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Crane merchant 6


PHX1

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looking for everyone's opinion, Im head to a neighboring state this weekend to pick up a batch of used merchant media 6's. All are in great condition all are 6 wide with 6 shelf's, and have VE LED lighting. What would you be willing to pay for such a machine? Its a group of 4. I already have an idea, Im just looking for some verification here. Any problems any one knows of with these machines? I have two crane snack machines with the touch screens, and from what I know these are just the previous model.

 

Thank you for any feed back!

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Minimum $2,000 per machine. Anything near that is a good deal in my opinion. If you get them cheaper, that's an excellent deal. I don't like the merchant 6 though. It seems too big, too complicated, and too expensive. I'd prefer late model GPL's or AP 113's in excellent condition.

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They're pretty good machines. The issues I've had with them have been the T-handle breaking, ( it's really, really thin metal ) wires getting slammed in the door by inattentive route drivers, and issues related to the seventh shelf. ( Not much clearance down there. ) 

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The media software takes over 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes or more to reboot which disables the entire machine for that period of time.  So be judicious in your turning off and on attempts to correct any issues with it - you'll have a loooong wait to see if the machine then works.

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The media software takes over 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes or more to reboot which disables the entire machine for that period of time.  So be judicious in your turning off and on attempts to correct any issues with it - you'll have a loooong wait to see if the machine then works.

 

It's only five minutes. It just FEELS like a half an hour. 

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I've experienced 15 minutes that seemed like 1/2 an hour.  Maybe a different version?

 

I timed it when I was out installing CC readers one day. I swore it was way longer than five minutes, and was surprised. This was the Merchant Media Ambient 187. ( Though I've had similar boot times with then new 5800-6. But it seems way less responsive on the touchscreen. )

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I have many of these media machines (snack, combo & bevmax) and overall i love them.  They are expensive and i'm thinking your going to need to be prepared to give up more than $2,000.00/EA.  AZ has commented on the re-boot time (which is a total pain in the golpher) but it generally only takes 4-5 minutes.  The other issues I have had:

  • The coin boxes seem not to be aligned very well with the coin mech, you will find change all over the inside of the machine.
  • Coin Mech (Bev Max) - They are using magnets to hold the coin mech in position in the Bevmax machines. The magnets have tape on one side and the tape docent last and causes lots of jams at the mech.
  • Product Delivery Door - On two machines i have had the small white gears that operate the deliver door break within 6 months of delivery.  Easy fix but thought i would mention it.
  • I'm not a fan of the Curenza bill acceptor, many of the early models came standard with the curenza mech and bill acceptor,
  • Probably my biggest issue is the full touch screen version - Most of the older media machines have a touch key pad which is very good, the new versions use a full screen and it sucks. You have a choice between the two versions now when ordering  snack machines, but the Bev Max comes standard with the full touch.  

I have had very few issues with these machines, i did have a board go out in one, lights in another and the gear issue mentioned above but i also have 20 of these machines operating and wouldn't go back.  The integrated cashless is a huge benefit and the machines themselves will land you accounts, they look great.   In fact i'm slowly replacing my fleet with new machines where warranted, every time i do sales pick up by 20-30% over 6 month period, but your account size needs to justify the added expense.  My $500/Month accounts do not have these machines!!!  Crane's customer service is a plus, we have a great local rep that really takes care of us.  I'll try to download a picture of the full screen version so you can see what i'm talking about.  

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