Why Basic Maintenance Matters

Mike emphasizes that you don’t need to become a machine mechanic—but having a basic understanding of maintenance is essential for effective delegation.

Knowing how your machine functions allows you to troubleshoot or instruct a technician when something goes wrong.

If your machine is down, you're not making money. Beyond revenue loss, downtime can affect your brand reputation and result in spoiled products. Preventive care keeps operations smooth and profitable.

Preventive Maintenance Checklist

To minimize issues, Mike recommends a simple weekly maintenance routine for all routes. Operators should:

• Wipe down product coils and clean the glass window

• Empty the drip tray to avoid water buildup

• Check expiration dates on all items

• Clean the condensation grill if the machine is refrigerated

• Run a test-vend only when issues are suspected

This approach extends machine life and reduces surprises.

Handling Common Issues

Most problems are minor and easy to fix:

• Coil misalignment: Simply pop it out and reinsert it properly.

• Bill acceptor errors: Blow out sensors to remove dust buildup—especially in dusty environments like warehouses or unpaved locations.

• Misaligned chutes: Bent components from wear and tear can block products; ensure everything is straightened and aligned.

Set aside just 30 minutes monthly for deeper cleaning. Mike suggests using rubbing alcohol, a bucket, and water from the restroom to clean motors and key components.

Troubleshooting Best Practices

Troubleshooting should follow a logic-based approach. Start by working backwards through the error:

• Is the issue at the coin mech, the MDB harness, or the card reader?

• Try rebooting the machine—this resolves 8 out of 10 issues.

• Check connections, such as a loose MDB plug or the 11/32" bolt on the coin mech not being level, which could trigger a false sensor reading.

Even when nothing is truly broken, small misalignments can throw off the sensors.

When to Call Support

If you’ve followed all the above and still face issues, don’t hesitate to contact vendor support.

For instance, when Mike had a refrigerator sensor issue on a Stockwell unit, 365 Retail Markets offered live FaceTime help. Within minutes, the issue was resolved through simple guidance.

Understanding the basics lets you hand off tasks with confidence—and makes you a more effective operator as your team grows.