How Much Can a Vending Machine Really Make?

This is the most common question new operators ask.

The honest answer is:

It depends almost entirely on location quality and product strategy.

The machine itself is rarely the deciding factor.

Below are realistic revenue ranges based on U.S. industry averages.

1. Average Monthly Revenue Per Machine

Low-Traffic Location

$300 – $700 per month gross revenue

Examples:

• Small offices
• Low-foot-traffic buildings
• Small apartment complexes

Moderate-Traffic Location

$800 – $1,500 per month gross revenue

Examples:

• Warehouses with 100–200 employees
• Medium office buildings
• Gyms
• Medical offices

This is where most well-placed machines fall.

High-Traffic Location

$1,500 – $3,000+ per month gross revenue

Examples:

• Hospitals
• Large manufacturing facilities
• High-density hotels
• Busy university buildings

Top-performing locations can exceed $3,000, but that is not average.

2. Understanding Gross vs Net Profit

Revenue is not profit.

Let’s break it down.

Example:

$1,200 monthly gross revenue

Typical product cost:

40% – 60%

Let’s assume 50% product cost:

$600 inventory cost

Remaining:

$600 gross profit

Now subtract:

• Payment processing (3%–6%)
• Occasional spoilage
• Revenue share (if applicable)
• Minor operating expenses

Typical net monthly profit:

$350 – $600 depending on efficiency

3. Payback Period

The average payback period for a properly placed machine is:

8 – 18 months

Factors that affect payback:

• Initial machine cost
• Location strength
• Product pricing
• Revenue share agreements
• Restocking discipline

A weak location may never pay back.

A strong location may pay back in under a year.

4. Revenue Share Impact

If a location takes:

10% of gross revenue:

On $1,200 revenue → $120 paid to location

That reduces profit but may secure better placements.

Some locations require 0%.

Many industrial locations do not request revenue share.

5. The 10% Purchase Rule

A simple planning formula:

Daily Population × 10% purchase rate × Average $2.50 sale × 20 working days

Example:

150 employees

15 purchases per day

$2.50 average sale

= $37.50/day

= $750/month

Increase average sale to $3.00:

= $900/month

Increase purchase rate to 15%:

= $1,350/month

Small changes matter.

6. What New Operators Should Realistically Expect

If you secure a solid moderate-traffic location:

Expect:

$800 – $1,500 gross revenue per month

Net profit:

$300 – $700 per month

That is realistic for a single well-placed combo machine.

7. Why Some Machines Fail

Revenue drops when:

• Location is weak
• Product mix is wrong
• Pricing is too low
• Machine is poorly visible
• Stock runs empty
• Data is ignored

The machine rarely fails.

Execution does.

8. Scaling Changes the Equation

One machine:

$500 net profit per month

Five machines:

$2,500 net profit per month

Ten machines:

$5,000+ net profit per month

Vending becomes powerful when systems are duplicated.

9. Innovative Machine Revenue (Advanced Systems)

Higher-ticket systems like:

• Coffee vending
• Fresh food
• Pizza vending
• High-ticket specialty products

Can generate:

$2,000 – $5,000+ monthly revenue

But they also:

• Require stronger locations
• Require stronger operations
• Carry higher startup cost

They are not beginner models.

10. Final Truth About Revenue

There is no guaranteed income in vending.

There is predictable income when:

• Location is strong
• Pricing is intentional
• Product mix is optimized
• Operations are consistent
• Data is reviewed regularly

Vending rewards discipline.