In order to ensure your vending machine continues to earn money, stocking it regularly with new and sought after inventory is essential. A key to keeping your vending machine busy and profitable is knowing the proper stocking and maintenance procedures. The following information provides a guide to filling and maintaining your money-making vending machine.
The First Time Inventory
The most important fill is the very first one. The items you stock will either be well-received by the clients, or if there is quite a bit left when you return, you will know it is time to replace some of the items. It is a good idea to ask the owner of the vending machine location for preferred snacks that customers are most likely to purchase. While potato chips are typically popular, the store owner may have some other suggestions you never thought of. People are also more health conscious these days, so keep this in mind when stocking your inventory.
Arranging Your Vending Machine Inventory
It is important that you fill your vending machine with product and plenty of change in the change tubes. If a machine cannot give change, chances are your profits will fall significantly. When you stock your products, you should place smaller, lighter items at the front such as single serve soups, gum, and candy. Next, consider chip trays and then other nut and meat snacks. Also, try to keep most visible your best-selling items.
Maintaining Your Vending Machine
It is essential that you visit the vending machine frequently in order to provide needed maintenance. Be sure to check for any operational issues, such as error codes or blinking lights. Most machines provide diagnostic testing to provide you with information regarding overall vending machine operational health.
Also, check the coin mesh and bill collector to ensure they are plugged in and operating properly. If there is an issue you are unable to resolve yourself, you should call a technician. If necessary, the technician will provide you with the following services:
- Software updates
- Replacement of parts and components
- Provide additional troubleshooting
Stocking your vending machine is definitely the bread and butter of your business. What you decide to put in the snack holders determines the amount of profit you can make. If you notice something does not sell well, it is at your discretion to change it and offer something more appealing. Remember, it may not make sense in the beginning to load two trays of chips, but for most vending machines these are top sellers, so you want to make sure you don’t run out. Keeping the tips here in mind will help ensure your vending machine remains profitable.
