What Is My Vending Machine Business Worth?

Vending machine businesses are attractive for their semi-passive income potential and scalability. Valuations depend on the quality of your locations, contract terms, and route economics.

Typical Valuation Ranges

Most vending businesses sell for 1.5x to 3x SDE.

Factors that push toward the higher end:

• Long-term location contracts (3–5 year exclusive agreements)
• Dense route with efficient restocking
• 50+ machines generating consistent revenue
• Diversified locations (offices, factories, hospitals, hotels)
• Modern machines with cashless payment
• Revenue above $200K with growth

Factors that push toward the lower end:

• Handshake location agreements (no contracts)
• Scattered locations with high drive time
• Aging machines needing replacement
• Owner services all routes personally
• Declining revenue per machine

Key Value Drivers

Location contracts are the core asset. Exclusive, multi-year agreements with high-traffic locations are what buyers are paying for. Without contracts, you're selling used machines and a route.

Revenue per machine per month measures location quality. Strong machines generate $200–$500+/month. Below $100/month suggests poor placement.

Route density — the number of machines serviced per route stop — drives labor efficiency and profitability.

How to Increase Your Value

1. Sign location contracts. Formalize agreements with multi-year terms and exclusivity.
2. Upgrade to cashless. Card and mobile payment-enabled machines generate 20–30% more revenue than cash-only.
3. Build route density. Add machines in the same buildings and areas you already service.
4. Diversify product mix. Healthy options, fresh food, and specialty beverages improve per-machine revenue.
5. Hire a route driver. Remove yourself from daily operations to make the business transferable.

Browse the valuation multiples guide for industry data, or schedule a free call for a confidential valuation.