Americans are reportedly turning to vending machines to make money.
People are interested in owning machines because the start-up costs are relatively low and the business model is simple to understand, according to the Wall Street Journal.
A used vending machine can cost $1,500 to $2,000, and a new machine goes for about $7,500.
The owner buys snacks in bulk from stores like Costco or Sam's Club to fill it, then sets prices at a markup, generally about 100%.
The top-selling items are drinks, snacks and candy, according to Automatic Merchandiser magazine.
But profits are not guaranteed, especially if the machines are not areas with high foot traffic. The competition is also growing, according to the WSJ.
There are some 17,273 vending machine companies and operator businesses in the U.S., according to IBIS World. The site Vending Locator reports that there are more than 7 million vending machines in the country.
Social media has helped fuel the vending machine craze.
Jaime Ibanez is among those touting his successes. He has more than 500,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel about his vending machine business. He has more than 50 machines spread across the Dallas area.
But others are not seeing the riches flow in.
Tom and Missi Hakes of Midway, Ala. became interested in vending machines after watching YouTube videos. But they struggled to find a location that was interested in allowing them to put their single machine.
They told the WSJ that it is only grossing about $30 a month.
