
Feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind and seeking a way to earn extra income without sacrificing your time?
Many individuals struggle to find opportunities that offer financial growth while maintaining flexibility. Assume you have a solution that will enable you to earn $2,000 per month by 2025.
By strategically placing five types of vending machines, you can achieve this financial goal and enjoy the benefits of a steady, hands-off revenue stream.
1. Cold Brew Tap

Cold brew coffee is taking the beverage world by storm. The demand for cold, smooth, and less acidic coffee continues to grow. Cold brew taps are the latest way to serve it in a convenient, cost-effective manner.
These taps operate like a kegerator, allowing customers to pour their own fresh, chilled coffee. It’s a streamlined process, catering to a wide range of consumers—coffee lovers, busy professionals, and health-conscious individuals who seek an alternative to traditional hot coffee.
As a passive income option, it’s becoming an attractive choice for those looking to tap into the coffee market with less hassle.
How to Install It
Setting up a cold brew tap requires a few key components: a kegerator, cold brew coffee concentrate, and the tap system itself. After purchasing the machine, find a space with easy access to water and power.
Connecting the kegerator to the tap is relatively simple, but keeping the system clean and well-maintained is crucial for good taste and smooth operation.
How Helpful Is It?
Cold brew taps are excellent for locations with high foot traffic. Once set up, these machines are low-maintenance but can offer a steady stream of income.
Since cold brew is a premium product, it can generate higher profit margins than regular coffee. It’s also a great way to enter the vending space without needing a large upfront investment.
Best Locations
Cold brew taps are most effective in office buildings, luxury apartment complexes, and college campuses. People in these places are often looking for a quick, energizing pick-me-up that’s both refreshing and convenient.
Where to Buy
You can find cold brew taps at Kegeratorvending.com and Commonwealthjoe.com. Both sites offer a range of options for purchase, along with customer support to guide you through the process.
1. Cold brew tap.
— Mike Hoffmann (@MrPassive_) December 30, 2024
The cold brew machine has blown up alongside the popularity of cold brew coffee.
Have placed 5 of these myself.
Not the greatest in terms of sales, but a good machine to get your foot in the door.
Where to buy cold-brew taps: pic.twitter.com/FhWZsoEpri
2. Combination Vending Machine

Combination vending machines are becoming an essential part of the vending industry. They offer the advantage of providing both snacks and drinks in a single unit, allowing you to serve a larger customer base.
These machines are highly versatile and have the ability to cater to different needs and preferences. With their ability to hold various products—sodas, chips, candy bars, water, and even healthier alternatives—combination machines are an attractive option for any environment.
They’re an ideal choice for anyone who wants to maximize revenue from a single machine.
How to Install It
Installing a combination vending machine is similar to setting up any traditional machine. Begin by finding a secure location with easy access for maintenance. Ensure the machine is leveled and plugged into a power source.
You will also need to stock the machine regularly to meet demand. The installation process is relatively simple, but paying attention to product arrangement can help optimize sales.
How Helpful Is It?
These machines are beneficial because they cater to a broader range of needs, from quick snacks to refreshing beverages. Their versatility makes them well-suited for almost any environment.
They also require less maintenance than other specialized machines, as long as products are rotated frequently to prevent stockouts.
Best Locations
Combination vending machines work best in apartment buildings, medical centers, and high-traffic areas like gyms or business complexes.
Anywhere people are on the move and need a quick snack or drink is a prime spot for this type of machine.
Where to Buy
You can find these machines at EVending.com for new models or search for used ones on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Each source has its benefits, with new machines providing warranties and used machines offering cost savings.
3. Combination Vending machine.
— Mike Hoffmann (@MrPassive_) December 30, 2024
This is the best vending machine option as it combines both food & drink.
I’ve personally placed 15+ of these & had a ton of success.
Where to buy Combination Vending machines: pic.twitter.com/Tsj1t8oZi0
3. Ice Machine

An ice machine stands out in the vending world as a solid revenue generator. These units are designed to produce large quantities of ice quickly, providing a crucial service for many businesses and consumers.
While they come with higher upfront costs, they can yield significant returns, particularly in high-demand areas.
Ice machines are becoming more common in both commercial and residential environments. From event venues to apartment complexes, they offer a reliable solution for those needing ice on the go.
How to Install It
Installing an ice machine requires basic plumbing and electrical work. Ensure that the location you choose has access to both water and power.
Most ice machines are freestanding, but you may also find countertop versions. Be sure to regularly clean the machine to avoid issues like ice build-up or water filtration problems, which can affect the quality of the ice.
How Helpful Is It?
Ice machines are helpful because they serve a universal need, especially in warmer climates or locations that cater to large events.
They often operate with minimal oversight but need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Despite their higher upfront cost, they can offer a steady stream of passive income once operational.
Best Locations
Ice machines thrive in places like hotels, resorts, apartment buildings, and large offices. Anywhere with heavy foot traffic or a need for ice—especially during the warmer months—makes a great location for an ice machine.
Where to Buy
You can purchase ice machines from suppliers like VendingConnection.com and IceMachinesPlus.com. These platforms also offer financing options to help spread out the cost of higher-end models.
5. Ice Machine.
— Mike Hoffmann (@MrPassive_) December 30, 2024
This is the only vending machine out of the list that I haven’t placed myself.
But they’re a powerhouse for revenue (which comes with increased costs).
Seeing these more lately.
Since I’m not an expert on them, here’s a video of @Codie_Sanchez breaking 1 down: pic.twitter.com/6BzZLClIjk
4. Micromarket

Micromarkets are transforming the traditional vending landscape. Unlike standard machines, these self-contained mini-marts provide a variety of snacks, drinks, and even fresh meals.
With a self-checkout system and sometimes even mobile payment options, micromarkets offer convenience and an enhanced experience compared to regular vending.
They cater to a wider audience, offering a broader range of products. The integration of security cameras prevents theft and ensures the machine stays stocked and functional.
Businesses and residential spaces are increasingly adopting micromarkets because of their minimal overhead and ability to serve more options in a small footprint.
How to Install It
Setting up a micromarket involves placing secure, temperature-controlled units that store your products. You’ll need a solid internet connection for the payment system to function and cameras to monitor transactions.
The installation is straightforward but requires planning for space, electrical outlets, and regular maintenance. As they often include larger units, consider the floor plan of the location before setting up.
How Helpful Is It?
Micromarkets are incredibly useful for providing more food and beverage variety than traditional vending machines. They’re particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas where employees, residents, or guests need more than just chips or candy.
With their 24/7 availability, they are a consistent source of income with low upkeep. The self-checkout system ensures no employees are needed, and the remote management system makes inventory monitoring hassle-free.
Best Locations
Micromarkets do well in luxury apartment buildings, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities. These locations attract people who need accessible meals and snacks without the hassle of going out.
Large offices or workplaces with a sizable employee base are excellent spots for these modern mini-marts.
Where to Buy
Check out Retailmarket365.com and Micromart.com for purchasing micro markets. These sites provide a range of models, from basic setups to fully automated systems. You can also get help with setup and support directly from these suppliers.
4. Micromarket.
— Mike Hoffmann (@MrPassive_) December 30, 2024
Micromarkets are becoming insanely popular in the vending world.
They’re 0 employee mini markets with a self-checkout.
Theft is prevented by HQ security cameras + placing them in secure locations.
Where to buy Micromarkets: pic.twitter.com/ApbuGxOBxc
5. Smart Cooler

Smart coolers are revolutionizing the vending world by combining the convenience of traditional vending machines with cutting-edge technology. These coolers stock a wide range of products, from beverages to pre-packaged snacks, and use smart sensors to track inventory and monitor sales.
They offer a more modern and flexible solution, with payment options like mobile apps, credit cards, or even biometric recognition. These coolers are perfect for spaces where a compact and efficient solution is needed, providing a seamless, self-service experience.
Their larger capacity allows them to carry more items, and their sleek design fits well in various environments.
How to Install It
Smart coolers require minimal setup. Begin by selecting a location with a stable power source. Depending on the model, you might need to connect the cooler to the internet for remote monitoring and updates.
The installation is typically simple, with most units being plug-and-play. However, you should plan on stocking the cooler with a variety of popular products that cater to different tastes. Regular checks on the machine’s software and inventory are needed to ensure it stays operational.
How Helpful Is It?
Smart coolers are incredibly helpful for businesses and spaces that require flexibility. The ability to track products and manage inventory remotely ensures they’re always stocked with high-demand items.
They’re also cost-effective in the long run because they require less manual upkeep compared to traditional vending machines.
Additionally, their self-service nature reduces labor costs, making them an excellent option for passive income generation.
Best Locations
Smart coolers thrive in luxury apartments, office buildings, and gyms. These places attract people looking for quick, convenient snacks or drinks but don’t want to deal with outdated, bulky machines.
Their clean design and easy access to products make them a hit with modern, tech-savvy consumers who appreciate a high-tech, hands-off shopping experience.
Where to Buy
You can find smart coolers at Stockwell.com and Micromart.com. Both offer units designed for ease of installation and operation, with varying capacities and features. Each site also provides additional support for choosing the right cooler for your specific needs.
2. Smart Cooler.
— Mike Hoffmann (@MrPassive_) December 30, 2024
The name explains these machines pretty well.
They’re large coolers with vending technology attached.
They’re replacing a lot of vending machines at the moment due to size & variety of products.
Where to buy Smart Coolers: pic.twitter.com/BFceIPghed