Coin and Vending Machine Repairers

On the Job

Overview

Coin and vending machine repairers install, maintain, and repair coin machines.


Sometimes, you just need chocolate. You crave it. You gotta have it. You scrounge in your pockets for enough change. Yes! You found that last nickel. Armed with a handful of coins, you get up and walk down the stairs. Around the corner, the chocolate waits behind a wall of glass and buttons. You feed in the quarters first, then the dime, then the nickel. You press the button for the candy bar you want. The machine shakes and groans. Then it stops. The candy bar sits on the edge of its shelf, but it doesn't drop down. Noooo! This can't be!

It's a sad sight, the unlucky person staring at the candy bar with his name still on it. Luckily, there are people who can help. Coin and vending machine repairers to the rescue!Coin and vending machine repairers make sure coin-operated machines operate properly. These machines include food and soda vending machines, video games, and slot machines. Some repairers also work as servicers. Servicers collect coins from machines and restock them with products. They also keep machines looking clean and appealing, and paint them when necessary.

When they install machines, repairers make sure that water and electrical connections comply with local codes. Once machines are installed, repairers maintain them to prevent breakdowns. For example, repairers clean parts, such as the condensers in refrigeration units. They oil moving parts and adjust machines so they perform well. If a machine breaks down, repairers inspect it for obvious problems, such as jammed coins. When repairing electronic machines, repairers test them with hand-held computers that locate the problem. Repairers often fix problems with electronic machines by replacing a circuit board or other electronic component.

If the problem is more complex, repairers refer to manuals and wiring diagrams. They also use testing devices, such as electric circuit testers, to find defective parts. They then decide if they can replace or repair the part on-site, or must send it to the repair shop. In the shop, repairers use power tools such as grinding wheels, saws, and drills. They sometimes use testing instruments such as voltmeters. They also use ordinary hand tools, such as pliers and wrenches, to repair equipment. Sometimes they must take machines apart and rebuild them.

Servicers and repairers both do paper work. Servicers keep daily records of the amount of each product they stocked in machines. They also record the amount of money collected from each machine. Repairers file reports, write repair cost estimates, order parts, and keep maintenance and repair records.

It is common for repairers and servicers to also keep machines stocked. They may fill it with products, money, or ingredients. They keep records of anything taken out or put into the machine so all transactions can be tracked.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Fill machines with products, money, or other supplies.
• Keep records of merchandise distributed and money collected.
• Collect coins and restock products.
• Keep machines clean and attractive. May paint exterior with brush or spray gun.
• Install machines, making sure water and electrical connections comply with codes.
• Maintain machines by cleaning and oiling parts and making minor adjustments.
• Inspect machines for problems when breakdowns occur.
• Refer to manuals and wiring diagrams. Use testing devices such as electrical circuit testers.
• Test electronic machines with diagnostic computers.
• Take machines apart and rebuild them.
• Repair machines and replace defective parts, using power or hand tools. May have to order replacement parts.
• Keep records of maintenance and repair.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
• Handle and move objects.
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment.
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment.
• Work with the public.
• Perform activities that use the whole body.
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
• Make decisions and solve problems.
• Control machines and processes.
• Communicate with people from outside the organization.
• Document and record information.
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed.
• Evaluate information against standards.
• Teach others.
• Explain the meaning of information to others.
• Develop goals and strategies.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a very medium level of contact with others. They work mostly with machines and tools but also interact with machine owners and the public.
• Communicate with others mostly by face-to-face talks and telephone.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Sometimes must deal with unpleasant or impatient people.

Physical Work Conditions

• Often work indoors, but may occasionally work outdoors. Work sites may not always have heating or air conditioning.
• Travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• Occasionally are placed in hazardous situations that may cause cuts or scrapes.
• May be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noises.
• May be exposed to cold or hot temperatures when working outdoors.
• Sometimes have to work in very bright or very dim lighting.

Work Performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could break machines and cause employers to lose money.
• Are able to determine most of their daily tasks and goals, but often take direction from supervisors.
• Often make decisions that affect customers. Because they often work alone, they have to make decisions without input from others.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere where weekly and daily deadlines must be met.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.

Hours/Travel

• May work at night and on weekends and holidays to repair coin machines.
• May spend a great deal of time on the road traveling to machines.

Physical Demands

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

People in this career frequently:

• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk from their trucks to the machines.
• Bend or twist the body.
• Repeat movements over and over.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.