Getting Vending Machines Placed Safely

Filed Under Business |

by Robert Farnham

Vending machines are found all around us so it is easy to take for granted how they got there. Since these machines are what a business owner will use to generate income, taking care of them is essential. They are often heavier than they may initially seem so you do need to be prepared. Never attempt to move any vending machine on your own as you can get seriously injured.

Unless you are continually buying new vending machines to expand your business, the issue of moving them into a place won’t be something you deal with everyday. Perhaps that is why too many vending machine owners fail to see the importance of doing it safely. They may end up hurting themselves in the process or damaging their vending machine. Neither scenario is one you want to see going on for your vending machine business.

It is the smart vending machine owner that has tools that make the process of moving vending machines much easier. A very common tool you can use that is also very affordable is a dolly. It has two wells and a platform for the vending machine to slide onto. You can also buckle the safety strap around it so it won’t slip off. A dolly can be used for many other things too so you can get plenty of use out of it.

I often see vending machines laid down in the back of pickup trucks. Getting them into the place is often a hard chore though. A good idea is to lean the vending machine against the pickup. Gentle lift the bottom so it can slide inside. You do want to lay something like cardboard on the bottom of the bed of the truck though. This way you won’t scratch it or the vending machine.

A good investment if you can get your hands on one is a truck that features a hydraulic bed lift. This takes a great deal of the work out of the equation. It allows the lift to come to the ground so you can place the vending machine on it. Then you can move it to the level of the truck bed. They are expensive though so unless you will be using the hydraulic lift for other things too you may not want spend the money for one.

You may be able to remove yourself from the entire process though if you can find an affordable moving company in your area. Many of the smaller ones have the time to do small jobs like that for local people. They also have their own equipment so that will help if you haven’t invested in anything yet to help you with moving the vending machines. Make sure you know the price they will charge though before the vending machine is moved so you don’t end up with more of an expense than you had anticipated.

It can be hard work to move vending machines so make sure you have a good plan in place. It is best to only do it in good weather. You don’t need issues like slippery surfaces to affect what you are attempting to do. It is often the shape and weight of vending machines that can make them difficult to maneuver. Make sure you only move them while empty too so they will be lighter.

Safety is always the first priority when it comes to moving vending machines. You need to protect yourself first and then your vending machine. Do your best to keep all of the equipment free from scratches and dents. If you are using the right safety equipment there is no reason for them to be dropped either.

About the Author:

Robert Farnham built a profitable vending business after starting totally the wrong way. He now writes about building a vending locating business and the pitfalls to avoid. Visit his website at My Vending Uncle for more.