Smart vending machine touchscreen showing how to use instructions and shopping flow

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our free smart vending machine service.

Cost & Pricing

1. Is the vending machine really free?

Yes, absolutely. We provide the vending machine at no cost to you. There are no upfront fees, no monthly rental charges, and no hidden costs. We make money from the products we sell through the machine, so our success depends on keeping your team happy and well stocked. It’s a genuine win win model.

2. How much does it cost to have a vending machine installed?

Nothing. Installation is completely free. We’ll visit your site, install the machine in the best location, connect it to power and Wi Fi (if available), stock it with products, and show you how it works. All at zero cost to you.

3. Are there any hidden fees or contracts?

No. There are no hidden fees, tie in contracts, or cancellation charges. If you decide the machine isn’t working out for any reason, just let us know and we’ll collect it. We’re confident you’ll love the service, but we don’t lock anyone into long term commitments they don’t want.

4. How much electricity does a smart vending machine use?

Our smart vending machines are energy efficient and typically use around £1–£2 worth of electricity per week (depending on your tariff and usage). The running cost is minimal, especially when you consider the benefit to your team.

5. How do you make money if the machine is free?

We make money from the sale of products. When someone buys a drink, snack, or coffee from the machine, we earn a small margin on that sale. Because we install, stock, and maintain the machine ourselves, we keep costs low and can offer this service for free to businesses.

Setup & Installation

6. How do I get a free vending machine for my business?

Simply get in touch with us. We’ll arrange a free site survey, assess your space and requirements, and if you’re a good fit, we’ll schedule an installation. The whole process is quick, straightforward, and completely free. See our free vending machines page for full details.

7. How long does installation take?

Installation typically takes 1–2 hours. We’ll arrive with the machine, position it in your chosen location, connect it to power, configure the payment system, stock it with products, and run a few test transactions.

8. What space do I need for a smart vending machine?

Our machines require a footprint of approximately 1 metre wide x 80cm deep, plus a little extra space for door clearance. We’ll assess your space during the site survey and recommend the best location. Typically a break room, kitchen area, reception, or communal space.

9. Do I need to provide anything (power, internet)?

You’ll need to provide access to a standard 13-amp power socket. Internet access (Wi Fi or ethernet) is helpful but not essential. It allows us to monitor stock levels remotely for faster restocking. If you don’t have Wi Fi near the machine, we can work with mobile data connectivity instead.

10. What happens if I want the machine removed?

No problem. Just give us a call and we’ll arrange to collect the machine at a time that suits you. There are no cancellation fees or penalties.

Technology & Features

11. What is a smart vending machine?

A smart vending machine uses modern technology to make buying products easier and more reliable. Ours feature AI powered detection, contactless payment readers, digital screens, and remote monitoring. Learn more on our smart vending machines page.


12. How does the contactless payment work?

Our machines are equipped with Nayax contactless payment readers. Simply pick up the product you want, tap your contactless card or phone (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) on the reader, and you’re done. The transaction takes seconds.

Contactless vending machine Nayax card reader for tap to pay cashless transactions

13. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major contactless payment methods: contactless debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. We do not accept cash. This keeps the machine simple, secure, and hygienic.

14. How does the AI detection work?

Our machines use AI powered cameras and sensors to detect which product you’ve picked up. The system is highly accurate and ensures you’re charged the correct amount. This technology eliminates mechanical spirals and reduces the risk of products getting stuck.


15. What are the digital screens used for?

The digital screens display product information, pricing, promotions, and branded content. They make the machine more engaging and help customers see what’s available at a glance.

Products & Restocking

16. What products do you stock?

We stock a wide range of popular brands including: Drinks: Coca Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Lucozade, energy drinks, Starbucks coffee. Snacks: Doritos, Kettle Chips, Walkers crisps, chocolate bars (Cadbury, Mars, Galaxy), protein bars. Healthy options: Graze snacks, nuts, fruit pots, low calorie drinks.

17. Can I choose what products are in the machine?

Absolutely. During the site survey, we’ll ask about your team’s preferences and dietary requirements. If there are specific products you’d like stocked (or products you’d like to avoid), just let us know.

18. How often do you restock?

We monitor stock levels remotely and restock as needed. Typically once or twice a week for most sites. High usage locations may be restocked more frequently. Our goal is to ensure you never run out.

19. Do you offer healthy options?

Yes. We stock protein bars, nuts, Graze snacks, low calorie drinks, and fruit pots. If your workplace has a focus on health and wellbeing, we can customise the product mix to reflect that.

20. What brands are available?

Major brands like Coca Cola, PepsiCo, Walkers, Doritos, Cadbury, Mars, Starbucks, Lucozade, Red Bull, Kettle Chips, and more. We also work with smaller, premium brands for healthy snacks and speciality items.

Maintenance & Support

21. What happens if the machine breaks down?

Call us immediately. We’ll troubleshoot remotely where possible, and if an on site visit is needed, we’ll arrange it as quickly as we can. Most issues are resolved within 24 hours. You won’t be charged for repairs or callouts.

22. Who handles cleaning and maintenance?

We handle all technical maintenance as part of our fully managed vending service. We ask that you wipe down the exterior occasionally. Deep cleaning and internal maintenance are our responsibility.

23. How do I report an issue?

Just give us a call or send an email. We’re a small, family run business, so you’ll speak directly to Andrea or Marcus. No call centres, no ticket systems.

24. Do you provide 24/7 support?

We operate Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm, with Saturday appointments available if needed. For urgent issues outside these hours, leave a message and we’ll respond first thing the next working day.

25. What is your response time for callouts?

We aim to attend callouts within 24–48 hours depending on the nature of the issue. For urgent problems, we’ll prioritise you and attend as quickly as possible.

Still Have Questions?

If your question isn’t answered here, get in touch. We’re always happy to help. Learn more about our free vending machines, our smart vending technology, or browse our service areas including vending machines in Bedford.