Starting a vending business requires more than just purchasing a machine. Below is a realistic breakdown of what most new operators in the U.S. should expect.

All numbers below reflect common ranges across the industry.

 

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1. Vending Machine Cost

Your machine is your primary asset.

Standard Combo Machine (Snacks + Drinks)

• $3,500 – $6,500
  
  

Smart Combo with Touchscreen + Cloud Integration

• $6,000 – $9,500
  
  

Advanced AI / Elevator System

• $8,000 – $12,000+
  
  

Final cost depends on:

• Capacity
  
  

• Cooling system
  
  

• Touchscreen size
  
  

• Elevator vs drop system
  
  

• Security upgrades
  
  

• Customization
  
  

For most new operators, a smart combo machine falls between $5,000 – $8,000 fully configured.

 

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2. Payment System (Cashless + Optional Cash)

Most modern locations expect cashless.

Card Reader Hardware

• $300 – $500 (Nayax, Cantaloupe, etc.)
  
  

Monthly Service Fee

• $10 – $25 per month
  
  

Processing Fees

• 3.5% – 6% per transaction
  
  

• $0.10 – $0.25 per transaction
  
  

Cash acceptors (optional):

• $300 – $700 additional
  
  

Most operators today go primarily cashless.

 

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3. Shipping & Freight

Vending machines ship via freight (not UPS).

Domestic U.S. Shipping

• $400 – $1,200 depending on distance
  
  

White glove delivery (inside placement):

• $150 – $400
  
  

Liftgate service (no loading dock):

• $75 – $150
  
  

International shipping varies significantly:

• $1,500 – $5,000+ depending on country and duties
  
  

 

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4. Initial Inventory

You must fully stock the machine before launch.

Snacks & Drinks (Standard Combo)

• $400 – $1,200 initial inventory
  
  

Inventory cost depends on:

• Brand selection
  
  

• Product type
  
  

• Premium vs standard pricing
  
  

Typical markup:

• 40% – 60% gross margin per item
  
  

Example:
Buy a soda for $0.60 → Sell for $1.50 – $2.00

 

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5. Business Setup & Legal

Varies by state, but commonly includes:

LLC Registration

• $50 – $300
  
  

Sales Tax Permit

• Usually free or minimal fee
  
  

Local Vending Permit

• $50 – $250 annually
  
  

Insurance (General Liability)

• $300 – $800 per year
  
  

Tobacco / age-restricted products require additional licensing.

 

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6. Internet / Connectivity

Machines require:

• WiFi connection
  OR
  
  

• 4G/5G module
  
  

Cellular Module (if included)

• $10 – $30 per month data plan
  
  

Most operators budget $20 per month for connectivity.

 

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7. Optional Custom Wrap

Branding is optional but recommended for premium placements.

• $300 – $800 depending on design complexity
  
  

 

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8. Estimated Total Startup Cost

Entry-Level Setup (Basic Combo)

$4,500 – $7,000 all-in

Smart System Setup

$6,500 – $10,000 all-in

Advanced AI / Elevator Setup

$9,000 – $14,000+ all-in

This includes:
Machine
Payment system
Shipping
Inventory
Basic business setup

 

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9. What About Revenue?

Average monthly gross revenue per machine varies by location:

Low-Traffic Location

$300 – $700 per month

Moderate-Traffic Location

$800 – $1,500 per month

High-Traffic Location

$2,000+ per month

Typical net margins after product cost:
30% – 50%

Payback period:
8 – 18 months (location dependent)

Location quality is the biggest factor.

 

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10. Common Beginner Mistakes

• Underestimating inventory needs
  
  

• Choosing weak locations
  
  

• Ignoring processing fees
  
  

• Overpricing products
  
  

• Expecting fully passive income
  
  

Vending is simple — but it must be operated intentionally.

 

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11. Realistic Expectations

Vending works best when:

• You treat it as a business
  
  

• You secure strong locations
  
  

• You monitor data regularly
  
  

You reinvest profits