So you took the plunge and you now have your very own vending machines on location. Now, you have to service them! The first month is always both exciting and nerve-racking because you can count how much or how little money you have.

If you discover a machine has done poorly in its first month (50 cents would be considered poor), don’t pull it just yet! Re-evaluate the placement within the location: is it where most customers would travel? Is it hidden or next to packaged candy? (many people would rather just buy a bag of candy and take it with them then dig out a quarter and have to hold candy in their hand. If this is the case and there’s no other place to put the machine, consider offering dixie cups on the top of the machine with a sign encouraging customers to take one to place their candy in). If placement seems fine, consider the candy choice. Are you offering a sugary candy in a gym or chocolate in a warm environment? You might want to switch out candy to a more universally popular selection and see if that works. If you aren’t offering gumballs, you should also consider offering them locations such as restaurants or warmer places, since they will last longer than chocolate.
After evaluating the cash flow of your machines, it’s time to do the rest of servicing your machine. The bottom line is not to attract attention to yourself. The smoother you can ease in and out of there, the more the owner of the location will appreciate and tolerate your machine there. When filling the machines, take your time so you don’t spill candy everywhere. Many a vending operator has been reprimanded or asked to pull a machine because they spilled candy and either didn’t pick it up or let it happen repeatedly. It is important to show the owner of the location that you respect their business and their customers by removing all signs that you were there. Pick up any candy on the floor and it never hurts to pick up any trash you see on the floor nearby while you’re at it, even if it didn’t come from your machine. ALWAYS USE GLOVES WHEN HANDLING CANDY, even if you don’t touch it directly. That’s just good sense. To build good relations, you can always give free leftover candy to the employees at the location. They’ll keep an eye on your machine for you if you’re nice to them!
You should also bring cleaning wipes to wipe down your machine and remove dust or dirt from it. You should service your machines AT LEAST once a month. Make sure your machines are never empty for long. Don’t let your machine become an eyesore in the location or you’ll be asked to pull it, or worse, the owner will do it themselves and throw it out. Your goal should be to never give the owner a reason to have to contact or talk with you about any problems with the machine. If they forget about the machine because it’s so well-maintained, you’ve succeeded. It will still pull in money and you can build strong relationships with business owners because of your dedication to running a professional business.

For more information on the best vending machines for you and more advice, visit Candymachines.com or call us at 800-853-3941 or 760-734-1414.