If you have a vending machine in your business, you want it to work as intended. Not only is it an inconvenience for you and your customers if it breaks down, but you also lose out on sales. There are certain vending machine repairs that you may handle yourself rather than spending time and resources on technical support.
Minor challenges to deal with in a vending machine. Here are a few minor issues that you may fix without the need for technical support.
- Improper Ventilation: A vending machine requires airflow. It’s best to keep it 5-6 inches away from the wall. Because some beverages, such as diet drinks, can freeze at high temperatures, make sure the thermostat is set appropriately. Temperatures of 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended. If a machine occasionally jams, it’s almost certainly due to temperature.
- Stuck Coins: First thing to do is to see if any slots are empty. If the items are not present, the machine will return the money to the vendor, indicating that there is a jam. If items are available, you must clear the blockage if coins are not returned. Remove all cans and other goods before replacing them. Also, make sure the wheels are in good functioning order. These two critical checks should solve the issue.
- Not accepting bills: If your vending machine refuses to accept bills, there are two possibilities. There isn’t enough change in the machine, or the dollar validators are damaged. You’ll likely need to replace any loose dollar validators. Check it two or three times to make sure it’s operating correctly.
Vending machine maintenance is crucial and periodic checks have numerous advantages. All the little inspections will simplify your vending machine operation while saving you time. Routine inspections will reduce downtime, which will help your company gain a good reputation.
There’s a lot you can do to ensure your vending machines are running at full capacity for as long as possible. In case of difficulties before contacting a professional, we recommend trying a few things to fix your vending machine on your own.
Test to see if all the selections are working
When a food or beverage is selected, it is intended to drop down within seconds. If it doesn’t, be prepared for one disappointed customer.
You may wonder who appears to be the culprit of this unfortunate incident. There might be several reasons, but the most common is a defective motor. Make sure you test each product you choose. Press every motor switch to discover if a single-engine is faulty or if the machine as a whole is malfunctioning.
Perform an immediate power check
Although it may be a simple task, many vending machine operators fail to check the power supply. If the power supply for your vending machine is an issue, keep in mind that it features dollar bill slots, coin mechanisms, and control boards that all require electricity to operate. The device will not work if the circuit is tripped or the cable is disconnected.
Before you do anything, make it a practice to examine the product first. You don’t want to waste money on unnecessary expenditures only to discover that the connections are the only ones at fault.
Keep vending machines level during repairs
Positioning the vending machine on a flat surface is another easy repair for the most frequent vending machine problems. Otherwise, the entire vending process may be disrupted, resulting in products not dropping down. It can also prevent you from making necessary changes to the vending machine.
Ensure the money path is clear
The money mechanics of these vending machines will become soiled with everyday use. When cash and coins are inserted into the machine, filth and dust are left behind, accumulating over time.
To avoid difficulties, make sure you clean the money slots regularly. This can be done by using a paper towel or a damp cloth. Remove the top half of the coin slot to make clearing it more manageable and ensure the passage is free. If you don’t, your coins could get struck and your purchases may be rejected. When should the money pathways be cleaned? Cleaning them every time you collect your earnings is a good practice.
Organize items appropriately
Many vending machines have drinks or snacks that drop when you select them. It’s not adequately organized if they don’t drop down smoothly. Remove the motor cover and press each motor switch one time to test the selection. This starts the vending machine so you can observe whether there’s a problem with one of the motors or the machine itself.
When Should You Call a Professional?
It’s alright to admit failure and ask for help if you’ve tried a few things and nothing appears to be working. Calling experts who can maintain and repair your vending machines are readily available. While most fixes are easy, others may be beyond your knowledge or capabilities. When that time arrives, take a step back and let the experts look into it so you can get your vending machine back up and running quickly.
Do you want to find out more? Contact Vendnet today by calling 1-800-833-4411.
