How they compare
| Vending machine | Micro market | Smart store | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How people shop | Choose on a keypad, one item at a time | Take items from open shelves, then pay at a kiosk | Tap to unlock, take what you want, close the door |
| Checkout | At the machine, for each item | At a self-checkout kiosk | None. The charge is automatic when the door closes |
| Selection | Mostly packaged snacks and drinks | A wider range, often with fresh food | Fresh meals, drinks, snacks, frozen items and household basics |
| Space | One machine | Usually a dedicated room or open area | About the footprint of a household refrigerator per unit |
| Security | Items stay locked inside | Open shelves, usually watched by cameras | Door stays locked until someone taps to pay |
| Cost to the building | Varies by operator | Varies by operator | With Handy Grocer, none. Your building earns a share of every sale |
Handy Grocer offers smart stores, so weigh this comparison with that in mind. Vending machines and micro markets vary by operator, and store selection varies by location.
When a vending machine is enough
If people only need a drink or a snack, and few of them pass by each day, a vending machine is simple and familiar. It suits a small break area where nobody expects a meal.
When a micro market fits
A micro market suits a large workplace with a secure room to give up and the same people coming back every day. It offers a wide range, but it needs floor space, and its open shelves work best where shoppers are known.
When a smart store fits
A smart store suits a building that wants more than snacks in a small footprint, open at any hour with nobody on shift. That includes apartment and condo lobbies, hotels, offices and gyms, where people need a meal or an essential at times when nothing nearby is open.
What to ask any operator
- Who owns, installs and repairs the equipment?
- What does it cost the building, and what share of sales do you pay back? Will you put the rate in writing?
- How do you find out when something breaks, and how quickly is it fixed?
- How often is it restocked, and who removes items before they expire?
- Can people request products, and does the selection change with what sells?
- What space, power and connectivity does it need?
See if a smart store fits your building.
We visit the site, confirm space and power, and recommend the right mix of units. There is no cost and no obligation.