KM

Drill through the top of the lock and break the lock apart?

Has anyone ever had their key break inside the lock? I just serviced a machine and ended up having to swap it out because the key broke inside the lock when I tried to open it. The 'point' on the metal key broke off in the lock and now I cannot open the top heads. I tried using a vacuum to suction the broken piece off- doesn't work. I turned the machine upside down and shook it, but the piece won't budge. Does anyone know how I can fix this without having to break the machine apart? Thanks!

It's a National charity with various offices. I support my local one with about 25 machines. I have no problems locating the machines, I even feel that some people feel more connected and willing to place the machine if you mention the charity is local. Especially individually owned businesses. Plus, I'm proud to sponsor the charity and feel attachment to it. When you believe in something, it makes it all the easier to endorse it as well.

How many of you out there are using LLC versus sole proprietorship? On my route, I have 25 triple head 1800s that make a little extra cash for me on the side. Some people have suggested applying for an LLC to have less liability for the machines etc. Do you think this is the best way to go? My understanding is that I would have liability coverage if something happens with the machines and also I would pay lower taxes etc. Although I am not sure about business licenses for every city and such. Would I still have to apply? I'm running machines charity based.

Hello all! I'm so excited to be on a forum where we can just talk about vending! I just can't do it anywhere else and get the same compassionate ear with my friends...they just don't understand. Anyhow, back to the topic....what are the best gumballs??? OK, I know 99.9% of you will say Nerd GB. I've tried them and I have to agree yes, they are good! But since they are not making them anymore, which other ones are good? Currently in my machines, I've been using Nerd GB, Seedlings, and Smart and Final gumballs. By far, the Nerd GB do best, then Seedlings next.

I'm not using a charity with a vending outreach program, just a charity that provides me with stickers that I can put on the machine. Between myself and this charity, there is no set amount to donate each month and I write a check once every two months. They are grateful for the donations and it also helps that they are flexible with payments in months that I don't do so well.

Thanks David, that's a great experiment. I guess it wouldn't hurt to freeze the product after all. I've been so paranoid after I had to pull a machine due to bugs that I've quarantined all of my leftover candy in my fridge. I wouldn't want to take a chance of storing the candy and having something crawl and grow into it either. I'm ready to do my second service in about 3 weeks. Hope all the candy is ok and hoping to see LOTS of quarters!!! Good luck to you all.

Thanks for all the suggestion guys. I would much rather have cracked PMM than moths. The bugs in the candy turn off the owner and often ask to have the machine taken away....I want to avoid that. So, some people think the moths are actually from the peanutes themselves? Wow, never thought of that!

I just started a vending route and made my first round. In 2 of the machines, I found moths in the peanut M&M's in an auto mechanic garage. I also found worms from some flies that had got into the peanut M&M's of another location. I've heard of nuts having bug problems...but why peanut M&M's? I'm wondering if there is any good way to deter the bugs from getting into the product? I know this is sort of a gross topic, but still a concern for business. What is the best way to keep pests away? I'm wondering if it would help if I tape a moth stick or something underneath the machine where no one can see, or hopefully not smell it. Anyone have tips?