A typical vending machine business in the US that's still open after three years brings in $6.3k a month ($75k a year) and keeps about $24 of every $100. That leaves about $18k a year.
The top 10% make more than $19.8k a month. The bottom 10% make under $2k.
Thinking of starting a vending machine business?
- Typical cost to start
- $12.5k
- Still open after 3 years
- 56%
Monthly revenue by year
For businesses still trading at each point.
| Year | Bottom 25% | Typical | Top 25% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $1,300 | $2,600 | $5,300 | $10,100 |
| Year 3 | $3,400 | $6,300 | $11,500 | $19,800 |
| Year 5 | $4,300 | $8,100 | $15,400 | $27,500 |
Year 3 monthly revenue
How much does it cost to start?
Typical cost to start: $12,500.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Used machines (3) | $8,900 |
| Card readers & telemetry | $1,400 |
| Initial stock | $1,000 |
| Insurance & admin | $700 |
| Van costs | $600 |
Where the money goes
Share of revenue for a typical business in year three.
How many survive?
56% are still trading after three years, and 47% after five. These are the reasons owners gave for closing:
What the successful ones do
- Only placed machines with 100+ daily passers-by
- Used telemetry to restock only what sold
- Kept site commission under 10%
How to start one, step by step
Verified vending machine businesses on HumDays
Why VendKing closed: vending machines in offices nobody went to
VendKing's machines were in offices, and the offices emptied. As Madrid companies moved to hybrid work, footfall at Diego Martín's sites fell by more than half, and machines that had earned $340 a month dropped below $115, less than the cost of restocking them.
Questions people ask
Is a vending machine business profitable?
Usually, if it survives. A typical vending machine business in the US keeps about $24 of every $100 in sales by year three, which on typical sales leaves about $18k a year. 44% close within three years.
How much does it cost to start a vending machine business?
The typical cost to start is $12.5k. The biggest items are used machines (3) and card readers & telemetry.
How long until a vending machine business makes a profit?
A typical business had its first profitable month after 6 months. Side-hustle starts took about two months longer.
Why do vending machine businesses fail?
The most common reason owners give is “low-footfall placements” (38% of closures), followed by “theft & vandalism” (17%).
Is a vending machine business seasonal?
Follows office and school terms. Survivors plan cash around the quiet months.
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