Why it matters this summer
The Bureau of Meteorology's outlook issued 8 October 2026 says daytime temperatures are likely to be above average across Australia for November to January, with a strong El Niño underway (checked 10 October 2026 — see the summer guide for sources). Hot staff drink more, and the nearest cold drink shouldn't be a trip off site.
A free machine fixes that without costing the business anything: cold water, electrolyte drinks and no-sugar soft drinks on site, restocked by us, with cashless payment so no one needs coins.
What 'free' actually means
- No purchase price, no rental, no service fee
- We supply, install, stock and service the machine
- We're paid only from drink sales
- Cashless tap-and-go payment fitted as standard
- Drink mix set for your site — water, electrolytes, no-sugar options
Does your workplace qualify?
As a guide, a site needs around 30 or more people with daily on-site access, or strong public foot traffic, plus a standard power point. Warehouses, factories, gyms, clubs, schools, hospitals and office blocks all qualify regularly.
Shift-work and 24-hour sites often qualify with fewer people, because the machine trades across more hours. If you're under 30 people, a used machine from $1,950 + GST or lease-to-own funding may suit better — see the comparison below.
Three ways to get a cold drink machine
You can host one free, buy one new, or buy one used — and new or used machines can be paid off over time with lease-to-own finance instead of paying the full price upfront.
| Free placement | Buy new | Buy used | Lease-to-own | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | From $4,950 + GST | From $1,950 + GST | Spread over the term |
| Who keeps the takings | We do | You do | You do | You do |
| Who restocks | We do | You (or us) | You (or us) | You (or us) |
| Best for | Workplaces of about 30+ people | Long-term owners | Lowest buy-in | Owners who want to keep cash free |
Prices exclude GST, payment system and transport. Lease-to-own terms are quoted per application.
Who we are and how we check this information
Vending Machine has been online at vending-machine.com.au since 2012 and supplies, places and services vending machines Australia-wide from our base at 2/24 Prince William Dr, Seven Hills NSW 2147. Prices on this page come from our current price list; machine specifications come from manufacturer data sheets for models we sell and service.
Weather information is quoted from the Bureau of Meteorology, linked above with the date we checked it (10 October 2026). We update this page when the Bureau issues a new outlook.
Request a free drink machine
Business owners, managers and staff can all apply. Your request goes straight to our sales team.
Lease-to-own enquiry
Want to own a cold drink machine without paying it all upfront? Send your details and we'll come back with machine pricing and lease-to-own options.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a free drink machine for my staff?
Send a request with your address, headcount and access hours. Sites with around 30+ people with daily access usually qualify; we supply, install, stock and service the machine at no cost to you.
Is the free drink machine really free?
Yes. There's no purchase price, rental or service fee. We're paid only from drink sales.
What if we have fewer than 30 staff?
Shift-work and 24-hour sites often qualify with fewer people. Otherwise a refurbished used machine from $1,950 + GST or lease-to-own funding may be a better fit.
Can we choose the drinks?
Yes. The drink mix is set for your site — chilled water, electrolyte and sports drinks, no-sugar soft drinks, iced tea and juice — and adjusted from actual sales.
Request a free drink machine for your workplace
Send your address, headcount and access hours and we'll confirm whether your site qualifies — usually within one business day.