I've been in business since '95 and I've always swapped out coin mechs, bill acceptors, control boards, motors, digital displays, etc. without ill consequences. The parts just go bad after years of working constantly day in and day out. After I trouble shoot the problem and swap out the broken part, I just simply take the broken component to the appropriate repair shop and have it repaired, if it's repairable. My main objective is to get the machine up and running asap because you know how boisterous and disappointed your clients can get when the machine is down for even a second! The only time I had a component "blow up" is when I, like a knuckle head, plugged a 24 volt mech into a 117 volt machine! That blew the board and mech. I think most of us have experienced that learning curve! I can also vouch that my vending comrades do the same thing with their broken components.

I've been using USI equipment since the mid '90's and I believe their snack machines are some of the best in the industry. I really liked the simplicity of the programming in earlier models, but at the same time I like the sophistication of the new models. They are beautiful, stylish, and for the most part, well thought out machines. USI has manufactured some machines in the past that kinda makes you scratch your head and say "what in the world were they thinking?!" The 7/10 beverage machine was one of them. They were some of the first machines in the industry to vend multipackaged beverages, and when you are the industry innovator, you also have the privilege of having all of the bugs & ghost in the machines to deal with! With this machine, product jams were a constant and bottle capacity was lacking. Although I had about 17 of them at one time, my vending comrades hated them and wouldn't allow a single 7/10 on their route. I was able to get some great prices on them & learned that a little TLC was required with these machines on a regular basis. I still have 4 left but am in the process of upgrading to BevMaxs'. From my experience with USI beverage machines, I would say their CB 500 & 700 are very well ,made machines, but their drink machines from yesteryear were just ok. I hated having to do repair work on the Can Mart machines because USI needlessly used no less than a zillion screws to hold parts together! But I digress, you can't go wrong with USI equipment. I can probably count on 1 hand major electronic or mechanical issues I've had with my USI snack machines. I have had more issues with my USI CB 700s' and Combo II machines, but those are pretty easy to work on. One last thing...all brands of machines have their quirkiness and it's just a matter of what kind of quirkiness you are willing to deal with. Although some may have come close, there is no such thing as a perfect vending machine. Just my op.

Here's an update on the 6 Genesis GO-620 models that I purchased earlier this year and placed on locations. So far, they all seem to be working just fine. I had to make 1 modification on all of them that required some duct tape and flexible plastic. I was getting calls from my patrons about not receiving their change after making a purchase. After some trouble shooting and lots of test vends, I realized that the coins were not dropping through the coin return shoot but instead were being flung to the side of it by the coin mech. The coin mech was sitting too high above the coin return shoot and therefore was allowing the coins to gather against the wall that the mech hangs on. I crafted a deflector using the plastic and duct tape and since then, I haven't had anymore lost change calls.That was back in March. My Genesis models all have stackers on the validators instead of a bill collection tray, so I don't have any issues with bills jackpotting. I have Dixie Narco drink machines & everyone knows how easy it is to pull a compressor out of them. Well, the Genesis is even easier than the Dixies! You loosen 2 bolts, unplug 1 harness, and slide the self contained compressor right out the back. It's that simple. I haven't had to repair a compressor yet, but I thought I was having problems with one, so I took it out to check it. It's a nice change having the Genesis on the route, but I think I'm done buying them. I'll stick with the USI Combo II model.They hold a lot more product than the Genesis GO-620, I never get service calls on them, and I've actually been switching out augers in the USI combo. The standard chip count is 8 per selection & I have upgraded some of those to 10 ct & 15 ct augers. The USI model is a lot more versatile than the Genesis unit. For example, my clients love it when I put the name of their company within a personalized message that I can program into the scrolling display. I can also do all cans or all bottles, or any combination of the 2. Having some combos on the route has done wonders for me in terms of breaking up the monotony, adding some variety to the everyday grind of stuffing machines, and keeping me fired up for vending after 16 years!

Hey there, Yeswecan, just wanted to follow up with you & see what you've decided to do about the Genesis machines. Remember, you can search & find the GO-380 models for under a grand. I have 5 in service out in the field and I have had zero problems with any of them. Take it from me, someone who has hands on experience with these machines, they are easy to operate & program, the compressor deck is very easily removed & serviced if need be, mine has 5 tube Conlux changers and ICT bill acceptors with bill boxes, the money handling section has its' own lock & key, the machine has wonderful eye appeal and your customers will shower you with compliments about your machine!

The only 2 draw backs about the machine for me personally is #1. I have large hands and loading the bottles in the bottle section can be a little tight for me, but, not every machine is perfect you know, and I'm not a whiner...I get the job done. #2. I only place these machines in a secure account. I'm just leary that, with the machine weighing around 500+ lbs, that someone could dolly the machine right out the door in an unsecure account. I hope this gives you more food for thought. As i've said earlier, I've got actual hands on experience with these machines and pretty much know them inside out from an operator's stand point, so if you have anymore questions, feel free to touch base with me @469-231-7255.

If you buy that package, you will be over paying by at least $12000! That would not be a very smart business move, especially if you're just starting out in the business. You can get the GO-380 models from Ebay or CL for less than $1000. The other model, the GO 127-137 can be picked up for less than $500. I bought 3 used GO-380's for $800 each & 3 new in the box 380's for $900 each from a guy I found on CL back in January. I'm enjoying the machines & have not had any problems out of them. They are good looking machines and are great for small-med accounts. You can load 35 cans per selection and 10-15 bottles per selection, depending on the bottle size. 8 of the chip augers will hold 8 bags & 2 of the chip augers hold 10 bags. Candy augers hold 15 bars.

If you are in the Dallas area, there is a person on CL who has 6 GO 127-137 for sale for $500 ea. & 6 new in the box machines for $1000 each. In today's roiling economic environment, there's no need to spend your hard earned $$ on new equipment from a dealer. You can find great deals on used & new equipment from other sources if you just research & scour the internet. And like the other vendors advise above, don't be afraid to do your own locating. You will save a ton of money, you'll know exactly what you're getting, you can focus on accounts that match up well with your equipment type, & you can strategically build your route in the areas that you want to target. Hope this helps out.