Startup Costs, Profit Potential, and Financing Your Vending Business

Vending is one of the most accessible ways to start a business, offering a flexible schedule and low upfront investment. A single machine can earn $5,000–$6,000 per year in profit, while a small fleet of 10–15 machines can generate meaningful income. Startup costs depend on the type of machine: used machines can start around $1,200, while new models range from $3,000 to $10,000.

Other expenses include:

• Stocking products ($200–$1,000 initially; $200–$500 monthly)

• Permits ($50–$400) and insurance ($500–$1,000 annually)

• Installation, property commissions, and transaction fees

If you don’t have the cash upfront, there are financing options:

• Cash: Full ownership but ties up capital.

• SBA Loans: Longer terms, lower monthly payments.

• Conventional Loans: Shorter terms, faster payoff, higher payments.

• Equipment Financing: Machines serve as collateral, often resulting in lower interest rates.

Vending isn’t entirely hands-off—you’ll be restocking, maintaining machines, tracking sales, and interacting with location managers. But the potential payoff is a steady, scalable business that you can grow at your own pace.