What a vending business costs
The machine is only part of it. Published guides put a first new machine with stock and delivery at roughly $4,500 to $12,000 or more, before you count your own time. Used can be far less, with more risk.
Machine prices
These are typical new prices published by one large US seller. Other sellers and models differ, and sale prices move.
| Type | Typical new price |
|---|---|
| Snack | $3,850 to $7,800 |
| Cold drink | $5,700 to $8,300 |
| Combo | $5,350 to $8,600 |
| Fresh food | $6,100 to $9,100 |
| Specialty | $3,800 to $8,500 |
| Smart cooler or automated retail | $3,500 to $13,150 |
The same seller lists used machines at roughly $3,000 to $6,000 or more. Older machines sold privately can go for much less, but you take on the condition risk yourself. See buying used.
One-time costs besides the machine
| Item | Published range |
|---|---|
| First stock | $300 to $1,500 or more |
| Delivery and installation | $300 to $1,000 or more |
| Business setup, licenses, permits | $200 to $1,000 or more |
| Card reader, if not included | About $150 to $600 |
Delivery catches people out. Machines are very heavy, and stairs, narrow doors and elevators can all add to the job. Measure the route to the spot before you buy.
Monthly costs per machine
| Item | Published range |
|---|---|
| Restocking | $200 to $600 or more, moves with sales |
| Electricity | $10 to $50, sometimes paid by the site |
| Card processing | 3% to 7% of sales |
| Repairs and maintenance | $0 to $75 or more |
| Insurance | $0 to $30 |
| Location fee | 10% to 30% of revenue, or a fixed rent. Some sites charge none. |
| Waste and expired stock | 1% to 5% of stock |
Costs that are easy to forget
- Fuel and time for each visit. A distant site can use up its margin.
- Sales tax, which may come out of the price on the label.
- Theft, vandalism and refunds to customers.
- Finance payments, if you borrow. One seller's example for a machine of about $7,000 is $150 to $300 a month, depending on terms.
- Tax on any profit. Ask an accountant.
Total your own version
Ranges only get you started. Get real quotes, then put them into the break-even calculator to see the sales a site would need. If you are comparing several machines or sites, the spreadsheet version keeps them side by side.
If you want the worked-out version
Vending Startup and Break-Even CalculatorA spreadsheet version of the sums, for comparing machines and sites side by side.
Used Vending Machine Buying ChecklistA checklist to take with you when you inspect and price a used machine.
The Vending Operator's ManualThe full 35-page written guide to running machines.Sources
Checked November 2026. Several are sellers of machines or readers, so treat their prices as a starting point and get your own quotes.