Water & Ice Vending
Sell water for quarters — margins that flow
Water and ice vending businesses operate self-service machines that purify and dispense drinking water and bag ice. Machines are placed outside grocery stores, gas stations, and laundromats. The model is extremely passive — machines run 24/7 with only periodic filter changes and maintenance visits.
Avg Revenue
$80K
Profit Margin
57%
Acquisition Multiple
2x - 3x
Startup Cost
$30K - $80K
Difficulty
2/5
How It Works
Install water/ice vending machines at high-traffic retail locations. Machines connect to a water source, filter and purify the water, and dispense it into customer-provided containers or vend bagged ice. Revenue is coin and card operated, running 24/7. You visit periodically to change filters, perform maintenance, and collect cash.
Revenue Range
Pros
- +Very high margins — water is essentially free raw material
- +Machines run 24/7 with minimal intervention
- +Low COGS — filters and electricity are the main costs
- +Growing health-conscious demand for purified water
Cons
- -Machine purchase costs are significant ($15K-$40K each)
- -Location quality is critical for sufficient foot traffic
- -Health department regulations vary by jurisdiction
Best For
Passive income seekers who want a set-it-and-forget-it vending model
Operating Costs
Electricity, water supply fees, filter replacements, location rent/commission, and occasional machine maintenance.
Where to Buy
- BizBuySell →
Find water and ice vending businesses for sale
- BizQuest →
Browse vending route businesses including water and ice
Quick Facts
- Category
- route
- Difficulty
- 2/5
- Acquisition Price
- $160K - $240K