How to Set Up Your Vending Machine

So, you’ve received your first vending machine, all boxed up and ready to go, but how do you get it from the box to operating and making money at your location? 

We’ll give you the basics: If you purchase a vending machine from a reputable company, it should come with the manufacturer’s User Manual/Operation Manual.  In some cases, (ie: with Fortune Resources machines) these can be very user friendly and walk you step-by-step through the most common questions/issues you’re going to have with your machine.   In other cases (ie: Dixie-Narco soda machines) they can be very technical and difficult to understand.  Make sure to read over your manual for the set-up instructions.  If your machine didn’t come with a manual, you can usually find these online by searching by the make and model.

Once you have your machine unpackaged, you’re going to want to move it with a pallet jack or utility dolly to the exact spot you’re going to place it in your location.  You will need a power strip with a surge protector to get the machine powered up at your location.  Once plugged in, most machines will start right up automatically.  If your vending machine is refrigerated, you may need to adjust the thermostat.  Reference your Owner’s Manual for instructions on how to adjust the temperature.

Next, you’re going to want to choose your products and determine your prices.  (Check out our other Blog posts on popular items to stock in a vending machine and how to determine prices!)  You’re going to want to enter the “Programming Mode” for your machine.  Follow the instructions on your user manual to do so.  The programming mode is where you program the prices for each product selection on your machine.  Set a price for each selection, and then load your products into your machine.  (You can learn how to do this properly on YouTube).  If you’ve purchased a credit card reader for your vending machine, you’ll need to call and/or email the manufacturer of the device to set up an account and get your unit ready to accept credit/debit card purchases.

Finally, you should conduct several test vends (we recommend at least 4 per selection) to make sure that everything is working properly on your machines.  PLEASE NOTE:  when you’re first starting out with a new machine, you should ALWAYS fill the coin unit to the top with coins.  This will ensure proper functioning of the unit and prevent the machine from rejecting payment due to inability to produce change.  If everything checks out, then your machine is ready to start making money! Take a look through our Blog posts and YouTube page for tips and tutorials on vending machine maintenance and repair.  Happy vending!