As a buyer, nothing irritates you more than a machine jam and not receiving the required product. Imagine biking miles to get a drink but not getting a droplet in your parched and weary mouth—doesn’t that make you want to kick the vending machine? In simple terms, broken vending devices are highly inconvenient.
This is the time to read helpful articles like “What to do if a vending machine eats money?” It is critical to understand that machines experience underperformance in function. Parts and components will eventually degrade, leading to malfunctions and breakdowns. And repair agents may take some time to reach you.
While you wait for a professional, you can try some do-it-yourself alternatives for when a vending machine eats your money. Here are some simple solutions to your jam vending machine issues.
6 Suggestions for What to Do If a Vending Machine Eats Money
Attempting to get your money by yourself is fine, especially if you’re in a hurry. After all, DIY solutions can help you save time and avoid waiting for a professional.
However, when performing one, always use common sense and judgment. Keep reading to guide you in performing these DIY solutions:
1. Gently Shake the Machine
While this method may seem absurd, it can be beneficial if tried. Some machines, particularly older models, employ the coin method. And coins can become stuck in the mechanism for various reasons, including incorrect coin alignment or a malfunctioning coin sensor.
As a solution, gently shake the machine to dislodge the coins and allow them to fall or return to the coin slot. Shake the device slowly if you try this to avoid damage or injury.
2. Look for the Refund Button
Some vending machines have a refund button, which has been shown to give customers a sense of security and satisfaction, knowing they can always get their money back if something goes wrong.
In the case of jam machines, look for the label “refund” or “coin return” and press it to retrieve your money. Aside from money problems, here are some other situations where refund buttons can be helpful:
- Purchase error
- Machine failures
- Product defects
3. Look for a Phone Number
Contact information for vending machines is typically displayed on the machine’s payment interface, service panel, and front or side—you need to look around for them.
If you see something, call this number to report it. While waiting, visit another vending machine to quench your thirst. However, ensure you have communicated with the vending machine team of experts to alleviate your concerns.
4. Search the Website
Search for the brand name online if no contact details are shown on the machines. Vending machine companies list their contact information on their website so that you can easily reach them; some also provide chat support if you require a written document as proof of the transaction.
Aside from that, some websites provide FAQs, which you may find helpful. This is an excellent place to start if you have a common problem or question and don’t want to wait to speak with a representative on hold. There may be a solution for jammed machine solutions.
5. Inform the Building Management
If you need help finding the website or contact information, try tracking down the building management if the vending is in a public place, such as a mall, gym, or office building.
Building management is responsible for ensuring that vending machines in their building meet users’ needs and operate correctly. This includes the upkeep of the vending devices at the location. If they cannot repair it, they will refer you to the appropriate expert in vending machine maintenance.
6. Be Patient
Some products or processes take time to occur. Wait a few seconds for the vending machine’s normal cycle to complete. Remember that each device is designed uniquely, and they may take time to process payments.
You can cause the machine to malfunction and jam if you interrupt this cycle by repeatedly pressing the coin return button or shaking it.
If All Else Fails, Legal Counsel Is Required
When you spend significant money on a vending machine purchase and do not receive the product or your money back after doing everything that you can, it is time to pursue legal action. This is especially true if you have already attempted the methods and have tried calling the company, but they have completely ignored your concerns. Seek legal counsel from a consumer rights or small claims court specialist.
Consumers like you are valued in Australia regarding fair trading and consumer protection. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) protects consumers by prohibiting unfair practices such as misleading or inaccurate advertising, unjustifiable contract terms, and deceitful conduct.
Contact TCN Vending Machine in Australia for Professional Assistance with TCN Machines!
At TCN Vending Australia, we have a network of repair specialists who can address vending issues like “What to do if a vending machine eats money?”
If you have a problem with a TCN vending machine, such as a jammed bill or coin, don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team. We can send a repair technician to fix the device and retrieve any stuck money.