How to Start a Vending Machine Business in the USA (2025 Guide for Beginners)

How to Start a Vending Machine Business in the USA (2025 Full Guide).

Learn how to start a vending machine business and how to buy wending machines from trusted and best websites in the USA in 2025. Step-by-step guide for beginners. Startup cost, profit, best machines & legal tips included.

Why Start a Vending Machine Business in 2025?

The vending machine business is booming in the USA. With low startup costs, passive income, and high demand, it’s a great business idea for beginners. Whether you’re a student, employee, or retiree, you can run this side hustle with minimum time and effort.

What is a Vending Machine Business?

A vending machine business involves placing machines at high-traffic locations to sell snacks, drinks, or products without a human seller.

You earn money when people use your machine — 24/7, even while you sleep.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start Vending Machine Business

Step 1: Choose Your Niche

Choose what to sell based on demand and location:

Niche	Examples
Snacks & Drinks	Chips, soda, energy drinks
Healthy Food	Protein bars, coconut water
Tech Items	Chargers, headphones
PPE Items	Masks, gloves, sanitizers

Step 2: Estimate Your Startup Budget

Item	Approx. Cost
Used Machine	$1,500–$2,500
New Machine	$3,000–$6,000
Stock & Inventory	$300–$600
License & Permits	$50–$200 (varies)

💡 Start with one machine and scale later.

Step 3: How to own a Vending Machine

Best websites to buy vending machines in the USA:

• vending.com
• evending.com
• vendweb.com

Choose combo machines (snack + drinks) for more profit.

Low Budget Options for Vending Business

Buy Used Vending Machines (Budget = $800–$1500)

📍 Where to Find Cheap, Used Machines:

Platform	Price Range	Tips
Facebook Marketplace	$500–$1500	Search: “vending machine” (location set USA)
Craigslist	$300–$1200	Filter by condition: “good” or “like new”
OfferUp	$500–$1300	Contact seller for testing & video demo
eBay (USA)	$600–$1500	Look for “Local Pickup” or free shipping

Pro Tip: Used machine lo, lekin check kar lena — cooling chal raha ho, change return kar raha ho, buttons kaam kar rahe ho.

Lease Instead of Buying (Low Monthly EMI Option)

Kuch vending companies lease bhi karti hain:

• $99/month per machine (with support)
• Some offer rent-to-own models

Search on Google:
“vending machine leasing USA for startup”

Step 4: Find a High-Traffic Location

Top vending machine locations:

🏫 Schools & colleges
🏥 Hospitals
🏢 Offices
⛽ Gas stations
🏋️‍♂️ Gyms

Talk to the location owner and offer:

OR a sales share (10–15%)

Fixed monthly rent ($50–$100)

Step 5: Legal Requirements & Permits — Explained Clearly

To legally run a vending machine business in the USA, you need a few important licenses and permits. These protect your business and keep you 100% legit.

1. Business License

📝 What is it?
It officially allows you to operate a business in your city or county. Every vending business must have this.

📍 Where to get it?
– Visit your City Hall or County Clerk’s Office website
– Or just search:

"Apply for business license [Your City/County Name]"
Example:
“Apply for business license Miami-Dade County”

Cost: Usually around $50–$200/year.

2. Resale Certificate / Sales Tax Permit

📝 What is it?
It lets you buy products like chips and drinks without paying sales tax, because you’re going to sell them to customers with tax.

📍 Where to get it?
– Go to your State’s Department of Revenue website
– Or search:

"Apply for resale certificate [Your State]"
Example:
“Sales tax permit California”.

Cost: Usually free or under $50.

3. Food Handling Permit / Health Department Approval

(Only if you’re selling snacks or drinks)

📝 What is it?
This permit ensures your vending machine follows food safety standards — clean, hygienic, and safe for customers.

📍 Where to get it?
– Visit your local Health Department website
– Or search:

"Food vending permit [City Name] Health Department"
Example:
“Food vending permit Los Angeles Health Department”

They may do an inspection of your vending machine location.

Step 6: Stock & Maintain

Buy from Costco, Sam’s Club, or wholesalers
Refill 1–2 times/week
Use vending apps (like Nayax, VendSoft) to track live sales

Profit Potential: How Much Can You Make?

Machines	Avg Monthly Profit	Yearly Profit
1	$300 – $500	$3,600 – $6,000
5	$1,500 – $2,500	$18,000 – $30,000
10	$3,000 – $5,000	$36,000 – $60,000

Profits increase when you optimize locations and restocking.