Coin-operated machines are struggling with change

“It's a very slow and not an easy process … it is definitely hurting sales for our company ” he said.

Although companies that were affected by the change were given notice Autten said that it doesn't make it easier.

“It really was a fast process. Next thing we knew everybody had these toonies and loonies in their pockets,” he said.

The new coins were brought in to save the tax payer an estimated $16 million a year, but for businesses that rely on coin-operated machines it is costing a significant amount.

“It's not a cheap thing to do either. It is costing the company quite a few dollars,” Autten said.

The City of Saskatoon spent $25,000 to change about 2,800 parking meters.

Autten estimates for Royal Vending Inc. the recalibration itself costs around $10 per machine. There are also extra costs for the work and employees in the office on top of the lost sales when coins just don't work in the machines.

Autten said that they are now waiting on a “zapper” that can be brought to the machine to make the process slightly easier.

“The process is on a chain. There aren't too many of these zappers out there … we are now next in order,” he said.

He is optimistic that within the next few months they will get back on track as long as the “government doesn't throw a curve ball.”

“It's hopefully something that doesn't happen again, that all of the quarters don't get changed in the near future,” he said.

news@panow.com

by Kelly Malone

Coin-operated machines are struggling with change

What's Trending