Abstract: A method of renting an article to a patron by the patron presenting a hire token to a renting machine for recognition and energizing of an article selection circuit;the article selection circuit being energized until stopped by the patron when a desired article registers with a delivery receptacle;the machine recording a code corresponding to the article and the patron taking delivery of the article; andthe machine recording the code of the hire token and holding the hire token captive until released upon return of the article to the machine. The hire token may be held captive until released by the return of the article rented. The machine may be adapted to operate in a cash renting mode to accept payment tokens, or in credit renting mode, when the patron's account is debited and credited. Provision is also made for the payment of a penalty if the predetermined renting period is exceeded.