What a vending machine business costs in Australia
Vending is the most searched business-in-a-box in the country, and the numbers are simpler than the hype. Here is what the machines cost, what a small route costs to establish, and the honest economics of sites.
Machine prices
| Machine | Price | Financed, per week |
|---|---|---|
| Refurbished snack or drink machine | $1,650 to $4,000 | $10 to $20 |
| New snack/drink combo | $5,000 to $10,000 | $25 to $50 |
| Smart machine (touchscreen, telemetry) | $8,500 to $12,000 | $40 to $60 |
Budget the extras that quotes leave out: cashless payment systems run $600 to $1,600 per machine when not included, initial stock $500 to $2,000 per machine, and a branding wrap around $500.
What a route costs
Our estimate from supplier component pricing: a 5 to 10 machine route costs roughly $25,000 to $60,000 to establish with refurbished machines, or $45,000 to $120,000 new, including payment systems and first stock. Sites are usually paid by commission rather than upfront: 5% to 25% of sales to the location owner, and the strongest sites (hospitals, high-traffic venues) can return $12,000 to $20,000 net per machine per year against $3,500 to $5,500 at a quiet office. The machine matters far less than the site.
Buying an established route instead: listings run from under $10,000 for a single-machine start to $200,000 plus for sited multi-machine routes, typically valued at 1.5 to 3 times annual net profit. Route purchases are financeable when the earnings are documented.
Financing it
Machines are financed as business equipment over two to five years, and a whole route, machines, payment systems and stock, can carry one facility and one repayment. Property-backed borrowers generally price around 6% to 9% p.a. and non-property-backed deals around 9% to 13%, with approvals commonly back in 24 to 48 hours. Run a package through the repayment calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a vending machine cost in Australia?
New machines run $3,000 to $12,000 depending on type, with snack and drink combos at $5,000 to $10,000 and smart touchscreen machines $8,500 to $12,000. Refurbished machines start around $1,650 plus GST.
How much do I need to start a vending machine route?
Roughly $25,000 to $60,000 for a 5 to 10 machine route using refurbished stock, or $45,000 to $120,000 new, including payment systems and initial stock. That is our estimate assembled from supplier component pricing.
Do I have to pay locations for vending sites?
Usually by commission rather than upfront: 5% to 25% of sales depending on the site, sometimes plus a small monthly rental. There is no standard upfront site fee in Australia.
Can I finance vending machines?
Yes, as standard business equipment, and a whole route can be wrapped into one facility. Established route purchases with documented earnings are also financeable.
Price the route, then the repayment
Tell us the machines and sites you are looking at and we will come back with one weekly number for the route, usually within a day.
This article is general information only and not financial, credit, or tax advice. Ventas Asset Lending is a finance broker, not a lender. Approvals are subject to lender assessment. Consider your own circumstances and speak to a qualified professional, including your accountant for any tax questions.