How Much Does it Cost to Own a Vending Machine?
If you’re wondering how much it costs to start a vending machine business, the price may actually surprise you. Some people think it takes $5000, others think $10,000. We’re here to tell you as experienced vendors that you can start a profitable vending machine business with as little as $1,200.
The breakdown is as simple as this. You can find a used machine for $800. Moving fees cost about $150. $50 worth of coins to make the machine work. $200 worth of product, because the product is the key to profit.
Machine: $800
You can find a great used machine for less than $1000. New machines can range anywhere from $2,500 to $8K, but quality used machine is all you need to get started.
Be sure to check out our guide to buying a used machine, to make sure you find a good used machine. Common websites to find used machines are craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and usedvending.com simply just search vending machines in your area and see what you can find.
Movers: $150
Once you find a machine you need to get it moved. You can either move it yourself or hire movers. If it is an in-town move it will be about $150 either way, out of town moves will be slightly more expensive. If you choose to do the move yourself, be sure to get a truck with a liftgate and a pallet jack. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Coins: $50
Next, you will need coins to fill the machine. Most machines take at least $5 worth of nickels to operate. So to be safe, I would get about $50 worth of quarters, dimes, and nickels that way you don’t have to constantly find coins if your machine gives back a lot of change.
Product: $200
Lastly, to fill up a standard snack machine for the first time you will need about $200 worth of product. Be sure to price your products at least twice as much as the purchase price. Good places to buy products are Sam’s Club, Costco, or Vending Warehouse’s.
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