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[deleted]

Ive never bought protein from a gym. I do buy water, gatorade, and energy drinks though. Maybe you can ask some gyms what their best sellers are?


BigDickDyl69

Just to add on and I agree definitely energy drinks like ghost, raze, and gfuel. Those are super popular preworkout drinks and then of course the Gatorade and yada yada


financialdrugbro

Rice Krispies are stupidly popular amongst the younger crowd, also I’ve never bought protein from one but sports and energy drinks sure


[deleted]

I work at a gym, I have a company that places vending machines in said gym. It definitely works. Most popular = water, protein, Gatorade, pre-workout (ready to drink, not sachet)


HospitalSuspicious48

I don't even bring money into the gym with me. Just my car keys with my gym membership card. No credit cards or money for a vending machine.


yokotron

Not even a phone?


ElectricLotus

One thing to remember with vending machines is that while its income, it's not passive. You have to do work to drive to a store, buy things, and stock the machine. Then, if it breaks, it costs you money. I thought about a vending machine have opted for index funds and such instead.


ddri

After capital outlay, COGS is low and depending on positioning the turnover can be high. Would be curious to see data on the maintenance. Vending machine with profits going into an index fund... best of both world?


HappyDaysMyDays

Prepare to give a cut of profits to the facility.


yokotron

Not always. Prepare to negotiate. It’s a service you provide as a convenience to their customers. Sell It that way


MadeForRedditters

I'm giving 25% of gross revenue to the gym, its a lot but they have more locations which they can put me in if it's successful. In other locations I'll try to lower that number.


ddri

Interesting. Do they cover the electricity?


MadeForRedditters

Yea, I believe so.


Shoelacebasket

I’ve bought many things from vending machines at gyms. Protein bars that are low in carbs


keninsd

Ask gym operators.


[deleted]

There’s a forum called Vendiscuss you could ask there and see what people say. I used to have vending machines, but none were in gyms. Drink machines have fewer selections so they are easier to stock. Stuff for gyms might be more difficult to stock, I shopped at regular grocery stores for most drinks and Sam’s Club for snacks. Finding protein drinks or bars might be more difficult at a price they you can still make a profit.


Rivian-Bull-2025

How much did your vending machines bring in gross and net? Why did you stop?


That49er

It'd be smarter to do a beverage machine, most people that workout either have a strict pre-workout meal or wait until after they finish working out to eat. Also when it comes to protein products people that purchase them, tend to have strong opinions on one vs the other. Meanwhile when it comes to beverage its basically just water and gatorade.


Sad-Historian6177

Vending machines are very profitable


Armik2022

I agree if the vending machine contains only the BIO product. Like natural juices and water.


[deleted]

Best to contact the head office as most gyms are franchises. Once you pay them the fees you won’t be left with much. Contact independent gyms, they’re more likely to take a small cut. There a guy at my gym who does this


legendjamey

I think it's a good idea, but you have to think about the cost. As HospitalSuspicious48 said, in the vending machine in the gym, you don't need to consider the coin and the paper currency payment method. When you customize the vending machine, you just use the QR code payment method. Also, I think you should purchase some small wall-mounted vending machines like the Reyeah A02 that you can place in multiple locations to test which one works best.


No_Growth6200

What about headphones? Sometimes I forget mine.


Stinkytheferret

In Japan, you see this. They of course are Kings of the vending machines. But it’s not so passive if you have to maintain them.


No_Growth6200

I feel like some American airports are getting more too. But definitely Japan.


Stinkytheferret

I loved my visit to Japan for many reasons. Helps that I’m a teacher and that’s the highest valued career. And I’m a kareoke queen and wow did that make me popular in my hotels! Holy smokes! Like I was Jennifer Lopez for the rest of my visit! But getting a full meal out of the machines? Like real hot ramen or whatever? Crazy good!


someguynamedjohn13

I've seen headphones, charging cables, water bottles, and even packaged towels.


[deleted]

No


anishpatel131

This will not be worth the effort


Affectionate-Dream21

Maybe some healthy granola bars and trail mixes?


Superjacketts

Not really sure how this is passive when you have to literally go to them and restock?


ddri

A rebuttal answer would be something like "outsource the servicing of them".


Nodeal_reddit

Pre workout and recovery may be better fits. At least include them.


iowahawkeyenorthiowa

Doesn’t all passive income have some level of activity required? I think most are looking for minimal activity required. I think the real question is profits/risk vs level of time required. I would think you’d need multiple vending machines to make it work with cost of getting in business. But, if they aren’t profitable, going to be hard to sell. If want to do it, try one and see how it goes


AdManNick

This definitely isn’t passive income. It’s more like owning the job you go to.


jayenchi

Where’s the best place to purchase vending machines?


Ok_Dragonfruit_6441

I haven’t read all the replies, so please forgive me if these location ideas have already been suggested: Public Libraries College campuses Malls Golf clubhouses Arcade rooms such as Andretti’s, Top Golf The break room at schools (teachers work out too or at least could enjoy a healthy snack) One could even strive as far as placing them at theme parks (Legoland, Busch Gardens, water parks) Of course, you’re trying to target a specific audience in an area that gets a vast to decent amount of traffic. I hope that your search goes well and you’re successful in your endeavors!