Doubling your points of sale with vending machines: LeDistrib and myPOS

Shopping for daily necessities can be challenging when you work late or have a long commute, especially if you live in an area without nearby stores.

Based in Verviers, Belgium, Nicolas Havetis offers a convenient payment solution for both consumers and retailers. He imports and customises vending machines that are popular and highly in demand. Positioned outdoors, these self-service machines contain various food items and cater to several needs of small retailers.

The history of Le Distrib

Le Distrib, founded by Nicolas Havet in early 2022, specialises in designing and commercialising of robust, secure, and weather-resistant vending machines for outdoor locations.

“We provide retailers who want an additional point of sale at minimal cost with vending machines tailored to the products they sell. Most are equipped with the myPOS payment terminal, which allows us to remain competitive and offer excellent after-sales service,” says Nicolas Havet.

Le Distrib vending machines are available for purchase or rent and can store temperature-sensitive, fresh, or frozen products. Each machine comes with a free telemetry application that allows remote stock management, enabling real-time updates on when products need restocking and providing an overview of sales.

“Our approach is based on flexibility and service. Like myPOS, we don’t charge subscription or monthly fees, and we guarantee quality. Our French-made devices come with a 5-year warranty, and, if needed, we can rely on myPOS to resolve any payment terminal configuration issues,” he adds.

From ready-made meals to padel rackets

Traditional snack and drink vending machines are no longer the only success stories. Outside major cities, more bakeries, butchers, cheese shops, caterers, and others offer self-service products available at any time. This practical solution promotes the local sale of fresh, healthy products, helping reduce delivery costs.

“Market growers and farmers also adopt this short-chain sales approach. We adapt their machines with sturdy bins that can hold bags of potatoes, pumpkins, and other relatively heavy vegetables. Click & Collect is also available and especially popular. In this case, customers receive a code that allows them to pick up their order from the distributor,” explains Nicolas Havet.

Food retail isn’t the only sector using vending machines. Recently, Le Distrib installed machines to sell padel rackets, flowers, small bags of pellets, and other useful items for equestrians at riding stables.

Availability and efficiency

“The vending machine meets various needs for small retailers, from reducing working hours without losing sales to opening an extra point of sale without staffing and delivery costs for products right where customers are. They can also manage unsold products or promotional items. With low power usage, these machines act as highly efficient mini-stores,” Nicolas concludes.