Estimate what a vending machine (or a whole route) could earn per month, and how long it takes to pay back the machines. Enter your own numbers; the starting values are only an example.
How the numbers are calculated
- Monthly revenue = machines × monthly sales per machine
- Product cost = revenue × product cost %
- Location commission = revenue × commission %, paid to the property owner
- Monthly net profit = revenue − product cost − commission − (machines × fees) − restocking costs
- Payback period = (machines × cost per machine) ÷ monthly net profit
- Annual return on the machines = (monthly net profit × 12) ÷ total machine cost
Taxes, financing, machine repairs, theft and seasonal swings are not included. Sales vary enormously by location, so the most useful number to research is your own expected sales per machine.
Frequently asked questions
What monthly sales should I enter?
Use the best estimate you can get for the specific locations you are considering: ask a seller for real revenue records if you are buying a route, or ask the property manager about foot traffic and hours. Run the calculator with a pessimistic, expected and optimistic figure to see how sensitive your profit is.
Why does location commission matter so much?
Commission comes off the top of every sale, before your product and running costs. A few percentage points on a busy machine can be the difference between a fast payback and a slow one, so it is worth comparing locations on commission as well as traffic.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is a planning tool for comparing scenarios. Check costs, permits and taxes with the relevant local offices before you buy.
Looking at a specific city? Browse our vending market guides by city.