vunk director Steffen Kroschwald in SPIEGEL: "Secret Pack vending machines" under the microscope

In the current issue of "Dein SPIEGEL", Prof. Dr. Steffen Kroschwald, Director of vunk, Institute for Consumer Research and Sustainable Consumption, comments on a current trend: the so-called Secret Pack vending machines.

These vending machines, which are appearing in more and more German cities, offer packaged surprise packages. The buyers don't know what's inside beforehand - it can contain anything from electronics to fashion items, but also things like cigarettes, dangerous objects or 18+ films.

In the interview, Kroschwald warns of the potential risks from a consumer rights and sustainability perspective. Many parcels contain returns from online stores that could not be sold. The expert compares vending machines to gambling: "The customer doesn't know what they're going to get. And so they feel the temptation to put more than just ten euros into the machines because they are hoping for a big win."

He also warns that spontaneous purchases from such machines can lead to ill-considered consumer behavior. "The market is flooded with mass-produced goods and cheap items," emphasizes Kroschwald. It is therefore important to educate people about the background and risks.

The full article can be found in the current issue of "Dein SPIEGEL" (No. 11, October 2025).

You can find the online article here: Secret Packs - What the trend is all about (SPIEGEL Online).