Understanding Processing Fees, In Plain Terms

When a customer pays with a card or phone, the payment passes through secure banking networks before reaching your account. Each step has a small cost, known as a processing fee.

What You Pay Per Sale

Most processing fees range between 3 percent and 10 percent per transaction, depending on the provider and setup. Some readers also include a small monthly connectivity fee.

For example, on a $2.00 vend, you may receive around $1.90 after fees.

Why These Fees Exist

Processing fees cover:

Secure payment authorization Bank verification Encrypted data transfer Fraud protection Without these systems, card and mobile payments would not work safely.

Why Cashless Is Still Worth It

Even with small fees, cashless vending typically earns more overall.

Higher average purchase value More impulse buys Fewer missed sales Less time collecting cash Accurate sales tracking

Nayax

Nayax is a global leader in cashless payments and vending telemetry. Nayax Cloud is best suited for operators who prioritize payment flexibility, customer engagement, and loyalty programs. This platform is commonly chosen by operators focused on promotions, cashless usage, and payment driven insights.

  • Advanced payment analytics
  • Loyalty and promotion tools
  • Strong multi location support
Shop Nayax Enabled Machines

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe Cloud is built for large scale vending operations managing extensive fleets. It focuses on route optimization, warehouse integration, and enterprise level reporting. This platform is widely used by high volume operators who need centralized control across hundreds of machines.

  • Fleet wide reporting
  • Route and logistics optimization
  • Enterprise integrations
Shop Nayax Enabled Machines

AI System Fees And Third Party Operating Costs

We separate VMFS fees from outside provider fees so you can clearly see what you pay us, what you pay others, and what is optional. This is shown for transparency, planning, and control.

Paid To VMFS

Our Fees

These fees cover the AI software, cloud tools, machine management, alerts, updates, and product recognition used to operate the system.
Charge Rate Notes
VMFS AI Cloud
VMFS Fee 		$39.99/month Access to the AI cloud platform, software tools, updates, alerts, and machine management features.
AI Recognition Fee
VMFS Fee 		$0.07 per transaction Only applies when a completed sale is made and the AI system processes the purchase.
Weight Sensor Add-On
Optional VMFS Add-On 		+$0.03 per transaction Only applies if your machine is configured with weight sensor support.
You are paying VMFS for the AI system itself, the platform that helps manage the machine, process recognized sales, send alerts, and keep the software running properly.

Paid To Outside Providers

Third Party Fees

These are not VMFS charges. They are outside service costs that may apply depending on how you choose to connect and process payments.
Charge Rate Notes
SIM Card / Cellular Data
Third Party Fee 		$15/month Optional. Not needed if you use your own stable WiFi connection.
Card Reader Service
Third Party Fee 		$10/month Standard merchant terminal or activation fee charged by your payment provider, not by VMFS.
These costs are shown so you can see the full operating picture up front. They give you more control over your setup, and help you understand what is optional and what is provider dependent.

Simple Breakdown

Paid to VMFS: $39.99/month for the AI cloud system, $0.07 per completed transaction for AI recognition, and an additional $0.03 per transaction only if weight sensors are enabled.

Paid to others: $15/month for cellular data only if you want SIM connectivity, and about $10/month for card reader service depending on your payment setup.

How Card Reader Installation Works

Installing a card reader on a VMFS USA™ machine is straightforward.
1

All machines ship MDB ready, no special wiring required.

2

Most operators choose Nayax or Cantaloupe readers, which are fully compatible and widely supported.

3

Open the machine, locate the MDB harness, and plug in the reader.

4

Power on the machine, test a transaction, and you are ready to accept payments.

Payment Systems Also Include Their Own Cloud Software

Card readers like Nayax and Cantaloupe are not just payment devices.

They also include:

  • Their own telemetry and cloud dashboards
  • Real time sales tracking
  • Payment analytics
  • Remote reader monitoring

This means you can manage payments even without using VMFS Cloud.

Machine Connectivity Without Nayax Or Cantaloupe

If you choose not to use Nayax or Cantaloupe, your vending machine itself can still be connected.

VMFS machines support:

  • WiFi connectivity
  • 4G cellular connectivity

This allows you to run:

  • VMFS Cloud telemetry
  • Smart machine functions
  • Advertising features on screen based machines

For advertising enabled models, machine level connectivity is required.

Cloud Server Access And MEME Module

Depending on your cloud plan, machines ship with the required communication module for secure cloud access.

This module allows:

  • Telemetry data transmission
  • Remote configuration
  • Cloud based diagnostics
  • Advertising content updates

The included hardware depends on your selected cloud tier.

AI Powered Payment And Smart Systems

Advanced payment setups combine:

  • Cashless payments
  • Machine telemetry
  • AI driven insights

AI enabled systems help:

  • Detect abnormal payment behavior
  • Improve restock decisions
  • Reduce downtime through early alerts

A full AI payment and automation breakdown is available in the dedicated section on this page.

Cash, Coins, And Hybrid Support

Cashless does not replace cash, it complements it.

VMFS USA™ machines support:

  • Bill validators with change return and recycling
  • Coin acceptors with sorting and fraud protection
  • Hybrid setups for maximum payment coverage

This flexibility helps you serve more customers in any location.

DEX Reporting, Built In By Default

DEX, or Data Exchange, is the vending machine reporting standard.

All VMFS USA™ machines support DEX, allowing:

  • Sales and audit reporting
  • Transaction history tracking
  • Error and event logs
  • Improved accountability

DEX works alongside MDB to ensure accurate reporting across your operation.

Card Reader Compatibility Checklist

Before choosing a reader, confirm:

  • It uses the MDB protocol
  • It does not require proprietary firmware
  • Your processor account is active
  • The device is designed for vending use

If you are unsure, our team can confirm compatibility for you.

Built For Cashless, Cash, And Coins

Every VMFS USA™ vending machine ships MDB protocol ready, which means it works with nearly all industry standard payment devices.

You can accept:

  • Credit and debit cards
  • Contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • Mobile wallets
  • Cash and coins
  • Hybrid cashless and cash setups

Some machines can accept coupon codes or tokenized cards for different implementations

Inquire

Independent 4G Connectivity For Card Readers

Modern payment systems operate independently from the vending machine.

Card readers like Nayax and Cantaloupe include:

  • Their own built in 4G cellular connection
  • Independent telemetry and cloud dashboards
  • Monthly reader connectivity fees
  • Per transaction processing fees

This means your payment system stays online even if the machine itself is not connected to WiFi.

Inquire

MDB Protocol, The Foundation Of Payment Flexibility

MDB, short for Multi Drop Bus, is the industry standard communication protocol used in vending machines.

Every VMFS USA™ machine includes MDB support by default.

What MDB Allows You To Do

  • Connect card readers, bill validators, and coin acceptors
  • Upgrade payment devices without replacing the machine
  • Install devices using plug and play connections
  • Avoid firmware changes or custom coding

This ensures long term flexibility, even years after purchase.

Inquire

Your Complete Partner for Modern Vending Solutions

Why Choose VMFS USA™?

Whether you are starting your first vending machine business or adding vending services for customers and employees, VMFS USA™ is built to meet you where you are. Our snack, drink, and combo vending machines are made for everyday locations, where reliability, ease of use, and consistent performance actually matter. Every machine is backed by warranty, supported by long term parts availability, andreal supportfrom people who understand vending equipment. From setup to ongoing operation, our focus stays on one thing, helping your machines keep working and earning over time.

white background, black lines, smart vending technology icon

Smart Vending Technology

  • Photoelectric sensors help ensure accurate product delivery
  • Elevator delivery reduces drops, misfires, and product damage
  • Built for smooth, reliable customer transactions
white baackground, black image, flexible payment options icon

Flexible Payment Options

  • Supports cashless and mobile payments
  • Accepts card and contactless transactions
  • Makes purchasing easier for more customers
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Warranty & Support

  • Warranty coverage available up to 3 years, depending on model
  • Long term parts availability for supported machines
  • Free lifetime technical support for setup and troubleshooting
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Experience & Guidance

  • Support for first time and growing operators
  • Help choosing machines for real locations
  • Practical guidance from selection to setup

FAQs

What types of vending machines do you offer?

We provide a wide range of vending machines, including models for snacks, drinks, coffee, and specialty items such as CBD and electronic gadgets. Each category offers various models to suit different business needs and customer preferences.

How do I choose the right vending machine for my location?

Choosing the right vending machine depends on several factors, including your location, the expected foot traffic, and the specific needs of your clientele. Our experts can help assess your situation to recommend the most suitable options that will maximize convenience and sales.

What kind of support and maintenance do you provide?

We offer comprehensive support and maintenance services for all our vending machines. This includes installation, routine maintenance, and on-call repairs to ensure your machines are always running smoothly and efficiently.

Can I customize the products in my vending machine?

Absolutely! We understand that each business is unique, and we offer customizable product selections to match. You can choose exactly which products to stock in your machine, tailoring the offerings to the preferences of your customers.

VMFS USA Payment Partners

Bill Acceptor Coverage

Currency Country Region Compatible Validators Coverage

Coin Acceptor Coverage

Country Compatible Models Coverage

Coin Acceptor Coverage

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