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, I’m answering a question I get a lot: “Franchise or solo, what’s smarter?” Each has pros and cons, but if they buy into a franchise…

• 🧠 They don’t have to guess

• 🤖 They’re not just buying a machine

• 💸 They save money by not messing up

🔗 Best Links

Curated picks for Vendpreneurs

📱 Top Reads

• 🚂 Have a blast from the past with Japan’s steampunk vending machines. (Sora News 24)

• 💰 Vending machines credits used in Singapore to fight rising food costs (Must Share News)

😱 Trending Now

• 🗞️ Take a screen break and grab a newspaper in one of these vending machines in Japan. (YouTube)

• 🧸 Pop Mart vending machines are popping off! (TikTok)

A lot of people assume it’s cheaper and easier to just buy a vending machine and figure it out on their own.

And on the surface, that makes sense.

But once they start dealing with real-world challenges, like finding good locations, managing inventory, fixing tech issues, and staying compliant, it adds up fast.

Here’s why most people end up choosing a franchise instead:

They Don’t Have To Guess 🧠 

80% of solo vending businesses fail within the first year.

Why?

• Lack of liquidity

• Poor location choices

• Zero support or experience

• “Passive income” misconceptions

• Constant restocks & repairs they didn’t plan for

Going solo means you’re piecing it together from YouTube, Reddit, or overpriced courses.

You’re guessing. A lot.

With a franchise, like Pod Plug, we’ve already done the leg work for you. You get:

• Proven suppliers, ready to go

• Setup playbooks that actually work

• Real people who’ve done it helping you out

It’s about building a real business, with support.

They’re Not Just Buying The Machine 🤖 

Buying a vending machine is the easy part.

But what happens after?

Sellers don’t tell you about how to do repairs or compliance regulations if you plan to sell vapes or nicotine.

Another thing is: buying a vending machine is expensive.

Going solo usually means dropping $3K+ upfront, out of pocket.

With Pod Plug?

You don’t even need to buy the machine.

You can rent it as part of the system.

By the way, here’s what your vending machine should have if you plan to install it in nightlife venues:

They Save Money by Not Messing Up 💸

In my 6 years in vending, I’ve messed up SO MANY times.

I’ve:

• Had tech glitches cause 2-for-1 product giveaways

• Hired friends who didn’t stock machines properly

• Launched too many machines too far apart

Every one of those mistakes cost time, money, or both.

That’s why I built a franchise system, so others don’t have to learn the hard way.

Franchisees get the playbook, the process, and real help when things go sideways.

They get to build without burning time and money.

You Can Go Solo… But It’s Slower 🐢

You can go solo but it’s way slower.

Figuring out locations, suppliers, repairs, and compliance takes way more time than people expect.

Most spend months just trying to break even.

With a franchise, you skip the guesswork and get straight to growing.

Speed wins.

Franchisees are set to lock down cash-flowing locations every single week. 💰

If you want to accelerate this process and build a profitable vending business as quickly as possible…

Click here to take the first step towards owning your own vending empire.

PS… There’s vending opportunities EVERYWHERE.

Like our newest Tallahassee franchisee, who’s set to secured a part of Florida’s booming nightlife market.

If you’ve got:

💵 $15K in liquid capital
💼 Sales experience (or the motivation to learn)
🔥 A passion to grow
💪 The drive to make it happen

We should definitely talk!

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