Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, a request from a customer to initiate a communication session, establishing a first communication link between the vending machine and a device associated with the customer, and establishing a second communication link between the vending machine and a remote network device, such that a communication session is established between the device associated with the customer and the remote network device. Some embodiments are associated with receiving, by a vending machine, an indication of a selection of a product sold by the vending machine, receiving, from a customer, payment for the selected product, dispensing the product to the customer, the product comprising an indication of a communication session activation code, receiving, by the vending machine, an indication of the communication session activation code, and establishing a communication session between a device associated with the customer and a remote network device.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device provides an offer, via an interface at a vending machine, for a benefit in exchange for an e-mail address. An e-mail address is received via the interface. After receiving the e-mail address, a promotional message is transmitted to the received e-mail address.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a jackpot may be available as a prize and/or incentive via a vending machine. In some embodiments, a network of vending machines may contribute to and/or define the jackpot.

Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for defining at least one inventory group. This at least one inventory group includes at least two products that are available for sale by a vending machine. The vending machine outputs an indication of products that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine receiving, from a customer, a selection of a first product that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine processes a sale of a unit of the first product and a respective unit of at least one additional product for a single price.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with providing, establishing, registering, administering, and/or managing vending machine subscription accounts. In some embodiments, third parties may administer and/or manage subscription-vending accounts associated with customers.

Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for defining at least one inventory group. This at least one inventory group includes at least two products that are available for sale by a vending machine. The vending machine outputs an indication of products that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine receiving, from a customer, a selection of a first product that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine processes a sale of a unit of the first product and a respective unit of at least one additional product for a single price.

Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for defining at least one inventory group. This at least one inventory group includes at least two products that are available for sale by a vending machine. The vending machine outputs an indication of products that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine receiving, from a customer, a selection of a first product that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine processes a sale of a unit of the first product and a respective unit of at least one additional product for a single price.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a promotion redeemable at a vending machine is determined. The promotion comprises an offer distinct from a general offer to sell products from the vending machine at posted prices. The promotion is output (e.g., via an output device of a vending machine, an output device of a peripheral device of a vending machine, an output device of a customer device, or a combination thereof). In some embodiments, the promotion may be determined such that it satisfies the goal of increasing the profitability of the vending machine and/or the goal of conserving an inventory of coins in the vending machine. In some embodiments, determining a promotion may comprise constructing a promotion instance by populating a parameter of a promotion type with a value selected based on one or more rules.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a promotion redeemable at a vending machine is determined. The promotion comprises an offer distinct from a general offer to sell products from the vending machine at posted prices The promotion is output (e.g., via an output device of a vending machine, an output device of a peripheral device of a vending machine, an output device of a customer device, or a combination thereof). In some embodiments, the promotion may be determined such that it satisfies the goal of increasing the profitability of the vending machine and/or the goal of conserving an inventory of coins in the vending machine. In some embodiments, determining a promotion may comprise constructing a promotion instance by populating a parameter of a promotion type with a value selected based on one or more rules.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a promotion redeemable at a vending machine is determined. The promotion comprises an offer distinct from a general offer to sell products from the vending machine at posted prices. The promotion is output (e.g., via an output device of a vending machine, an output device of a peripheral device of a vending machine, an output device of a customer device, or a combination thereof). In some embodiments, the promotion may be determined such that it satisfies the goal of increasing the profitability of the vending machine and/or the goal of conserving an inventory of coins in the vending machine. In some embodiments, determining a promotion may comprise constructing a promotion instance by populating a parameter of a promotion type with a value selected based on one or more rules.

Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for defining at least one inventory group. This at least one inventory group includes at least two products that are available for sale by a vending machine. The vending machine outputs an indication of products that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine receiving, from a customer, a selection of a first product that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine processes a sale of a unit of the first product and a respective unit of at least one additional product for a single price.

Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for defining at least one inventory group. This at least one inventory group includes at least two products that are available for sale by a vending machine. The vending machine outputs an indication of products that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine receiving, from a customer, a selection of a first product that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine processes a sale of a unit of the first product and a respective unit of at least one additional product for a single price.

Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for defining at least one inventory group. This at least one inventory group includes at least two products that are available for sale by a vending machine. The vending machine outputs an indication of products that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine receiving, from a customer, a selection of a first product that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine processes a sale of a unit of the first product and a respective unit of at least one additional product for a single price.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems, methods, and/or articles of manufacture are associated with determining a mystery package, wherein the mystery package comprises a first mystery product and a second mystery product. In some embodiments, the first and second mystery products are selected based at least in part on sales data associated with a plurality of products sold via a vending machine. Some embodiments describe determining a price for the mystery package. In some embodiments, the price for the mystery package is different than the sum of individual respective prices of the first and second mystery products. Some embodiments describe offering the mystery package for the determined mystery package price to a customer of the vending machine. Some embodiments describe receiving an indication of an acceptance of the mystery package offer by the customer and dispensing the at least two mystery products to the customer.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a vending machine comprises a plurality of receptacles for holding units of products, each receptacle operable to hold a respective plurality of units in a series. The vending machine further comprises a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense, from each receptacle, a first unit in the respective plurality of units, the dispensing mechanism thereby being operable to dispense only a first unit from the respective series at a time. The vending machine further comprises a means for determining, for a unit, information allowing a relationship among the unit and a location of the unit in the receptacle to be determined.

Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for defining at least one inventory group. This at least one inventory group includes at least two products that are available for sale by a vending machine. The vending machine outputs an indication of products that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine receiving, from a customer, a selection of a first product that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine processes a sale of a unit of the first product and a respective unit of at least one additional product for a single price.

Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for defining at least one inventory group. This at least one inventory group includes at least two products that are available for sale by a vending machine. The vending machine outputs an indication of products that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine receiving, from a customer, a selection of a first product that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine processes a sale of a unit of the first product and a respective unit of at least one additional product for a single price.