I genuinely remember when you could get a Freddo for 10p. A Twirl for around 40p. Things have changed, and I’m now paying through the nose for my snack fix. Still, there are ways you can save on vending machines if you know what you’re doing.
Check for Previous Failed Dispenses
Often, vending machines fail to work properly. There’ll be a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar leaning against the glass, tantalisingly close to falling into your grasp. Particularly for an old vending machine, you can give it a smack or a shake - just be careful as some will set off an alarm.
A better method might well be to tell the operator of the venue that the item has failed to dispense - so long as they didn’t see that it wasn’t you who tried to dispense it! No one's going to cause a fuss over such a small purchase. There’s a few things to look for in vending machines to know if they’ve had a failed dispensing:
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Item leaning on the glass
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Item visibly stuck in the coil
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Item marked as ‘sold out’ when it’s still there
Also, it’s often worth checking for successful dispenses too! As a child, I remember getting a fair few free packets of Quavers just by checking the bottom of an unattended vending machine. Sometimes people just forget, or pay it forward!
Check for credit
When you insert coins in a vending machine, it counts up the credit with sensors so it can dispense you the right product for the right price, before giving change. However, some machines don’t automatically dispense change.
Even if they have dispensed change, the customer might’ve forgotten the coins and left. If the machine doesn’t dispense change, the money from the previous transaction is still valid.
This is quite clear to see with most vending machines, as the amount of money currently available will be displayed on the screen. Have a look and see what you can get!
