Interfaced dispensing machines and remote automated payment and inventory management system

A method for purchasing items from a vending machine, the method comprising the steps:

• a consumer registers a means of payment at a remote payment location by inserting at least one of a credit card, a debit card, and cash into a remote payment location, whereby the remote payment location is located other than within the vending machine,
• the consumer communicates with the vending machine that the method of payment is to be from the remote payment location,
• the vending machine verifies the registration of payment at the remote payment location;
• the consumer selects an item to purchase from a vending machine,
• the vending machine communicates the purchase with a remote payment system,
• the remote payment system verifies an acceptable transaction and communicates with the vending machine,
• the vending machine distributes the goods, and
• using a remote interface system located within the remote payment system to modify the prices of goods.