Hey All,
I'm new to the world of vending and I just wanted to make sure that a soda machine I was considering buying is decent and worth the asking price. It's a Dixie Narco 504P. I would only be using 12oz cans in the machine. The compressor is in good working condition. I think the coin mech and validator are also in good working condition, but they may not be based on the issues that the seller has been having with the machine (listed below). The asking price is $500, but I think there is room for negotiation if I'm armed with more info.
Some selections give false "sold out" readings when they're not
Some slots jam every few sales
Occasionally gives wrong change or no change
I'm not sure what is causing these issues, but I plan to look into fixing them if I buy the machine. Even tough I'm new to the world of vending, I'm pretty handy. I've attached photos of the machine as well.
Thanks for any input you can provide!
krylon80,
You mention 3 problems:
1. Some selections show sold out when not.
2. Some slots jam every few sales.
3. Sometimes it gives wrong change or no change.
Looking at your pictures, it looks like the Coke selection back plate is set way to far back, this will cause it to show sold out when it's not. There should be 1-2 fingers worth of room between the cans & front of column, not a whole hands room. Move the back plate forward.
Another picture shows the opposite problem, the Diet Coke cans appear to be jammed in super tight, this will cause cans to hang and jam. Move the back plate back so there is 1-2 fingers room at front.
As for wrong change being given. You may need to have the coin mech serviced, but check for simple stuff first. Like the coinmech not lined up with coin return cup, or it maybe hanging crooked, the door it is mounted in may not be latched close, etc. Also many coin mechs will not work properly without a decent amount of coins - all tubes at least half full.
Also check the price settings on each column, that vending machine can be set to different prices for each column. If you have to send in your coin mech for repair, it should cost around $75-$100, but check the simple stuff I mentioned first.
Hope this helps,
SpotOn