A host computer transmits a user ID and a list of vending machine IDs to a portable communication terminal. When the user selects from the list a vending machine through which the user makes a payment, the user ID and the ID of the selected vending machine are transmitted from a portable communication terminal to the host computer. The host computer issues to the vending machine corresponding to the vending machine ID an instruction to enter a payment acceptable mode. When the user makes a payment at the vending machine, the amount of the payment is transmitted to the host computer.