Abstract: A system for remotely effecting a transaction between a provider of goods and/or services and a customer comprises at least one facility for providing goods and/or services to customers and a remote central computer system provided with a central database which includes a customer file. The central computer system is arranged to communicate with a customer for receiving information provided by the customer and providing instructions to the customer, and is further arranged for remote control of the at least one facility, and for dealing with the financial aspect of the transaction. The central computer system is arranged such that, via a mobile telephone of the customer, it can at least be activated for the release of goods and/or services desired by the customer and for dealing with the financial aspect of the transaction.