Chris Barrett

Acquiring a business is just the beginning. The real challenge starts the moment the deal closes.

Without a strategic plan, new owners often hit what’s known as the J-curve: a dip in performance, cash flow, and operational stability before things start to improve. This period is critical, and how you handle it can define the long-term success of your new venture.

To thrive through this transition, you need to focus on three pillars: cash flow management, risk mitigation, and accounting system upgrades.

The Allure of the Vending Machine Business
The idea of buying a vending machine business is appealing for one main reason: passive income. With relatively low startup costs and minimal staffing requirements, vending machines look like the perfect business opportunity, especially in an era obsessed with side hustles and financial freedom.
But while this industry does have potential, it’s not as passive or easy as it may seem.

When it comes to accounting methods, cash basis accounting is often favored by small business owners for its simplicity. Under this approach, revenue is only recognized when cash is received, and expenses are recorded when cash is actually paid. While easy to manage, this method can distort the financial picture by failing to align revenue and expenses with the periods they relate to, resulting in inconsistent, “lumpy” financials.