How do I check the condition of vending machines and card readers on a route?

Make a list of each machine with make, model and approximate age, then walk the route and match the list to what you see. Check the cabinet, door seals, lighting, dispensing mechanism and that the product actually drops cleanly. For cold units, confirm the cooling holds and the interior is clean.

Card readers deserve their own review. Ask how each reader connects, who supplies it, what fees are involved and whether any are outdated and due for replacement. Test a purchase yourself on a few machines. A route that takes cash only may be losing sales, and one with unreliable readers may be too.

Ask for service and repair invoices so you can see which machines fail often. Then build a realistic replacement plan with the owner and your lender or equipment adviser. A technician you trust can look at a sample of units for you if you are new to the trade. Finally, ask for a basic maintenance schedule and who performs it. Machines that are cleaned and checked on a rhythm tend to run more reliably. If the owner does repairs personally, ask what you would need to learn or hire, and how quickly a failed unit is back in service.

Key takeaways

• Inspect every unit, and test card payments yourself on several machines.
• Request repair invoices to spot machines that fail repeatedly.
• Plan replacements for the oldest units before you commit.