VTM Vending FAQs

Hardware & Pricing

Q: How much do the machines cost?
A: From $2,850 for the Mini Wall up to $5,000 for the Slim Tower 2.0. Browse the full lineups in our Vape Vending Machines collection or the Pokemon and TCG vending lineup.

Q: Which machine is the most popular?
A: The Slim Wall at $3,550 is the most popular and has been deployed in over 500 venues.  The vape and TCG models are the same machine with different coil configurations.  

Q: How much money can I earn on one machine?
A: Performance varies by location and product mix. A vape machine in a busy dive bar usually profits over $1,000 per month. A well-placed Pokémon machine in a family entertainment center, trampoline park, or arcade usually profits over $1,500 per month with some locations way beyond that.  Run your own numbers: vape profit calculator or Pokémon profit calculator.

Q: How and when do machines ship?
A: Machines ship from our Ohio warehouse.  Shipping timelines are posted on individual product pages.

Q: Does VTM Vending have a password-protected locking mechanism?
A: Yes. The Mega Wall 2.0 features both a password-protected electronic lock and a standard key lock, so the machine can be opened with either the key or the digital password. The digital password is managed on a per-machine basis and can be changed at any time in Machine Settings on the VTM Vending Portal. All other models use our standard barrel lock system.

Q: What anti-theft and anti-tampering features do the machines have?
A: Our machines include an anti-theft plate that prevents anyone from reaching up through the exit chute. In addition, our barrel locks can be uniquely keyed for enhanced security, so no two machines need to share the same key.

Products & Compatibility

Q: What can I sell in the machines?
A: Anything that physically fits. Common products are disposable vapes, nicotine pouches, trading cards like Pokemon, and mystery products. Multiple coil sizes handle different product sizes, so the same machine can flex across categories as the route changes.

Q: Can I sell nicotine pouches?
A: Yes. We recommend 35mm coils plus our Tin Lifter add-on, which raises pouch tins to the correct vending height. We also have access to great pricing on Lucy for customers running pouch routes. Call a sales rep at (888) 373-8158 for the wholesale program.

Q: Can I put cigarettes in the vending machine?
A: Yes. A lot of cigarette vending operators are switching to digital smart vending, and cigarettes vend great in 35mm coils.

Q: What coil size do I need for vapes?
A: High-puff vapes (25K to 50K) fit 50mm to 55mm coils. Thinner, lower-puff vapes fit 35mm. The full breakdown by product type is in our coil sizing guide. Use the table below to plan slot capacity per coil size by machine.

*Mega Wall 2.0 features 3 aisles per tray.

Q: Do you supply or sell the vapes for the vending machines?
A: No. We do not sell disposable vapes. We can refer you to online wholesalers though.

Q: Do you sell Pokemon booster packs?
A: Yes. We sell Pokemon booster packs which are reserved for VTM Vending machine customers. We sell them through our VTM Vending wholesale site.  Packs are at market price, if not a tiny bit cheaper. There are a few ways to source Pokémon cards, but the private-distributor "connection" everyone chases rarely pans out. Long story short: you're going to pay close to market price, and that's fine. You can occasionally grab packs at MSRP through big-box retail, but shelves clear fast. On the open market, eBay and TCGplayer run about $10 to $15 per pack depending on the set, so the catalog keeps you right in that range without the hunt.

Q: Why are Pokémon vending machines so profitable?
A:  It's the same supply-and-demand crunch driving the whole category. Product is tight, demand is relentless, and buyers happily pay a premium for the chase. That gap between what you pay for a pack and what people will spend at the machine is exactly where the margin lives. 

Software & Operations

Q: How much is the software?
A: Software is free for the first 12 months, then a flat $29 per month per machine. Software includes a web-based portal and mobile app (iOS and Android) and allows for advertising, remote management, and automated notifications. VTM Vending Software and Inventory Management.

Q: Can I show a venue what the machine looks like on the wall?
A: Yes. Tap "View in 3D" on any product page to launch the Vizbl app and see what the machine looks like placed in the actual venue. Vizbl’s wall-tracking feature allowed machines to automatically snap and stay fixed to vertical surfaces!

Q: Do you take a cut of my sales?
A: No. Operators keep 100% of your revenue. We sell the machine, you own the placement, and every dollar that comes through the card reader goes to your bank account.

Q: How do customers pay?
A: Every machine ships with a Nayax VPOS Touch card reader that accepts tap-to-pay, EMV chip, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The Nayax card reader connects independently from the machine and all Nayax readers contain their own SIM card.

Q: What are the payment processing fees?
A: Nayax charges $7.95 per month for cellular connectivity (the SIM card) plus 3.5% and $0.20 per transaction. Fees are netted out of weekly deposits which settle to your bank account on Fridays. VTM Vending facilitates the Nayax onboarding with you.

Q: Can you impose transaction limits?
A: VTM software does not impose transaction limits. However, our payment processor, Nayax, can set transaction limits per card, per day. If you'd like limits in place, these are configured through Nayax rather than the machine itself.

Q: Do you support dynamic pricing?
A: Not at this time. Dynamic pricing is in our development pipeline, so stay tuned.

Q: Do you place machines or offer revenue sharing?
A: No. We do not own, operate, place or install machines. It would create a conflict of interest with our customers.

Age Verification & Compliance

Q: How does age verification work?
A: There are several methods of age verification, but the most common option that has no recurring fees and offers the least user friction is our ID scanner. The ID Scanner does not come with the machine and can be added to your cart at checkout. It is modular, snaps on easily, and can be configured via VTM Vending software. Time-gating features are available as well. Here is how it works: the customer clicks a vape to buy and the machine prompts them to scan the back of their driver's license. In the event they are 21+ (age can only be configured for other applications or products), the customer will be prompted to pay to complete the purchase. In the event they are under 21, they will not be able to proceed with payment. Due to privacy concerns, we do not store customer data. Full breakdown: Age Verification.

Q: How does the ID scanner verify age?
A: The ID scanner reads the date of birth contained in the PDF417 barcode on the back of a government-issued ID to validate that Adult Tobacco Consumers are of legal age, 21+. It does not authenticate the ID itself. For more advanced age verification options, including CLEAR and biometric verification, give us a call or email us at sales@vtmvending.com.

Q: Do you provide licensing or legal advice?
A: No. We do not provide legal advice. We have referenced many state statutes which can be found here: Vape Vending Laws by State.

Q: Where can I legally place a vape vending machine?
A: See the state-by-state breakdown in our vape vending compliance guide.

Placement & Demographics

Q: Where should I place a vape machine?
A: For vape or nicotine, the 21 to 40 demographic is the sweet spot. Nightclubs, bars, and dance halls are the go-to placements. Late-night hours and alcohol-service venues consistently outperform daytime retail.

Q: Where can I place a Pokemon or mystery machine?
A: Gas stations, c-stores, family entertainment centers, rec centers, ice cream shops, arcades, bowling alleys, event centers, trampoline parks, and play day cafes. The pattern: high foot traffic, family-friendly hours, and impulse purchase environments.

Mounting & Installation

Q: Can I secure a Pedestal Stand to the floor?
A: Yes. Remove the base and bolt it directly into the floor for a permanent, fully anchored installation.

Q: How do I secure the Slim Tower 2.0?
A: The Slim Tower 2.0 sits on a pedestal with locking casters that hold it in place for most locations. For added security, add a braided steel cable: lock one end inside the machine with a padlock and anchor the other end to the floor with a tamper-proof bolt head.

Q: Can the Slim Tower 2.0 be bolted to the floor like a Pedestal Stand?
A: No. The Slim Tower 2.0 is built on a wheeled, caster-mounted pedestal and isn't designed for direct floor mounting. Use the locking casters, and for extra security add a braided steel cable anchored to the floor with a tamper-proof bolt head.

Q: How are wall-mounted machines secured?
A: Wall-mounted machines lock to the mounting bracket from the inside of the unit. Because the connection is internal, the machine can't be removed from the wall without first gaining access to the interior.

Q: How do I wall-mount a machine?
A: Step-by-step wall-mounting instructions are available in our YouTube Academy. Follow the guided walkthrough to mount your machine securely.

Q: Are mounting brackets and hardware included with my machine?
A: Mounting brackets are included with every machine purchase. Mounting hardware, such as bolts and floor anchors, is not included and is sourced based on your installation surface.

Warranty, Shipping & Support

Q: What's the warranty and return policy?
A: A 1-year comprehensive warranty covering parts, electronics, and full machine replacement if needed, plus a 30-day return window. See our Customer Policies page for full terms.