Vending Machine FAQ (NZ)

Is vending machine business profitable in NZ?

Yes — if done properly.

Vending is not passive income. It’s a low-time business asset.

Most operators spend around 30–90 minutes per week per machine restocking and checking performance.

Profit depends on:

• Location quality

• Product selection

• Pricing

• Consistency

A well-placed machine can perform well.

A poor location can struggle.

Most vending failures come from bad placement, not the machine itself.

What vending machine locations work best in NZ?

Good locations usually have:

• High daily foot traffic

• Limited food options nearby

• People staying onsite for 30+ minutes

Examples:

• Gyms

• Warehouses and factories

• Offices

• Student accommodation

• Hospitals and clinics

• Apartment buildings

• Car dealerships

Bad locations:

• Quiet retail stores

• Low-traffic offices

• Anywhere relying on “hope traffic”

Location quality matters more than anything else.

How long does it take to break even on a vending machine in NZ?

There is no guaranteed timeframe.

Payback depends on:

• Location

• Product margins

• Restocking discipline

Anyone promising a guaranteed return timeframe is not being honest.

What I can say is:

• These machines hold resale value

• You are buying an asset, not a sunk cost

What if I can’t find a location for my vending machine in NZ?

This is a common and valid concern.

Most buyers do find a location, but it requires effort:

• Approaching businesses

• Emailing managers

• Making phone calls

• Offering commission or value

If you expect a location to magically appear, vending is not for you.

I can guide you on what works and what doesn’t, but placement is not done-for-you.

Why shouldn’t I buy a cheaper vending machine online in NZ?

You can.

But cheaper machines often come with:

• No local support

• Lower reliability

• Limited parts availability

• No guidance after purchase

Many people who buy cheap machines end up replacing them later.

I focus on commercial-grade machines that I actually sell, understand, and support.

How much work is involved in running a vending machine in NZ each week?

Per machine:

• Restocking (30–60 minutes)

• Basic checks

• Occasional cleaning

This is not passive income, but it is predictable and manageable.

If you want set-and-forget income, vending is not it.

If you want control over a simple business asset, it can work well.

What support do you provide after purchasing a vending machine in NZ?

I don’t disappear after the sale.

You get:

• Setup guidance

• Stock selection advice

• Troubleshooting help

• Honest answers

You do not get:

• Guaranteed income

• Done-for-you placement

• Sugar-coated advice

What is the worst-case scenario when owning a vending machine in NZ?

Worst case:

• A location underperforms

• You relocate the machine

• Or you resell it

These machines retain value when kept in good condition.

This is not a get-rich-quick model.

It’s a real business asset with real risks and rewards.

Who is the vending machine business NOT suitable for in NZ?

Vending is probably not for you if:

• You want passive income with zero effort

• You expect guaranteed returns

• You don’t want to speak to businesses

• You don’t want any operational responsibility

Who is the vending machine business suitable for in NZ?

Vending suits people who:

• Want a side business with control

• Are consistent

• Prefer assets over speculation

• Are comfortable doing basic weekly work

Final note

I would rather lose a sale than sell a machine to the wrong person.

If you’ve read this and still want to proceed, you’re likely a good fit

Next step

If you’re interested:

• Tell me your city

• Tell me what you’re trying to achieve

We’ll take it from there.