Digital Vending Machines: Branding, Customization, and Ads
The Ultimate Resource Center for Custom Vending Machine Solutions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about VapeTM digital vending machines—hardware, software, branding, and more.
What is a digital vending machine?
A digital vending machine is like a traditional vending machine, but instead of a glass-front door, it features a large touchscreen LCD display. VapeTM digital vending machines connect to an online portal that controls the UI, advertising, pricing, and inventory remotely, making them true “smart” vending solutions.
What products can be sold in a digital vending machine?
With custom-size coils, adjustable shelves, and alternative delivery systems, VapeTM machines can vend snacks, energy shots, cosmetics, makeup, electronics, phone chargers, disposable cameras, apparel, and age-restricted products like nicotine pouches or vapes. They adapt to almost any product mix.
Can I customize my vending machine with my own brand?
Yes. Through VapeTM’s partnership with GetBranded, operators can apply ColorPOP™ decals or full wraps to create branded vending machines. These designs turn each unit into a high-visibility sales driver while boosting brand recognition and foot traffic.
How much does a custom digital vending machine cost?
VapeTM vending machines generally cost between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on features and customization. They serve industries like airports, hotels, malls, resorts, casinos, and nightclubs. Machines are available for purchase online at VapeTM’s vending collection
Can digital vending machines be used for promotions and advertising?
Yes. VapeTM machines feature built-in advertising displays, multiple welcome screens, and up to eight rotating banners for images or videos. Operators can run promotions, coupons, or paid ads, creating additional revenue streams alongside product sales.
Can digital vending machines offer loyalty programs and discounts?
Yes. VapeTM’s software integrates loyalty programs, membership perks, and discounts. Casinos, hotels, and resorts can reward VIP guests with special pricing or bonus products. These features improve customer retention and increase engagement.
What types of products can a branded vending machine sell besides vapes?
Beyond vape products, VapeTM machines can vend snacks, cookies, energy shots, drinks, phone chargers, cosmetics, electronics, trading cards, apparel, and more. Branded wraps make the machines reliable, recognizable, and adaptable to any venue or industry.
Is VapeTM a trusted supplier of digital vending machines in the USA?
Yes. VapeTM provides a full ecosystem—hardware, software, branding, and nationwide support. Our Trustpilot reviews confirm our reputation as a trusted partner for custom vending solutions across the USA. Trusted
How to Earn AD Revenue with Digital Vending Machines: The Smart Vending Monetization Playbook
Today, vending machines are smart--they have the ability to host online, cloud-based software that enables operators to manage their routes, pricing, inventory, and sales in a remote fashion. What is also attractive about smart vending is the ability for operators to advertise.
VTMs or Vape ATMs have multiple welcome screens and up to 8 different top banners that can feature images or videos. Leveraging this screen-space creates ancillary ad-revenue and makes smart or online-vending that much sweeter or that much more profitable!
1. What Makes VapeTM Vending Machines “Smart”? VapeTM vending machines are more than dispensers—they’re retail-ready advertising screens. Each unit is equipped with:
- 32” high-definition touchscreen
- Cloud-connected software that allows for instant updates
- 8 rotating banner slots
- A welcome screen (idle screen) that plays looping video or image slideshows
- Remote ad control via the VapeTM Web Portal or Mobile App
This means the machines act as mini digital billboards in high-traffic areas like bars, clubs, and lounges—available for ads, sponsorships, or local promotions.
2. Revenue Models for Advertising on Vape Machines
A. Sell Local Ad Slots to Bars/Venues
- Offer to feature drink specials, event promos, or VIP nights on the machine’s idle screen.
- Example: $75–$150/month for a rotating banner or splash screen.
- Bonus: Builds stronger relationships with the venue owner.
B. Promote Vape & Nicotine Brands
- National or regional vape brands are often looking for new ways to get attention in retail settings.
- Offer ad slots to brands like Geek Bar, Raz, ZYN, ALP, etc.
- You can charge $100–$500/month depending on traffic volume and machine placement.
C. Sell Sponsored Ads to Local Businesses
- Pitch local smoke shops, tattoo parlors, dispensaries, or even pizza joints.
- “Be seen where people shop nicotine” — your machines are in venues that match their target market.
3. What Kind of Ads Can You Run? VapeTM Software allows you to upload:
- 📺 Video Ads (.MP4, < 30 seconds)
- 🖼 Image Ads (.PNG/.JPG static banners)
- 💬 Text-Based Promotions (overlay formats)
You can display these on:
- Idle Screens/Welcome Screens (shown when no one is using the machine)
-
Top Ad Banners (displayed during product selection and checkout—the UI. Banners rotate and you can control the cycle time in seconds (ie. ad rotation timing)
4. How to Pitch Ad Space (Sample Script)
“Hey [Local Bar/Brand], your logo or product could be shown to every single customer who interacts with our vending machine—plus, dozens more who see the screen each night. We’re in one of the highest-traffic parts of the venue. Want to promote your new launch, happy hour, or product with video or banner ads that get noticed?”
5. Typical Pricing for Ad Slots
| Ad Type | Price Range / Month | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Idle Video Loop / Welcome Screen |
$100 - $150 | 15–30s video file |
| Top Banner (1 of 8) |
$25 - $50 | Image or video file |
| Branding Vinyl Wrap | $100 - $200 | We print for you |
You can charge more for machines placed in:
- Large nightclubs
- Stadium or arena concessions
- College town bars
- Tourist districts
6. Why Brands Will Pay You for Ad Access
- 🔒 Exclusive: You're in controlled-access 21+ venues—exactly the demo they want.
- 🎯 High-Relevance: Vape and nicotine buyers are literally interacting with your machine.
- 📊 Trackable: VapeTM software can confirm ad run-time and impressions by tracking machine usage.
- 🧠 Low Cost vs. Value: Even a $200/month slot is a bargain compared to local TV or billboard ads.
7. Best Practices for Running a Vape Ad Network
- 📆 Rotate Ads Weekly or Monthly to keep content fresh.
- 🧾 Send an Invoice + Screenshot of the ad placement to sponsors each billing cycle.
- 📈 Bundle with Sales Performance: Offer reports like "Your ad ran 300 times this weekend" to increase retention.
- 🎨 Use Canva or Fiverr to create simple ads if your sponsors can’t make their own.
8. Advanced Strategy: Run House Ads to Boost Sales
Not every slot needs to be sold. Use leftover slots to:
- Promote high-margin products
- Drive purchases with “🔥 BESTSELLER” tags
- Offer limited-time discounts ("Buy Now Before It’s Gone!")
This turns your machine into both an ad platform and a conversion tool.
9. Add-On: Custom Branding Wraps
For $250–$500, offer full machine wraps to sponsors. Add their:
- Logo
- Brand colors
- QR codes or product graphics
This makes your vending machine a permanent in-venue ad and opens up higher-tier sponsorship opportunities.
Summary: Realistic Ad Revenue Example (Monthly Ads Report)
| Monthly Ads Sold | Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 2 banner ads @ $100 | $200 |
| 1 idle video ad @ $250 | $250 |
| 1 local promo @ $75 | $75 |
| Total (per machine) | $525/mo |
If you operate 10 machines, that’s $5,000+ per month in ad revenue, on top of vape sales.
