6 Tips to Start a Vending Machine Business in the UK [Definitive Guide]

Have you seen those TikToks where vending machine business owners show how much profit they made in just two weeks?

Sounds tempting, right?

Setting up a vending machine can be a flexible and profitable venture that offers the potential for passive income with relatively low startup costs. 

But while the idea sounds simple — buy a machine, stock it with goodies, and collect the profits — the reality is a bit more strategic.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential tips to set you up for success, from choosing the right products to finding the best locations and ensuring your machines are compliant with the law.

1. Perform in-depth market analysis

Before investing your hard-earned money into vending machines, you need to do proper market research. Where are vending machines already installed? What products are selling well? Where are the gaps?

You should consider high-traffic locations such as:

Additional considerations

📋 Legal permissions: Public spaces require permission from the council, and private property requires consent from the owner. Make sure you have written agreements!

♿ Accessibility: Machines must comply with the Equality Act 2010, ensuring controls are accessible to users with disabilities, including button height, screen readability, and reachable payment terminals.

👀 Visibility: Machines should be positioned where they are clearly visible to maximise usage and increase sales.

🎯 Product fit: Match your product selection to the preferences of people frequenting the location.

2. Choose the right products for your audience

Product selection is what makes or breaks your machine. You’re not just selling snacks — you’re solving a specific need at a specific location.

Here’s what sells well in UK vending machines:

3. Create a strong business plan

A clear business plan is essential for setting goals, securing funding if needed, and tracking your progress. 

A detailed plan also helps you stay focused on specific goals, allocate your budget wisely, and measure the success of each vending location.

What to include in your business plan:

💡 Pro tip from ANNA

If you don’t have the funds upfront to buy your first vending machine or stock it properly, ANNA can help with flexible credit options. 

How?

Open a business account and send us a message in the app about getting a loan.

Then, you can split your startup costs over 3 months, get quick access to a credit pot, or apply for a tailored loan – without drowning in paperwork. 

It’s a simple way to get your vending business off the ground faster.

4. Select and purchase vending machines

Once your plan is in place, it's time to select the right equipment that matches your product selection and budget.

Types of machines to consider:

⚠️ Tip: Starting with used or refurbished machines can cut initial costs significantly. However, ensure the seller offers a warranty or service support.

Key features to prioritise when looking for a vending machine:

✅ Payment options: Machines should accept both cash and card/contactless payments — card payments now account for more than 50% of vending purchases in the UK.

✅ Energy efficiency: Choose energy-saving models to lower running costs — particularly important for chilled machines.

✅ Remote monitoring: Allows you to track inventory, performance, and maintenance needs via your phone or desktop.

✅ Ease of refilling and cleaning: Choose machines that are simple to restock and sanitise, especially if handling food or drinks.

🧰 Ongoing considerations:

A well-chosen machine will pay for itself in just a few months in a high-traffic location. 

Start with 1–3 units and expand as you learn which models and features work best for your business goals.

5. Register your business and meet legal requirements

Ok, now it’s time for more serious stuff.

Before you begin trading, it's important to get your business legally set up and meet all compliance obligations, especially if your vending machines sell food or drinks.

Choose a business structure

You can operate as either:

Many vending operators start as sole traders and later transition to limited companies as they scale.

Register with the right authorities

✅ Register your business with HMRC if you're a sole trader or form a limited company through Companies House. Or, use ANNA to register your company for free (even on the same day) and get a business account along with valuable add-ons.

✅ Register as a food business with your local authority at least 28 days before trading if you're selling any food or drinks — even pre-packaged items.

✅ Food hygiene regulations apply. You must ensure machines are clean, food is stored correctly, and allergen information is clearly displayed.

Permissions and legal requirements

6. Source inventory and build supplier relationships

Now it’s actually time to stock your vending machines.

To maximise profit, create a smooth and cost-effective supply chain that supports consistent quality and availability.

Where to buy stock in the UK

1. Wholesalers

Buying in bulk from wholesalers like Booker, Bestway, Costco Business, or JJ Food Service gives you access to better pricing and consistent stock levels. These suppliers often have trade accounts and delivery services suited for vending operators.

For example, Booker offers multipacks of branded items like Walkers, Kit Kat, or Coca-Cola at wholesale prices — ideal for filling several machines with high-demand products.

2. Cash and carry stores

If you're just starting and not ready to commit to bulk delivery, visiting a cash-and-carry warehouse can be a flexible option while you test which products perform best.

3. Online distributors

Sites like Vending Superstore or Refreshment Systems specialise in vending-sized packaging, often including tailored bundles for snacks, drinks, and healthy options.

4. Local suppliers

For fresh or niche products (like artisan snacks or sustainable items), connecting with regional food suppliers or independent brands could give you an edge. These work especially well in trendy office spaces or university campuses.

🚫 Avoid:

Build relationships that benefit your business

Wrapping up

Starting a vending machine business in the UK is more than just plugging in a machine and waiting for the coins to drop.

You need the right products in the right places, with the proper business setup behind the scenes. 

With smart planning and continuous fine-tuning, your vending machines can become reliable income generators.

Start your business with ANNA – Company registration made simple

If you're ready to turn your vending machine idea into a real business, ANNA makes company registration quick, easy, and affordable.

✅ Register a Limited Company for free

With ANNA, you can register a Private Limited Company (Ltd) at no cost when you choose the Enhanced or Total Support plan. The process takes just a few minutes, and most companies receive confirmation within 1–3 business days.

✅ Open a business account at the same time

Every company needs a separate business bank account — and ANNA lets you set one up alongside your registration. You’ll get a debit Mastercard, instant payment links, expense cards for employees, and support for both local and international payments.

✅ Choose from flexible support plans

Whether you just want to register and go or need extra help running your company, ANNA offers tailored packages:

✅ Optional Add-ons

Need a virtual office? Want help with PAYE or VAT registration? ANNA also offers affordable add-ons like:

ANNA is ideal for new vending machine businesses — especially if you're starting solo. You can register as a single director, keep your personal address private, and get support on everything from taxes to compliance.

Your data is secure, your registration is handled directly with Companies House, and ANNA’s team is available 24/7 via chat or email if you need help.