The Hidden Side of Running Vending Machines

Every business has quirks you don’t notice until you’re in the thick of running it, and vending machines are no exception. Most people think of the obvious challenges: a coin jam, or a snack that stubbornly refuses to drop. But beyond those everyday hiccups lies a whole world of hidden details that only operators truly understand.

At Snack Kingdom Vending, we’ve spent over a decade fine-tuning the little details that most people never notice. And today, we’re pulling back the curtain to share some of the surprising challenges that come with keeping your favourite snacks and drinks stocked, fresh, and ready when you need them.

Chocolates vs. The Summer Heat

As vending machine operators, chocolate bars are a must-have. They are a timeless favorite and always in demand. But there’s one big challenge: summer heat. When machines are placed in warm areas or stock is transported without proper care, chocolate can melt into an unsellable mess. And while refreezing might seem like a solution, it changes the bar’s shape, texture, and even appearance, leaving you with a product no one wants to buy.

For such a small product, chocolate can create a surprisingly big headache. Fortunately, there are simple ways to stay ahead of the problem: transport stock in coolers, position machines away from direct sunlight, or opt for machines with built-in cooling systems. With the right precautions, you can keep this staple snack as appealing as the day it was made.

Pop Cans vs. The Winter Cold

If chocolate melting is the challenge of summer, then exploding pop cans are the battle of winter. Just when you’ve thought you've seen it all, the cold brings its own set of surprises. As the liquid inside freezes, it expands and puts intense pressure on the can. Add in the release of carbon dioxide gas, and the result is often a sticky, bursting mess… not exactly what you want to deal with during a restock.

Fortunately, vending machines do regulate their temperature to keep them at just the right temperature where explosions would never happen. However, in the winter, you can never be too careful. When storing cans overnight, it is best that they are kept in a place where it is just warm enough to avoid freezing and this internal can expansion. Keeping stock just above freezing, typically warmer than -5°C, helps prevent explosions and protects your supply.

The Flimsy Bottle Check

There are some vending machines that we like to refer to as “stackers.” As the name suggests, these primarily drink vending machines “stack” their drinks in columns, vending one of them at a time out to buyers whenever a purchase is made. Pretty nifty, right?

The most conventional drinks put into a stacker are cans: pop and energy drinks alike. However, some vendors play around with settings to accommodate bottled drinks. And that’s where some issues with bottles may apply. Perhaps it could be attributed to manufacturing error, but some bottles are flimsier than others; their structural integrity does not seem to withstand compressive forces like squeezing. Because of this, they are the prime culprit to jamming these stacker vending machines.

Again, with these types of issues, the most important thing here is to recognize the issue exists and take preventative measures to ensure that you have sturdy bottles. And fortunately, the fix is simple. Before loading stock, give your bottles a quick squeeze test. If they feel too soft, they’re better left out of the machine. Taking a few seconds to check can save hours of frustration down the line and keep your vending machines running smoothly.

The Transport Tetris

Have you ever played Tetris? It is a classic game that almost everyone knows, and for good reason. Its tight, fast paced game of stacking blocks has become a staple not just to gamers, but for anyone who enjoys a satisfying challenge in organizing space efficiently.

For operators, packing a vehicle for deliveries is a real-life version of the game, where the goal is to maximize space while keeping products safe and accessible. Its become an essential skill for any vending machine operator to stack efficiently and mastering this obscure skill makes your day run smoother than you might expect.

The key is strategy. Heavy, stable items go on the bottom, while lighter or more fragile goods like chocolate or pastries should be nestled in secure spots at the top where they won’t be crushed under the weight of heavier items. The goal is to maximize the space while minimizing damage, all while optimizing the placement of your products so that they are easy to reach and maintain.

Done right, “Tetris-ing” your load protects your stock, keeps everything organized, and makes restocking quicker once you arrive on-site. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes skills that may seem small, but it keeps the entire vending operation running smoothly.

First In, First Out

“First In, First Out” (FIFO) is a simple but essential principle in inventory management: the oldest items should be sold first. Grocery stores use it, warehouses use it, and vending operators rely on it every day. Applying the First In, First Out method ensures that the oldest inventory items are sold and used first, reducing spoilage, preventing expired products from ending up in machines, and keeping everything fresh for customers.

This is especially important in vending, as there is the looming expiration date in all the products that you would sell.

Accounting for the First In, First Out is very simple. In vending machines, every product is vended out in order, meaning that you have full control as to which specific item is vended out first. Therefore, all you would need to do is place items with a sooner expiration date at the front of the coil, ensuring their dispensed first. Of course, if any products do expire, best practice is to remove it from your machines right away and as soon as possible!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to vending, it’s the little things that count. At Snack Kingdom Vending, we never overlook them. Whether it is due to the climate or temperature of your service area, optimizing your own machine products or transportation, or applying key inventory management principles, every small detail plays a role in keeping machines running smoothly.

At Snack Kingdom Vending, we never overlook these details. Our goal is seamless service and perfectly stocked machines, every time. Contact us today to see how we can bring hassle-free vending and top-notch snacks to your workplace.