How Countertop Vending Machine Works: Pricing & Sizes
Have you ever thought about starting your own vending machine business?
Like a gumball machine, a countertop vending machine can be a great way to dip your toes in the water and test the market.
Plus, all kinds of different machines and products are available to suit your specific interests and target audience.
What is a Countertop Vending Machine?
A countertop vending machine is a compact and versatile vending machine that can be placed on a countertop or table.
It’s a great option for small businesses, offices, or anyone who wants to sell products in a limited space.
These machines come in different types and sizes, from soda and snack vending machines to candy and gumball machines and even coffee vending machines.
It offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to schedule and choose what products you want to sell.
How Much Does a Countertop Vending Machine Cost?
A Countertop vending machine costs around $500, while more advanced models with additional features, such as cashless payment systems and touch screens, can cost upwards of $2,700.
| Model Name | Seaga SM24 Select Cigarette Machine | Seaga SM1600 16 Select Snackmart |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Cigarette Vending Machine | Snack Vending Machine |
| Availability | Ships within 7-10 Business Days | Ships within 7-10 Business Days |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Capacity | 24 selections; 336 packs of cigarettes | 16 selections of snacks and candy |
| Payment System | Coin/Bill Acceptor | Electronic coin changer and $1, $5, $10, and $20’s bill acceptor/validator |
| Credit Card Reader | Optional ($299.99) | Optional ($299.99) |
| Price | $2,750.00 | $2,619.00 |
| Dimensions | 28.25” Height x 30.25” Width x 28” Depth | 28.25″ H x 30.25″ W x 28″ D |
| Weight | 203 lbs. | 203 lbs. |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer´s warranty | 1-Year manufacturer´s warranty |
| Brand | Seaga | Seaga |
| SKU | SM24 | SM1600 |
| Category | Specialty Items, Vending | Snack Machines, Vending |
It’s also worth considering the ongoing costs of a vending machine, such as restocking and maintenance fees.
Some suppliers offer free installation and maintenance, but this may come with a higher initial cost for the machine.
READ: How Vape Vending Machines Work: Age Limit & Regulation
How Does a Countertop Vending Machine Work?
Here’s a guide on how to use a countertop vending machine:
I. Choose a Product
- Look at the products available in the Countertop vending machine and decide what you want to purchase.
II. Insert Payment
- Most vending machines accept coins, bills, and sometimes even credit or debit cards. Insert the correct amount of payment for the item you want.
III. Select the Product
- Once you have inserted the payment, look for the corresponding button or keypad for the product you want to purchase.
IV. Retrieve the Product
- After selecting the product, the vending machine will dispense it. Wait for the product to drop into the dispensing area at the bottom of the machine.
V. Collect Your Change (if applicable)
- If you insert more money than the cost of the product, the vending machine will dispense your change. Collect your change from the change dispenser or coin return slot.
VI. Enjoy Your Product
- Retrieve your product from the dispensing area and enjoy!
Note: Different Countertop vending machines may have slightly different instructions or variations in the process, so be sure to read any instructions or labels on the specific machine you are using.
What Types of Products Can be Sold in a Countertop Vending Machine?
Countertop vending machines are perfect for selling a wide variety of products, such as
- Snacks: Countertop vending machines are ideal for selling chips, candy bars, cookies, and nuts.
- Beverages: These machines can also dispense various drinks, including soda, water, juice, and energy drinks.
- Ice and Ice cream: An ice vending machine automatically makes, stores, and dispenses fresh ice quickly and conveniently. And ice cream vending machines dispense various delicious ice creams—chocolate chip cookies, vanilla, mango, mint, and more.
- Coffee and tea: Coffee vending machines dispense hot Americanos and various delicious coffee beverages.
- Chips
- Gums
- Novelty Items
- Dried fruit snacks and more!
No matter what type of snacks you’re looking for, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes with a countertop vending machine.
Are Countertop Vending Machines Easy to Maintain?
Countertop vending machines are relatively easy to maintain.
Here are some tips to keep your machine in good condition:
- Regularly clean the exterior and interior of the machine with a damp cloth or a mild cleaning solution.
- Empty and restock the machine regularly to avoid stale or expired products.
- Check the machine’s inventory and ensure it has the right products.
- Regularly check the coin and bill acceptors to ensure they are functioning properly.
- If the machine uses a compressor or refrigeration system, check and maintain it as the manufacturer recommends.
- Consider hiring a vending machine service company for routine maintenance and repair.
With regular maintenance and monitoring, a countertop vending machine should run smoothly for many years.
What Are the Dimensions of a Typical Countertop Vending Machine?
A typical Countertop vending machine will have dimensions of around 17-18″ in width, 15-17″ in depth, and 24″ in height.
The Seaga SM1600 16 Select Countertop Snackmart Vending Machine, for example, has dimensions of 28.25″ H x 30.25″ W x 28″ D and weighs 203 lbs.
This will vary slightly depending on the type and size of the machine.
How Do Customers Pay for Products in a Countertop Vending Machine?
Countertop vending machines typically accept cash payments. Some can also be set up to accept credit or debit cards and contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay, or even QR codes that can be scanned to make a payment.
Some machines only accept coins, while others have electronic coin changers that give change.
Many machines also accept dollar bills; some may have a bill acceptor/validator that can accept larger bills, such as $5, $10, or $20.
Conclusion
Countertop vending machines offer a convenient and flexible way for businesses to sell various products in locations where space is limited.
They come in various sizes and designs to accommodate different products and vending needs.
