Hey there, Vendpreneur!

Welcome to Becoming a Vendpreneur—where every week I help you navigate the challenges of running a vending machine business, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your operation.

This week, we’re breaking down exactly how much your first machine is going to cost. I’ll show you:

• Which machines are worth checking out

• The difference between used and refurbished

• What to look for (and avoid) before you buy a machine

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Let me tell you about my first nightlife vending machines.

I bought them refurbished from a custom supplier in Charlotte, NC.

These guys didn’t just clean up old machines. They removed all the old coin and bill systems and made them fully card-ready.

Shatterproof glass too — perfect for nightlife locations.

That one decision saved me from a ton of problems later.

If you're stepping into nightlife vending, this is what you need to know.👇

Used vs. Refurbished: What You NEED to Know 🛠️ 

Refurbished machines can cost 50–70% less than brand new.

Used? Even cheaper (sometimes up to 90% off retail).

But here’s the catch:

• Used is a gamble — no warranty, no support, and no clue how it was treated.

• Refurbished means it’s been inspected, fixed, and backed by someone who stands by it.

If you’re on a budget, go refurbished. That’s how I started.

In nightlife, you can’t afford breakdowns on a Saturday night. I learned that the hard way.

One of my machines glitched and dispensed 2-for-1 due to a SIM card issue. It cost me thousands in lost sales in a single weekend!

What I ALWAYS Check Before Buying 🕵️‍♂️

Before I spend a dime on a vending machine, here’s what I check:

• ✅ The card reader has to work

• ✅ The control board must be MDB-compatible (so it’s ready for cashless payments)

• ✅ The inside has to be clean, and all the motors need to work

If it’s dusty or half the coils don’t spin, I’m out.

Used machines can look like a deal. But once you start replacing parts, your “savings” disappear fast.

That’s why I always compare the total cost to a refurbished or even new machine.

And if the seller can’t give a clear history of sales, repairs, or usage?

I walk away.

Fast.

The BEST Machines and Brands to Know ⚙️ 

If you’re going refurbished, start with Crane, AMS, or Vendo.

They’re reliable, easy to stock with other nightlife-friendly niche products, and simple to maintain.

These machines are built to last (perfect if you're just getting started).

But for my nightlife vending business, I go custom.

All my machines are smart touchscreen units, made overseas and fully remote-managed.

They look premium, and they work hard.

PS. With the Pod Plug franchise, franchisees can get these same machines through a rental program. No need to figure it all out alone, we’ve made it simple to launch.

How Much Does This Actually Cost? 💸

You’ve got three main options when it comes to machines:

• Used machines — Cheapest upfront. But they break down more and can cost you time and money in repairs.

• Refurbished machines — Usually run between $2,000 and $4,000. Less risky, sometimes come with a warranty, and are great if you're on a tight budget.

• New machines — Start at around $4,000 and go up. You get the latest features, warranty, and a lot fewer headaches.

When I decided to go all in, I didn’t hold back.

I secured a $550,000 loan from friends and family. With that, I bought 80 machines.

It wasn’t cheap.

But I didn’t look at it as spending. I looked at it as building.

You don’t need half a million to get started.

But you do need to think smart.

One Last Thing to Keep in Mind 👇

This isn’t some random YouTube side hustle.

If you try to wing it, you’ll probably end up wasting money.

Buying machines is just the beginning.

What really matters is having a solid plan, good locations, and the right support behind you.

That’s why I built a done-for-you vending model that takes out the guesswork.

I provide:

• Machines ready to go

• Locations already lined up

• Ongoing support when you need it

This isn’t a course or a guide.

It’s the full business, ready for you to plug in.

But this only works if you’re ready to take action.

If you’ve got:

• $25K in liquid capital

• Solid sales experience

• A real drive to grow and learn

• The motivation to build and scale your own business

Then let’s make it happen.

Because investing in the right machines is just one piece of the puzzle.

Getting the full system?

That’s how you go from spending money… to building a vending empire.

And That’s a Wrap!

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter.

Hit reply and let me know what you found most helpful this week—I read every single reply and I’d love to hear from you!

See you next Saturday!

-Ethan