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Pantry Mode / Free Vend on CV Devices
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Pantry Mode / Free Vend on CV Devices
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Purpose

This article walks through the Pantry Mode (Free Vend) feature for CV devices.
 

Overview  

Pantry Mode allows consumers to open a CV device and take products without presenting a credit card or Global Market Account. 
The CV system still captures the products taken, creates a sales transaction, updates inventory, and makes usage visible in reporting.  
 

What Pantry Mode Does  

Pantry Mode is designed for Locations where products are provided at no cost to the consumer - such as subsidized breakrooms, employee pantry programs, or similar client-funded setups. (Please see attached decal.)

When Pantry Mode is enabled on a CV device:  

  • The consumer sees a simplified shopping flow on the kiosk.   
     
  • The consumer presses Start to unlock the device.   
     
  • No credit card or Global Market Account is required.  
     
  • The consumer takes their items and closes the door.   
     
  • The CV system analyzes the session and determines which products were taken.   
     
  • A sales transaction is created with a Free Vend payment method.   
     
  • Product inventory is decremented based on the items taken.   
     
  • The transaction is not tied to an individual consumer.   
     

This allows Operators and clients to offer free products while still maintaining accurate inventory, usage, and reporting data.  
 

Process

Configuration  

To enable Pantry Mode for a CV device, the Location must be configured correctly in ADM. Please reach out to Account Services for configuration.
 

Consumer Experience  

When a CV device is in Pantry Mode, the kiosk displays instructions that guide the consumer through the shopping process.

CV Products - Pantry Mode - Kiosk Instructions.png The consumer flow is:

  1. The consumer approaches the CV device and presses Start.
     
  2. The device unlocks.   
     
  3. The consumer removes products, and closes the door.
     
  4. The session ends, and the transaction is processed.  
     

Because no payment is collected from the consumer:  

  • Product prices are hidden in Product Search.   
     
  • Receipt options are not displayed.   
     
  • The transaction total is processed as $0.00.   
     
  • The consumer does not need to scan products, sign in, or present payment. 
     

Transaction and Payment Behavior

Pantry Mode transactions are captured as standard sales transactions, but the payment behavior is different from a regular paid sale.  

For Pantry Mode transactions:  

  • The payment method is recorded as Free Vend.  
     
  • The transaction amount is $0.00; product prices are treated as $0.00 for the Pantry Mode sale.
     
  • No consumer payment method is used.   
     
  • No credit card or Global Market Account is required.     
     
  • Products taken from the device are still recorded on the transaction.  


Operators may still maintain product prices in ADM for other purposes. 
However, when a transaction is completed through Pantry Mode, the consumer is not charged.  
 

Inventory Impact  

Inventory continues to update for Pantry Mode transactions.

When products are taken from the CV device:  

  • The transaction records the products removed.   
     
  • Inventory is decremented for each product taken.   
     
  • Inventory adjustments are associated with the sale.   
     
  • Operators can use the transaction and inventory data to understand product movement and replenishment needs.   
     

This is one of the main benefits of Pantry Mode: consumers receive products for free, but the Operator still receives accurate inventory and usage data.  
 

Reporting Impact  

Pantry Mode transactions appear in ADM reporting as sales activity.  

Operators should expect Pantry Mode transactions to be visible in reports, such as:

  • Sold Details   
  • Cash Flow Details   
  • Product Sales   

Reports will show the products included in the transaction, the transaction count, and the Free Vend payment method. 
Depending on the report, cost or price-related fields may still be visible, but the Pantry Mode transaction itself should not represent a consumer charge.  
 

Disbursement Impact  

Pantry Mode transactions will not result in funds being disbursed to the Operator.  
Because the consumer is not paying for the products, Pantry Mode sales are excluded from EFT disbursement calculations. 
This applies even if products have configured prices in ADM.  

In short, Pantry Mode transactions are used for inventory and reporting visibility - not for collecting or disbursing payment.  
 

Important Notes  

  • Transactions are not associated with an individual consumer.   
     
  • Consumers are not shown receipt options during Pantry Mode.   
     
  • Product Search should not display product prices while the device is in Pantry Mode.   
     
  • Inventory still decrements based on the products taken.   
     
  • Reporting still shows transaction and product activity.   
     
  • Disbursement does not occur for Pantry Mode sales.  
     

FAQ  

What is Pantry Mode?  
Pantry Mode is a Free Vend workflow for CV devices. It lets consumers open the device and take products without using a credit card or Global Market Account, while still allowing the Operator to track products taken, inventory changes, and usage.  

When should Pantry Mode be used?  
Use Pantry Mode when products are provided at no cost to consumers, but the Operator or client still needs accurate inventory and reporting. 
Common examples include subsidized employee programs, pantry-style setups, and client-funded product offerings.  

Does the consumer need a payment method?  
No. The consumer does not need to present a credit card or Global Market Account.  

Does the consumer need to scan products?  
No. The CV system identifies the products taken during the session.  

Are consumers charged?  
No. Pantry Mode transactions are processed as Free Vend transactions with a $0.00 charge.  

Are receipts shown?  
No. Receipt options are hidden because no payment is collected from the consumer.  

Are product prices shown to the consumer?  
No. Product prices are hidden in Product Search while the CV device is operating in Pantry Mode.  

Does inventory still update?  
Yes. Inventory decrements based on the products taken, just like a standard sale.  

Do Pantry Mode transactions appear in reports?  
Yes. Pantry Mode transactions appear in ADM reporting so Operators can review transaction counts, product movement, and usage.  

Are Pantry Mode transactions included in EFT disbursement?
No. Since there is no consumer payment, Pantry Mode transactions are excluded from EFT disbursement. 
This applies even if products have prices configured in ADM.  

Are transactions tied to a consumer?  
No. Pantry Mode transactions are not tied to an individual consumer.  

What configuration is required?  
The Location must be configured for Pantry Mode in ADM; the CV device must also be assigned to that configured Location. 
Please reach out to Account Services for configuration.