Building the right product mix

Start with proven best-sellers and introduce new items in small quantities. Track sales per slot and rotate underperformers monthly.

Adjust the mix by location type. Offices favor energy drinks and savory snacks, gyms lean to protein and low sugar, and schools require compliant options.

Use margin analysis to keep profit targets while meeting location preferences.

• Sales per slot and gross margin per item.
• Spoilage or expiration rates for perishables.
• Seasonal demand spikes.

• Swap bottom performers monthly.
• Test new items for 2–4 weeks with limited facings.
• Adjust prices to align with local retail benchmarks.

• Standardize planograms by location type.
• Maintain a core set of high-velocity SKUs.
• Review product mix quarterly.

• Confirm all steps are documented so the next technician can reproduce the results.
• Capture before/after metrics (errors cleared, sales restored, or uptime improved).
• Review machine, reader, or route settings to ensure they match location standards.

• Skipping a controlled test leads to false positives.
• Updating hardware without documenting configuration changes.
• Forgetting to verify payout, refund, or reconciliation data after changes.

• Run a final test with known-good inputs.
• Log the outcome with date, time, and device identifiers.
• Schedule a follow-up check if the location has high traffic or seasonal demand.

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• Document changes with time, machine ID, and location name.
• Verify settings, pricing, and service modes after each fix.
• Capture before/after results to confirm resolution.

• Test with known-good inputs and controlled conditions.
• Validate telemetry, alerts, and payment logs where applicable.
• Confirm location expectations and update the site contact.

• Configuration drift after firmware or component swaps.
• Inconsistent power or network conditions at the location.
• Gaps in preventive maintenance routines.

• Monitor for 7 days and note any repeat errors.
• Schedule follow-up if the site is high-traffic.
• Escalate with full logs and photos if issues repeat.

• Use a consistent par-level system per location.
• Reconcile spoilage weekly to protect margins.

• Group stops by distance and service priority.