What is the difference between a classic vending machine and Jalunia?

A classic vending machine (Selecta, Daltys and the like) is a big mechanical unit weighing 100 to 300 kg, costing between €2,000 and €8,000, that requires a dedicated spot and a permanent power connection. Jalunia is the opposite: software at €9.99/month paired with a €12 bottle lock or a lightweight display unit. You can start with an IKEA shelf, your fridge, or a closet. No bulky machine.

Why is a vending machine a poor fit for an Airbnb?

Traditional vending machines are designed for office lobbies and train stations, not vacation rentals. They are bulky (around 6 feet tall on average), noisy, unattractive, and their mechanical servicing is expensive. In a home, they clash with the decor and unsettle guests. Jalunia blends in discreetly: a QR Code to stick up, a lock on the bottle, and that's it.

How much does a vending machine cost vs Jalunia?

A new vending machine costs €2,500 to €8,000 to buy, plus maintenance (€300-800/year), plus card processing fees (1.5% to 3% per transaction). Jalunia starts at €12 (a bottle lock) + €9.99/month for the software. No bulky hardware to buy, 0% commission on your sales. For the same earning potential, you save several thousand euros in the first year.

What if I still want an elegant premium display unit?

Jalunia also offers premium display units designed for vacation rentals (from €899), far more stylish and compact than an industrial vending machine. But unlike classic vending machines, it is only an option: most of our hosts start without any dedicated furniture.

How does payment work without a physical machine?

The guest scans the QR Code you have displayed, picks their products, pays by card online via SumUp, then receives an unlock code by email and on screen. No physical machine needed, no mechanical glitches possible.

What does a broken-down vending machine mean for me?

A broken vending machine means immediate lost revenue, a technician to call out (often €80-150 per visit), and a frustrated guest. With Jalunia, there are no mechanics: if a lock ever has an issue, it costs €12 and 30 seconds to replace. Service continuity is far better.

Can I sell the same products as with a vending machine?

Yes, and far more. Vending machines are limited to formats that fit their spirals or compartments. Jalunia lets you sell any type of product: large-format wine bottles, magnums, local specialties, gourmet baskets, beach items, games, books, local experiences...

Can I try it before committing?

Yes, you get a 7-day free trial. Start with a single product (for example a bottle of local wine + a €12 lock) to validate the concept, then expand at your own pace. No hardware investment at risk.

Jalunia vs Vending Machine

A vending machine for your Airbnb:
the lightweight alternative, without the machine

Why buy a €5,000, heavy, industrial vending machine when a simple QR Code + a €12 lock will do? Jalunia is the alternative designed for vacation rentals.

How does it work?

A vending machine is not made for an Airbnb

Classic vending machine

A minimum investment of €2,000 to €8,000
Bulky: 100-300 kg, around 6 feet tall
An industrial look that clashes with the decor
Costly mechanical servicing (technician call-outs)
Products limited to spiral-friendly formats
Permanent power connection required

The Jalunia solution

Start at €12 + €9.99/month, no commitment
Zero footprint: a QR Code, a small lock
Blends invisibly into any home
No mechanical parts, no service technicians
Sell everything: bottles, baskets, local experiences
0% commission — you keep 100% of the revenue

Vending machine vs Jalunia: the detailed comparison

Every criterion that matters to a vacation rental host, compared at a glance.

Criteria	Vending machine	Jalunia
Upfront investment	€2,000 to €8,000	From €12 (lock) + €9.99/month
Footprint	5-6 ft tall, 100-300 kg	A QR Code, a small lock
Look inside a rental	Industrial, clashes with the decor	Invisible, fits in anywhere
Maintenance / servicing	€300-800/year + technician call-outs	No mechanical parts
Commission on sales	1.5-3% (card processing)	0% (direct payment)
Products you can sell	Limited formats (spirals/compartments)	Unlimited: wine, baskets, experiences...
Power connection	Permanent, mandatory	None
Installation	Specialized delivery, anchoring	30 seconds (lock or QR Code)
Suited to multiple properties	Multiplies the costs	Multiple shops included

Why hosts choose Jalunia over a vending machine

100x cheaper to get started

€12 + €9.99/month is all it takes to launch your shop. Vs €2,000 to €8,000 for a classic vending machine.

Zero footprint

A QR Code sticks wherever you want. No need to clear floor space to squeeze in an industrial machine.

The screen is the guest's phone

No touchscreen to maintain, no payment terminal to service. The smartphone does all the work.

No mechanics = no breakdowns

No jammed spirals, no temperamental coin mechanism. If a lock breaks, you replace it in 30 seconds.

Sell truly anything

Magnums, gourmet baskets, BBQ kits, local books, experiences... no format constraints.

Multiple properties at no extra cost

One subscription, several rentals. A classic vending machine = one investment per property.

Frequently asked questions

Vending machine vs Jalunia: what you need to know

Answers to the most common questions from hosts weighing the two options.

Start without a vending machine, without the risk

€12 for a bottle lock, €9.99/month for the software, and your self-service shop runs 24/7.

Also see: Jalunia vs minibar

A vending machine for your Airbnb:the lightweight alternative, without the machine