The Hustle interviewed over 20 vending machine operators to learn about the ins and outs of the business. On average, one vending machine brings in $309. but don't forget the operating costs:
- General liability insurance (~$500/yr for <$100k in annual sales)
- Commissions paid to locations (5-25% of revenue)
- Transaction fees for card purchases (~5-6%)
- Card reader analytics fees ($10/mo)
- Storage space for unused machines (~$100/mo)
- Gas and transportation ($50-$100/mo)
- Taxes (10-37% of adjusted gross income)
- Routine maintenance and vandalism repairs ($50-$250/yr)
Even something like logistics can be a burden: Vending machines are extraordinarily heavy — 600-800 lbs. — and often require special equipment to pick up and move.
All costs considered, an operator who makes $5k per month in revenue might take home something like $2k in profit.