How Much Does a Vending Machine Cost in Vancouver?
Real 2026 prices for every vending machine we sell, BC tax worked out, plus delivery, inventory and the running costs that decide your profit.
The price of a vending machine is the starting point, not the whole budget. In Vancouver you also need to plan for two sales taxes, cross-country delivery, your first inventory fill and the monthly costs of running the machine. Below is every number, using our live October 2026 catalogue prices, so you can build a realistic budget before you buy.
Vending machine prices (October 2026)
| Vending machine | Price before tax (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Refurbished Max healthy VCM3000 / VCM5000 | $3,250 / $4,500 |
| FGS combo — FGS3 / FGS4 / FGS5 / FGS6 | $5,499 / $5,999 / $6,499 / $6,999 |
| Snack, drink or sandwich vending machine | $5,499 |
| FGS Smart AI (AI-500 / AI-600) | $6,999 / $7,999 |
| Frozen food & ice cream vending machine | $7,999 |
| Coffee or protein shake vending machine | $9,599 |
| Bottleless water cooler | $599 |
Browse every model with photos on our vending machines for sale page or the refurbished catalogue.
Adding BC taxes
British Columbia charges 5% GST plus 7% PST on most goods. PST generally applies to equipment bought for use in BC — either collected at purchase or self-assessed. Here is what that adds to popular machines:
| Machine | Price | GST 5% | PST 7% | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refurbished VCM3000 | $3,250.00 | $162.50 | $227.50 | $3,640.00 |
| FGS3 combo | $5,499.00 | $274.95 | $384.93 | $6,158.88 |
| FGS6 combo | $6,999.00 | $349.95 | $489.93 | $7,838.88 |
| Frozen vending machine | $7,999.00 | $399.95 | $559.93 | $8,958.88 |
If your business is registered for GST, you can usually claim the GST back as an input tax credit, which lowers the effective cost; PST generally is not recoverable. Registration becomes mandatory once taxable sales pass $30,000 in four consecutive quarters. Rates by province are on the CRA GST/HST rates page; confirm your situation with an accountant.
The all-in startup budget
| Cost item | Refurbished start | New FGS3 combo |
|---|---|---|
| Machine | $3,250 | $5,499 |
| GST + PST | $390 | $660 |
| Delivery & installation to Vancouver | Quoted per address | Quoted per address |
| Card reader (if needed) | $550 | Usually included |
| First inventory fill | $250–$400 | $250–$400 |
| Business setup (registration, licence, insurance) | $300–$800 | $300–$800 |
Cross-country delivery from our Mississauga warehouse costs more than our typical $350–$700 GTA range, so we quote it exactly for your address. You may also need a City of Vancouver business licence for a vending business — check with the city before you start. Our licences and permits guide covers the Canada-wide basics, and the cost calculator totals it for you.
Monthly running costs
Inventory
Your biggest cost. Aim to keep product cost around 50% of the selling price.
Card processing
Typically a few percent of cashless sales, plus a small monthly telemetry or service fee.
Electricity
Usually covered by the location host; a modern refrigerated machine uses roughly $20–$40 a month.
Commission
Many small sites take none; busy sites may ask 10–20%+ of sales.
Repairs & parts
Occasional; common parts are inexpensive — a coil motor is $23.
Insurance & fuel
Liability insurance and your restocking trips across Metro Vancouver traffic.
What a vending machine can earn
A well-placed machine typically nets around $250–$400 a month after product costs — an estimate, not a guarantee — which puts payback for a new combo in the 12–24 month range. Location is the deciding factor: a busy Burnaby warehouse or a large Downtown office will outsell a quiet small office many times over. Model your own scenario in the ROI calculator and the profit calculator, and read our guide on finding vending machine locations.
Five ways to lower the cost
- Start refurbished — from $3,250 with a 6-month parts warranty (see new vs refurbished).
- Register for GST so you can recover the 5% GST on the machine and inventory.
- Finance a new machine — third-party lease-to-own over 24–60 months, first and last payments upfront, rates from 8% to 12% on approval.
- Buy the right size — an FGS3 at $5,499 is plenty for many sites; do not pay for capacity you will not use.
- Secure a commission-free location — many offices and small businesses host machines for free.
What operators say about Feel Good Snacks
“The Combo machine is a great machine. It works well and is easy to maintain. The tech support from this company is second to none. I have been in the business over 20 years and this is one of the best services I’ve come across. They get you the parts you need in 24 hours. Highly recommend!”
David Rudder · Enroute Vending, Brampton, ON
“I cannot say enough of Fares and his team! With no prior experience in the vending machine world, we were assisted from A-Z. Fares is kind and understanding to all of our needs and we cannot express our gratitude enough for all of their support. I recommend this company to anyone in vending!”
Alex D · London Cares Homeless Response Services, London
Reviews published on our About page. More in customer stories.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a vending machine cost in Vancouver?
Refurbished vending machines start at $3,250 and new FGS machines at $5,499 (FGS3 combo, snack or drink), before tax. With 5% GST and 7% BC PST, an FGS3 combo is $6,158.88, plus delivery, installation and your first inventory fill.
Do I pay PST on a vending machine in BC?
BC’s 7% PST generally applies to equipment bought for use in the province, in addition to 5% GST. GST is usually recoverable if you are registered; PST generally is not. Confirm with your accountant.
How much is delivery for a vending machine to Vancouver?
Because Vancouver is a cross-country delivery from our Mississauga warehouse, it costs more than our typical $350–$700 GTA range. We quote delivery and installation for your exact address.
What does it cost to run a vending machine each month?
Inventory is the biggest cost (about 50% of sales), plus card processing fees, a small telemetry fee, any commission to the location, occasional repairs, insurance and fuel. Electricity is usually covered by the host.
How much can a vending machine make in Vancouver?
A well-placed machine typically nets about $250–$400 a month after product costs, though results depend heavily on location. This is an estimate, not a guarantee.
Do I need a business licence for a vending machine in Vancouver?
You may need a City of Vancouver business licence for a vending business. Check with the city’s licensing office before you start, and register your business provincially.
Sources & further reading
Written & reviewed by the Feel Good Snacks team
Feel Good Snacks is a Canadian-owned vending machine supplier based in Mississauga, Ontario. We started out as vending operators ourselves and now have more than 15 years in the industry, with over 1,650 of our machines in market across Canada. Our new machines are ETL certified and backed by a 2-year warranty with lifetime technical support, and we stock genuine replacement parts.
Prices and specifications checked against our live catalogue on October 30, 2026. Earnings figures are estimates, not guarantees. About us · Customer stories · 1-866-711-5857 · info@feelgoodsnacks.ca
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