Guide
Vending machine profit calculator and break-even guide
Gross sales are not profit. A useful calculation subtracts everything it costs to keep machines stocked and running.
Try it
Move the slider to see how daily purchases change what is left. These are illustrative example assumptions, not benchmarks or a forecast.
What to subtract from sales
- Product cost
- Location fee or commission
- Payment processing fees
- Spoilage, damage, and theft
- Labor (your time counts)
- Travel and vehicle costs
- Software, maintenance, and insurance
Break-even and payback
Break-even is the sales level where monthly costs are covered. Payback is how long it takes the money left over each month to cover your startup costs. If sales are too low to cover costs, payback may never happen.
Why model more than one case
Sales vary by season and site. Check a conservative case with fewer sales and higher costs, as well as a base and an optimistic case. Off months still carry most fixed costs.
Use the full calculator
The Vending Business Blueprint includes the Profit & Break-even Calculator with every cost line, three scenarios, school-calendar months, and saved results. $79 one-time.
Calculators produce estimates from the numbers you enter. They are not forecasts or guarantees. Educational materials only.