Questions
Frequently asked questions
The things people actually ask us before they buy or rent. Where the honest answer is “it depends”, we say what it depends on.
Buying a machine
Can I buy a vending machine as a private individual?
Yes. Buying is open to anyone — you own the machine from day one and keep everything it takes. The 12-month trading requirement applies to self-manage rentals only, not to purchases.
New or refurbished — what is the difference?
A refurbished machine is fully stripped, deep-cleaned, serviced and tested before it leaves our workshop. New machines carry a 12-month parts warranty and refurbished machines a 6-month parts warranty. The other trade-off is availability: refurbished stock depends on what we have on the floor.
What warranty do I get?
New machines carry a 12-month parts warranty. Refurbished machines carry a 6-month parts warranty. Both exclude damage caused by vandalism, negligence or power surges, and labour is billed separately where applicable.
How much does a vending machine cost in South Africa?
It depends on the model, whether it is new or refurbished, and what payment hardware you fit. See our pricing page for indicative ranges, or send us your site details and we will quote.
Do you deliver outside Cape Town?
Yes. We are based in Stellenbosch and work across the Western Cape as standard, and further afield by arrangement — delivery is quoted per site.
Renting a machine
What is the difference between full-service and self-manage rental?
On full service we own and load the stock, restock it and maintain the machine — you provide the space. On self-manage you stock the machine yourself and keep 100% of the revenue, and we handle training, support and maintenance.
Why do I need to have been trading for 12 months to rent?
Self-manage rentals are contracted and billed to a registered business, and that requirement is how we keep the model workable. If you have not been trading that long, buying a machine outright — new or refurbished — gets you operating from day one.
Can you rent to a private individual?
Not on the self-manage model — rentals are billed to a registered entity and we do not accept rental payments from personal accounts. We are happy to show you machines to buy instead.
Who decides what the machine sells?
You do. On full service we agree a product mix with you and then refine it from real sales data after the first month. On self-manage it is entirely your call.
Payments and technology
Can I add card payments to a vending machine I already own?
Usually yes. If the machine has an MDB port — most modern machines do — a cashless reader can be fitted without replacing it. Send us the make and model and we will confirm before you spend anything.
Does the machine need WiFi?
No. Cashless terminals run on their own mobile connectivity, so the machine does not depend on the site network or on anyone giving you a WiFi password.
Do I still need to take cash?
No, but you can. Machines can run cashless-only or accept both. Cashless-only removes the float and the cash box, which matters on 24-hour and unstaffed sites.
How do I see what the machine is selling?
Cashless machines report every transaction to a portal — sales per machine, per product, per day. It is also the fastest way to spot a fault, because a machine that stops selling usually stopped working.
How do I get paid?
Card takings settle into your bank account through the acquirer. Transactions appear in your reporting as they happen.
Service and support
Who fixes the machine when it breaks?
Our own technicians. Installations and repairs are done by IVS staff rather than subcontracted, which is why our reviews name them.
How quickly do you respond to a fault?
We prioritise machines that are down over routine work. Response depends on where the site is and what has failed — we would rather tell you honestly when we can be there than promise a number we cannot hold.
Can you move a machine I already have?
Yes. We handle machine relocations and moves, including machines we did not supply.
Do you sell parts?
Yes — we supply vending machine parts and components, subject to stock levels and supplier lead times.
Custom machines and activations
Can you build a machine for a product that is not snacks or drinks?
Usually. Bring us a few samples of what you want to sell and we will work out a plan. We have built machines dispensing T-shirts, cosmetics, anime merchandise, electronics and gifts.
Can the machine be branded?
Yes — vinyl wrapping to your design on any machine in the range, or a purpose-built machine for an activation.
Do you supply machines for events?
Yes, including staffed activations with our own promoters. We have run activations at the CTICC for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, among others.
Can a machine capture customer details?
Yes — we have built activations where a customer enters their details and the machine dispenses a free product in exchange.
Still not sure?
Ask us directly — we'd rather answer a question than have you guess.