Why vending is a good side hustle in 2025
Vending machines sell snacks and drinks all day and night. People want quick snacks at work, school, or on breaks. A machine can earn money even while you sleep. You just have to restock it every so often. This means it gives passive income – once the machine is running, it sells by itself.
Experts say the vending industry is strong and growing. For example, one guide notes the industry is “booming” and could reach over $25 billion by 2027. It also notes vending has low startup costs and can be very profitable if managed well. In simple terms, this means you don’t need millions to start. Many locations let you put a machine for free; you just share part of your sales. After buying the machine, your main costs are just buying the snacks and drinks to fill it.
Vending is also flexible. You can refill machines on weekends or after your day job. You choose your own schedule. You can start with one machine and work from home to fill it. If it makes profit, you use that money to add more machines later. Over time, the income grows. A guide says vending machines can “generate money even when you’re not around,” because products cost little and profit margins are good. All of this makes vending a great side hustle option today.
How much it costs to start with 1 machine
Starting with one machine is not cheap but it is doable on a small budget. Here are the main costs:
- Vending machine: A used snack-and-drink machine might cost a few hundred dollars, while a new one could be a few thousand. For example, one source says used snack machines can be about $500, whereas new ones cost up to $6,000. Another guide agrees: a basic machine might cost $1,200–$3,000 used, and $3,000–$10,000 new. In practice, budget around $1,000–$3,000 for a decent machine to start.
- Initial stock: After you have the machine, you need snacks and drinks. A small machine might hold 30–50 items. Buying that inventory might cost on the order of $50–$200. For example, a case of soda costs about $12–$15 for 12 cans, and a bag of chips (40 count) might cost $20. If you fill with a mix, expect an initial stock cost in the low hundreds.
- Permits and fees: Check local rules. Some cities require a vending permit or a general business license to sell food and drinks. You may need a sales tax permit too. For example, one guide says you often must obtain a business license or sales-tax permit to operate legally. Also, some locations (like a school or company) may charge a small monthly fee or ask for 10–30% of your sales to use the spot. Be sure to include any contract fees in your budget.
In total, many people can start a vending machine business with about $2,000. Experts note that with around $2,000 you can get the first machine and stock it. You might save money by buying used machines. Remember that after the first machine, your ongoing costs are mostly the items you restock and any location fees. Keep receipts and track all costs so you know how fast you are making a profit.
Where to buy or lease vending machines
When you are ready to get a machine, you have a few options:
- Buy used: Check sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for used machines. There are also specialized dealers (for example, search “used vending machines” or visit websites like UsedVending.com). Used machines are cheaper but inspect them carefully for damage.
- Buy new: Some companies sell new vending machines. Look at vending manufacturers or big sellers (online or local). New machines cost more, but they often look nicer and may come with warranties.
- Lease a machine: You can lease a machine instead of buying. Some vending suppliers or beverage companies will rent a machine for a monthly fee. For example, soda companies (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, etc.) often provide drink machines if you agree to buy their beverages. In leasing, you pay less upfront but more over time (and you must sell their products). Evaluate the lease terms carefully.
No matter which way you get the machine, always check its condition. Make sure the coin slot and card reader work, the lights turn on, and the shelves move. A working machine avoids early repairs.
What types of snacks and drinks to stock
Vending machines that sell snacks and drinks need a variety of popular items. In general, snacks and beverages make up most sales. Beginners should pick well-known, easy items that customers like. Here are some examples:
- Chips and pretzels: Potato chips, corn chips, cheese puffs, pretzels. (e.g. a bag of plain chips).
- Candy and chocolate: Chocolate bars, gummy candy, mints or gum. (e.g. chocolate candy bars, candy mix).
- Cookies and crackers: Sweet cookies (like sandwich cookies) or salty crackers.
- Bars and nuts: Granola bars, energy/protein bars, salted peanuts or trail mix.
- Bottled water: Plain water is very popular. Always include some bottled water.
- Soda: Cola, lemon-lime, root beer or other soft drinks in cans or bottles.
- Juice: Single-serve juice bottles (apple, orange, mixed fruit).
- Sports drinks: Drinks like Gatorade or Powerade.
- Energy drinks: Cans of energy drink (such as Red Bull or similar).
You can also include a few healthier choices: for example, dried fruit packs, fruit cups, low-sugar granola bars, or yogurt drinks. It’s good to match the location (e.g., gyms might want protein bars and sports drinks; offices might want coffee or tea).
Tip: Pay attention to what sells. If one snack always runs out, refill more of it. If something never sells, replace it. Always check expiration dates and rotate stock so items don’t go bad.
How to find good locations
A key to vending success is location. You want a place with lots of people passing by. Think of these steps:
- High foot traffic: Pick spots where many people gather. Good examples include office buildings, schools, malls, hospitals, gyms, and factories. These places have a steady stream of potential customers. For instance, an office with 50+ workers is ideal. A busy school or a 24-hour hospital can also be great, since people need snacks and drinks during the day and night.
- Permission first: You must get permission from the property owner or manager before placing a machine. Always negotiate a contract or agreement. Many locations will allow you to place a machine if you give them a share of the profit or a small rent. Never put a machine on someone’s property without a deal.
- Avoid dead spots: Do not place a machine where no one goes. A vending machine in an empty hallway or a poorly lit area will make no sales. Make sure the spot is easy to see and reach. Good lighting and visibility help too.
- Examples of good locations: Some of the best spots are offices (lobbies or break rooms), apartment complex common areas, schools (hallways or cafeterias), gyms (near entrances or locker rooms), and convenience stores or malls (for shoppers and staff). Even places like car dealerships or hotel lobbies can work, since customers and employees spend time there.
Once you have a target location, visit in person. Talk to the manager or owner. Explain your plan and how it benefits them (like giving their people snack options and maybe sharing revenue). A written simple agreement is best. Make sure to follow any rules they have (such as taxes or insurance).
How to track inventory and earnings
Keeping track of what you sell and how much you earn is very important. Even a simple log helps you know if your business is on track. Here are basic tips:
- Sales log: Use a notebook or spreadsheet to record every restock. Note the date, location, and how many of each item you put in the machine. Then later, note how many were left or were sold, and how much money you collected. For example: “Machine A – 10 chips, 5 sodas, 8 bars stocked. Collected $85.” This shows which items sold.
- Money tracking: Always empty the cash box on each visit. Count the bills and coins. Note the total sales amount. If possible, use a simple calculator or cash counter. Keep a record of these amounts too.
- Combine and compare: At the end of each month, add up the money from a machine and subtract what you paid for that machine’s inventory and location fees. This tells you the profit from that machine.
- Tools and apps: While you can do all this on paper, there are also vending software and apps that help track sales and inventory. They often connect to smart machines. For beginners, a simple log sheet is enough. Just be consistent.
By tracking, you’ll learn what sells best and which machines make the most money. You can spot trends (e.g. “Fruit snacks sell more in January”) and adjust your orders. Good records also help if you want a loan or investor – you can show them clear numbers.
Maintenance and restocking
Vending machines need regular care. If they get dirty or empty, sales will drop. Here’s what to do:
- Clean regularly: Wipe the glass front and control panel so products look fresh. Remove any trash or spilled products. A clean machine attracts buyers.
- Check machine function: Test the coin slot and any card reader to make sure they work. If a button or slot is jammed, fix it quickly (or call a technician). A working machine encourages people to use it.
- Restock frequently: You will probably visit each machine at least once a week or month, depending on traffic. More traffic means more visits. Refill all sold-out items before people go without choices. Don’t wait until the machine is empty. For example, one guide suggests that busy machines might be restocked every week, while slower ones might go a few weeks.
- Replace stale items: Always check expiration dates. If snacks or drinks are expired or stale, throw them out immediately. No one will buy old food.
- Safety and locks: Make sure the doors and locks work. If a lock breaks or the machine is unstable, fix it. A secure machine prevents theft and damage.
Good maintenance keeps your machine reliable. Dirty or broken machines lose customers. Remember, vending relies on customer trust: they must believe your machine will give them what they paid for.
How to grow to $900/month steadily
Growing your income to $900 per month will take time and planning. Here is a step-by-step approach:
- Master one machine first. Choose one great location and make that machine work well. Learn how much profit it makes after you pay for stock and any fees. Save a portion of the profit each month.
- Add a second machine. Once the first machine is running smoothly (you know what sells and how to refill), use saved profit (or a small loan) to get a second machine. Put it in a different good location.
- Repeat and reinvest. As each new machine starts making profit, continue to save and buy another one. Gradually build up more machines.
- Track progress. If each machine is netting (profit) around $150 per month, you would need about 6 machines to reach $900. If they make $300 each, you need 3 machines. Use your tracking (from above) to see how each machine performs and how many you need.
- Optimize each machine. For each machine you add, apply what you learned: stock the right items, maintain it well, and keep good relationships with the location. This will maximize earnings per machine.
For example, if one machine earns $200 profit a month, and you add another that also does $200, you have $400/month. Keep going until you hit $900. This may take a year or more, but the income will build steadily. If a machine is not performing well, don’t hesitate to move it to a better spot or change its product mix.
The key is patience and consistency. Each machine is like a small mini-business. By reinvesting profits and carefully choosing new locations, you can scale your side hustle up to $900 (and beyond) per month over time.
Tips to avoid common mistakes
Start simple and avoid these beginner pitfalls:
- Bad location: Don’t put a machine where hardly anyone goes. A prime location is half the battle. If no customers are around, even the best machine can’t sell. Always choose busy areas with visible foot traffic.
- No permission: Never install a machine without permission. A quick deal with the owner avoids legal troubles. You should sign a simple contract or agreement beforehand.
- Ignoring maintenance: Do not neglect upkeep. If the machine is dirty or broken, people won’t buy. As one source warns, failing to clean and service machines will erode customer trust and profit. Fix any jams or malfunctions right away.
- Poor tracking: If you don’t keep good records of sales and costs, you won’t know if you’re making money. Always log your inventory and earnings (see above).
- Buying too many too soon: It can be tempting to buy a lot of machines at once. Don’t. It’s better to start with one or two and learn the business first. One expert notes many beginners bite off more than they can chew by overspending. Each machine takes time and work.
- Too much debt: Be careful with loans or leases. High debt payments can eat up your profits. If sales are slow, the payments might be more than the income. Try to keep a few months of cash reserve.
- Overestimating earnings: Many guides say people hope to break even in 6 months, but often it takes a year or more to recover the cost of a machine. Plan for a long-term payoff, not instant riches.
- Wrong pricing or stock: Use fair prices. If your prices are much higher than a store’s, customers might not buy. Also stock well-known brands or tasty items. Cheap generic or low-quality products usually sell less.
By avoiding these mistakes—choosing a good spot, doing regular maintenance, tracking money, and starting slow—you keep your side hustle on track. Learn as you go, make small improvements each month, and stay organized. This will help you steadily reach your $900 monthly income goal without big setbacks.
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