Now that you have decided to start your fabulous vending machine business, you must take every step possible to ensure that your machine keeps earning you money. Knowing the proper procedures for stocking and maintaining your machine will cut down on your down time. The following is a guide to filling and maintaining your prize possession:
Gathering Information for the First-Time Inventory
Your first time inventory is your most important fill because it will tell you everything you need to know about how your clients’ customers are reacting to the selection. You will have to rely on your client to provide you with insight for your first fill. You will want to ask the store owner for the names of some snacks that his or her customers are likely to appreciate. Potato chips and Doritos are extremely popular, but the store owner may have some alternative suggestions for you.
Keeping close communication with the client is the most important aspect of running your business smoothly. You will want to ask the client to call you when the vending machine supply dwindles past a certain amount. Alternatively, you can check the Machine once a week to monitor the inventory.
Filling Arrangement Tips
You will need to fill all of your change tubes with nickels, dimes, quarters, etc. You can fill the change tube quickly as you crouch down. You will want to place gum and light candy in the front of the machine because they weigh the least amount. If you are using snack tray, you will want to follow a specific stacking order. Light items such as single-serve soups should go first. Next, you will want to fill two chip trays. Next, you will put in your trail mixes and jerky items. Finally, you will want to fill your M&Ms, Skittles and similar candies.
Maintenance Tips and Suggestions
Inspecting your machine frequently should be a top priority so that you can notice a necessary vending machine repair. You should check for signs of operational problems such as blinking lights and error codes. You can run the manufacturer’s diagnostic test on it once a week for good measure, as well. Next, ensure that your bill collector and your coin mesh is plugged in properly. You will need to call a technician if you find a problem that you cannot resolve. A reliable technician can perform the following vending machine repairs if necessary:
- Perform a software update
- Replace vending machine parts
- Guide you in further troubleshooting
You will want to have machine-specific information when you contact the provider. You should have handy your vending machine’s make, model number, serial number and the error message that you are getting from it.
