Vending Machines with New Payment Solutions

At VapeTM, we lead the industry with cutting-edge vape vending machines. Equipped with Nayax and Castles card readers, our machines enable secure, reliable, and efficient cashless payments. Whether you're operating unattended kiosks or retail setups, VapeTM ensures a seamless experience for operators and customers.

Low Credit Card Rates for Maximum Profitability

• 3% of the sale amount
• $0.10 flat fee per transaction

This affordability, combined with industry-leading technology, makes VapeTM the go-to choice for vape vending machines.

Advanced Age Verification for Compliance

Compliance is critical when vending nicotine and tobacco products. VapeTM integrates age-verification software directly into our machines, ensuring sales are restricted to individuals aged 21 and older. This robust technology prevents unauthorized access while keeping you compliant with federal and state laws.

Compliance Highlights

• Age Verification: Protect your business with our trusted software.
• Nicotine Tax Management: Accurately track and remit taxes.
• Secure Transactions: PCI-compliant technology for peace of mind.

Remote Management Made Easy

With VapeTM Software, operators gain full control over their vending machines from anywhere. Track inventory, monitor sales, and receive real-time alerts—all from a user-friendly dashboard. VapeTM's remote management capabilities ensure your machines stay stocked and operational, no matter where you are.

Key Features of VapeTM Software

• Real-Time Inventory Tracking: Know exactly when to restock your machines.
• Sales Analytics: Gain insights into product performance and customer preferences.
• Machine Alerts: Stay ahead of maintenance needs with automated notifications.

Why VapeTM Stands Out

We combine advanced technology with compliance-focused solutions to deliver unparalleled value for vending operators. Our partnerships with FISERV, Heartland Payment Systems, and Chase Bank ensure secure and efficient payment processing. Additionally, our age-verification software and remote management tools make operating vape vending machines effortless. 

Comprehensive Payment Solutions for Vape Vending Machines

Optimizing Cashless Vending: Best Practices for Nayax and Telemetry Devices and MBD

The adoption of cashless payment solutions in the vending industry is growing rapidly, with millions of machines now equipped with telemetry and card readers. However, installation and troubleshooting remain major challenges for vending operators and service technicians due to the variety of vending machine models and firmware versions. From firmware updates to network connectivity issues, multiple factors impact the successful integration of Nayax and telemetry devices. Understanding the key technical considerations and best practices can help reduce downtime, service calls, and operational inefficiencies.

Machine Compatibility and Firmware Updates

One of the most critical aspects of cashless vending is ensuring that vending machines are MDB-compatible (Multi-Drop Bus). While many machines support MDB connections, older models often require firmware updates or hardware modifications. According to Patrick Richards, Global Product Manager at Crane Connectivity Solutions, older vending machines may need a firmware upgrade to support cashless transactions. In some cases, the vending machine's EPROM memory chip must be replaced with updated firmware to enable communication with cashless readers. To determine firmware compatibility, vending operators should consult technology suppliers, such as Nayax, Cantaloupe, and Crane, which provide compatibility charts and step-by-step installation guides.

Ensuring Proper Installation and Machine Configuration

Cashless reader installation involves more than just connecting hardware—it requires configuring the vending machine software properly. Steve Scheiderman, Senior Director of Customer Services at USA Technologies, highlights a common issue with Crane National vending machines, where card reader support must be manually enabled in the machine’s settings. Failure to activate card reader support can cause vending operators to mistakenly assume the hardware is faulty. Additionally, in some cases, older snack machines may lack MDB support altogether, requiring the replacement of the control board before cashless devices can function properly.

For machines that need to accept multiple payment methods, including campus cards and traditional credit/debit payments, it is crucial to use a single cashless reader that supports both instead of attempting to install multiple card readers on the same MDB line. This prevents intermittent malfunctions and transaction failures, especially in high-traffic locations such as college campuses.

Optimizing Connections and Reducing Errors

Proper cable management is essential for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Cashless and telemetry devices should always be installed first in line, closest to the vending machine controller (VMC). Installing them behind a bill recycler or another device can cause signal interference, power fluctuations, and communication failures. MDB cables, DEX cables, and connection harnesses should be carefully inspected for mechanical stress, pinched wires, or fractured solder joints. Keeping a "bag of tricks" with known working cables for troubleshooting can save valuable time when diagnosing machine errors in the field.

Additionally, vending machines should be restarted after clearing existing error codes to ensure the VMC syncs properly. Failing to clear previous vending errors before installing a cashless reader can lead to persistent malfunctions.

The Importance of Signal Strength in Cashless Transactions

A strong and stable cellular signal is critical for Nayax and other cashless readers. Unlike telemetry devices, which only need to connect every 4 to 12 hours, cashless readers require a constant 24/7 connection to process transactions. According to industry experts, the antenna should always be mounted outside of the vending machine to avoid signal loss caused by metal enclosures.

While cellular signal repeaters can be installed to improve coverage in areas with poor reception, such as basements or secure locations like prisons, the additional cost may not always be justifiable. Cashless transactions require PCI-compliant cellular networks, meaning ethernet or Wi-Fi connections are not viable options due to security vulnerabilities.

3 Steps to Reduce Service Calls by 80-90%

1️⃣ Clear Existing Vending Machine Errors – Before installing a cashless or telemetry device, restart the machine and clear all previous error codes.

2️⃣ Ensure Technicians Have the Right Information – Provide printed troubleshooting guides, firmware compatibility charts, and the proper tools to field technicians.

3️⃣ Install the Antenna Properly – Mount the antenna outside the vending machine and confirm it is securely connected to prevent dropped signals and transaction failures.

Conclusion: Streamlining Cashless & Telemetry Device Installations

Successfully integrating Nayax and telemetry-enabled cashless devices requires planning, proper machine configuration, and signal optimization. By understanding firmware compatibility, ensuring correct installation procedures, and following best practices for connectivity, vending operators can reduce downtime, improve transaction reliability, and maximize ROI on cashless technology. Partnering with experienced technology providers like VapeTM, Nayax, and Cantaloupe Systems ensures operators receive the latest troubleshooting support, firmware updates, and industry insights to keep vending operations running smoothly.

For expert troubleshooting and support, check out our YouTube Videos and troubleshooting guide