✅ MISTAKE #5 — Ignoring Maintenance
The “silent killer” of vending profits — and most beginners don’t see it coming until it’s too late.
Vending machines are workhorses — but like any machine, they need regular maintenance.
Ignore it… and you’ll pay the price — literally.
The #1 reason I see new operators lose money?
They skip simple maintenance and end up facing expensive repairs, frustrated location managers, and angry customers staring at an “Out of Order” sign.
❌ Here’s What Happens When You Skip Maintenance:
- Bill acceptors jam — causing lost sales and refunds
- Coin mechs fail — and suddenly you’re stuck driving back to fix it
- Coolers stop cooling — and now you’re out hundreds in spoiled drinks
- Credit card readers glitch — and customers walk away
- Your machine becomes “that broken vending machine” no one uses — and locations start questioning if you’re the right vendor
✅ How to Prevent Costly Breakdowns (It’s Easier Than You Think):
The secret? Preventative maintenance.
✅ Clean your bill acceptor every month — dirt and dust are silent revenue killers
✅ Test coin mechs and card readers regularly
✅ Check your motors and spirals for wear and tear
✅ Keep track of temperature — especially in summer
✅ Inspect for leaks, pests, or product jams every visit
✅ Tighten loose screws and bolts — avoid costly mechanical failures later
💡 Pro Tip:
I give my private clients a Monthly Maintenance Checklist — because the best repair is the one you never need to make.
Every minute your machine is down… you’re losing sales.
Every hour you spend driving back to fix something… you’re burning gas and time.
💰 BOTTOM LINE:
Skipping maintenance might save you 10 minutes this week — but it can cost you thousands in repairs, refunds, and lost locations later.
The best vending operators? They treat their machines like assets — not headaches.
👉 Want my Monthly Maintenance Checklist — the same one I use to keep my machines running 24/7?
📘 Covered in: Beginner Course, Module 5 — Monthly Maintenance Blueprint
👉 Grab the checklist