Vending machines in Beijing now selling gold  

(ECNS) -- China's first gold-vending machines were unveiled at sub-branches of Hua Xia Bank in Beijing.

The machines, which enable the public to purchase and take immediate delivery of small gold bars and other precious metal products at the push of a button, were launched by Hua Xia Bank.

Like cash ATMs, the machines are equipped with a touch screen and card slot. What makes them different is a "delivery slot" on the lower right, from which consumers can receive the products.

Transaction on the machines is quite users-friendly. After deciding which products to buy, consumers only need to scan an ID card and pay with a debit card or deposit card, according to an official at Hua Xia Bank. The whole transaction process takes six to seven minutes, the official added.

"A total of 24 precious metal products are now available in the machines. Product prices are set according to market prices. No procedure fee is charged," said a staffer from the machines' manufacturer.

There are four such gold-vending machines in Beijing so far.