Business ideas
15 min read

10+ Best & Profitable Vending Machine Business Ideas in 2023

Have you ever walked past a vending machine and thought to yourself, "I wonder if there's a more creative way to use this machine besides dispensing snacks and drinks?" The answer is yes! Vending machines have come a long way from just providing junk food and soda. Today, savvy entrepreneurs are using these machines to dispense a wide range of products, from electronics to luxury items, and even live crabs! In this article, we'll introduce you to more than ten creative and demanding vending machine business ideas that are sure to spark your entrepreneurial imagination. So, let's get started!

Written by:
Nick
Updated on:
March 5, 2023
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Table of Contents:

Our List of 10+ Best Vending Machine Business Ideas:

1. Drinks.

Are you considering launching a new business but can't seem to settle on an idea? Have you thought about starting a drinks business? Here are a few reasons why it might be the perfect venture for you:

  • Drinks are a universal necessity - regardless of the occasion, people enjoy drinks. Whether you're celebrating a wedding, catching up with friends over dinner, or in need of a refreshing beverage after a workout, beverages are always in demand.
  • Drinks offer versatility - there are an infinite amount of drink possibilities. From alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails, to non-alcoholic alternatives like sparkling water, juice, and tea, there's no shortage of options to choose from. You can even experiment and create your own signature drinks.
  • A drinks business can be profitable - the beverage industry is both large and lucrative. With smart marketing, a great product, and efficient operations, you can generate significant income.
  • It's a fun and creative business - creating and experimenting with new drinks can be exciting and allow you to express your creativity. Launching a successful line of drinks can also be a great source of pride and fulfillment.
  • Drinks can be eco-friendly - with the growing concern for environmental sustainability, there's an increased demand for eco-friendly and reusable drink options. This creates opportunities for businesses to offer environmentally conscious products.

2. Snacks.

If you're looking for a profitable vending machine business idea, snacks are a great option because they're universally loved! In fact, according to a report by Grand View Research, the global snack market is expected to reach over $780 billion by 2026. Here's why snacks could be the perfect business idea for your vending machine company:

  • Snacks are convenient: People are always looking for quick and easy snacks to eat on the go. A vending machine that offers delicious, quick bites is the perfect solution for many busy customers.
  • Snacks have long shelf lives: Unlike other food options like fresh fruits or sandwiches that have a short shelf life, snacks like chips, candy, and trail mix can last for months without expiring, minimizing waste and maximizing profits.
  • Snacks are easy to restock: Compared to other vending options like beverages, snacks are lightweight and easy to restock. This means you can keep your machines filled with options and avoid having empty machines for extended periods of time.
  • There's a snack for everyone: Your vending machine can offer a variety of snacks, from sweet to salty to healthy. With so many options, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
  • Profit margins are high: Snacks are often inexpensive to purchase, but when sold at a higher price through a vending machine, profit margins can be significant.

3. Toys.

Are you looking for a business idea that can bring joy to children and adults alike? Look no further than the world of toys!

Toys are not just entertainment for children, they also serve as tools for learning, development, and creativity. With the rise of technology, traditional toys are still in demand as parents seek to engage their children’s imaginations and foster hands-on play.

  • Toys are a multibillion-dollar industry with consistent growth.
  • They appeal to a wide range of ages, from infants to adults.
  • There is always demand for new and innovative products.
  • Toys have a long shelf life and can be sold in various retail settings.
  • Toys can be adapted to various themes, interests, and cultural events, making them versatile products.

So, whether you are interested in designing and selling toys yourself or starting a store that sells the latest and greatest toys, the business potential is vast.

What are you waiting for? Get ready to bring joy and imagination to the world with the business of toys!

4. Healthy snacks.

Healthy snacks are becoming more and more popular as people become increasingly health-conscious. They are foods that provide important nutrients and energy without contributing to health problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

If you're an entrepreneur looking for opportunities to start a business, healthy snacks can be a great idea for several reasons. Here are some advantages:

  • High demand - people everywhere are looking for healthy options when it comes to their eating habits.
  • Low cost - making healthy snacks in large quantities can often be done with simple and inexpensive ingredients.
  • Versatility - healthy snacks can come in a variety of forms, from granola bars to vegetable chips, and can be customized to a target audience’s preferences (like gluten-free or vegan).
  • Long shelf-life - many healthy snacks are dried or preserved in some way, which extends their shelf-life, making them attractive products to stock in stores.
  • Large profit margins - By producing in bulk, healthy snack entrepreneurs can expect a high profit margin on each item sold.

To get started with a healthy snack business, think about the types of snacks you enjoy and research what ingredients are necessary.

Here are a few healthy snack ideas to get you started:

  • Fruit kabobs with yogurt dip
  • Raw vegetable chips
  • Nuts and dried fruit mixes
  • Homemade granola bars
  • Kale chips
  • Baked chickpeas or edamame

With some creativity and hard work, starting a healthy snack business can be a fulfilling and profitable venture.

5. Ready-made meals.

Ready-made meals, also known as prepared meals or pre-made meals, are meals that are cooked and packaged for immediate consumption. These meals are gaining popularity due to their convenience for individuals who are short on time or lack cooking skills. In recent years, the demand for ready-made meals has grown significantly, making it a potentially profitable business idea.

  • Here are some reasons why investing in a ready-made meal business would be a wise idea:
  • Convenience: With our lives getting busier every day, ready-made meals are becoming a staple in many households. They offer the convenience of a home-cooked meal without the time and effort required to create it.
  • Time-saving: Preparing a meal from scratch can take hours, but with ready-made meals, customers can have a delicious meal in minutes, which is a major time-saver.
  • Healthy options: Ready-made meals have come a long way from the microwave dinners of yesteryear. Today, there are many healthy options available, catering to customers who are looking for nutritious and balanced meals.
  • Variety: Customers are always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors. A ready-made meal business can offer a wide range of cuisines and options to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
  • Scalability: Ready-made meals can be produced on a large scale, which means that a business can easily expand its customer base and reach more people.
  • Less Food Waste: With pre-prepared meals, businesses can control portions and avoid overproducing. This results in less food waste and a more environmentally-friendly operation.

In conclusion, ready-made meals are a great business idea due to the convenience they offer to busy customers, the time savings they provide, the availability of healthy options, the variety of cuisines available, their scalability, and the reduced food waste they generate. A ready-made meal business has the potential to be a profitable and successful venture.

6. Cold sandwiches.

Are you someone who loves a sandwich but doesn't want all the fuss of a hot sandwich? Do you want something quick that you can grab and eat on-the-go? If so, a cold sandwich might be just what you need. But what exactly is a cold sandwich and why would it make a good business idea? Let's break it down:

  • A cold sandwich is a sandwich made with cold cuts or toppings, such as deli meats, cheese, vegetables, spreads, and condiments, between slices of bread, usually without toasting or grilling.
  • Cold sandwiches come in a variety of styles and flavors, such as Italian subs, BLTs, turkey clubs, veggie wraps, and more.
  • Cold sandwiches are a popular choice for lunch or a quick bite because they're easy to grab and go. They can also be enjoyed as a light dinner or snack.
  • Cold sandwiches are a great business idea because they're relatively easy to make, require minimal equipment, and have a high profit margin.
  • You can offer a variety of cold sandwiches to cater to different tastes and preferences, and you can also sell complementary items, such as drinks, sides, and desserts, to increase your revenue.
  • Cold sandwiches are also a great option for catering events or corporate lunches, which can bring in additional revenue for your business.

Overall, a cold sandwich business is a great option for anyone who loves sandwiches and wants to offer a quick and convenient meal option for customers. With minimal investment and plenty of room for creativity, a cold sandwich business could be the perfect opportunity for you.

7. Personal care items.

Personal care items refer to the products that people use to maintain their personal hygiene and appearance. These include skincare products, hair care products, makeup, fragrances, and other similar items. Personal care items have become increasingly important for people nowadays, as everyone wants to look and feel their best.

Why would it make a good business idea?

  • Large target audience: Personal care items have a broad target audience, which includes both men and women of different ages and demographics.
  • Steady demand: Personal care items are used regularly and need to be replaced regularly as well, which means there will always be a steady demand for these products.
  • High-profit margins: Many personal care items have a high-profit margin, which means a business that sells these products can make a significant profit.
  • Room for differentiation: There is currently a lot of competition in the personal care industry, but there is always room for businesses to differentiate themselves by offering unique products or marketing strategies.
  • Growing industry: The personal care industry is expected to continue growing, as people place more importance on self-care and maintaining their appearance.

8. Sandwiches.

If you've ever been hungry and on the go, chances are you've grabbed a sandwich to satisfy your hunger. But what exactly is a sandwich and why would it make a good business idea?

  • A sandwich typically consists of one or more types of bread and a filling, often including meat, cheese, vegetables, and condiments.
  • Sandwiches are versatile and can be served hot or cold, making them a great choice for any time of day.
  • They are easy to eat on the go and don't require utensils, making them convenient for busy people.
  • Sandwiches can be customized to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
  • As a food item with a relatively low cost to make, sandwiches can offer high profit margins for businesses.
  • The sandwich market is already well-established, meaning that there is a large potential customer base.
  • Sandwiches can be sold in a variety of settings, including food trucks, cafés, and restaurants, making them a flexible option for entrepreneurs.

9. Coffee.

Coffee is a beverage that's made by grinding coffee beans and then brewing it. It's a drink that has many variations, from the popular cappuccino to a simple black coffee. However, what makes coffee such a good business idea? Here are a few reasons:

  • Coffee is the world's second most traded commodity, after oil, which means that there is a high demand for it.
  • Coffee shops are great places to socialize, have meetings, and work, which makes them a popular destination for many people.
  • People often rely on coffee to wake them up and give them the energy they need to get through the day.
  • The low cost of coffee beans and other ingredients makes it a highly profitable business.
  • The industry is constantly evolving, with innovations like cold brew and nitro coffee, which means that there are always new opportunities for growth.

Starting a coffee business can be daunting, but with the right team and strategies in place, it can be a highly rewarding venture that provides a valuable service to the community.

10. Ice cream.

Ice cream is a frozen dessert made by blending various ingredients such as milk, cream, sugar and flavorings. It is a delicious treat enjoyed by many people of all ages across the globe. But, what makes ice cream such a promising business idea? Let's find out!

  • High Demand: Ice cream is one of the most popular and beloved desserts worldwide. It is a staple in many households and an essential part of birthdays, celebrations and other special occasions.
  • Seasonal Business: While ice cream can be enjoyed all year round, it is especially popular during the summer months. As the temperature rises, so does the demand for ice cream.
  • Versatility: Ice cream can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to unique and creative ones like lavender and matcha, there is an ice cream flavor for everyone.
  • Low Start-Up Costs: Starting an ice cream business does not require a substantial capital investment. You can start small with a food truck or a small ice cream shop and gradually grow your business with time.
  • Easy to Market: Ice cream's appeal is not limited to a specific demographic. It can be marketed to people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a versatile and accessible business idea.
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Successful Examples of Vending Machine Businesses:

Vending machines are a popular business venture for entrepreneurs, as it requires minimal overhead costs and low labor costs. Here are some successful companies in the vending machine business industry:

  • N&W Global Vending
  • HealthyYOU Vending
  • USelectIt
  • A&M Vending LLC
  • Cool Technologies Inc.
  • USI-VendCo
  • Automated Services Inc.
  • Automatic Products International Ltd.
  • Best Vending Machines Ltd.
  • Apple Vending Machines Ltd.
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Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. In 2020, I left my job to build media websites and share my knowledge through newfoundr. Join me on my mission to make entrepreneurial success easier.