How Much Money Does a Vending Machine Hold? Storage Capacity
Vending machines are all the thrill!
Ever wondered how much money can a vending machine hold given its size?
Vending Machine has the capacity to hold US$2-$3 or 40-60, and some can hold over US$5 or 100+ nickels. Vending machines can’t hold more than a few hundred dollars before they need to be emptied.
However, It depends. The coin mechanism determines their value and then dispenses change if necessary.
Sometimes, they stop accepting cash, and if you’re interested in starting your own vending machine business, it’s crucial to know that most vending machines cannot hold more than a few hundred dollars before they need to be emptied.
It’s not all cut and dried as it seems. These machines have complex programming that keeps them running seamlessly.
So, if you want to become a successful vending machine business owner, keep reading to learn about their profits and more!
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What Happens When a Vending Machine’s Storage Is Full?
Vending machines measure the weight of coins, then direct them to storage, and when they hit their quota, they stop accepting cash.
So, if a customer had some change and was hoping to buy a quick snack on the go but stumbled across a machine with a full coin hopper, it’d just spit their money right out.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean the machine completely shuts down when it’s full. Newer models allow customers to use credit/debit cards to complete purchases. Since some people rely on virtual wallets like Apple Pay, state-of-the-art vending machines accept those contactless payment methods.
So, even if your vending machine can’t take cash anymore, your customers can still use their cards or virtual wallets to enjoy that ice-cold coke!
Why Does My Vending Machine Keep Returning Customers’ Money?
To build a lucrative vending machine business, you need to know why these machines sometimes stop accepting cash.
Here are some reasons why a vending machine may return customers’ money.
The Machine Doesn’t Have Enough Change
Your customers might not always have the exact amount the machine wants. Ideally, vending machines should be able to take their money and give back any remaining change. However, this isn’t always what ends up happening.
Sometimes vending machines may not have enough change or the right coins in-store. For example, if a customer inserts five dollars and their snack costs just 80 cents, the machine might return their money simply because it doesn’t have enough dimes or its coin hopper is empty. In this case, putting exactly 80 cents into the machine may solve the problem.
For this reason, we recommend that you add a sign encouraging customers to insert the exact amount the machine is asking for or simply use their debit/credit cards. This way, they won’t look for the next vending machine and abandon yours!
The Scanner Is Faulty
Most vending machines accept coins, with no fuss involved. Nonetheless, the component it uses to ascertain the value of dollar bills (the scanner) is entirely separate. Unfortunately, for many reasons, this component may sometimes not work correctly.
Usually, the scanner itself might be faulty, or some debris may be blocking it. Periodic maintenance will make this a problem of the past! Cleaning your machine every two weeks should do the trick, preventing debris from clogging up the scanner.
If dirt isn’t the culprit, it may be time to replace the scanner. Unless you’ve changed a faulty scanner before, we recommend enlisting the help of a professional.
The Customers Are Using Cents
Every cent counts when you’re hungry, right? Well, not exactly. Most vending machines don’t accept cents due to storage capacity restraints. Just think about it; if everyone used cents, the coin hopper would get full way too quickly.
To avoid confusion, stick a note to the machine denoting which coins it accepts. This way, the customers will use nickels or dimes instead of cents.
The Coin Hopper Is Full
As previously explained, when a vending machine’s coin hopper is full, the machine stops accepting cash.
If this is the case, having a vending machine that accepts debit/credit cards or virtual wallets is essential, as this gives your customers a plan B and increases your profits. Emptying the machine’s coin hopper every other week should also prevent this problem.
Average Profits of a Vending Machine
On average, vending machines make around $35 a week. However, vending machines in high-traffic locations like stadiums can make a few hundred dollars a week.
Remember that there are some costs to take care of as well. For instance, the cheapest refurbished vending machines cost around $1500, notwithstanding maintenance expenses.
You’ll also have to pay rent and sales taxes.
Factors Affecting the Profits of Vending Machines
So, what affects the profits of vending machines? Here are the most notable factors.
Location
Vending machines in areas rife with restaurants are bound to make less money. On the other hand, schools, hospitals, and offices usually have a lot of human traffic. So, they naturally generate better sales.
Food Selection
A survey conducted in 2019 revealed that nearly 93% of consumers are into healthy food options.
Vending machines that carry healthy snacks, especially those accessible to kids like in schools, have a better chance of generating sales. More varied snack selections usually equal more revenue.
RELATED READ: 7 Reasons Why Should Vending Machines Be Allowed in Schools
Payment Options
Vending machines that only accept cash are a thing of the past. Nowadays, it’s crucial to provide your customers with more payment options, especially contactless payment methods.
Unfortunately, older models that don’t support these alternatives often make less money.
The Bottom Line
Even though we don’t give vending machines much thought, we still resort to them on a daily basis. No, really, think about it! Craving some soda all of a sudden? Find the nearest vending machine! Forgot to pack your lunch before going to work?
Don’t worry; vending machines are here to save the day!
However, those helpful machines don’t come without caveats.
To recap, vending machines hold only a few hundred dollars before reaching full storage capacity. But of course, this depends on which coins/bills the machine accepts. You can ensure you get better sales from your business by choosing a machine that accepts myriad payment methods.
And don’t forget that periodic maintenance checks are also a must!
With these simple steps, you can guarantee that your customers will always get that icy coke or tasty snack they so crave!
