We all probably remember using vending machines as kids. Whether it was dropping a coin in a machine for a gumball, buying a candy bar or riding a mechanical pony, vending machines have always appealed to children and have been a great source of income for vending machine owners (even if it is only a quarter at a time). What many people may not know, however, is that vending machines are not just for kids any more and they’re making a comeback in a big way. Today’s vending machines stock everything from the latest DVD’s to MP3 players, even live crustaceans and if you’re looking for a new business that’s perfect for someone one the go yet can still be a great source of income, a vending machine or kiosk franchise may be the perfect fit. Here’s a few choice options for vending machine businesses; it’s the top 5 home based business opportunities for people on the go.

1. DVDNow

DVDNow kiosks are revolutionizing the movie rental business by offering DVD rentals in a cheaper, faster and more convenient way that any video store or online rental service. This work from home franchise provides DVD rentals on site with no memberships or paperwork required. Operating on the concept than most people rent new releases, DVDNow kiosks are able to stock more of the movies that people actually want to see. With today’s demand for instant entertainment, DVDNow kiosks are the best option for people to get the DVD’s they want, right now.

2. The Love Maine Lobster Claw

Ok, I know what you’re thinking, who would buy seafood from a vending machine? Well, surprisingly, it turns out that a lot of people would. The concept behind the Love Main Lobster Claw game is that, like some other crane games, the player uses a claw to try to grab his prize (which in this case is a live lobster). The game is a huge water tank with a built-in filtration system that holds 25-30 pounds of lobster but don’t think of it as just a game, it can also be utilized as a platform to sell lobsters out of (by the pound) for a convenience store, or as a holding tank for a restaurant's menu. Still not convinced? Theses claw machines generate an average of $500 per week, per machine. Add a couple more machines, and pretty soon you’re seeing huge profits form a business that will practically run itself once it’s deployed.

3. U-Turn Vending

It’s not DVD’s or lobsters, but U-Turn Vending’s more traditional approach to vending can still be a great way to generate an impressive amount of income with very little effort required. For less than $5k you can be on your way with a U-Turn vending machine franchise that dispenses candy or toys and with $64,000 spent on vending machines every minute in America, your potential for profit is huge. This is really the ultimate home based business for anyone looking to start a business that takes very little time to maintain; simply place the machines in a high-traffic area, stock the machines and collect your revenue.

4. The Back Rubber

The Back Rubber is one of those home business opportunities that may seem too good to be true, but this vending machine franchise business will run itself and produce great results for the business owner and a happy back for the customer. These massage chairs will typically generate between $350-$400 per chair/per month making this a very lucrative business. Once you add multiple chairs in multiple locations, you can reach an annual income of six figures with only 20 chairs. So sit back, relax….then get up and start your new business.

5. Polar Ice Express

Summer is here, people are barbecuing, and there are a lot of drinks out there that need to be cooled. Enter Polar Ice Express Inc., the self-service ice vending station. Like other vending machine franchises, Polar Ice is of the, “insert money, get desired item” business model, but Polar Ice has really put a lot of thought into something most people never really think about: ice. The system they sell consists of an Arctic-Temp AR 1000 Ice Maker that is attached to an ice bagging and vending machine that will allow you to vend up to 300, 20lb bags of ice per day. The machine has wheels and only takes up as much space as a standard parking space, so it’s completely mobile. Just park, hookup water and electricity and you’re off! Standard components make repairs and maintenance easy for any standard electrician or AC personnel. If you’re interested in this vending machine franchise, get in touch with Polar Ice and request more information about this cool home business opportunity.

As you can see, vending machines have changed quite a bit over the years, but the main principles of providing a product people want in a fun and convenient way that have driven this industry since its inception still hold strong. Vending machine franchises make a great first business for anyone considering entering the business world but lacking the experience of a more seasoned entrepreneur. Conversely, if you are a pro entrepreneur and looking for a side business that will practically run itself, consider that vending machine franchises come with everything you need to deploy this employee-less business and since vending machines mainly deal with cash, you will create instant cash-flow that can either go to building your business bigger, or straight to your pockets and make big profits in no time.

July 28, 2008