Some do, and the location decides it. In ProfitDrawer's vending machine guide example, a bag of chips costing $0.50 sells for $1.75; after about 6% card fees and a 10% location commission, about $0.97 is left. At 250 items a month that is about $242, or about $228 after a 20 mile restocking route. The same machine in a quiet spot can barely cover its trips. These are example numbers, not averages; real results depend on traffic.
The guide's per item example (example numbers only):
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Selling price | $1.75 |
| Product cost ($15.00 for a 30 pack) | $0.50 |
| Card fees, about 6% | $0.105 |
| Location commission, 10% | $0.175 |
| Profit per item before travel | $0.97 |
250 items a month x about $0.97 is about $242. A 20 mile monthly route at $0.70 a mile as a rough running cost is $14, leaving about $228 a month for that machine.
Compare that with the guide's example startup budget of $2,200 to $9,400 for one or two machines: at $228 a month, a $2,200 start takes almost 10 months to earn back, before taxes and repairs.
What makes the difference: busy sites with long stays and few food options, a commission that still leaves you a margin, a working card reader, and swapping slow sellers. Track sales per machine so you can move a weak one, and prove one location before buying the next machine.
Source: How to Start a Vending Machine Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.