Hey there, Vendpreneur!

Welcome to Becoming a Vendpreneur—where every week I help you navigate the challenges of running a vending machine business, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your operation.

This week, I’m breaking down how to create a brochure in just 5 simple steps! Here’s what we’re covering:

1. Structuring the Layout

2. Creating CTAs

3. Using High-Quality Visuals

4. Choosing the Right Paper & Print

5. Distribution

But before we jump into more details, I want to share a few quick updates on my two vending businesses, Pod Plug and Vending Machine LaunchPad:

Business Updates

• 🎉 Got our first two investors! Funds are officially in, and we're rolling. Two more verbal commitments lined up and they’re expected to wire the funds by October 31st!

• 🏢 Pod Plug Franchising, LLC is now official—we're about 5 weeks away from launch!

• 📍 Installed our largest vending location in Dallas this week—this one took three years and 10 in-person visits and is expected to bring in over $8k a month in sales. Persistence pays off!

• 📈 Closed three new locations—what a week!

• 👋 Welcomed Regine as our new Social Media Manager—glad to have her on board!

• 💸 Finalizing a deal with a big lending partner—soon, franchisees will be able to finance and even RENT machines monthly.

• 🧴 Ordered my first perfume vending machine—always keeping the R&D fresh!

• 🫱 Met with the CEO of a top Dallas hospitality company—talks of partnership are brewing, and he might even become an investor!

• 💡 Had a fantastic LaunchPad Live! session—this week’s topic: creating a powerful sales brochure. It gave me the spark for this newsletter!

• 🍺 Vending Machine LaunchPad update: We’re now collaborating with a keg vending company for cold brew and kombucha—exclusive equipment discounts coming soon, only for VMLP members!

Now, let’s dive into this week’s newsletter!

🔗 Best Links

Curated picks for vending entrepreneurs

📱 Top Reads

• 20 best vending machine blogs and websites to follow in 2024. (FeedSpot)

• 25 unique vending machines across the US you need to see! (Vending Mavericks)

🛠️ Must-Have Tool

• This AR tool has transformed how I pitch my vending machines to new locations. (Adobe Aero)

😱 Trending Now

• This vending machine instantly chills your drink in seconds. (TikTok)

• What if vending machines could work without money? Hilarious or genius? (TikTok)

🎮 Guess the Vending Item

Welcome to another round of the interactive game within my newsletter!

Last week’s vending item was a mini microphone! 🎤

Since no one guessed it right, we’re increasing the prize pool again.

Here's how it works:

A blurred image of one of my vending machine products is linked below. Click below to look and reply to this email with your guess of what the product might be.

If you guess the product correctly, you'll win $!

If no one guesses the item correctly, I’ll reveal the answer in next week’s newsletter and up the stakes with an additional reward.

CURRENT PRIZE: $15

Some tips before you guess:

• Each person has only one chance to guess.

• You don’t need to have seen or used the product.

• Feel free to forward this email to your friends to see if they can guess.

Last week, I talked about 4 key marketing materials that can level up your vending business branding.

One of them was the one-page sales flyer.

But I missed mentioning a powerful complementary tool: The Brochure.

Think of it as the upgraded, more detailed version of your one-pager.

Nail it, and you’ll get locations lining up to partner with you. Mess it up, and they’ll probably not take you seriously.

So, how do you create a brochure that sells?

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Structure Your Brochure Layout

Keep your brochure short and to the point - 3 to 4 pages max.

Here’s a quick 3-page structure that makes your vending business irresistible:

Page 1: Company Info

Start strong.

Put your company name, logo, and contact details at the top or front page.

Make it easy for people to reach you. Phone, email, website—all of it.

Then add a brief introduction that tells them exactly who you are.

For example: “With over 10 years of experience, [Your Company Name] delivers high-quality vending services to top venues nationwide.”

Page 2: Unique Selling Points, Machine Types, & Product Offerings

Why should someone choose you?

It’s simple.

If you want to stand out, list 3 things that make your business different. These are your 3 Uniques.

Make them crystal clear.

Then, show off your machine lineup:

• Snack Machines

• Drink Machines

• Combo Machines

Next, highlight your product menu.

What are your best-selling items? Show people what you’re bringing to the table.

Pro tip: Include images. Let people see what you’re offering.

Page 3: Proven Process & Guarantee

This is where you show them how you work.

Break it down into 3-4 easy steps. For example:

1. Initial Consultation

2. Customized Proposal

3. Seamless Installation

4. Ongoing Support

And finish strong with a guarantee like:

• 99% Machine Uptime

• 24/7 Support

• Guaranteed Restocking

• 30-day Trial Period

This 3-page structure will give potential clients everything they need to know about partnering with you.

P.S. I’ve already created a polished, ready-to-use brochure template that you can download and customize. Check it out:

But here’s a key ingredient to turning a brochure into a location-winning machine:

A powerful CTA!

Let’s dive into that next.

Step 2: Create a Compelling Call-to-Action (CTA)

Your Call-to-Action (CTA) is where the magic happens.

It’s that final nudge that makes potential locations want to partner with you right away.

How to Make It Work

Use words that push people to take action. Focus on what they get out of it:

• Extra $ coming in.

• Happy customers who keep coming back.

• A vending solution that’s completely hands-off.

Make It Easy for Them to Contact You

Give them options.

Don’t just provide a single email address and call it a day.

Here’s what to include:

1. Phone Number: A direct line so location owners can call and ask questions or schedule a consultation.

2. Email Address: A professional email for new inquiries. Be sure to respond quickly.

3. Website URL: Make it easy to find details, testimonials, and examples of what you offer.

4. Social Media Links (Optional): If you regularly post updates, share your profiles.

Example Layout:

Ready to Get Started? Contact Us Today!

📞 Phone: (123) 456-7890
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.yourcompany.com

With a compelling CTA and multiple contact options, you make it easy for potential locations to connect and learn more about how your vending solutions can benefit their venue.

Step 3: Use High-Quality Visuals and Professional Design

When it comes to grabbing attention, visuals matter.

A well-designed brochure can be the difference between making a memorable impression and getting tossed in the trash.

Here’s how to level up your brochure and show off your vending business in the best way possible.

Use High-Resolution Images

Images are powerful.

They give your potential partners a clear idea of what you’re offering without saying a word.

Use high-resolution pictures of your vending machines, your products, and real customers using your machines.

Here's what to include:

• Machine Close-Ups: Show off the sleek design, touchscreen interfaces, and cashless payment options.

• Product Variety: Whether it’s healthy snacks, drinks, or specialty items.

• Customer Engagement: Add photos of your machines in real-life settings like gyms or offices. It makes your brochure feel more relatable.

Design Like a Pro

You don’t need to be a design genius to make your brochure look great.

Follow these design tips:

• Consistent Branding: Use your company’s colors, fonts, and logo throughout the brochure.

• Balanced Layout: Organize content with clear headings, bullet points, and enough white space.

• Infographics and Icons: Use simple icons or infographics to highlight key points. For example, use a handshake icon for partnerships or a gear icon for your vending process.

• Callout Boxes: Draw attention to your benefits, unique selling points, and contact info using callout boxes.

Consider Hiring a Pro

If design isn’t your thing, hire a freelance graphic designer from platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

It’s a small investment that can make a huge difference.

With eye-catching visuals and a sleek design, your brochure will stand out and leave a lasting impression on potential locations.

Step 4: Choose the Right Paper and Print Quality

If you want your brochure to make an unforgettable impression, choosing the right paper and print quality is a must.

Here’s how to create a brochure that screams “professional” from the moment they see it.

Go for High-Quality, Durable Paper

Don’t settle for flimsy paper that bends or creases easily.

Choose a sturdy option like 100lb Gloss Text or 100lb Cover Stock.

Select the Perfect Finish

• Want your colors to pop? Go with a Glossy Finish.

• Looking for something more modern and sleek? A Matte Finish is your best bet.

• Can’t decide? Try a Satin Finish for the best of both worlds (elegant and easy to read).

Optimize for Print and Digital Versions

Make sure your brochure looks just as good on a screen as it does on paper.

Use high-resolution images and clear text that works well in both formats.

Choose the Right Size and Fold

Decide whether you need a tri-fold for more detailed sections or a bi-fold for a simpler, cleaner layout.

Print Quality Reflects Your Business Quality

Remember, your brochure might be the first impression a location has of your business.

High-quality paper and printing show you’re serious about quality.

It’s a small investment that can lead to big opportunities!

Step 5: Distribute!

Creating a professional brochure is just the start.

The real game-changer?

Getting it to the right people.

Here’s how to make sure your brochure lands in the hands of business owners, property managers, and venue decision-makers who matter.

Plan Your Distribution Channels

• Direct Mail: Send your brochure straight to targeted locations like gyms, office buildings, and entertainment venues.

• In-Person Handouts: When you drop by in person, give managers or decision-makers something tangible to review later keeps your business on their minds.

• Leave It at Your Existing Locations: Already have machines installed? Leave brochures there. Visitors can grab one to learn more and maybe you can get a referral (it’s happened to me multiple times).

• Digital Distribution: Create a digital version of your brochure in PDF format. Share it via email and have it on your website.

Always Have Brochures Ready

Estimate how many printed brochures you’ll need.

For events and direct mail, it’s better to have more than you think you’ll use—around 200-300 copies should do the trick.

For digital, make sure your PDF looks great on both desktop and mobile.

And That’s a Wrap!

Once you’ve sent out your brochures, don’t stop there.

Follow up with a quick call or email to gauge interest.

Mention you sent or left a brochure, and ask if they had a chance to review it.

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter.

Hit reply and let me know what you found most helpful this week—I read every single reply and I’d love to hear from you!

See you next Saturday!

-Ethan