In practice, a single well-placed machine often nets on the order of hundreds to over a thousand dollars per month. For example, one analysis finds typical net profit per machine of $300–$1,500 monthly. Under optimal conditions (premium locations or specialty products), net profits can exceed $1,000–$8,000+ per month

• Monthly profits (per machine): On average $300–$600 top machines can reach $1,000–$8,000.
• Startup cost: Roughly $1,500–$10,000 (new snack/drink machines $3–$7K.
• ROI: Payback is often swift. With typical profits of $300–$600, a $3–$5K machine can break even within 1–2 years; many recoup in 6–18 months.

Ice is cheap to produce (~$0.10–$0.25 per 10-lb bag) yet sells for $1.50–$3.00, giving enormous margins (≈500–600%). At full capacity (e.g., 75 bags/day) break-even can occur quickly and most extra sales are near-pure profit.

• Margins: Very high — example: $0.25 cost, $1.50 sale (~600% markup).
• Typical profits: $1K–$5K+ per machine per month in busy locations.
• ROI: Often 1–2 years for quality ice machines (costs $15K–$25K).

• Bulk / gumball: Lowest entry cost ($100–$500), no utilities, very high markup.
• Snack & beverage combos: Typical margins 50–70%; can do 30–60 transactions/day in good locations.
• Hot-beverage (coffee): High margins (~65–75%) with steady demand; requires maintenance.
• Cold-food / meal vending: High item prices ($5–$10+), needs refrigeration and frequent restock; good for campuses, hospitals.
• Specialty vending: Vape, electronics, PPE, etc. — high markups where permitted and demanded.
• Ice & cold drinks: Very profitable in warm/climate-heavy locations; often paired with snack combos.

• Location is king: prioritize high foot traffic and captive audiences; test and scale winning sites.
• Right products: tailor inventory to the audience — healthy options for gyms, coffee for offices, water for outdoor sites.
• Maintain uptime: restock regularly and service machines; downtime is lost revenue.
• Manage costs: negotiate site fees (5–25%), buy wholesale, schedule preventive maintenance.
• Compliance: obtain licenses, sales tax permits and any food/health permits required locally.
• Data-driven: track sales and rotate slow movers; use telemetry where possible to reduce service trips.

Overall, vending machines offer attractive ROI compared to many small businesses. Example: if a $5,000 snack machine brings $1,600 revenue and $1,000 annual costs, net profit could be $12,000/year — a 240% ROI in year one. Many well-run machines pay back in 12–18 months.