When I first launched my vending services company 12 years ago, cash was still king. Most machines accepted dollar bills and coins, and few business owners were asking for anything more. Fast forward to today, and it’s a completely different story. From offices and warehouses to schools and hospitals, more businesses are demanding cashless vending machines—and for good reason.

My name is Jason Burke, and I’m a University of Michigan graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I own a thriving vending services company in Atlanta, Georgia, and I also serve as a writer and editor for Kwote Advisor, where I help business owners make smart, cost-effective decisions when choosing service-based solutions. Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of businesses upgrade their breakroom vending machine setups, and I can say without hesitation: going cashless is one of the best investments you can make in modernizing your workplace.

Here’s why.

Employees Expect Convenience—and Cashless Delivers It

Today’s workforce is used to tapping, swiping, or scanning for just about everything. Most of your employees don’t carry cash, and even fewer are likely to have exact change for a soda or snack. With cashless vending machines, purchases can be made in seconds using debit cards, credit cards, mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, and even employee badges in some cases.

This creates a faster, smoother user experience, which means more frequent use of the machine—and happier employees who don’t have to fumble with crumpled bills or jammed coin slots.

Improved Sales and Higher Usage

One of the most compelling reasons my clients switch to cashless vending is simple: it increases revenue. When customers aren’t limited by the cash in their pocket, they tend to spend more. In fact, industry studies consistently show that cashless vending machines earn 15% to 30% more on average than their cash-only counterparts.

For businesses that share profits with their vending providers—or run machines in-house—this boost can have a real impact on monthly income or employee perks funding.

No More Dealing with Cash Handling or Theft

Traditional vending machines require cash collection, coin refilling, and regular maintenance of bill validators. This isn’t just time-consuming—it opens the door for losses due to theft or human error.

Cashless systems eliminate these issues. There’s no cash to collect or secure, and funds are transferred electronically in real time. For office managers, HR leaders, and facility teams, that means less stress and fewer service calls to fix coin jams or non-responsive dollar readers.

Contactless Payments Improve Hygiene and Safety

Post-pandemic, many companies have prioritized hygiene in shared spaces. Cashless vending aligns with that goal by reducing physical contact. Most systems now support tap-to-pay or mobile wallet options, which minimize germ transmission compared to shared keypads or handling money.

This has become especially important in high-traffic workplaces like hospitals, distribution centers, and shared office buildings, where multiple people use the same vending machine every day.

Real-Time Reporting and Inventory Management

Cashless vending machines aren’t just convenient for users—they’re smarter behind the scenes, too. With integrated telemetry, I can monitor machine performance, sales data, and inventory levels remotely. That means I can proactively restock items before they run out, track what’s selling (and what isn’t), and troubleshoot issues—often before the client even notices.

For companies that lease or operate their own machines, this kind of insight allows for better planning, less downtime, and fewer product shortages.

Easier Employee Perks and Subsidized Programs

Cashless vending machines also open the door to employee incentive and wellness programs. I’ve worked with several clients who use vending to offer subsidized snacks or drinks as a workplace benefit. With the right system, employers can provide employees with a monthly spending credit, track usage, or limit access to healthier options—all without tokens or physical vouchers.

This creates an easy, trackable way to show appreciation, promote wellness, or simply support your team’s daily routines.

Why More Businesses Are Making the Switch

From small businesses to multi-site corporations, I’ve seen a growing trend toward completely cashless vending environments. It’s not just about modernization—it’s about aligning with how people live, shop, and work today.

Whether you’re trying to improve employee satisfaction, reduce operational headaches, or simply keep pace with current technology, upgrading to cashless vending machines is a move that pays for itself.

How to Get Started with Cashless Vending Machine Services

If you’re ready to upgrade your workplace vending experience but aren’t sure where to begin, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Assess Your Workplace Needs

Start by identifying where your vending machines will be located and who will be using them. This helps determine the number and type of machines you’ll need.

Ask yourself:

• Will these machines serve employees, customers, or both?
• Do you need snacks, beverages, or combo machines?
• How many people use the space daily?
• Do you have power outlets and wireless connectivity where the machine will go?

Step 2: Contact a Reputable Vending Provider

Reach out to a vending company that specializes in cashless solutions. Make sure to ask about:

• Hardware and machine options (snack, drink, combo, refrigerated)
• Accepted payment types (credit, debit, mobile wallets, tap-to-pay)
• Installation timelines and delivery logistics
• Wireless connectivity and remote monitoring features
• Maintenance and restocking services
• Revenue sharing or zero-cost placement options

Step 3: Explore Custom Payment Features

If you’d like to offer employee perks, many vending systems support custom features like:

• Stored value accounts for employees
• Monthly spending credits or allowances
• Subsidized pricing for healthier options
• Restricted product access based on your goals

Step 4: Schedule Installation and Training

Once you choose your provider, they’ll handle:

• Machine delivery and setup
• Testing all cashless payment systems
• Training your team on how to use and troubleshoot the machines
• Initial product stocking based on your preferences

Step 5: Go Live and Monitor Performance

After installation, your machines will be fully operational—often within the same day. Most modern vending systems come with real-time reporting, allowing you to:

• Track sales performance and popular items
• Get low-stock alerts
• Adjust inventory or pricing remotely
• Access service support if any issues arise

Getting started with cashless vending is a low-lift, high-impact upgrade. With the right provider, your entire setup can be live and ready to serve in just a few short weeks.

Final Thoughts

Cashless vending is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s quickly becoming the standard in workplace convenience and efficiency. By embracing digital payments, you’re not only making life easier for your employees—you’re also boosting sales, improving cleanliness, and reducing management time.

If your vending machines are still stuck in the past, it might be time to consider a smarter, sleeker solution that fits the future of work.

Written by Jason Burke, a University of Michigan graduate with a bachelor’s in Business Administration. I’m the owner of a successful vending services company in Atlanta, Georgia, and a contributor for Kwote Advisor. With over 12 years of experience in the vending industry, I help businesses across the Southeast modernize their breakroom offerings through smarter, cashless vending solutions.