How to start a vending machine business in the UK

1. Decide what you'll sell

Your products shape everything else: the machines you buy, the rules you follow and the locations that suit you.

• Snacks and canned drinks are the most common starting point and the simplest to run.
• Chilled or fresh food, hot drinks and healthy options need more care with temperatures, stock rotation and cleaning.
• Non-food machines (phone chargers, PPE, toys) avoid most food rules but have narrower demand.

2. Set up the business properly

• Choose a structure — sole trader or limited company — and register with HMRC via GOV.UK.
• If you sell food or drink, register as a food business with your local council at least 28 days before you start trading. Registration is free.
• Keep records of income and costs. Check the current VAT registration threshold and register if your turnover passes it.
• Food handling and allergen labelling rules apply to what you stock — the Food Standards Agency publishes free guidance and training.

3. Get the right insurance

• Public liability insurance is usually expected by the venues that host your machines — many will ask to see it.
• Consider cover for the machines themselves against theft, vandalism and damage, plus stock.
• If you take on staff, employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement.

4. Choose your machines

• New, refurbished, leased or rented machines all work — leasing lowers upfront cost but adds a monthly commitment.
• Card and contactless payment readers matter: many customers no longer carry cash.
• Telemetry (remote stock and sales monitoring) saves wasted restocking trips once you run several machines.
• Note each machine's width, depth, height and power needs so you can match them to a space.

5. Find and judge a location

Location makes or breaks a machine. Before you commit, check:

• Footfall during the hours the machine can actually be reached — and whether the figure is measured or an estimate.
• A nearby power socket, a flat floor, and a clear route for delivery and restocking.
• Competition nearby: shops, cafés and other machines.
• Whether your products suit the people passing — gym-goers, office staff, students or travellers.
• The terms: monthly rent or revenue share, who pays for electricity, access times and notice period. Put it in writing.

6. Start small and review

• Begin with one or two machines, track sales by product and location, and adjust stock before expanding.
• Visit regularly to keep machines clean, stocked and working — reliability keeps venues happy.
• Move a machine if a location isn't working, within the notice period you agreed.