How much do vending machines make in the UK?

There is no single answer

Vending machine income varies enormously. Two identical machines can earn very different amounts depending on where they stand. Anyone quoting a guaranteed figure is guessing — what matters is understanding the things that move the number up or down.

• Location is the biggest factor: steady footfall during the hours the machine can be reached matters more than raw passer-by counts.
• Product mix comes next: snacks and canned drinks are the common starting point; fresh food and hot drinks can earn more but cost more to run.
• Card and contactless payment readers lift sales — many customers no longer carry cash.

The costs that eat into profit

• The machine itself: buying new, refurbished, leasing or renting — leasing lowers the upfront cost but adds a monthly commitment.
• Stock: the products you buy wholesale, plus the ones that expire or get wasted.
• The space: a fixed monthly rent, a revenue share with the owner, or a mix of both. Agree the terms in writing.
• Electricity: check who pays for the power the machine uses.
• Insurance, maintenance, payment processing fees and your travel time for restocking.

How to judge a space before you commit

• Ask whether the footfall figure is measured or the owner's estimate — and visit in person at the times the machine would be used.
• Check competition nearby: shops, cafés and other machines.
• Match your products to the people passing — gym-goers, office staff, students or travellers.
• Confirm the practical basics: a nearby power socket, a flat floor, and a clear route for delivery and restocking.

Start small and measure

• Begin with one or two machines and track sales by product and location before expanding.
• Review regularly: swap slow-selling products, and move a machine if a location isn't working, within the notice period you agreed.
• Reliability protects your income — a clean, stocked, working machine keeps both customers and venues happy.