How Much is a Gumball Machine? Gumball Machine Cost Guide

You’ve probably heard all about the potential profits a gumball machine can bring to your place of business. Or, maybe you’re interested in starting your own gumball machine business. Either way, you need to start by budgeting for the gumball machine cost.

So how much is a gumball machine? You’ll be surprised to see just how affordable these gold mines can be! Our own private-label Titan Gumball Machines are very economical at under $70. 

Even a more expensive gumball machine on stand is just over $100. The most expensive units we sell is the spiral gumball machine style, which can cost between $750 to a few thousand dollars. 

Don’t let the gumball machine price deter you from starting your own business, though. This profitable source of passive income pays for itself fast - especially when you buy your gumball machine at Gumball.com and take advantage of our low-price guarantee! Learn more below.

How Much is a Gumball Machine?

Whether you're looking for a small tabletop machine to add some nostalgia and charm to your game room at home, trying to boost revenue at your place of business, or want to start your own gumball machine business, you’ll find there are countless options at your disposal.

This means there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to, how much is a gumball machine? It can be less than a hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars. We’ll help you better set your expectations below based on the type of vending machine:

• Tabletop Gumball Machines ($50-$200): These compact, portable units hold a small amount of product and typically stand under 2 feet tall. Great for home use, small offices, gift ideas, or light vending.
• Single-Head Gumball Machines ($100-$350): A single-globe vending machine mounted on a sturdy stand. The most common style you’ll find on the market. Perfect for small businesses, office break rooms, waiting areas, or first-time vending operators.
• Double-Head Gumball Machines ($150-$450): Two globes on one stand so you can offer gumballs along with other types of candy, nuts, or toy capsules. Perfect for retail stores, barbershops, and family-friendly businesses where there’s enough foot traffic to warrant having multiple options.
• Triple-Head Gumball Machines ($200-$600): A three-globe vending machine that maximizes product variety and earning potential. Stock one with gumballs, one with candy, and one with toy capsules. Ideal for arcades and other entertainment centers with lots of kids.
• Spiral Gumball Machines ($700-$5,000+): The pinnacle of gumball machines with an iconic, captivating experience as the gumball tumbles down the track. They work well in malls, amusement parks, and more. 

These are the gumball machine cost ranges for our specific catalog at Gumball.com, and we’re proud to present the lowest prices online. You won’t find a better deal elsewhere!

New vs Used Gumball Machines

We’ve been sharing gumball machine prices assuming you’re interested in purchasing a new unit - but maybe you’re trying to take a more economical approach and don’t mind buying a used machine.

You can expect to pay much less, but you need to be aware of the potential trade-offs with doing so. You never know what could be wrong with the machine - worn-out coin mechanisms, damaged globes, missing parts, and other issues can create headaches down the road.

In contrast, new machines come with a warranty and are guaranteed to be in good working condition. You get a longer lifespan and you may be able to customize the machine as well. Sure, the gumball machine cost is higher. But, you’re paying for long-term value, reliability, and ultimately, peace of mind.

Factors Influencing the Gumball Machine Cost

Beyond the type of gumball machine, there are a few other factors that dictate how much you’ll pay to bring the benefits of these units into your business. These include:

• Size and Capacity: Larger machines hold more product, which means you don’t have to restock them as often - but this luxury typically comes with a higher upfront cost.
• Material and Durability: You get what you pay for in terms of build quality. Metal machines cost more than plastic but will last much longer and look better. Glass globes offer a premium aesthetic and can be shatter-resistant, but they’re more expensive than acrylic. 
• Customization and Branding: A custom gumball machine is obviously going to cost more than a standard solution from our catalog, but it might be worth it to impart your own branding on the machine and start to build up brand recognition.

We also want to remind you that the upfront gumball machine price is just one thing to take into consideration. You should also account for the ongoing costs of operation, like refilling with bulk gumballs. Partnering with a wholesale provider can save you a ton of money in the long run.

Is the Gumball Machine Price Worth it in 2025?

The key takeaway from this conversation is that gumball machines aren’t nearly as expensive as you might think - and that in the end, they’re worth every penny! They’re among the simplest, most cost-effective investments you can make in vending. 

Let’s compare them to snack or beverage vending machines, for instance. These require electricity, are a hassle to maintain, and you have to worry about food/drink going stale. None of these are concerns with a gumball machine, though!

A one-time purchase of $100 to $5,000 can quickly be recouped with little upkeep necessary. But it sounds too good to be true…are gumball machines still in demand today?

Are Gumball Machines Still Popular

Yes. Although vending machine technology has certainly come a long way over the past few decades, gumball machines still have their place in retail and entertainment spaces. Why? Simple - they work!

Nostalgia fuels demand. People love the classic experience of turning a knob and getting a colorful gumball, from kids to adults. They’re a low-cost impulse buy at just $0.25 to $0.50. If someone has a few quarters on hand they won’t think twice.

Even with digital payments taking over, quarter-operated vending remains profitable in malls, movie theaters, grocery stores, laundromats, and anywhere families visit.

Gumball Machine ROI

So are gumball machines profitable? They definitely can be! Just be aware that your specific ROI is going to depend on the machine you buy and what you fill it with, the location you place it in, and how well you keep it stocked. 

But let’s assume a machine cost of $150 - which is actually at the high end for a single-head gumball machine. Gumballs cost about $0.02-$0.05 each when you buy in bulk. You can charge between $0.25-$0.50 each, that’s a 10x markup!

In a bad month you might make $30. In a good month you could earn a few hundred dollars. At any rate, your machine will likely be paid for as little as 3 to 6 months in! After that you’re earning pure profit with almost no maintenance needed. This is passive income at its finest.

Best Locations for Maximizing Gumball Machine Profits

Now - where you place your gumball machine is the biggest factor influencing how much you can make from it. The best locations are high-traffic areas where people have time to browse and make impulse purchases, including:

• Grocery Stores & Supermarkets: Families with kids shop here regularly, making them perfect for impulse vending.
• Malls & Shopping Centers: High foot traffic and a mix of children and nostalgic adults.
• Movie Theaters & Arcades: Places where people are already spending on entertainment.
• Restaurants & Fast Food Chains: Kids waiting for food love the distraction of a vending machine.
• Laundromats & Waiting Areas: Customers have time to kill, making small purchases more likely.
• Amusement Parks & Zoos: High-volume locations with guaranteed foot traffic.

But aside from location, the specific gumball machine you buy matters too. Look no further than our selection at Gumball.com, the #1 choice for more than 30 years in a row!

Get the Lowest Gumball Machine Price at Gumball.com!

You need a reliable, high-quality gumball machine that continues to work for decades to come. Our selection has been carefully curated, featuring the industry’s most trusted brands at the lowest prices online. In fact, we’ll beat any gumball machine price you find by 10%!

From tabletop to spiral models, there’s something for everyone at Gumball.com. We carry the highly-touted Beaver gumball machine, but we also have our own private-label lineup if you’re trying to get the best value for your money.

Get the right machine, hassle-free, today. World-class customer service is here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs. Reach out now or shop our catalog to start earning with your own gumball machine!

Wrapping Up Our Gumball Machine Cost Guide

So, how much is a gumball machine? We hope this gumball machine cost guide has left you with complete clarity, not just on the typical gumball machine price, but how much you can earn with an arsenal of your own machines.

Whether you’re investing in a tabletop model for personal use or a commercial-grade machine for high-traffic locations, the return on investment is undeniable. These can be less than $100, or even for one of the best models, just a few hundred dollars. They’ll deliver an ROI for years.

Success comes down to choosing the right machine, stocking quality products, and securing a prime location. We can help you get started on the right foot. Get in touch today to take the next step!