Hey there, Vendpreneur!

Welcome to Becoming a Vendpreneur—where every week I help you navigate the challenges of running a vending machine business, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your operation.

This week, let’s talk about nightlife vending. You’ve probably wondered, “Do bars and clubs even want vending machines?”

Short answer: YES. And here’s exactly why they do:

• Make money while they sleep.

• Can solve 1AM emergencies.

• Needs ZERO new staff.

• Boost customer experience.

• Give extra revenue without competing.

But before we jump into more details, I want to share a few quick updates on my nightlife vending business, Pod Plug:

🚀 Business Updates

• 🌴 Just wrapped up an incredible company retreat in the Philippines. Deep convos, big strategy sessions, and unforgettable memories with the team.

• 🇨🇳 Then jetted over to China for a quick meetup with our manufacturing partner. Got to sit down with our amazing sales rep for a steak dinner with skyline views (including China’s version of the Eiffel Tower 👀).

• Even got surprised with a thoughtful gift from the founder — grateful for the relationships we're building out here!

• 📸 Snapped a few group pics with the leadership team.

• 🇰🇷 Currently writing this update from Korea (here till tomorrow before I head back to LA!)

Now, let’s dive into this week’s newsletter. 👇

🔗 Best Links

Curated picks for Vendpreneurs

📱 Top Reads

• ☕ A U.S. company just dropped the future of craft beverage vending: self-serve kegerators with pay-per-ounce taps. (Vending Connection)

• 🫰 Unique vending machines in Old Town, San Diego let visitors donate to local and global causes. (CBS8)

😱 Trending Now

• 🥿 A vending machine in Las Vegas is saving ladies from sore feet with easily available flats after a night out. (TikTok)

• 👜 This luxury bag brand is pushing boundaries on marketing and reaching their market through vending machines. (TikTok)

Bars & clubs might seem like an unusual location, but they can actually be some of the most profitable.

Why?

Because people still need things after stores close.

And vending machines don’t sleep.

Let’s break down exactly why bar and club owners are saying yes to vending (and why you should seriously consider these locations for your next machine). 👀

Reason #1: It Makes Money While They Sleep (Literally) 😴

Vending machines bring in money, without bar or club owners doing anything extra.

Once the machine’s in place, it does all the work. I’ve seen it firsthand.

When I placed a machine in a nightclub in a random city named Carbondale, IL, it pulled in over $6K/month in revenue.

That’s a whole extra income stream flowing in while the bar is packed.

No extra staff, no micromanaging.

And here's the best part:

The bar owner makes money while they sleep, simply by getting a cut of the revenue.

All they had to do was say yes.

Reason #2: It Solves a 1AM Emergency Instantly 🚨

Did you know people are willing to pay 5% more for convenience?

That matters, especially at 1AM, when someone suddenly needs gum, snacks, Advil, condoms, or a phone charger.

It’s always the items no one thinks to bring… until it’s too late.

Normally, they’d bug the bartender asking if there’s a charger behind the bar or a first aid kit in the back.

Now the staff’s distracted, the vibe is interrupted, and no one’s happy.

With a vending machine on-site, that stress disappears. Customers handle it themselves (quick, easy, no drama).

It’s a win for the staff, the customer, and the bar that just avoided a whole situation.

Reason #3: No Staff? No Problem! 🤷🏻

Labor is brutal in the bar industry.

According to the National Restaurant Association, labor eats up about 33 cents of every dollar in sales.

That’s 33% of revenue just gone.

Which brings us to another reason owners love vending machines: they don’t add to the payroll.

No one has to manage them. No training, no scheduling, no stress.

They run in the background, making sales without needing a manager or a paycheck.

Machines are fully cashless too, so staff doesn’t have to touch money or restock inventory.

For busy owners trying to cut costs and run lean, it’s an easy yes.

Reason #4: It Boosts Customer Experience ⚡

Bar tabs can jump 30% when someone stays just one extra hour.

Vending machines help make that happen.

They keep people comfortable, happy, and inside — longer. More time inside means more drinks, more sales, and better vibes.

If someone leaves to grab gum, Advil, or whatever, chances are they won’t come back. But when there’s a vending machine right there, they get what they need without stepping outside.

And it’s not just about convenience.

A well-placed machine makes the venue feel more thoughtful (and depending on what’s inside, even a little edgy).

PS. That’s why in my vending machines, I add mystery bags and fun, unexpected items.

It grabs attention and gives people a reason to stay, explore, and spend.

It’s a small detail that shows the venue actually cares.

Reason #5: It Adds Revenue — Without Competing 💰

A vending machine in a club can pull in up to $1,200 per month on average.

And it doesn’t take away from food or drink sales.

It complements them.

Bars make their money on alcohol and food. Vending machines handle everything else — gum, phone chargers, Advil, condoms, even things like games or disposable cameras.

There’s no need to change the existing setup.

The venue keeps doing what it does best, and still earns a cut from every vending sale.

It’s a simple way to add income without disrupting the flow of the business.

Bar Managers, Bottle Girls, Promoters: Here’s a Way to Earn More Without Doing More 😎

Vending machines make money, solve real problems for guests, and don’t add to the staff’s workload.

That’s exactly why I’ve decided to franchise Pod Plug — a vending model built specifically for nightlife spaces.

Owners love having a machine on-site, but they don’t want to deal with stocking or managing it.

So we handle everything.

From branding and install to inventory and restocks, it’s all done for you.

Whether you’re a bar manager, bottle service host, or promoter, this gives you a way to add a new stream of income without taking on more work.

If you want something simple, profitable, and actually helpful to the venues you work with…

This is it.

And That’s a Wrap!

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter.

Hit reply and let me know what you found most helpful this week—I read every single reply and I’d love to hear from you!

See you next Saturday!

-Ethan