The Future of Vending Is Here

Unattended retail is no longer just a trend—it’s an $80 billion industry projected to hit that mark by 2027. Unlike traditional vending, this model allows you to sell nearly anything: Tide Pods, Tylenol, t-shirts, condoms, and even meal kits. This flexibility leads to higher margins and revenue—often 2x what traditional machines earn. From AI-powered smart stores to grab-and-go hotel setups, unattended retail is revolutionizing convenience commerce.

Mike emphasizes: this isn't about selling snacks—it’s about enabling retail without employees, unlocking massive scalability with minimal overhead.

Three Unattended Retail Models

Open Micro Markets

These are grab-and-go setups, often located near hotel front desks or in employee break rooms. Customers take items and check out via kiosk or front desk proximity. They require theft mitigation strategies: signage, security cameras, or visible staff. In trusted locations (e.g., employee lounges), even simple signs like “You will be terminated if caught stealing” are surprisingly effective.

Smart Stores / Locked Coolers

These use AI-powered doors that unlock only after card authorization. Everything removed from the cooler is tracked and charged to the payment method used to open it. Popular in college campuses and high-traffic areas, these stores enable large basket sizes and reduce theft risk through accountability.

Outdoor Machines

Due to exposure, AI camera systems aren't ideal outdoors. Stick with weather-proof traditional combo machines (drinks + snacks) to keep costs down and avoid equipment failure.

Grading Your Locations

Mike breaks down sites into A, B, and C grades to help operators deploy the right setup without overspending:

• A-Sites: High foot traffic (e.g., urgent care lobbies, manufacturing plants). Use multi-unit setups or open micro-markets here.

• B-Sites: Medium traffic (e.g., offices with ~50 staff). A single smart cooler is often sufficient and cost-effective.

• C-Sites: Low traffic or experimental locations. Opt for low-cost combo machines to minimize overhead and risk.

This grading method allows you to allocate resources efficiently, maximize ROI, and hedge your financial exposure while testing new markets.