Lesson Aim
Students watch a video about building a vending machine business and practise language for passive income, start-up investment, location strategy, customer needs and business growth.
Before watching
- What small business could someone start while still working?
- What makes a vending machine location profitable?
- Would you prefer many machines or a few high-earning locations?
Prep Part 1
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
money earned with limited ongoing active worktry something again after an earlier attemptit is earned with limited ongoing active work.they gradually collect money for a future purpose.gradually collect money for a future purposeWatch Part 1
Watch from 0:00 to about 1:53. Focus on why he entered the vending business, his first mistake, candy machines and the first profitable location.
Open Part 1 on YouTube
Comprehension 1
Choose an answer to get instant green/red feedback.
1. Why did he first get into the vending machine business?
2. What happened with the first machine he bought?
3. How much did the candy machines average per machine?
4. What did the first successful vending location eventually make?
Vocabulary from Part 1
He wanted a business that was passive while he was still working.
He looked into real estate and .
The first machine did not fit in the .
He later took another whack at the vending machine .
Options
businessenoughmicrogravitybuildingstocksPrep Part 2
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
the number of people passing through an areait makes the process simpler and more efficient.the place strongly affects successthe place strongly affects success.make a process simpler and more efficientWatch Part 2
Watch from about 1:53 to the end. Focus on machine costs, choosing locations, understanding consumers, commissions, resources and long-term efficiency.
Open Part 2 on YouTube
Comprehension 2
Choose an answer to get instant green/red feedback.
1. What does he say is definitely key?
2. Which places are traditionally good for vending machines?
3. When might commission help?
4. What is his overall business goal?
Vocabulary from Part 2
Used machines can be found on Facebook Marketplace or .
Brand new machines can range upwards to around dollars.
Locations need enough staff and foot .
His goal is to be as efficient as .
Options
Craigslisttheatre10000possibletrafficVocabulary Review
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| passive enough | requiring limited active work | The business felt passive enough to do while working. |
| save up | gradually collect money | He was trying to save up money. |
| take another whack at | try again after an earlier attempt | He took another whack at vending machines. |
| foot traffic | people moving through a location | High foot traffic can make a location profitable. |
| streamline | make a system more efficient | He wants to streamline the machines and systems. |
Phrasal Verbs and Expressions
He looked real estate and stocks.
He saved money to invest.
The first machine ended not fitting the location.
The business turned significant monthly income.
He wants his children to take it one day.
Options
intowhereupupintooverCollocations
vending machine
passive
foot
high-earning
operation
Options
traffichourscollaborationlocationsbusinessincomeB2/C1 Grammar: Relative Clauses for Business Decisions
This section practises relative clauses for describing locations, customers, machines and business systems.
Grammar Section 1: Defining Relative Clauses
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1. Complete: “You need locations ___ people come in and out regularly.”
2. Which sentence is best?
Grammar Section 2: Relative Clauses in Context
A good location is a place customers can easily access the machine.
Consumers work late may need snacks and drinks.
Machines are placed in visible areas tend to perform better.
A business systems are efficient can grow more smoothly.
Options
wherewhichthatwhosewhoGrammar Section 3: Speaking Task
| Relative pronoun | Business use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| who | customers/people | Customers who pass the machine daily are more likely to buy. |
| that/which | machines/products/systems | A machine that accepts card payments may sell more. |
| where | places/locations | A school is a location where demand can be regular. |
| whose | ownership/connection | A company whose machines are well-stocked builds trust. |
Thought-Provoking Questions
1. Is a vending machine business really passive income?
2. What makes a vending location profitable?
3. Would you rather own many low-earning machines or a few high-earning ones?
4. How important is understanding the consumer in this business?
5. Should businesses pay commission to get better locations?
6. What are the risks of buying second-hand machines?
7. Could this business model work in your city?
Role Play
| Vending operator | Location manager | Useful negotiation language |
|---|---|---|
| We provide the machine and restocking. Your customers will have convenient access. We can customise the products. | What commission do you offer? How often will you service the machine? Where would it be placed? | The main benefit is... We could agree on... To make this work, we need... |
Context
Student A
You are the vending business owner. Explain the service, the product mix, maintenance and why the location will benefit.
Student B
You manage the building. Ask about commission, reliability, product choice, placement and customer complaints.
Role play task: Agree on the location, product type, service schedule and commission if needed.
Thank You
You have completed the ESL CONNECT video lesson.