A Manchester woman, Megan Healey, 26, has seen her entrepreneurial journey come full circle, going from bending school rules to sell snacks to now earning over £7,000 a month from her vending machine business. Megan’s success story began with the purchase of her first vending machine on eBay in June 2022. Today, she manages a total of 27 vending machines spread across 18 locations in Manchester, Liverpool, and Rochester.
Assigned with the task of restocking her vending machines two to three days a week, Megan has showcased her determined spirit and business acumen to turn her initial modest monthly earnings of £30 into a thriving business. Reflecting on her career shift, Megan shared with PA Real Life, “I was working in finance but my manager was just awful and I’ve always wanted to make my own money. Then I broke up with an ex and I think that’s what drove me to change my life and buy a vending machine.”
Despite starting in the finance sector and briefly exploring a career in photography, Megan found her true passion lay in entrepreneurship and the vending machine business. Embarking on her vending machine journey with meticulous planning and research, she honed her skills and knowledge by studying vending machine repairs and business operations, even turning to American YouTube channels for guidance in the absence of UK-based resources.
From her first Necta vending machine bought for £700 to now overseeing multiple machines stocked with popular items like Coca-Cola, Megan’s strategic approach to understanding her market and tailoring her offerings has paid off significantly. Witnessing an exceptional turnout at a small care home location, where summer earnings reached up to £1,500 per month, Megan’s dedication and keen business insight have been pivotal to her success.
Despite facing challenges and uncertainties at the beginning of her vending machine venture, including not knowing what to do initially and struggling to find suitable locations, Megan did not let setbacks deter her ambition. By analysing sales data and adjusting her product offerings to meet customer preferences, she gradually expanded her vending machine empire and maximised profitability.
As Megan envisions scaling her business further, she aims to delegate restocking responsibilities to focus on the logistical aspects of her operations. With plans underway to launch a course to guide aspiring vending machine entrepreneurs, Megan is paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps and explore the possibilities of this lucrative business avenue.
Megan’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and foresight in the world of business. With her resolute commitment to growth and innovation, Megan Healey exemplifies how a driven individual can turn a humble vending machine into a lucrative enterprise, proving that success knows no bounds for those willing to embrace opportunities and strive for excellence.