Who we are
HowVend started with a pretty simple idea: vending could be done better.
I’m Howie, founder of HowVend, and I started the business in Shropshire to bring a more modern, flexible approach to vending for workplaces, venues and other busy locations.
Rather than the traditional machine full of spirals, fixed selections and the same products everywhere, HowVend uses smart vending technology to create something that feels much closer to a small self-service convenience store.
The machines are simple to use, easy to manage and can be stocked around the people actually using them.
We’re still a young business, but we’re growing quickly — one location at a time.
What we do
We install and fully manage smart vending machines for businesses and venues.
For suitable locations, there’s no upfront cost to host one. We provide the machine, install it, stock it, monitor it and take care of the ongoing servicing.
Customers simply tap their card, open the door, take what they want and close it again.
No spirals. No product codes. No waiting for something to drop.
Behind the scenes, the machines allow us to monitor stock and understand what is actually selling, which means we can adapt the range over time rather than leaving every location with the same generic selection.
From drinks, snacks and confectionery to food-to-go and more specialist products, the idea is to build the range around the location.
For the host, it’s designed to be simple: a modern on-site amenity without another thing for your team to manage.
A more personal service
One of the biggest things I want HowVend to keep as it grows is the personal side of the service.
If you host one of our machines, you’re not dealing with a national call centre or an anonymous operator.
You’re dealing directly with HowVend.
That means listening to feedback, responding to product requests, keeping the machines looking good and making changes when something isn’t working.
I want every location to feel like a partnership rather than somewhere we’ve simply dropped a vending machine.
Where we’re going
HowVend is still at the beginning of its journey.
We’re continuing to grow across Shropshire, the West Midlands and surrounding areas, working with businesses and venues that want to offer something better for their staff, customers or visitors.
The technology behind vending is changing quickly, and I think there’s a huge opportunity to make the experience significantly better than what people have traditionally expected from a vending machine.
That’s what we’re building HowVend around.
Think HowVend could work at your location?
If you’re considering vending for your workplace or venue, get in touch.
I’m always happy to have a conversation, take a look at the location and tell you whether I think it would be a good fit.
No hard sell — just a straightforward chat about what could work.