Bulk vending is the sale of unsorted candies, nuts, gumballs, toys and novelties selected at random by the customer and dispensed largely through non-electrically operated vending machines. Bulk vending is a separate segment of the vending industry from full line vending which involves the snack and soda vending industries. A distinguishing feature of bulk vending is that the items are dispensed at random, so it is usually impossible to choose which item comes out of the machine next.
The gross margins in the bulk candy business can be quite high. For example, gumballs can be purchased in bulk for 2 cents each and sold for 25 cents. In addition, the machines are usually much less costly than soda or snack machines. Both the machines and product are in the bulk vending business are relatively portable, and the machines are easier to service. In many states, bulk vendors are exempt from sales tax. Bulk vending may be a practical choice for the individual working a full time job since many businesses that host bulk vending machines are open on weekends and during evening hours.
The bulk vending business is vulnerable to inflation since product costs rise higher than the prices customers are willing to pay. Many bulk vending machines are not equipped to handle price increases, unlike electronic machines. Businesses do not often see a need to have a bulk candy machine. In addition, locations know that the machines are easily portable so it is not uncommon for bulk vendors to get kicked out of a location. Vendors also report that about 1-4% of their machines disappear annually, which is intensified by the fact that machines are usually located close to store entrances, where they are easy to steal.