!

-Ethan