How to Add a Vending Machine to Your Side Hustle Portfolio

I’m all about stacking income streams, and adding a vending machine business to my side hustle portfolio turned out to be one of the smartest moves I’ve made. If you’re like me—always looking for ways to make passive income without burning out—this guide will show you how I did it, what you need to get started, and how you can integrate it into your existing hustle.

Why Vending Machines Work as a Side Hustle

What I love about vending machines is that they run on autopilot. Once I placed my first machine and set up a restocking schedule, it started generating income while I focused on my other projects. Unlike freelancing or selling services, vending machines earn while I sleep—literally. It fits perfectly between my day job and my digital hustles.

Start Small and Smart

You don’t need a fleet of machines to begin. I started with just one combo vending machine I found on Amazon and placed it in a local barbershop. It took just one weekend to set up, and within a month, I had made my investment back. I recommend choosing a location where you already have a connection—maybe your gym, office, or local community center.

Here are 5 top-rated vending machines available on Amazon, ideal for starting or expanding your vending business:

1. Afen Snack & Drink Combo Commercial Vending Machine

Features: Offers 60 slots for snacks and beverages, refrigerated to maintain product freshness. Includes a bill acceptor and supports various payment methods.
Ideal For: High-traffic areas like offices, schools, and gyms.
Price: Approximately $4,399.00
Link: Afen Snack & Drink Combo Commercial Vending Machine

2. EPEX Beverage Large Combo Vending Machine

Features: Stratified temperature control with upper trays ranging between 57°F~~64°F and lower trays between 37°F~~58°F. Removable refrigeration system for easy maintenance.
Ideal For: Locations requiring diverse product offerings with precise temperature control.
Price: Approximately $4,999.00
Link: EPEX Beverage Large Combo Vending Machine

3. VEVOR Gumball Machine, 21″ Height

Features: Holds up to 180 capsule toys or gumballs. Coin-operated with a durable design suitable for high-traffic areas.
Ideal For: Game stores, malls, or any location targeting children and families.
Price: Approximately $90.89
Link: VEVOR Gumball Machine

4. 15” Gumball Machine with Stand and Coin Bank

Features: Vintage-style gumball machine with a glass globe and metal base. Coin-operated and includes a stand.
Ideal For: Retail stores, restaurants, or as a nostalgic addition to any business.
Price: Approximately $64.90
Link: 15” Gumball Machine with Stand and Coin Bank

5. Capsule Vending Machine Translucent Round Capsules

Features: Comes with 50 empty 1.1-inch translucent round capsules, suitable for small toys or candies.
Ideal For: Businesses looking to offer customizable capsule vending options.
Price: Approximately $9.99
Link: Capsule Vending Machine Translucent Round Capsules

Note: Prices and availability are subject to change. It’s advisable to check the current details on Amazon before making a purchase.

Add It Without Overwhelming Yourself

One of the biggest questions I had was, “Will this take too much of my time?” The answer is no. I check my machine once a week, stock it with items I order in bulk from Amazon, and that’s it. I spend about 30 minutes per week maintaining it, which is a small time commitment for what I get in return.

Sync It With Your Existing Hustles

If you already run a blog, YouTube channel, or social media business, your vending machine journey can become content. I started sharing my vending experience online and people loved it. That content brought in views, affiliate commissions, and opened up a new audience. Your vending machine doesn’t have to sit in isolation—turn it into a story, a tutorial, or a YouTube video that complements your personal brand.

Maximize Profits With Automation

The more I grew, the more I leaned into smart tools to manage my machines. I added a credit card reader from Amazon that accepts mobile payments. I also use Google Sheets to track sales and inventory. These simple systems help me treat my vending machine like a real business—even though it only takes a fraction of my weekly time.

Look for Passive, Not Perfect

Your first machine won’t be perfect. Mine wasn’t either. But I’ve learned that profit beats perfection. If you’re already juggling gigs or multiple income streams, you don’t need another job—you need something that works in the background. That’s what vending machines offer: low stress, scalable profits.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about building a side hustle portfolio that runs itself, vending is worth exploring. It complements digital businesses, physical gigs, and freelance lifestyles. I’d say, start small, be consistent, and let your vending machine earn while you focus on your main hustle.

Want help picking your first machine? I listed some of my top vending picks right here to make it easy for you to get started.

One thing that really helped me scale without stress was creating a vending routine. I picked one day a week to restock and check on my machines—usually Saturday mornings. It became part of my schedule just like going to the gym or doing laundry. Once it’s a habit, managing your vending machine doesn’t feel like extra work—it just becomes part of the flow of your week.

I also recommend setting aside a small portion of your vending profits to reinvest—whether into more machines, a card reader upgrade, or even simple branding materials like a logo sticker. That reinvestment is what helped me grow from a hobby into a reliable monthly income stream. If you treat your vending machine like a real business from day one, it will reward you like one.

How to Add a Vending Machine to Your Side Hustle Portfolio