Knowledge Centre: vending machines from A to Z
More than 100 terms on vending machine types, technology, payment systems, law and hygiene, costs and locations. Each term with a definition, benefits, technical details and frequently asked questions.
Vending machine types
Which vending machines exist and what they sell.
Vending machineA vending machine is a self-operating device that automatically dispenses goods or services in return for payment. It operates without staff, around the clock.Snack vending machineA snack vending machine is a vending machine that automatically dispenses snacks, sweets, crisps and small food items in return for payment. It operates without staff, around the clock…Drinks vending machineA drinks vending machine is a vending machine for automatically dispensing cold or hot drinks in bottles, cans or cups. Customers serve themselves without service staff.Cold drinks vending machineA cold drinks vending machine is a refrigerated vending machine for dispensing soft drinks in bottles and cans at an ideal drinking temperature of 4–8 °C.Coffee vending machineA coffee vending machine is a hot drinks vending machine for automatically preparing coffee, espresso, cappuccino and other speciality coffees at the push of a button, without a barista.Hot drinks vending machineA hot drinks vending machine is a vending machine that freshly prepares hot drinks such as coffee, tea, cocoa and soups directly in the cup.Fresh brew system (coffee vending machine)A fresh brew system grinds fresh coffee beans for every cup and brews the coffee directly, unlike instant systems that use powder.Combination vending machineA combination vending machine combines both snacks and drinks in one unit, offering maximum product variety on a minimal footprint.Confectionery vending machineA confectionery vending machine is a specialised snack vending machine for chocolate, sweets, chewing gum and other confectionery, with spiral technology optimised for delicate products.Pizza vending machineA pizza vending machine is a highly specialised vending machine that freshly bakes frozen pizzas in 2–5 minutes and dispenses them. The technology combines freezing, oven and packaging in one unit.Frozen food vending machineA frozen food vending machine is a vending machine with high-performance freezing for dispensing frozen food at a constant -18 °C to -22 °C.Ice cream vending machineAn ice cream vending machine is a freezer vending machine for dispensing ice cream, ice lollies and frozen snacks at a constant -18 °C to -22 °C.Fresh food vending machinesFresh food vending machines are refrigerated or freezer vending machines for dispensing perishable food such as meat, sausage, cheese, fruit, vegetables and baked goods.Snack meal vending machineA snack meal vending machine is a refrigerated vending machine for dispensing freshly filled rolls, sandwiches, salads and other fresh products with a short shelf life.Egg vending machineAn egg vending machine is a vending machine for dispensing fresh eggs in various pack sizes directly from the producer, usually on farms.Milk vending machineA milk vending machine is a refrigerated vending machine for dispensing fresh raw or pasteurised milk directly from the farm into bottles brought along or available on site.Farm shop vending machineA farm shop vending machine is a vending machine through which farmers and direct marketers sell regional products around the clock.Water vending machineA water vending machine dispenses filtered or chilled drinking water, for example in bottles, cups or for self-filling into containers brought along.Healthy VendingHealthy vending refers to vending machines that specifically offer healthier products such as fruit, nuts, yoghurt, salads and low-sugar drinks.Micro marketA micro market is an open, unattended self-service area in a company, consisting of shelves, refrigerated display cases and a central payment terminal (kiosk).Smart FridgeA smart refrigerator that uses RFID or weighing technology to detect which products the customer has taken and charges for them automatically once the door is closed.Self-service kioskA self-service kiosk is a station where customers order, pay and collect or take the goods themselves, without any staff involvement.Outdoor vending machineAn outdoor vending machine is a vending machine built for outdoor operation that withstands rain, heat, cold and vandalism.Cashless-only vending machineA vending machine that accepts only cashless payments (card, smartphone, NFC) and has no coin validator or banknote reader.E-cigarette vending machineAn e-cigarette vending machine is an age-controlled vending machine for dispensing tobacco products with integrated age verification via debit card or identity card.E-cigarette & vape vending machineSpecialised vending machines for selling e-cigarettes, liquids and vapes, which must have age verification.CBD vending machineA vending machine for CBD products (oils, flowers, cosmetics) that are below the legal THC limit.Hygiene vending machineA hygiene vending machine is a compact vending machine for dispensing hygiene items, drugstore products and medical supplies. It is usually mounted in washrooms or public places.Reverse vending (deposit return)Systems for the automated return of empty deposit containers (bottles, cans), often installed in combination with vending machines.
Lockers and pick-up
Vending machines for pre-ordered goods, parcels and keys.
Smart locker vending machinesA smart locker is an intelligent locker system with digital control for secure, contactless handover of goods around the clock. Access is by PIN, QR code, NFC or facial recognition.Locker systemA locker system is an installation of several lockable compartments for the secure storage of personal belongings. Modern systems rely on electronic management instead of mechanical keys.Pick-up stationA pick-up station is a smart locker system for the temporary storage and collection of pre-ordered goods, especially in e-commerce and hospitality.Parcel lockerA parcel locker is a smart locker system for the automatic acceptance, storage and dispensing of parcels of various sizes, with multi-carrier support.Click & collect vending machineA click & collect vending machine is a smart locker system for collecting goods ordered online automatically, without waiting or staff contact.Key vending machineA key vending machine is a secure handover system for physical keys or key cards. It enables contactless key handover and return between service providers and customers around the clock.Goods dispensing systemA goods dispensing system is an automated solution for the controlled dispensing of goods, tools or materials, with authentication and stock management.
Industry and material dispensing
Tools, protective equipment and C-parts by vending machine.
MRO vending (material dispensing)Maintenance, repair and operations: the automated dispensing of indirect materials such as tools, gloves or cleaning agents in industry.Tool vending machineA tool vending machine is an automated storage system for the secure storage and dispensing of tools, measuring equipment and consumables. It enables decentralised material supply in manufacturing companies.Tool dispensing systemA tool dispensing system is a specialised smart locker solution for the automated management, dispensing and return of tools, with RFID tracking and calibration management.PPE vending machine (personal protective equipment)A PPE vending machine (personal protective equipment) is a specialised goods dispensing system for the controlled issue of protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, masks or hearing protection to employees in industry and trade.
Technology and operation
How vending machines work and run reliably.
Dispensing mechanismThe dispensing mechanism is the physical system inside a vending machine that transports the goods from the storage position to the dispensing chute. It is the heart of product dispensing and must meet the highest…Spiral motorA spiral motor is the electromechanical drive unit in vending machines that turns the spirals to move products forward and dispense them.Lift system (lift vending machine)A lift system is a dispensing technology in which a lift collects the product from the compartment and gently brings it to the outlet instead of dropping it.Vending machine cooling systemThe cooling system of a vending machine is an integrated refrigeration unit that keeps the interior of the unit at a constant temperature. It ensures that food stays fresh and…Vending machine power consumptionThe power consumption of a vending machine depends mainly on cooling, lighting, display and location, and is an important item in the running cost calculation.Vending machine touchscreenA touchscreen on a vending machine is an interactive display that replaces the conventional keypad. It serves as the user interface for product selection, displaying ingredients and…Digital signage (vending machine display)Digital signage refers to the use of digital screens on vending machines to display advertising, product information or interactive content.Telemetry systemA telemetry system is an IoT solution for remote monitoring and management of vending machines, with real-time data transmission to a cloud platform.Telemetry dashboardThe telemetry dashboard is the central software interface on which all data from a vending machine network is visualised in real time.DEX interfaceDEX is a data standard through which a vending machine outputs sales and cash data, such as the number of sales per product and amounts collected.IoT vending machineAn IoT (Internet of Things) vending machine is a fully networked device that collects data via sensors and shares it over the internet with other systems or the…Vending machine remote maintenanceRemote maintenance (remote management) describes the ability to access the software and control system of a vending machine via an internet connection in order to run diagnostics, change prices or install software updates…Predictive MaintenancePredictive maintenance is a maintenance strategy that uses real-time data to calculate when a component (e.g. the cooling compressor) is likely to fail, in order to…Vending machine maintenanceMaintenance covers all regular measures for function testing, cleaning and technical upkeep of a vending machine, to ensure maximum reliability and service life.Restocking a vending machineRestocking covers regularly refilling the goods, checking shelf life and temperature, and cleaning the vending machine.Planogram (vending machine)A planogram defines which product is in which compartment of a vending machine, at what price and in what quantity.Shrinkage at the vending machineShrinkage describes losses due to theft, incorrect removal, damage or expired goods that do not show up in revenue.Vandalism protectionVandalism protection covers all structural and technical measures on a vending machine aimed at preventing wilful damage, break-in attempts or tampering, or minimising their effects.Branding & wrappingBranding covers the individual design of the vending machine housing using high-quality adhesive films in the corporate design of the operator or a brand.Sustainability in vendingAn umbrella term for measures to reduce the ecological footprint of vending machines, e.g. through energy efficiency, reusable systems or regional products.
Payment and youth protection
Cash, card, smartphone and age verification.
Cashless paymentCashless payment refers to paying at vending machines using electronic means of payment. These include debit and credit cards, mobile payment services via smartphone and closed payment systems such as employee ID cards.NFC paymentNFC (near field communication) payment is a radio standard for contactless data transmission over short distances (a few centimetres). At vending machines, it allows payment without inserting a card…Card terminal on the vending machineA card terminal on a vending machine enables cashless payment by debit and credit card as well as by smartphone or smartwatch.QR code payment at the vending machineWith QR code payment, the customer scans a code on the vending machine with their smartphone and pays via an app or payment portal.Closed-loop paymentWith closed-loop payment, users pay with credit or a company ID that is only valid within the operator’s own system, for example with an employee card or a chip.MDB interfaceMDB (multi-drop bus) is the standard through which a vending machine communicates with coin changers, banknote readers, card terminals and other payment devices.Coin validatorA coin validator is an electromechanical component in the vending machine that checks inserted coins for authenticity, determines their value and, if necessary, pays out change in various denominations.Coin changerA coin changer accepts coins at the vending machine, checks them for authenticity and pays out change in coins.Banknote readerA banknote reader checks banknotes at the vending machine for authenticity and value and accepts them as payment.Age verification (youth protection)Age verification is a technical module in the vending machine that ensures age-restricted products (e.g. tobacco, alcohol, e-cigarettes) are only sold to people who have reached…
Law, hygiene and taxes
Registrations, permits and obligations for operators.
Trade registration for vending machinesTrade registration is the formal act by which a vending machine operator reports the start of its business activity to the responsible trade office. It is the legal prerequisite for…Vending machine installation permitThe installation permit is the legal permission to operate a vending machine at a specific location. A distinction is made between private-law agreements and public-law permits.Special use permit for vending machinesThe special use permit is the municipality’s permission to install a vending machine on public land, for example on a pavement or a public square.Vending machine placement agreementThe placement agreement sets out the conditions under which a vending machine may stand on someone else’s premises, for example in a company, a hotel or at a petrol station.Hygiene regulations for vending machines (HACCP)The hygiene regulations for vending machines comprise the legal requirements for storing and dispensing food. The central element is the HACCP concept (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) for…HACCP logging (digital)The automated digital recording of all hygiene-relevant data, in particular temperature curves in food vending machines.Temperature monitoring at the vending machineTemperature monitoring ensures that chilled and frozen goods in the vending machine stay within the prescribed temperature range at all times, and documents this without gaps.Food inspection at the vending machineFood inspection is the official check of whether businesses that supply food comply with the requirements for hygiene, labelling and traceability. This also applies to vending machines.Allergen labelling at the vending machineAnyone selling food via a vending machine must ensure that customers can see the mandatory information and allergens before buying.Best-before date at the vending machineThe best-before date indicates until when a food retains its properties if stored correctly. In a vending machine, it is a key point of restocking and checks.Taxes & accounting (vending)This area covers all tax obligations of a vending machine operator, in particular the correct recording of revenue, payment of VAT and taking depreciation into account.VAT on vending machine salesVending machine operators must pay VAT on their sales. The tax rate depends on which product is sold.Vending machine depreciationDepreciation spreads the acquisition cost of a vending machine for tax purposes over the years in which it is used.Vending machine insuranceVending machine insurance is a special property insurance that protects the operator against financial losses due to theft, vandalism, natural hazards (fire, water damage, storm) and operating errors.
Buying, costs and financing
Prices, running costs, leasing and choice of location.
Buying a vending machineBuying a vending machine is an investment in a physical asset for automated sales. It forms the basis for building an independent vending business or the…Vending machine priceThe vending machine price is the total cost of acquiring a vending machine, consisting of the base unit, the chosen configuration (spirals, lift), the payment systems and optional software licences.Vending machine costsVending machine costs cover all expenses incurred for the acquisition, operation and maintenance of a vending machine. A distinction is made between one-off investment costs (CAPEX) and…Vending machine paybackThe payback period indicates after how long a vending machine has paid for itself through its earnings.Vending machine leasingLeasing is a financing model in which the customer (lessee) receives the right to use a vending machine for a fixed period in return for a monthly fee. At the end…Vending machine financingFinancing a vending machine describes various models for paying the purchase price in instalments. The aim is to spread the acquisition cost over a longer period and…Renting a vending machineRenting a vending machine is a usage model in which the customer receives a ready-to-use unit in return for a monthly fee. Ownership remains with the lessor, while the…Used vending machineA used vending machine is a unit that has already been in service and is offered on the market again at a reduced price after being refurbished and technically inspected. It…Buying a coffee vending machineBuying a coffee vending machine (hot drinks vending machine) is an investment in an automated coffee bar that prepares and sells fresh hot drinks in barista quality. It is the standard unit for every…Buying a drinks vending machineBuying a drinks vending machine means acquiring a specialised vending system for the chilled storage and automated dispensing of bottles and cans. It is one of the most profitable investments…Vending machine rangeThe range determines whether a vending machine sells well at its location. It must suit the target group, time of day and price level.Location analysis (vending)Location analysis is the systematic examination of a potential site for a vending machine based on criteria such as footfall, target group structure, competition and technical feasibility.Site providerThe site provider is the owner or operator of the premises on which a vending machine stands, for example a company, a hotel, a gym or a petrol station.Setting up vending machinesSetting up vending machines describes the entire process from acquiring the site and securing it legally to the physical installation and commissioning of a vending machine.Vending machine franchiseA vending machine franchise is a cooperation model in which a founder pays a fee to use the brand, range and proven business concept of an established vending operator instead of…Vending operatorA vending operator is a company or person that operates vending machines: installing, restocking and maintaining them and accounting for the revenue.
Locations and sectors
Which vending machine fits where.
Office vending machineAn office vending machine is a compact catering unit for employees that provides snacks, cold drinks or speciality coffee right at the workplace. It serves to cater for staff during working hours…Vending machine for companiesA vending machine for companies is a permanent catering solution designed specifically for the needs of employees in break rooms, offices or production halls. It serves to…B2B vending machineB2B (business-to-business) vending refers to the use of vending machines within companies to supply employees or for automated material dispensing (MRO) in internal operations.Canteen vending machineA vending machine in the canteen serves as a complement to or replacement for the conventional food counter. It ensures that employees have access to complete… even outside core lunch hoursProduction vending machineA vending machine in production is a robust dispensing system developed specifically for the demanding requirements of industrial manufacturing environments. It provides decentralised supply for employees…Workshop vending machineA vending machine in a workshop supplies mechanics with food and drink and automatically dispenses small parts, consumables and tools.Hospital vending machineA vending machine in a hospital is an essential facility for patients, visitors and medical staff. It offers 24/7 access to food, drinks and hygiene items in a…Pharmacy vending machineA pharmacy vending machine is a high-security dispensing system for pharmacy-only (but not prescription) medicines, health products and drugstore goods. It gives patients access to emergency medicine outside opening hours.School vending machineA vending machine in a school is an automated refreshment station for pupils and teachers. It provides snacks and drinks during breaks and in…University vending machineA vending machine at a university is a central point for students and lecturers, offering quick access to coffee, cold drinks, snacks or study materials in libraries and lecture buildings…Hotel vending machineA vending machine in a hotel is a modern replacement for the classic minibar or lobby kiosk. It offers guests round-the-clock access…Gym vending machineA vending machine in a gym is a specialised refreshment station for sports nutrition, supplements and soft drinks, tailored to the needs of people who train.Railway station vending machineA vending machine at a railway station is a high-footfall vending system for public spaces that supplies travellers around the clock with travel essentials, food and refreshments.Airport vending machineA vending machine at an airport is a state-of-the-art vending terminal for the transit area or arrivals hall that supplies travellers with premium snacks, electronics, hygiene items or souvenirs.Campsite vending machineA vending machine on a campsite acts as an autonomous mini supermarket, supplying campers around the clock with staple foods, barbecue items, fresh rolls or camping accessories.
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All terms from A to Z
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- Locker system
- Key vending machine
- Self-service kiosk
- Smart Fridge
- Smart locker vending machines
- Snack vending machine
- Special use permit for vending machines
- Vending machine range
- Spiral motor
- Location analysis (vending)
- Site provider
- Taxes & accounting (vending)
- Vending machine power consumption
- Confectionery vending machine
T
V
- Vandalism protection
- Vending operator
- Vending machine price
- Vending machine
- Pharmacy vending machine
- B2B vending machine
- Railway station vending machine
- Office vending machine
- Campsite vending machine
- Vending machine financing
- Gym vending machine
- Airport vending machine
- Vending machine for companies
- Used vending machine
- Hotel vending machine
- Canteen vending machine
- Buying a vending machine
- Vending machine costs
- Hospital vending machine
- Vending machine leasing
- Renting a vending machine
- Production vending machine
- School vending machine
- University vending machine
- Vending machine insurance
- Workshop vending machine
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