In partnership with

 Welcome Back To Side Hustle Weekly!

I’m excited to share with you another great side hustle you can start today! The side hustle we will be going over is how to start your cologne machine business

How To Start Your Cologne Machine Business

The cologne vending machine business is a unique and profitable niche that’s growing in popularity, especially in high-traffic areas like malls, airports, and public restrooms. These machines allow customers to purchase a quick spray of cologne or perfume for a small fee, making it an attractive service for people who want to freshen up on the go.

If you're looking for a low-maintenance, scalable business with recurring revenue potential, starting a cologne vending machine business could be the perfect venture for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get started, the products you’ll need, and how to maximize your monthly earnings.

Step 1: Research the Market and Find the Right Locations

The key to success in the cologne vending machine business is finding high-traffic locations where people will need quick access to fragrance sprays. Ideal locations include:

• Shopping malls

• Airport restrooms

• Hotels

• Gyms

• Nightclubs and bars

• Movie theaters

Start by reaching out to local business owners or management teams of malls and airports to pitch your idea. Explain the benefits of installing your machines, such as offering a convenient service that enhances the customer experience while generating passive income for both you and the venue.

Step 2: Choose the Right Cologne Vending Machine

The heart of your business is the vending machine itself. You’ll need to invest in reliable, durable machines that dispense cologne and perfume efficiently. Here are a few things to consider:

• Machine type: Look for cologne vending machines that can dispense a single spray or a short burst of fragrance for each transaction. Some machines also allow you to offer multiple fragrance options.

• Payment system: Ensure that the machine accepts a range of payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.

• Capacity and ease of maintenance: Choose machines that have large storage capacities and are easy to refill and maintain. Machines should have secure locking mechanisms to prevent theft and vandalism.

Some reputable vending machine suppliers include Vending.com and eVending, which offer various models designed for personal care products.

Step 3: Source High-Quality Fragrances

Now that you’ve chosen your machine, you need to stock it with high-quality colognes and perfumes. When selecting fragrances, consider offering a mix of popular, well-known brands alongside budget-friendly options. Ideally, you’ll want to source products in bulk to keep costs down while providing variety to your customers.

• Bulk suppliers: Look for wholesalers or distributors that offer branded colognes at bulk pricing. Websites like FragranceX or Perfume.com can be good starting points.

• Variety: Offer a mix of men’s and women’s fragrances. You might include some unisex options, too, to cater to a wider range of customers.

Packaging is important as well. You’ll want to choose fragrance options that come in spray bottles or cartridges compatible with your machine.

Step 4: Set Up Your Business and Get the Necessary Permits

Before you start placing your cologne machines in public areas, make sure you have the proper permits and licenses in place. You’ll need to:

• Register your business: Choose a business name and structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.) and register it with your local government. This can usually be done online through your state or country’s business registration portal.

• Apply for permits: Depending on your location, you may need vending permits or contracts with the venues where your machines will be placed. Contact the city’s licensing department to determine what’s required.

• Insurance: Invest in business liability insurance to protect against damages or liabilities related to your vending machines.

Step 5: Install and Maintain Your Machines

Once you have your machines and licenses, it’s time to start placing them in the high-traffic locations you’ve secured. Here’s how to install and manage your machines effectively:

• Negotiate placement fees: Some locations may charge you a small fee or a percentage of the profits for letting you install your machines. Make sure you negotiate a fair deal.

• Set pricing: The typical cost for a single spray of cologne or perfume is around $0.75 to $1.50, depending on the brand and location. Make sure your pricing reflects both the value and demand in your chosen area.

• Schedule maintenance: Regularly check and refill the machines to ensure they are always stocked and functioning properly. Aim for maintenance visits once or twice a week, depending on traffic.

Step 6: Market Your Business and Expand

To maximize your income, you’ll want to ensure people are aware of your machines. Here are a few marketing ideas:

• Signage: Place clear signage near your machines to catch the attention of passersby. Make sure it explains the pricing and the fragrances offered.

• Collaborate with venues: Partner with gyms, bars, and nightclubs to promote your machines through their social media platforms or email lists.

• Offer discounts: Consider offering a free or discounted spray for first-time users as a promotion.

As your business grows, consider scaling by adding more machines in different locations or expanding into new cities.

Pros and Cons of Starting a Cologne Vending Machine Business

Pros:

• Low maintenance: Once set up, vending machines require minimal day-to-day involvement.

• Passive income: The business model generates income 24/7 as customers use the machines.

• Scalable: You can easily expand by adding more machines to new locations.

• Low overhead costs: After the initial investment, the ongoing costs are limited to machine maintenance and fragrance refills.

Cons:

• Initial investment: Buying high-quality machines and fragrances can require significant upfront capital.

• Location dependency: The success of your machines is highly dependent on finding high-traffic, high-demand locations.

• Vandalism or theft: Vending machines can be prone to vandalism, especially in certain areas, which can lead to unexpected repair costs.

Requirements to Get Started

• Cologne vending machines: Purchase reliable, durable machines with a good payment system.

• Fragrance stock: High-quality bulk colognes and perfumes compatible with your machines.

• Business license and vending permits: Ensure you have all the necessary legal documentation.

• Insurance: Business liability insurance to protect your investment.

• Maintenance tools: Basic tools for maintaining and refilling machines.

Recommended Products to Maximize Results

• Vending machines with multiple fragrance options: For flexibility and customer variety.

• Bulk fragrances: Purchase wholesale colognes to reduce costs.

• Signage and branding: High-quality signage to attract customers to your machines.

• Payment systems: Cashless payment systems like PayRange for added customer convenience.

How Much You Could Make Per Month

The earnings of a cologne vending machine business will depend largely on location and foot traffic. Here’s an example of potential earnings based on different scenarios:

• Low-traffic location (30 sales/day at $1 per spray): $900 per month (assuming 30 days of operation).

• Moderate-traffic location (60 sales/day at $1 per spray): $1,800 per month.

• High-traffic location (120 sales/day at $1 per spray): $3,600 per month.

If you scale your business and install multiple machines across several locations, your monthly income could grow significantly. With 10 machines operating in high-traffic areas, you could earn up to $36,000 per month.

In Summary:

Starting a cologne vending machine business is a great way to generate passive income with relatively low maintenance. By choosing the right locations, investing in reliable machines, and sourcing high-quality fragrances, you can build a scalable business that thrives in high-traffic areas. While it requires some upfront investment and careful location selection, this business model offers excellent long-term potential for growth and profitability.

All your news. None of the bias.

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 3.5 million readers find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight.

Subscribe to 1440 today.

*Partner