Process
How It Works
Seven steps from an application to a machine we run on your wall. Most of the work is ours.
A venue applies, we check eligibility against federal and state rules, licensing is arranged, the placement is agreed, we install and stock the machine, and from then on it is ours to run.
The venue applies
You submit the venue assessment. It asks about the room, the door policy, power and connectivity — enough for us to give a real answer rather than a list of follow-up questions.
We review venue type and 21+ eligibility
The first question is whether people under 21 are ever permitted inside. If they are, the current model does not fit, and we will say so plainly instead of putting you into a process that cannot finish.
Compliance and licensing are confirmed
Where applicable rules allow, Afterwrk handles the operator-side licensing for the placement, applying for what the placement requires. This is normally the step that sets the pace.
Placement and configuration are approved
We agree exactly where the machine goes, confirm the outlet and connectivity reach it, and set the product configuration for your room.
Installation
We deliver, mount and commission the machine, and stock it for the first time.
Afterwrk runs it
Restocking, cleaning, consumables, faults and software are ours. The machine is built to report faults and stock levels to us remotely.
The venue receives its share
Sales are reported and the agreed share is paid on the schedule set in the venue agreement.
Reasons we would say no
- The venue admits under-21 guests at any time — the single most common disqualifier.
- Local rules prohibit tobacco-product vending at that address even though state rules permit it.
- There is no lawful licensing route for the product mix in that jurisdiction.
- The proposed spot has no power, no connectivity, or no line of sight for staff.
What we need from you, and when
- To start: the venue check — your address, door policy, venue type and where a machine could go.
- Before licensing: a lease or sublease of the wall space to Afterwrk. The license application is for that address, so the property interest comes first.
- Before installation: a signed venue agreement setting out your share, the payout schedule, the term and how either side can end it.
- After installation: keep the premises 21+ at all times, and tell us if your door policy, licensing position or address changes.
Common questions
How long does it take?
Licensing for your specific address is the step that sets the pace, and it varies by jurisdiction. We give you a dated plan once we have reviewed your address.
What sets the pace?
Licensing. It is the step with the most moving parts and it varies by state and city; everything else runs to our schedule.
What do you need from us to apply?
Your venue's address, its age policy, the type of room, and where a machine could sit. The assessment form asks for all of it.
Who services the machine, and who pays for it?
Afterwrk, and Afterwrk. Cleaning, consumables, hardware faults, parts and software updates are ours. The machine reports faults to us remotely, so in most cases a repair is scheduled before anyone at the venue has noticed anything. Your staff are never asked to troubleshoot it or to hold spares.
What happens when it runs low on stock?
We see it before you do. The machine reports its stock levels remotely, so restocking runs off what it is actually selling rather than off a fixed round. Nobody at the venue orders, counts, receives or pays for product — Afterwrk owns the inventory.
Does our team ever handle cash?
No. The machine takes card and phone payments only, and the merchant account is Afterwrk's. There is no float, no cash box and nothing for anyone to collect or count.
Start with the assessment
It is the fastest way to find out whether your room qualifies.