Why lease-to-own instead of paying upfront
Buying outright means spending $4,950 + GST or more in one go. Lease-to-own spreads that cost over an agreed term, which keeps cash free for stock, wages and everything else the business needs — while the machine is already earning.
It suits first-time operators testing a site, workplaces that want to own rather than host a free machine, and buyers adding a second or third machine without a large single outlay.
What can be included in the finance
- The machine itself — new from $4,950 + GST or used from $1,950 + GST
- Cashless payment system (from $550 installed)
- Delivery and installation
- You keep 100% of the drink takings from day one
Lease-to-own vs free placement
With free placement we own the machine, stock it and keep the takings — you pay nothing but also earn nothing from it. With lease-to-own you own the machine at the end and keep every dollar it makes along the way, in exchange for the repayments and doing (or arranging) the restocking.
If your site has around 30 or more people with daily access, free placement is usually the simpler option. If you want the machine as an asset and an income stream, lease-to-own is the way to get there without the full upfront price.
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.
What the official summer outlook says
The Bureau of Meteorology's long-range forecast issued 8 October 2026 says daytime temperatures are likely to be above average across Australia for November to January, with overnight temperatures also likely above average (source: Bureau of Meteorology climate outlooks, https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/outlooks/, checked 10 October 2026).
The Bureau also reports that a strong El Niño is underway and models indicate it is likely to become the strongest El Niño on record since reliable records began in 1950. The Bureau notes El Niño is only one influence on Australian weather, and its strength does not always match its local impact (source: https://www.bom.gov.au/news-and-media/el-nino-strength-doesnt-always-match-impact-on-australia, checked 10 October 2026).
For a workplace, that means planning for more hot days, not predicting a specific temperature. A warmer-than-average season is exactly when an under-sized or slow-to-refill drink machine runs empty.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I lease-to-own a drink vending machine in Australia?
Yes. Lease-to-own is available on new cold drink machines from $4,950 + GST and refurbished used machines from $1,950 + GST, delivered Australia-wide.
What does lease-to-own cost per week?
Terms depend on the machine, the business and the lender, so we don't publish a standard rate. Send a finance enquiry and we'll quote options for the specific machine you want.
Do I keep the drink sales during the lease?
Yes. You keep all takings from day one; the repayments are the finance cost of the machine itself.
Is the payment system included?
It can be. A cashless card reader (from $550 installed) and installation can be included in the amount financed.
Ask about lease-to-own on a drink machine
Tell us which machine, your business and the site, and we'll come back with finance options — no cost to enquire.