Outdoor City Vending Machine: Revenue in Public Space

The special-use permit costs, depending on the city and the area used, usually between 50 and 500 €/year, and in large cities with a top location even more. On top of that come requirements on design, space and traffic safety. The fee is an ongoing item in your calculation, which you partly recoup through DOOH advertising income. Ask the public order or civil engineering office in advance about the specific requirements. Details can be found in the guide Setting up a vending machine: permits.

With an anti-graffiti coating that paint sticks to poorly and that wipes off easily. In addition, a well-lit, visible setup and a tough housing in vandalism class IK10 help. That way the machine stays presentable even on busy party miles. Our city line is designed exactly for this strain in public space. A regular visual check during restocking keeps the condition in view.

Yes. For tobacco, vapes and alcohol the youth protection law requires technical age verification – for example by ID or driving-licence scan. Without this function you are not allowed to sell such products through the machine. On request, vyndo equips the city line with a certified verification system. For drinks, snacks and other unrestricted goods no age check is needed.

Machines that sell deposit-liable drinks are in principle also obliged to take them back – with exceptions for very small sales areas. The rule is complex and depends on the range and the setup. In practice, take-back can be handled via a separate reverse vending machine or a cooperation. vyndo advises you on a deposit-compliant configuration for your city location.

For setting up in public space, business liability insurance is mandatory. It covers damage that the machine could cause to third parties. Many municipalities already require proof of insurance when applying for the special-use permit. Expect around 100–200 €/year. That way you are legally covered when your machine stands in a busy square.

Yes. The city line is built weatherproof, with protection against rain and moisture as well as optional heating and cooling for year-round operation. The housing in vandalism class IK10 also withstands impacts. That way the machine works reliably on promenades, squares and at transport hubs – in any weather. Floor anchoring additionally ensures stability.

At high-traffic city locations often several times a week, at quieter spots less often. The telemetry software automatically notifies you when a product falls below the minimum stock – so you only drive out to restock when it is worthwhile. In public space this is especially valuable, because sales depend heavily on weather, time of day and events. This reliably avoids empty compartments for water and snacks.