Passive income: NO

Owning vending machines can become a source of passive income, but it requires significant setup and management. To achieve passivity, one must automate or outsource tasks like restocking, maintenance, and cash collection. This often involves hiring a service or using technology to monitor inventory remotely. However, most people do not reach this level of passivity; it tends to be a side hustle requiring active involvement. Only a few outliers, often those with multiple machines and efficient systems, achieve true passivity. Many people underestimate the time and effort needed, believing it to be more passive than it is. Myths include the idea that vending machines "run themselves," which is misleading without proper systems in place. Realistically, it becomes passive for those who scale up and invest in automation, but not for those with just a few machines or without the resources to outsource tasks.