The curious business of package dispensing machines in Berlin

The concept of package dispensing machines is revolutionizing the shopping experience in Germany and social networks have been quick to viralize this peculiar trend.

Influencers, curious and lucky fans have been seduced by vending machines that dispense packages with unknown contents. For as little as 10 euros, excitement is guaranteed.

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Each surprise package costs 10 euros

These machines, known as secret packs, contain packages that were once part of failed shipments. These are products that were not claimed by their recipients, returns that cannot be resold or canceled goods.

The packages are acquired through wholesalers and put into these machines to be offered to the public with a single common denominator: no one knows what’s inside.

Berlin-based Spanish content creator @mimiworkbestie recently shared her experience with one of these package dispensing machines located in the central Friedrichshain district. In her TikTok video, which already has more than 200 thousand views, she showed how for 10 euros she got a remote-controlled drone, which generated comments and reactions of both excitement and curiosity behind this experience.

How do the package dispensing machines work?

The process is simple: users approach the machine, choose one of the available packages and pay the set amount. What makes this experience unique is the complete uncertainty.

The package dispensing machines have sealed and wrapped items, so until the moment of opening it, it is not known what the buyer will get. From toys and clothing, to technological devices such as virtual reality goggles, the machines can have anything.

However, not everything is a guarantee of great finds. Some people have received items of little value such as cell phone cases or aluminum dividers, but others have been lucky with products that far exceed the initial cost, such as smartwatches or tablets.

The emotion behind every purchase

The popularity of this trend lies in the mix of excitement and curiosity it generates. Buying a pack from the vending machines in Berlin becomes an exciting experience that many share on social networks such as TikTok and Instagram, where the viralization of videos with surprising discoveries is attracting more and more users.

The surprise factor and the possibility of finding a valuable product have led some to invest more than 50 euros in these machines, seeking to repeat their luck. Online forums have even emerged where the contents of these packages are exchanged or sold, creating a new social dynamic around the trend.

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An innovative way to shop

Beyond the individual experience, these package dispensing machines represent an innovative way of reusing products that might otherwise end up discarded. However, they also raise questions. In the absence of proof of purchase, users cannot claim warranties or return products.

In addition, it has been pointed out that even the operators of these package dispensing machines do not know with certainty what the contents of a surprise package are.

Despite these limitations, the phenomenon continues to grow. In cities such as Berlin and Frankfurt, these machines have already become an attraction for locals and tourists alike.

There is no doubt that package dispensing machines are here to stay. The viralization of this experience on platforms such as TikTok and the excitement it generates are proof of its success. Although users do not always get products of great value, the simple fact of participating in this lottery of objects generates an enthusiasm difficult to find in more traditional forms of purchase.

If you are in front of one of the package dispensing machines, investing 10 euros in a package of these can be an entertaining way to take home a unique souvenir… or, who knows, it might be a drone! What is certain is that the excitement and anticipation are included in the price.