5 Common Vending Machine Problems (and How to Fix Them Without Crying in Front of Your Coffee Machine)

Jake Sloan
Jan 8
4 min read

Updated: Apr 10

Let’s face it—vending machines are the unsung heroes of modern life. Whether it’s 2 PM and you need a quick sugar hit, or it’s 8 AM and your survival depends on a coffee, these magical snack-and-sip dispensers save the day. That is, until they don’t.

At Alnos Vending, we know that when a vending machine throws a tantrum, it’s not just annoying—it’s business-disrupting. Especially for our clients in Rzeszów, Lublin, and Zamość, Poland, who count on smooth, no-fuss vending service.

So, before you call in the vending exorcist (aka, a technician), let’s walk through five of the most common vending machine problems—and how you can fix them like a snack-dispensing ninja.

1. Product Jams – Aka: The Snack That Almost Was

You pay. You hear the glorious whirr. And then… nothing. Your beloved candy bar is dangling like it's mocking you from the spiral coil. Rage levels: rising.

The Fix:

Check for Blockages: Sometimes items get stuck, because someone played Tetris wrong during restocking.
Align Product Spirals: Misaligned spirals are the vending equivalent of a twisted ankle—easy to fix, surprisingly annoying.
Smart Packaging Only: Irregularly shaped or overstuffed packaging? Straight to snack jail.
Restock With Love: Teach your staff to treat snacks like tiny fragile gifts—not as things to shove into a metal box.

2. Payment System Failures – When Coins Betray You

Nothing crushes hope faster than inserting a coin and watching it get rejected. Or swiping your card only to be ghosted by the machine.

The Fix:

Clean Like You Mean It: Dust and grime are the nemesis of all payment systems. Show that coin slot some love with a microfiber cloth.
Sensor Alignment: Misaligned sensors = payment chaos. Make sure they're clean and lined up like a boy band in a promo poster.
Software Updates: If your smart vending machine is acting dumb, it may just need a software glow-up.
Test Often: Don’t wait for a customer to rage-tweet you. Test machines regularly.

At Alnos Vending, we’re not just snack dealers—we’re vending whisperers. Need help in Rzeszów, Lublin, or Zamość? Ping us at hello@alnosvending.pl.

3. Temperature Tantrums – Warm Soda & Cold Coffee? Nope.

When a cold beverage machine serves up lukewarm lemonade, or your hot drink machine delivers sad, tepid tea—it’s a crime against beverages.

The Fix:

Thermostat Check: Your machine has one. If it’s set to “Mildly Disappointing,” adjust accordingly.
Clean Vents = Happy Vending: Overheating machines can’t keep cool. Give those vents a good vacuuming.
Inspect Cooling/Heating Components: Refrigerant levels low? Heating coil burnt out? Time for a little maintenance magic.
Swap the Thermostat: Sometimes it’s not you, it’s the thermostat. Replace if it’s fried.

We make sure our vending machines in Rzeszów, Lublin, and Zamość deliver drinks at just the right temperature. Always.

4. It Took the Money, But Not My Snack – The Ultimate Betrayal

You paid. You waited. You got… nothing. It’s like being ghosted after a great first date—with a cookie.

The Fix:

Check the Motors: If the spiral won’t spiral, the motor might be dead. RIP. Replace it.
Control Board Check: Think of this as the vending machine’s brain. If it’s not sending the right signals, time to call the vending neurologist (aka technician).
Power Issues: Blown fuse? Low voltage? Double-check your machine isn’t just pretending to be functional.
Update Software: Glitches happen—keep your machine’s software as fresh as the snacks inside.

Don’t let your customers go snackless. Let Alnos Vending get things spinning again—email us at hello@alnosvending.pl.

5. Display and Interface Meltdowns – When Your Vending Machine Enters a Digital Coma

The screen’s blank. The buttons don’t work. The only thing it's dispensing is confusion.

The Fix:

Turn It Off and On Again: Yes, really. It works for vending machines too.
Check for Loose Wires: A quick behind-the-scenes inspection might reveal a cable hanging on for dear life.
Swap the Screen: If it’s cracked or unresponsive, it might be time to upgrade to a newer, flashier interface.
Call the Manufacturer: If all else fails, let the pros handle it.

At Alnos Vending, we make sure our machines are as user-friendly as they are snack-filled.

Bonus Round: How to Prevent Vending Drama in the First Place

Avoid vending machine meltdowns with these preventive power moves:

🛠️ Inspect Monthly: Catch issues before they become customer complaints.
🧽 Clean Like You Mean It: Especially the payment areas and vents. Dust bunnies are not snack-friendly.
👨‍🏫 Train Your Team: Teach staff how to restock without rage and troubleshoot without tears.