How Much Does it Cost to Move a Vending Machine?
Owning a vending machine is an excellent way to make a somewhat passive income.
But, to make sure that you’re making the most out of your vending machine, you have to choose a proper location for it.
The issue here is that vending machines can be remarkably heavy, especially if your machine has an advanced refrigeration system, which usually requires hiring professional movers to get the job done.
Vending Machine Moving Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to move a vending machine based on distance, complexity, and service type. Includes typical U.S. industry pricing and suggested movers.
Estimated Moving Cost
Estimates are based on U.S. industry averages. Actual costs vary depending on provider, location, machine weight, and logistics complexity.
Cost to Move a Vending Machine
READ: How Much Does a Soda Vending Machine Weigh?
Factors that Affect the Moving Cost of a Vending Machine
Of course, many factors come into play when it comes into play while deciding the cost of the moving process.
- Size & weight – larger, heavier machines cost more to move.
- Distance – longer transport increases overall pricing.
- Access – stairs, narrow doors, or no elevator add complexity.
- Parking & location – tight or restricted access raises fees.
- Equipment – dollies, ramps, or forklifts increase costs.
- Extra services – disassembly, setup, or electrical work adds charges.
- Number of machines – more units mean higher total cost.
- Timing & season – peak periods may be more expensive.
- Location type – urban moves often cost more than rural areas.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Move a Vending Machine
Now that you know how much a vending machine should weigh and how much it’ll cost you to hire professionals to move the machine, you might be wondering if you can move the vending machine on your own.
Well, if you have the tools and personnel needed, you’re good to go! In this section, we’ll walk you through a brief step-by-step guide that outlines the steps of the job. Let’s check them out:
1. Prepare the Machine for Moving
First, you need to start by unplugging the machine and emptying it completely to make it as light as possible.
After that, you need to measure the dimensions of the machine in order to figure out the ideal size of pallet jack needed for the job. It would also help greatly if you know the weight of the machine.
Once you have all this information, head out to get the necessary items for moving, including the pallet jack, ratchet straps, protective blankets, etc.
2. Load the Vending Machine on the Pallet Jack
Align the jack’s forks under the vending machine so that it’s exactly at the center and will be balanced when lifted.
Start pumping the handle of the pallet jack to lift the machine a few inches (1.5 to 2) off the ground and test out whether the machine is perfectly centered on the machine. Continue lifting the machine so that it’s completely left off the ground, including its legs.
3. Secure the Vending Machine
Once the vending machine is fully loaded on the pallet jack, use multiple ratchet straps or bungee cords to secure the load on the jack and prevent the machine from tipping off.
For further protection, cover the exterior of the vending machine with protective blankets to protect delicate parts and prevent bumps from leaving a mark on the machine.
When everything is in position, load your vending machine on your transporting vehicle or push the handle to move the vending machine around.
4. Reach Destination, Unload, and Restock
When you reach your new destination, slowly pull up the handle to lower the forks of the jack onto the ground.
Once the vending machine fully touches down and settles where it should be, remove the blanket and secure cords from the machine, and restock it. For refrigerated machines, allow them a few hours before plugging it back again to let the compressor oil settle.
Is Hiring Professional Movers for Vending Machines Worth It?
As you can see, the process of moving the vending machine on your own is only easy and cost-efficient if you already have a hold on all the tools needed for the job and you can have a few helping hands.
Despite that, we still recommend that you go with the professional movers option for various reasons.
For example, a reliable pallet jack that is capable of transporting a vending machine can cost you several hundred bucks, which can be easily more expensive than the cost the movers charge. After all, their costs cover all the tools that they use to get the job done.
Movers are professionals with proper physical build and experience handling large objects like vending machines with care. Mishandling the machine can break it and cost you a lot of money in repairs.
For these reasons, most experienced vending machine owners simply opt for movers to get the job done and write the costs off as operating expenses.
