How a Student Made $3,000 a Month with $1 Coffee Machines

When job fairs turned into dead ends and résumés went unanswered, many university grads feel stuck. But for 23-year-old Xu Kang, a recent ecommerce graduate from a private college in Nanjing, giving up on traditional jobs opened the door to an unusual side hustle: $1 coffee.

Xu Kang earned nearly $3,000 a month running three self-service coffee vending machines, selling up to 400 cups daily after tweaking his coffee recipe and finding the right spots.

From Job Hunt to Coffee Entrepreneur

After watching classmates struggle to land jobs, Xu Kang ditched the career fair circuit. Instead, he spotted an ad for a “$1 coffee machine” startup program run by a Nanjing entrepreneurship center. He signed up for a two-month training course, then launched his venture with a single machine.

The Struggles of Street Placement

His first hurdle wasn’t coffee quality—it was location. Public spaces like streets, squares, and underpasses drew crowds but were off-limits. Xu scouted a spot in Maiqiaqiao, only to be chased off by management. After persistent visits and pitches, he finally convinced them to let him install the machine there.

Nailing the Coffee Recipe

Even with the right location, sales stayed slow—just a handful of customers the first day. Curious, Xu bought a cup himself and found the taste underwhelming. That night, he tinkered with the recipe, adjusting ingredients one by one and tasting each batch until he hit a formula he liked. The next morning, improved flavor brought repeat customers, and business took off.

Scaling the Operation

With early profits, Xu expanded to two more machines, running a total of three. At peak, they sold 400 cups daily, generating nearly $3,000 monthly. Encouraged, he planned to buy three more machines to grow further.

Mentoring the Next Wave

Word spread among classmates. Many now seek Xu’s advice on coffee ratios, location scouting, and supplier contacts. He shares tips freely, hoping to inspire more students to launch their own ventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Xu Kang start his coffee business?

Xu Kang joined a two-month entrepreneurship training program at a Nanjing startup center, then launched with a single $1 coffee vending machine after learning the basics.

What was the biggest challenge Xu faced?

The biggest initial hurdles were finding legal public locations to place the machines and convincing site managers to allow them, which required multiple negotiations.

How did Xu improve his coffee sales?

Sales improved after Xu tweaked the coffee recipe himself, tasting and adjusting ingredients until the flavor became appealing enough to attract repeat customers.

How many coffee machines did Xu operate?

Xu started with one machine, then added two more, operating three in total, which sold up to 400 cups daily at peak.

Did Xu share his knowledge with others?

Yes, as his success grew, Xu mentored classmates interested in starting similar businesses, teaching them about coffee mixing, location selection, and supplier connections.

How much money did Xu make per month?

Xu’s three coffee machines earned him nearly $3,000 a month at peak sales, with up to 400 cups sold per day.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Vending Success

For a $1 coffee setup like Xu Kang’s, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers balanced, approachable flavours with notes of caramel and mild nuts—ideal for high-volume brewing. Its smooth profile appeals to beginners and casual drinkers, ensuring repeat purchases. For a bolder option, try the Black Cocoa Blend, with deep chocolate tones that stand out even in quick servings. Both roasts are consistent, affordable, and designed for volume—perfect for keeping costs low while satisfying a crowd. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.