How to Become a Vending Machine Operator: Job Requirement & Skill
Are you interested in operating vending machines for a living? Read on to learn how to become a vending machine operator.
Despite the ubiquitous vending machines in the US, operating these product dispensers can be a respectable way to earn a living. Moreover, it doesn’t take a lot to get started in the industry.
To become a vending machine operator, you’ll need to:
- Get a basic education (a high school diploma)
- Apply to an open position
That’s pretty much it! However, as is revealed in this article, you’ll need knowledge and skills to get your business off the ground. So stick around to learn how to become a vending machine operator.
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What Vending Machine Operators Do
As a vending machine operator, you’ll have different responsibilities, including:
- Stocking and unloading the vending machines
- Explaining how to use the machine (among other customer service duties)
- Repairing or replacing faulty vending machines
- Cleaning, inspecting and maintaining your machines
- Monitoring and replenishing inventory where necessary
- Keeping records of activity on the machine
When carrying out the above duties, you’ll be traveling to the different sites where your company’s vending machines are hosted and interacting with customers.
Therefore, it wouldn’t hurt to have a driver’s license and adequate communication skills.
Job Requirements for Becoming a Vending Machine Operator
You’ll need to have the following background to apply for a vending machine operator job successfully:
1. Education
You can get a job as a vending machine operator if you have a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Also, some companies prefer applicants who’ve completed a course at a community college or a vocational program that teaches skills like vending machine operation and maintenance, stocking inventory, and collecting money, among others.
2. Training
Additionally, you can expect to receive company-specific training if you’re hired. For example, you’ll learn about your employer’s procedures and policies, cash handling, using a point-of-sale system, and more in a few weeks or months.
Also, if you’re operating in the food industry, you’ll be taught how to handle food properly and food safety regulations to adhere to.
3. Licensing and Certification
Fortunately, you don’t need certification to operate a vending machine.
However, it’s something to explore to improve your employment prospects because your prospective employer may expect you to be certified to give you the job.
Skills and Qualities Needed to Operate Vending Machines
You’ll need a couple of skills to excel at operating vending machines. They include:
1. Communication
You’ll be communicating with customers, team members, and managers in your day-to-day. While it’s OK to use technical language when communicating with colleagues, you’ll need to be able to break this language down when talking to customers.
The initial point is especially true when answering queries about the vending machines or troubleshooting problems over the phone.
2. Cash Handling
Handling cash will be a huge part of your daily activities, so it’s necessary to have an educational background.
You’ll need to know how to count money and make change accurately, among other fiscal functions. In addition, being able to do basic math is why an educational background is necessary.
3. Orientation for Detail
It isn’t always apparent when a vending machine is about to break down, which is why being able to notice the minutest details comes in handy when working as an operator.
With this skill, you can catch problems early, reducing the likelihood of unexpected repair costs and accidents.
4. Knowledge of Inventory
You’ll need a thorough understanding of the products you’re selling to make informed decisions about stocking and displaying products.
For example, knowing your products’ core customer demographic (age, social status, and the like) may help you understand why your machine isn’t receiving the traffic you’d like.
Is Becoming a Vending Machine Operator Lucrative?
Yes, operating vending machines can be a lucrative career, depending on your level of experience and the company you work for.
As a vending machine operator in America, you stand to take home over $30,000 per year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, vending machine operators make a mean yearly income of $36,050 (based on statistics released in May 2021). That works out to a mean hourly wage of $17.33.
Outlook for Vending Machine Operator Jobs
With that said, the employment outlook for individuals who want to take up this line of work doesn’t seem favorable.
Between 2017 and 2022, employment growth for the industry slowed significantly, reducing by -2.3%.
Conclusion
Besides basic education, it doesn’t take much to become a vending machine operator, as you’ll get most of the training you’ll need during the first few weeks of employment.
However, with that said, you’ll need particular skills and qualities to excel in the role.
For example, you’ll need to be an excellent communicator to handle customer queries and talk to colleagues. Additionally, knowing how to handle cash is a must, and it’d also help if you’re detail-oriented and knowledgeable about the products you stock in your machines.
