Vending machines come in many forms — common types include snack machines, drink machines, and combo machines that hold both snacks and beverages. They range from compact office units to large commercial floor models.

New machines include updated technology such as cashless payment, energy-saving lighting, and remote monitoring, but they cost more. Used or refurbished machines are significantly cheaper but typically require more maintenance and may have shorter remaining component life.

Price Guide: Quality new machines commonly fall between $1,500–$5,000; snack/drink combo units often land in the $2,000–$4,000 band. Fully refurbished used machines frequently sell for approximately $1,000–$2,500.

Vending machines are sold through a mix of online marketplaces, specialist dealers, and manufacturer or distributor channels. You can also find used machines on general marketplaces and industry classifieds. Many dealers offer both new and certified remanufactured machines, sometimes with financing or installation services.

Tip: search by product type (snack, drink, combo), capacity, and available payment options. Always request quotes for the same model and configuration to compare fairly.

• Budget & Total Cost — include machine price, initial inventory ($200–$500 typical), delivery, installation and any payment gateway fees.
• New vs. Used — new machines have warranties and modern electronics; used/refurbished units lower upfront cost but may need more maintenance.
• Payment Options — prefer machines with cashless readers or upgrade paths for mobile and card payments.
• Refrigeration & Food Safety — for drinks or perishable items choose reliable cooling systems and models with good insulation.
• Service & Parts — ensure spare parts availability and local technical support; ask about average repair response time.
• Warranty & Terms — typical parts warranty ranges 1–2 years; confirm what’s covered (compressor, electronics, door seals).

1. Decide on type: snack, drink, combo, specialty (coffee, hot food) — match to customer demand.
2. Compare new vs refurbished: evaluate warranty, expected uptime, and total cost of ownership.
3. Get multiple quotes: same model spec comparisons across vendors to check price/terms.
4. Check documentation: technical manual, parts list, payment module docs and return policy.
5. Arrange delivery & installation: confirm site power, floor strength, and any health-code compliance if selling food/drink.
6. Set up payments & telemetry: enable cashless and remote monitoring if desired for inventory & sales reporting.

Major manufacturers provide a range of equipment: some global names include established vending OEMs and refrigeration specialists. When evaluating models, check:

• Availability of spare parts and authorized service centers.
• Payment upgradeability for cashless and mobile wallets.
• Energy efficiency and LED/eco modes to reduce electricity costs.

Vending machines are an investment. Expect new machines often in the $2,000–$7,000 range (depending on capacity and features). Costs to include: restocking, commissions to hosts (if placed on rented property), maintenance and transaction fees.

Revenue: Machines in good locations can produce from tens to a few thousand dollars per month depending on traffic and product mix. Start with 1–2 machines to test demand before scaling.

• Visit a showroom or request a demo where possible to test vend reliability and refrigeration.
• Ask sellers about spare-part lead times and on-site repair capabilities.
• Compare warranty scope and any bundled maintenance or installation services.
• Consider leasing or rent-to-own for lower upfront cost, but model the long-term fees first.