In this case the only thing you have to worry about is the electricity bill, and otherwise it’s a pretty reliable, risk-free investment. Many vending machines are owned by beverage companies such as Ito En, Asahi, or Coca Cola, and landowners can enter into a contract with them to place the machine on their land, receiving either a land rental fee or a cut of the profits from drinks sold. Just sticking one in front of your house is like putting a bank box out there for others to deposit money into. All you need is somewhere to install it, and it’ll diligently work away earning money for you day and night while you do pretty much nothing. Owning vending machines is one of the simplest and most hands-off side businesses you could think of. How can they sell them so cheap? Are they actually profitable? The answer is yes, and many ordinary business-minded folks are taking advantage of the opportunities they offer to put away a nice chunk of cash each month. Prices vary, but the lowest you’ll find in Tokyo is usually the one coin machines where everything costs just 100 yen. You’ll find them on most street corners, outside office blocks, lined up at bus stops, and even on the top of Mount Fuji. Vending machines are ubiquitous in Japan.
