Beverage vending device networking

A computer-readable tangible medium configured for use with a first beverage vending device, the computer-readable tangible medium including instructions stored thereon that, when executed, direct a processor to perform acts comprising:

• establishing contact between the first beverage vending device and a second beverage vending device;
• facilitating communication between the first beverage vending device and the second beverage vending device;
• accessing inventory information associated with the second beverage vending device;
• receiving a request from a consumer to dispense a desired beverage;
• determining that the desired beverage cannot be dispensed by the first beverage vending device;
• utilizing the inventory information to determine that the second beverage vending device can dispense the desired beverage;
• informing the consumer that the desired beverage is not available at the first beverage dispensing device and that the desired beverage is available for dispense at the second beverage vending device, and recommending to the consumer one or more other beverages available at the first beverage vending device;
• receiving a second request from the consumer to dispense a second beverage;
• and
• instructing the first beverage dispensing device to dispense the second beverage.

A beverage vending device comprising:

• a network interface;
• one or more processors;
• and
• a computer-readable tangible medium with instructions stored thereon that, when executed, direct the one or more processors to perform acts comprising:
• locating a second beverage vending device;
• establishing communication with the second beverage vending device accessing inventory information associated with the second beverage vending device;
• receiving a request from a consumer to dispense a desired beverage at the beverage dispensing device;
• determining that the desired beverage cannot be dispensed by the beverage vending device;
• utilizing the inventory information to determine that desired beverage can be dispensed by the second beverage vending device;
• informing the consumer that the desired beverage is not available at the beverage dispensing device and that the desired beverage is available for dispense at the second beverage vending device, and recommending to the consumer one or more other beverages available at the beverage vending device.