When it comes to starting a vending machine business in the Philippines, one of the biggest questions aspiring entrepreneurs face is: Should I buy into a franchise, or should I own my vending machines outright? Both options come with their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and long-term vision.
At CLIC Vendo, we specialize in helping business owners succeed in vending, so here’s a clear breakdown to guide you.
🏢 What is a Vending Machine Franchise?
A franchise means you’re buying the right to use a company’s brand, system, and products. Typically, the franchisor supplies the machines, dictates what products you sell, and sometimes even controls pricing.
Advantages of Franchising:
- ✅ Established brand recognition (customers may already trust the name)
- ✅ Pre-set product selection (no need to think about what to stock)
- ✅ Training and support from the franchisor
- ✅ Turnkey setup (everything is ready to go)
Disadvantages of Franchising:
- ❌ High franchise fees and ongoing royalties
- ❌ Limited control over what products you sell
- ❌ Less flexibility in adapting to your local market
- ❌ Locked into the franchisor’s suppliers and prices
⚙️ What is Owning Your Own Vending Machine?
When you purchase your own vending machine, you have full ownership and control. You decide where to place it, what products to sell, and how to operate it.
Advantages of Owning Your Own Machine:
- ✅ 100% of the profits are yours—no royalty fees
- ✅ Full flexibility: stock snacks, drinks, hot meals, coffee, or even specialty items
- ✅ Freedom to move machines to better locations if needed
- ✅ You choose your suppliers and can maximize profit margins
- ✅ Lower long-term costs (just the machine, maintenance, and restocking)
Disadvantages of Owning Your Own Machine:
- ❌ Requires effort to research and stock the right products
- ❌ You are responsible for maintenance and servicing
- ❌ You need to find good locations yourself
- ❌ No built-in brand recognition (but you can build your own brand)
💰 Cost Comparison
- Franchise: Often ₱300K–₱1M+ depending on the brand, plus monthly royalties or product mark-ups.
- Own Machine (CLIC Vendo): Starting from around ₱180K–₱380K per unit depending on size and type (snacks, drinks, 2-in-1 coffee + snacks, hot meal, etc.), with no ongoing royalty fees.
📊 Profitability & ROI
- Franchise: ROI depends on foot traffic and franchise terms. With product markups and royalty cuts, your net profit may take longer.
- Own Machine: ROI can be faster—typically 6 months to 1 year—because you keep all the profit. Your choice of products and pricing can also help maximize margins.
🏆 Which is Better?
- If you value branding, hand-holding, and ready-made systems, a franchise might suit you.
- If you prefer flexibility, higher profits, and long-term independence, owning your own vending machine is usually the better path.
At CLIC Vendo, we believe in empowering entrepreneurs with ownership, flexibility, and technology-driven machines that you can customize for your unique market.
✅ Final Takeaway
For many Filipinos starting small to medium vending operations, owning your machine outright gives you more freedom and better profit potential. Instead of paying ongoing royalties, you invest once, operate smartly, and reap the full rewards.
👉 Interested in owning your own vending machine?
Check out our catalog here: CLIC Vendo Catalog
📧 Email us at [email protected] | 📱 Call/SMS/Viber: 0918-687-3329
