Vending and Slot Machine Mechanic

What is a Vending and Slot Machine Mechanic?

The following are the primary tasks entrusted to a vending and slot machine mechanic:

• Testing and setting up the machine at client location.
• Overseeing transfer of equipment and taking ownership for the transaction to ensure safety of the machine.
• Contacting and maintaining close connect with electricians, plumbers and ensuring smooth functioning of the machine post installation.
• Conducting periodic repair visits on installations if client calls for one.
• Being available on call for repairs if the client calls for an urgent problem.
• Might have to ensure refilling of beverage/coins/ any content of the machine. Should be taught to the daily handlers who are stationed there if need be.
• Record and report transaction of cash, equipment and refillables.

Day in the life

As the primary work of the vending and slot machine mechanic is installation and repair, most of his work will be based on client location. The machines will come in from suppliers post quality checks in the factory and will be redirected to the installation site. So part of the day might involve travelling to these locations.

Once in the location, the mechanic is assumed to take ownership of the installation over from the delivery team. He can call on the assistance of the responsible electrician if need be for the same to relay power outlet for the machine. At times there could be, a lot of quick thinking on feet involved e.g. where to place the machines, how to connect to the power supply.

Post installation, the machine is handed over to the client, and documentation and reporting of the same is to be done. Rewiring and routine maintenance tasks are also quite frequent as they are repeat businesses for the companies. Using one’s skill set to solve customer’s problem is the primary focus.

Work schedule and typical hours

There are no fixed work hours usually, as the work is allotted based on customer demand. So there are days when one might have to spend considerable time in not just travelling to different locations but also repairing and installing. But there are also days when work gets over in couple of hours if the installation site is close by.

The work is also seasonal depending on the company one works for. For example beverage companies might have pressing sales and consequently more installations around summer and holiday and very little during autumn.

Growth of the job

National trends indicate that demand for vending and slot machine mechanics can grow at 5-7% in the United States of America. As it is a niche job, competition isn’t expected to be that strong though, giving great scope of selection to most who apply with a high school diploma.

Growth within the job role is organic. One can grow into the role of manger overseeing many such installations with experience and can be asked to handle a team of installers in time. The career curve also involves overlooking of inventory and delivery. Both of which are critical in supply chain management when tempered with experience. The growth in the career is very secure usually as the industry has rarely ever seen layoffs.

Typical employers

Vending machine mechanics are in demand across industries from banks to beverage companies. Even snacking companies and arcade game centers employ a lot of vending and slot machine mechanics. As such there is widespread demand from several industries. As we do not foresee any major change in this category of disbursing products and cards through vending machines it can be safely assumed that the demand for this career will not decline much in the near future.