Enter the average price per item sold ($/item), the average number of items sold per month, and the vending machine rental cost ($/month) into the calculator to determine the Vending Machine Profit. 

Vending Machine Profit Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Vending Machine Profit. 

Pv = AP * Q - RC
  • Where Pv is the Vending Machine Profit ($/month)
  • AP is the average price per item sold ($/item) 
  • Q is the average number of items sold per month 
  • RC is the vending machine rental cost ($/month) 

To calculate the vending machine profit, multiply the average price per item by the number of items sold, then subtract the vending machine rental cost.

How to Calculate Vending Machine Profit?

The following example problems outline how to calculate Vending Machine Profit.

Example Problem #1

  1. First, determine the average price per item sold ($/item). In this example, the average price per item sold ($/item) is given as 2.5 .
  2. Next, determine the average number of items sold per month. For this problem, the average number of items sold per month is given as  300.
  3. Next, determine the vending machine rental cost ($/month). In this case, the vending machine rental cost ($/month) is found to be 200.
  4. Finally, calculate the Vending Machine Profit using the formula above: 

Pv = AP * Q – RC

Inserting the values from above yields: 

Pv = 2.5 * 300 – 200 = 550.00 ($/month)


FAQ

What factors can affect the profitability of a vending machine?

Several factors can influence vending machine profitability, including the location of the machine, the type and price of items sold, the volume of foot traffic, seasonal demand, and operational costs such as restocking, maintenance, and electricity.

How can I increase the profit margins of my vending machine business?

To increase profit margins, consider optimizing the product mix to include high-margin items, securing prime locations with high foot traffic, negotiating lower rental costs for machine placements, implementing energy-efficient machines to reduce electricity costs, and regularly analyzing sales data to adjust inventory according to customer preferences.

Are there any hidden costs involved in operating a vending machine?

Yes, beyond the obvious costs like rental fees and restocking, there are hidden costs including but not limited to maintenance and repair costs, transaction fees for cashless payment systems, insurance, and potential vandalism or theft. It’s important to factor these into your profitability calculations to get a realistic view of your vending machine business’s financial health.