Whether you are an ambitious entrepreneur entering the high growth vape vending market or a seasoned operator ready to scale your existing route, you have found the definitive industry resource. This comprehensive guide covers every essential aspect of owning and operating smart vape vending machines to maximize your return on investment. We provide deep insights into hardware pricing and custom branding options alongside vital regulatory details such as legal compliance and automated age verification technology. You will also discover how to leverage advanced remote management software to streamline your operations and secure long term profitability in the automated retail space.

Hardware Specs, Pricing & Machine Durability

Q: How much is a Vape Machine?
A: A Vape Vending Machine (VTM) or dispenser costs $2,000 to $4,000 depending on American or Chinese models. VapeTM is an American company and has US support and software, which is why machines are about $1,000 more than other Chinese models. To learn about different equipment, check out our Vape Vending Machine Collection and browse what is for sale!

Q: Why are Vape ATM machines a good choice for people looking to get into vending?
A: VapeTM vending machines deliver a superior user experience with cutting-edge graphics and an intuitive interface. They are equipped with operator-focused software for seamless remote management via desktop or mobile apps. VapeTM is the only company offering advanced age verification, including license authentication and biometric facial recognition. Unlike competitors, VapeTM avoids outdated QR codes or unreliable ID scanners. Additionally, in-house support with English-speaking staff ensures quick assistance, and our Owners Club helps secure prime locations to maximize success.

Q: What is the difference between a traditional snack vending machine and a VapeTM vape machine?
A: VapeTM vending machines differ from traditional vending machines in their software-based operation, online capabilities, aesthetics, payment platforms, and advanced age verification technology. VapeTM offers remote management, customizable age verification, and digital media management. To learn more, check out our product and machine comparison guide.

Q: How much is the electric bill associated with a vape machine?
A: They operate on a standard outlet and consume very little electricity, estimated at only $1-$2 per month.

Q: How long does the monitor last on a vape machine?
A: The monitor is rated to last over 6 years if left on 24/7 and comes with a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Q: Are the vape machines noisy during operation?
A: VapeTM machines are designed for quiet operation, making them ideal for bars, retail locations, and other environments where noise might be a concern.

Q: Do the vape machines have a touchscreen interface?
A: Yes, VapeTM machines come equipped with a user-friendly touchscreen interface for a seamless customer experience, including browsing and purchasing products.

Q: What if someone punches the screen?
A: Unfortunately, physical vandalism is not protected under our standard warranty, but the monitors are very dependable and less than 3/1000 have been broken. While this concern may seem commonplace, it rarely happens from our experience, and our machines are tested to withstand soft-tip dart boards!

Legal Compliance, ID Scanners & Age Verification

Q: How do VapeTM machines prevent underage access?
A: Vape vending machines prevent underage access through age verification. VapeTM sells an ID scanner, and customers are required to scan the barcode on the back of their driver’s license or government-issued ID before making payment. Once the age is confirmed, the customer can continue with their purchase. This is the least-friction method for verifying age. To purchase our ID Scanner, click here.

Q: How do you know the person making the purchase is the person that matches the ID?
A: We can’t provide that level of certainty with our ID Scanners, but we offer third-party authentication and biometric facial recognition if you wish to beef up your age recognition security. To learn more about VapeTM’s methods of age verification, click here.

Q: Why can’t we install a camera at the machine to provide a facial match?
A: The reason we can’t do this is because the ID scanner is not looking at the picture—it is simply looking at the information stored in the barcode and sending that data to our software to confirm if the age is sufficient to proceed with the product they wish to purchase.

Q: Can you adjust the age requirement for different jurisdictions?
A: Yes, age requirements can be adjusted per machine and even per aisle. This feature is fully customizable by day and time for each machine, ensuring compliance with local regulations and operational flexibility. Hence, you can set the age limit in our vending management software per product or aisle.

Q: What if I sell age-restricted products like vapes and Zyn but also sell other items like snacks and chargers that don’t require customers to be 21?
A: You can disable age verification for non-age-restricted products by changing the age limit to zero under the aisle configuration on your machine.

Q: Are Vape Vending Machines Legal?
A: Vape vending machines are legal in the United States, but their use is highly regulated by federal, state, and local laws. Federal law mandates that these machines be placed in adult-only locations to prevent underage access, while some states impose stricter bans or additional requirements.

Q: Do I need a license to own and operate a vape vending machine?
A: Licensing requirements for vape vending machines vary based on both state and local regulations. Some states have explicit rules for tobacco and vapor vending machines, while others focus on placement restrictions, such as limiting machines to 21-and-over venues. Whether a specific retail license is necessary depends on your particular state law as well as local, city, and county ordinances. Always consult an attorney and review relevant administrative codes and statutes. To learn more about best practices and staying compliant, check out the VapeTM Compliance Guide.

Q: How do local rules further complicate compliance?
A: Cities and counties often add restrictions beyond federal and state regulations, such as requiring special permits or limiting machine placement to specific zones. Some localities also ban flavored vape products. Staying compliant requires regular monitoring of local ordinances and timely updates on new legislation.

Product Sizing, Coil Capacity & Inventory Management

Q: Can I sell Zyn or other nicotine pouches in my machine?
A: Yes. VapeTM sells 35mm coils to fit tins and also designs a “lifter” or nicotine pouch adapter to make them the right height to vend seamlessly. You can purchase 35mm coils and tin lifters here.

Q: Can I sell other products in my machine?
A: Yes, customers can sell whatever product they want, and they can source it from wherever they like. VapeTM offers a wide range of coils and can also adjust trays to accommodate a wide range of products in various sizes. Our customers are not limited to vapes or nicotine pouches, and we have seen nightlife essentials, energy and caffeine, snacks, baseball cards, breath mints, mystery items, and electronics like mobile chargers and power banks.

Q: What coil sizes do VapeTM machines use and what products do they fit?
A: VapeTM smart vending machines are universally compatible with almost all vape and nicotine packaging. We utilize customizable spring coils ranging from 22mm to 55mm to accommodate everything from slim disposable vapes (like Breeze) to nicotine pouch tins (ZYN, ALP) and large-format box vapes (Geek Bar Pulse, Raz). Check the chart below to match your product size to the correct coil and see exactly how much stock each machine holds.

*Note: Mega Wall models feature 3 Aisles Per Tray.

Q: Can I sell THC or CBD products in my vending machine?
A: Yes, VapeTM offers different payment platforms for higher risk products like THC-A and CBD. Nayax, Heartland, Chase, and Fiserv will not support these transactions in the United States, but we have alternative processors and sponsor banks that provide payment processing for these products.

Software, Customization & Operations

Click here to explore VapeTM Software & Inventory Management

Q: Can vape machines be customized by VapeTM?
A: Yes, you can change the colors of the screens and buttons through our theme management on VapeTM’s web portal. You can use pictures and videos to create multiple welcome screens and top display advertisement banners. Additionally, you can wrap the vape machine with custom decals or we can do it for you.

Q: Can I sell advertising on my vape vending machine?
A: Yes, VapeTM offers advertising capabilities through its web portal and allows customers to display videos and images on welcome screens and top advertising banners.

Q: Can I manage multiple vape machines remotely from my phone?
A: Yes, VapeTM software allows you to manage all your machines remotely through a web-based portal or mobile app. You can instantly update pricing, view real-time inventory levels, view sales reports and real-time transactions, and change ads.

Q: Can the machines send alerts for errors, out-of-stocks, or low inventory?
A: Yes, VapeTM machines can send customizable alerts for various needs, such as low inventory, dispense failures, or refund triggers. These alerts can be configured per machine or even per aisle and sent via email or text to you and any employees in your network. This level of proactive monitoring helps minimize downtime and keeps operations running smoothly.

Q: How do software updates work?
A: We do them in less than 2 minutes as-needed and these are automated. We expect less than 1 per quarter.

Q: What if I lose connection or WiFi?
A: The machine will store everything on the hard drive and continue to process transactions via the cellular modem in the card reader. Note: you just can’t send machine updates remotely if the kiosk is offline. You can see online/offline status on the web portal and mobile app.

Q: Can I sell vape machines to others and create subusers on your software?
A: Yes, you can also assign permissions similar to the ATM switch networks like Columbusdata and PAI. You may also sell machines and create new downstream affiliates.

Q: Can customers get product or vape discounts?
A: Yes, we have coupon coding and discount options available to our customers. Be aware of state laws when it comes to large discounts or free vapor products.

Financials, Payments & Refunds

Q: How does the credit card reader work?
A: VapeTM machines are equipped with a Nayax VPOS Touch card reader. VapeTM will facilitate the onboarding so that you can link your bank account to your machine(s). The fees are $7.95 per month for cellular connectivity plus 20 cents and 3 percent per transaction. Fees are netted out of your deposits, which are weekly and deposited on Friday. VapeTM provides Tier I and Tier II technical support and is an OEM for Nayax.

Q: Can Nayax split deposits into other bank accounts?
A: No, the owner of the machine becomes the sole Merchant of Record, and you cannot split deposits or send partial monies to other accounts. While this may seem desirable, it creates accounting and compliance issues, and we recommend having one Merchant of Record. If you wish to use another bank account for different devices or machines, you are welcome to set up a new LLC and bank account, but still, 100% of deposits from each machine have to go to one bank account.

Q: How do I pay the bar or the customer where I place the vape vending machine?
A: Any payout that you need to make to your customers is not facilitated on our software. VapeTM software features financial reports and makes available detailed transaction reports that you can export into Excel and use to calculate payouts to your customers. For tips on working with venues, check out our Venue Owner FAQs.

Q: What if a product gets jammed or doesn’t work?
A: If the product doesn’t drop, the transaction is cancelled. VapeTM machines are equipped with an electronic infrared sensor, so in the event a payment is approved and a product is not detected, there is no need to worry; the machine will automatically issue a refund. If the product is simply defective (e.g., the vape is broken), this would need to be addressed by you. You can issue refunds on the Nayax portal, or you can subscribe to MyVendSite.com for additional refund-related services that are consumer-facing.

ROI, Profit Margins & Best Vending Locations

Q: Is vape vending really profitable?
A: Vape vending is one of the most profitable vending sectors due to high margins—typically $12–$14 profit per vape—and strong consumer demand. A well-placed machine can generate $1,000 or more in monthly profit. Operators who secure strategic placements (e.g., bars, clubs, entertainment venues) enjoy the highest returns. To learn more about Vape Vending profitability, see our profitability calculator table.

Q: How do I know how much money I will make?
A: In short, you don’t. But VapeTM has data from thousands of machines placed nationwide and can help provide an estimate or a range of expected revenue.

Q: What factors should I consider when looking for a vape vending location?
A: High-earning vape vending locations are due to several factors relating to pricing, product selection, traffic count, and market saturation.

• Location: Placing the machine in a high-traffic area, such as bars, clubs, or other adult-only venues, is crucial. Locations with a younger adult demographic (aged 21-40) and those that serve alcohol tend to generate more sales.
• Product Selection and Pricing: Customers prefer popular disposable vapes like Geek Bar Pulse and Raz. The wholesale cost is around $8, and the suggested retail price is approximately $25.

Q: What are the best vape vending locations?
A: The best locations are typically college bars and nightclubs that are open late-night hours and cater to a younger demographic. Placing vape vending machines in highly visible areas within these venues, such as near entrances or alongside popular amenities like jukeboxes, also helps increase sales.

Q: What is the future of vape vending and potential earnings?
A: The global e-cigarette market is projected to reach $182.84 billion by 2030. This expansion presents significant opportunities for vape vending machines, particularly in adult-only venues. The vape vending market is still untapped in the U.S., providing a unique opportunity for early adopters to capitalize on this growing industry.

Business Opportunities & Support

Q: Can I become a Vape Vending Distributor?
A: If you are interested in becoming a distributor or reseller with VapeTM, please contact us online for more information.

Q: Can I return my vape vending machine if I am not satisfied with the profits?
A: Yes, VapeTM offers a 1-year comprehensive warranty and a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. For more details, visit our Support and Warranty page.