FAQs

1. Can I sell other things besides disposable vapes?

Yes, our vending machines are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of products. Whether you're looking to sell tobacco products, nicotine pouches like ZYN, or even non-tobacco items such as Pokémon cards, makeup, CBD, THC, or gummies, our machines can handle it. Our coil sizes can fit different products, making it easy to vend almost anything you wish.

2. Do we have age verification on our Vape Vending Machines?

Many people ask about how we verify age or use ID scanners to make sure customers are of legal age to purchase a vape. The short answer is yes, we do have age verification on our Vape Vending kiosks which we showcase right here on our website.

 

How Age Verification Transaction Works for Vape Vending Machines:

• The customer clicks "buy" to purchase a product or disposable vape.
• A QR code pops up on the display and instructs the customer to use their cell phone to scan the QR code.
• The customer scans the QR code and is taken to a secure webpage.
• The website guides the customer to scan the front and back of their driver's license (iOS and Android supported).
• After the ID is verified, the website will use the phone’s camera to capture a picture of the customer's face and use facial recognition to authenticate that the customer’s face matches the ID.

3.     Is Age verification required by law for vape sales?

Age verification may not always be required by state law (as of May 2024).  The technology is relatively new and many states have yet to revise or amend their statues as it pertains to the application or use of third-party age verification via technology such as software and QR codes, text messaging, and/or biometric verification such as fingerprinting, palm readers, retina/eye-scanners, and facial recognition. We encourage you to review state laws on vape vending and sales here on our site and consult or check with your local attorney to review statutes and legal language around age-verification and vending Vapes or vapor products. 

4.     Should I enable age verification and facial recognition?

Enabling age verification and facial recognition or other biometric age-verifying techniques may mitigate risk of selling vapes to someone underage. As a result this can be a personal-business decision and we advise you to speak with your local attorney to understand the laws and liability around selling vapes to underage. As a vape vending machine host, you hold responsibility for safe distribution of the product you sell. Youth prevention is important and we encourage all operators to adopt business practices with this in mind.

5.     What is required by law to operate Vape Vending kiosks?

Many states require that vending machines be placed in 21-plus establishments and/or be under the supervision of employees or management. Please check state statues and speak with your local attorney. We have a comprehensive list of state laws and more information available right here. Federal law prohibits the sales of ENDS devices or ENDS products to people under twenty one years old (legal age).

6. What if vape vending laws change in my state?

VapeTM works with outside counsel to ensure that we are tax compliant and to ensure we understand the implications, liability, and risk associated with Vape Vending. We stay current with pending bills, litigation, legal changes, and lobbyist efforts around the vapor industry and continue to make improvements to our technology, software, and business practices to stay ahead of the curve and remain compliant.  Additionally, we partner with reputable third-party age verifying provider(s) so that we can adapt with legal changes and offer customization to operators in different states or jurisdictions.  

7.     Do I Need a license or permit to sell vapes in vending machines?

Some states require licenses or permits to vend alternative nicotine products or electronic cigarettes. Not all state welcomes vape or e-cigarette vending machines in retail or hospitality settings. Please review your states statues here and consult with an attorney.

8.     Are vapes and e-cigs considered tobacco products?

Not all states define alternative nicotine or e-cigarettes in their tobacco statues and different states have different words to describe ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems).  You can see more information on how your state to see how your state characterizes vapor products right here. 

Different keywords used to describe vapes:

• ENDS or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (FDA uses this definition)
• Vapor Products
• Vapes
• Vapor Devices
• Disposable Vapes or Disposable vapor products
• Self-contained or closed nicotine cartridges
• ENDS
• E-Cigarettes or E-cigs or Electronic Cigarettes
• Alternative nicotine
• Nicotine pouches
• Nicotine Pens
  
  

9. What is the difference between a traditional snack-vending machine and a VapeTM vending machine?

Vape Vending Machines are traditional vending machines in the sense that they require product replenishment and take payment from customers in exchange for product (ie. disposable vape).  The main difference is that our machines are software-based and online lending to the term "Smart Vending". Other differences lie in the aesthetics, payment platforms, and age-verification technology. 

 

Features	VapeTM Vending Machine	Traditional Vending Machine
Display	32" LCD Touchscreen	Glass window
Products	Disposable Vapes, ZYN, etc.	Snacks/candy
Payment	Credit/Debit/Apple Pay	Bills and coin
Profit Margins	More than $10 per device/sale	Tiny
Management	Remote management online	Varies based on model
Age Verification	Optional and customizable	No
Refund ability	Automatic + Manual override	No

   

We have a wide variety of vape vending machine models available for your perusal online! 

10.     What are the key software features to VapeTM’s vending software

1. Real time sales data by aisle good
2. Sales reports and data analysis
3. Product and pricing changes
4. Remote digital media management
5. Ability to pass on sales-tax by machine by aisle good -fully customizable 
6. Live support and remote log-in ability 
7. Developed around operator mindset 
8. Centered around uptime, functionality, and customer experience 

To see a live demo of our vending machine software, please schedule a video call with a VapeTM Software Support Specialist.  https://vapetm.com/pages/contact

11.     How big is Vape Industry in the United States?

• The U.S. vape industry is currently a $10 billion market, with approximately 85% of sales occurring in retail locations and 15% online. Projections suggest that the market could grow to $60 billion by 2030.

12. How much are disposable vapes and how much do they sell for?

Wholesale cost of vapes: $6-$10 depending on product

Retail price of vapes: $20-$30 depending on product and market

Expect to buy premium popular vapes at around $8.50 per vape and sell them for approximately $25. 

We have a complete margin analysis for new vending machine owners right here as well.

There are hundreds of vape distributors across the United States. These companies are low-margin, volume-based businesses and rely on moving large amounts of vapor product to make money. Customers are free to purchase products where they like, but we have relationships and access to great pricing so that you can maximize profitability across your machine sales.  

The retail market varies by state and sometimes region. The best way to learn products, popularity, and pricing trends is to visit several local smoke shops and buy a few vapes for your friend. Do not rely on what your friends are smoking. The local smoke shops will have far more data and knowledge on what’s popular and what’s selling.   

13. What is the future of Vape Vending and how much money do they make on average?

Unlike ATMs which are saturated across every gas station, c-store, bar, and laundromat, there are tens of thousands of establishments across the country that do not have a VTM (Vape Transaction Machine). E-cigarettes and other alternative nicotine pouches and devices are still fairly new. Vape Vending exploded in Europe several years ago and it has made its way to the United States. The market is still relatively untapped, providing a unique opportunity for early adopters to capitalize on a multi-billion dollar industry. As the market grows, so will the potential earnings for vape vending machines.

14. What are the best locations for e-cigarette vending machines?

Nobody has a crystal ball and there are many profitable applications for Vape Vending.  From experience and data, good locations generate over $1,500 per month in revenue.  Many locations do double or triple that.  Some key characteristics that many of these locations share:

1. Sell and serve alcohol late-night hours
2. Busy location in terms of headcount and revenue
3. Younger demographic (21-40 years olds)
4. Machine is in a highly-visible location
5. Popular brands and product 

It’s not uncommon to find them in bars, clubs and even bathrooms. Spaces that already have jukeboxes easily add vapor vending machines to their passive revenue streams. 

15. Can I Become a Vape Vending Distributor?

In the event you wish to become a distributor and resell VTMs or Vape Vending equipment, please fill email Jordan@VapeTM.com and provide interested cities and business model details along with projections. You can also contact us online for more information on both our machines and vape vending in general.