What vending is, where the name comes from, and how the industry evolved from mechanical machines to card-paying, connected units.
Vending is the sale of products and services through self-service machines. The term comes from the verb "vend," meaning to sell. The industry includes machine manufacturers, operators, product suppliers, and service companies.
A Short History
The first vending machines were coin-operated mechanical devices. Over time came refrigerated machines, hot drink machines, and then electronic controllers and cashless payments.
Who Makes Up the Industry
Machine manufacturers, operators who place and run vending machines, product suppliers, and payment and service companies.
Vending Today
Machines connect to the internet, accept cards and phones, and operators plan their work based on telemetry data.
FAQ
Is vending only about food? No, it also covers machines with accessories, tickets, or services.
What is a vending operator? A company that places, restocks, and services machines.