During the operation of vending machines, it is inevitable to encounter various problems. If these problems are not handled properly, they may affect the normal sales and overall operational efficiency of the machines. Below are some common problems and corresponding solutions in the operation of vending machines, hoping to be helpful to friends engaged in this industry or currently using vending machines.
1、 Product related issues
（1） Product unsold
Problem manifestation: Some products are left unattended in vending machines for a long time, resulting in inventory backlog, occupying funds and space, affecting the updating and overall sales efficiency of products.
Reason analysis: It may be that the product itself does not meet the taste preferences of local consumers, such as selling spicy snacks in an area that prefers sweet snacks; It is also possible that the pricing is too high, exceeding the psychological price range of consumers; Or the product display location may be poor, not conspicuous enough, and difficult to attract customers' attention.
terms of settlement:
Market research: Gain a deep understanding of the consumption habits and taste preferences of the surrounding population at the advertising location, accurately grasp the local demand characteristics through questionnaire surveys, communication with nearby residents or staff, and adjust product types accordingly, replacing unpopular products.
Price adjustment: Compare the prices of similar products from nearby convenience stores and other vending machines, analyze whether the pricing is reasonable, appropriately lower the price for promotion, attract customers to try purchasing, or set up some promotional activities, such as buy one get one free, discounts on orders, etc., to improve the cost-effectiveness and attractiveness of the products.
Optimize display: Adjust unsold products to more prominent positions, such as placing them on the aisle parallel to customers' line of sight, or placing them together with best-selling products, leveraging the traffic of best-selling products to drive the sales of unsold products. At the same time, the screen of the vending machine can be used to display the characteristics and discount information of unsold products, increasing their exposure.
（2） Product out of stock
Problem manifestation: When customers come to purchase goods, they find that the products they want are already sold out. This not only disappoints customers and loses potential purchasing opportunities, but may also affect their trust and loyalty to the vending machine in the long run.
Reason analysis: It may be due to delayed replenishment and lack of real-time monitoring of inventory status; It is also possible that inaccurate estimates of product sales have led to insufficient inventory; Or there may be issues with the supplier's supply chain, resulting in the inability to provide sufficient goods on time.
terms of settlement:
Establish an inventory monitoring system: Utilize the built-in inventory monitoring function of vending machines or manually conduct regular inventory checks to closely monitor the remaining quantity of goods, set inventory warning values, and promptly remind replenishment personnel to carry out replenishment operations when inventory falls below a certain quantity.
Data analysis and estimation: Collect past sales data, analyze the sales patterns of products in different time periods, seasons, and locations, reasonably estimate sales based on analysis results, prepare sufficient goods in advance, and ensure that popular products are not out of stock.
Optimize supplier cooperation: Establish long-term and stable cooperative relationships with reliable suppliers, sign clear supply contracts, specify supply time, quality standards, and other terms to ensure that suppliers can supply on time, with quality and quantity. At the same time, expand the procurement channels to be prepared for unexpected needs and prevent problems from a single supplier affecting supply.
2、 Machine malfunction issue
（1） Card goods
Problem manifestation: After the customer successfully pays, the goods cannot be shipped smoothly and get stuck in the aisle, which can cause customer dissatisfaction and requires timely handling to restore the customer's shopping experience.
Reason analysis: It may be due to the unreasonable design of the cargo lane, which has poor adaptability to certain special shapes or sizes of goods; It is also possible that the machine has been used for a long time, causing debris to accumulate in the cargo aisle and affecting the normal sliding of goods; Or the key components such as the delivery motor of the machine may malfunction, resulting in insufficient power and inability to push the product out.
terms of settlement:
Optimize the cargo lane: When choosing vending machines, prioritize models with scientifically designed cargo lanes and strong universality, which can adapt to various specifications of goods. For machines that have experienced frequent cargo jams, targeted modifications can be made to the cargo lanes, such as adjusting the width, slope, and other parameters of the lanes to make them more conducive to the shipment of goods.
Regular cleaning and maintenance: Develop a regular cleaning plan for the machine, clean up dust, packaging paper scraps, and other debris in the cargo aisle, and keep the aisle smooth. At the same time, check whether the various components of the cargo lane are loose or worn, tighten and replace them in a timely manner, and ensure that the machine is in good operating condition.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance: When there is a stuck item, the vending machine operator should respond promptly by using the machine's built-in fault prompt function or on-site inspection to determine whether it is a problem with the cargo channel or the motor and other components. If there is a component failure, arrange professional maintenance personnel to repair it as soon as possible, replace damaged parts, and reduce the impact on customer shopping.
（2） Payment malfunction
Problem manifestation: Customers may experience payment failures, payment page lag, inability to recognize payment methods, etc. during payment, which can delay customer time, reduce shopping experience, and even lead to customers giving up on purchases.
Reason analysis: It may be due to unstable network signals, which have affected the transmission of payment information; It is also possible that there are vulnerabilities or malfunctions in the payment system that have not been updated and upgraded in a timely manner; Or the payment hardware such as the scanner and facial recognition device of the machine may be damaged and unable to read payment information properly.
terms of settlement:
Network guarantee: Equip vending machines with stable and reliable networks. If using mobile networks, choose a carrier package with strong signal and good coverage, or connect to a stable Wi Fi network. Regularly check the network connection to ensure smooth network access during customer payments.
System maintenance and upgrade: Maintain close contact with the payment system supplier of the vending machine, timely obtain system updates and patches, fix known vulnerabilities, improve system stability and compatibility, ensure support for various common payment methods, and smooth operation.
Hardware inspection and replacement: Regularly inspect and maintain payment related hardware such as barcode scanners and facial recognition devices, clean lenses, calibrate equipment parameters, etc., to ensure their normal operation. Once hardware damage is discovered, promptly replace the device with a new one to avoid affecting customer payments.
3、 Operational environment issues
（1） The machine is damaged or stolen
Problem manifestation: The appearance of the vending machine has been artificially damaged, such as glass being smashed, graffiti on the body, or the goods and cash inside the machine (if cash payment is supported) being stolen, which can cause direct economic losses and affect the normal use and aesthetics of the machine.
Reason analysis: It may be due to poor security environment and lack of effective supervision in the placement location; Or the installation location of the machine may not be safe enough, making it easy for criminals to target it; It is also possible that necessary safety protection devices were not installed, giving the saboteurs an opportunity to take advantage.
terms of settlement:
Site selection considerations: When choosing the location for vending machines, fully investigate the local security situation, prioritize areas with frequent personnel flow, security patrols, and good security, such as large shopping malls and office lobbies, and avoid placing machines in remote and unattended corners.
Security measures: Installing surveillance cameras for vending machines can serve as a deterrent and provide evidence in case of problems, facilitating accountability. At the same time, anti-theft alarm devices can be installed. Once someone attempts to damage or illegally open the machine, the alarm will sound in a timely manner, attracting the attention of surrounding personnel. In addition, reinforcing the outer shell of the vending machine and using high-quality, sturdy and durable materials to make the body can improve its resistance to damage.
（2） Environmental impact on machine performance
Problem manifestation: For example, in high temperature environments, the refrigeration system load of vending machines may increase, which may result in poor refrigeration performance; In a humid environment, the electronic components inside the machine are prone to moisture induced short circuits, which can affect normal operation; Or in environments with a lot of dust, the machine is prone to accumulating dust inside, leading to poor heat dissipation, increased component wear, and other problems.
Reason analysis: The external environmental conditions in which the vending machine is located do not meet its normal operating requirements, and corresponding protective and adjustment measures have not been taken.
terms of settlement:
Temperature regulation: For vending machines placed in high-temperature environments, install sunshades, sun shields, and other facilities to reduce the heat caused by direct sunlight, while ensuring the normal operation of the refrigeration system. Regularly inspect and maintain refrigeration equipment, add refrigerants, etc., to ensure refrigeration efficiency. In cold environments, it is important to keep the machine warm and prevent internal water pipes and other components from freezing and cracking. Insulation materials can be used to wrap the machine.
Moisture and dust prevention: In humid environments, desiccants can be placed inside the machine or dehumidifiers can be installed to keep the interior dry. Regularly clean the dust outside and inside the machine, creating a relatively clean and dry operating environment for the machine, extending its service life, and ensuring its stable performance.
In short, vending machines will face many problems during operation, but as long as we can take preventive measures in advance
