Do You Need a License for a Gumball Machine? How to Get a Gumball Machine License

Gumball machine businesses are all the rave right now, but where do you get started? You may wonder how to start a gumball machine business? There’s a ton of information online, and it can seem difficult to begin, but don’t worry. Gumball.com has everything you need to start a gumball machine business, including tips on how to get a gumball machine license. 

Wait, do you need a license for a gumball machine? When people in the industry discuss the gumball machine license, they are referring to a business license. This is one of the many things we’ll discuss in this article to bring clarity to start your own gumball machine business. After reading this article, visit our store to find an affordable gumball machine and bulk items to start your business right.

Do You Need a License for a Gumball Machine?

You do need a gumball machine license, A.K.A a business license, to operate a gumball machine business. Many cities and states require a business license, vendor permit, or sales tax permit for vending machines, like a gumball machine. 

On top of that, you may need a contractual agreement if your gumball machine is on another business's property. Other things you may need are a permit from the local health department for selling edible goods. All of this and how to obtain your gumball machine license depend solely on where your business will operate.

How to Get a Gumball Machine License

Before we discuss how to get a gumball license, we need to reiterate that there is no such thing as a gumball license. There’s no specific license for a gumball machine. So, you can stop worrying about how to get a gumball machine license. 

Still, you may need occupational and business licenses to operate a gumball machine. The determining factor in what licenses you’ll need for owning and operating a gumball machine business depend entirely on what state you are conducting business in.

Start with local regulations for gumball machines to see if you need to register your business and apply for a general business license. After that, you’ll need to check if there are any local vending or peddler permits needed. 

Check Local Regulations

It would be great if you could buy your gumball machine, park it at a local shop, and get right to business; however, that would be a huge liability issue. So, the best place to start your gumball machine business is by checking your local laws. States have different regulations for all businesses, but most require a business license and/or occupational license. 

We recommend calling your local county or tax office for clarification. Ask them what you will need to start a gumball machine business. It’s also important to inform them that gumballs are a non-perishable food item because perishable and non-perishable foods require different licenses and permits. They’ll likely tell you to register your business before doing anything else.

Register Your Business

Registering your business is the first step to really launching your gumball machine business. It may sound intimidating, but it's easy with the right information. Here’s how you do it:

• Choose the type of business: You will need to decide if you want to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, or another business entity. The type of business you register under affects your business taxes, liability, and management structure. For example, a sole proprietor would have more simplicity in terms of taxes and management, but this type of business would come at the cost of liability.
• Determine your business name: To have a gumball business, or any business for that matter, you will need a name. Ideally, you want to name your business something you like or that seems iconic.
• File your business registry: The next step will be filling your business registration to the Secretary of State. The documents needed for this process often include Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization. 

Once you have done these, you’ll also need to obtain a FEIN number, register with local authorities (often your county), and register with tax agencies. 

Apply For a General Business License

Applying for a general business license and registering your business are not the same thing. A business license is often what people are looking for when researching “how to get a gumball machine license?” It lets you conduct business in a specific area and shows you have met all of the legal requirements to run a business. We’ve listed those requirements in the previous section. 

In some cases, you may not need a business license, but you will need an industry-specific license. Whether you need a business license or an industry-specific will depend on the state you are operating in.

Apply For Any Local Vending or Peddler Permits

Local vending or peddler permits are legal documents that allow businesses to operate without a physical shop or a permanent location. People who operate in flea markets or vendor markets often need to obtain these permits. Gumball machine businesses are usually treated the same way because they do not have a permanent physical location. 

More Things to Consider Before Starting Your Gumball Machine Business

You may be so caught up in obtaining your business license, registering your business, coming up with a name, and understanding sales tax that you forget there are other things to consider. Here are some more tips to get your business off the ground.

Insurance and Liability Coverage

The last thing you want to deal with is the hefty expense of a stolen or broken machine. Insurance can cover you in these cases. The need for insurance will be based on your state's requirements for operation, but we still recommend insuring your business assets even when it’s not needed to lawfully operate. 

Getting Permission From Property Owners

Once you’ve obtained your gumball license, A.K.A. your business license, start reaching out to property owners of locations with heavy foot traffic. The higher the foot traffic, the better the opportunity for customers to buy gumballs. Discuss the benefits of having your gumball business present at their property. Be sure to shop around locations to find the best one for your gumball machine business. 

Choosing the Right Gumball Machine and Gumballs

Starting a gumball machine business sounds great, but your real question is “how much is a gumball machine?” After all, you want to know what the overhead cost is before starting. Well, you’re already in the right place. Gumball.com is the best, most affordable site to find your gumball machine. We have a variety of machines. Our spiral gumball machine is a spectacle for buyers. The gumball machine on stand is a go-to seller that you’ve seen in many stores across the nation. A client favorite is the custom gumball machine as you can have your own logo placed on the machine, establishing your brand in the gumball machine business. Most importantly, you will find the best prices for buying bulk gumballs on Gumball.com.

Final Words on How to Get a Gumball Machine License

So, do you need a license for a gumball machine - and if so, how do you get one? We hope you feel clear about your next steps, as we know this can be a fairly convoluted topic. 

Once you’ve gotten your business license, registered your business, and obtained all the necessary permits, you should buy your gumball machine from Gumball.com. We’re your one-stop shop for all your gumball machine needs.