Operations & Profit
Vending Machine Profit Margins in Australia (Real Numbers)
What a single combo machine actually earns after stock, shrinkage, card fees and fuel.
VendSites Team15 July 2026 7 min read
Gross vs net
Headline margins of 50-60% are common on snacks and drinks. Net margin is what matters.
| Item | Typical | | --- | --- | | Revenue per machine / month | $600 - $1,400 | | Cost of goods | 40 - 50% | | Card processing | 1.5 - 2.5% | | Fuel and time | $40 - $90 | | Shrinkage / expiry | 1 - 3% |
Route density is the real profit lever
Two machines in one building beat four machines spread across a city. Every extra kilometre eats the margin you fought for on price.
The rule of thumb
Aim for a machine to clear $250-$450 net per month within 90 days. If it has not by month four, relocate it.