Machine ate your money?
Here's how to get it back from the company that runs the machine. VendFynd doesn't run machines, so we can't refund it ourselves, but if the machine keeps failing we can help the location get a better one.
How to get your money back.
Most refunds take one message to the right company. Start here.
Find the operator's sticker.
Most machines carry a sticker or decal with the operator's name, a phone number, a QR code or a machine number, often near the coin slot or the card reader. Take a photo of it, and of the selection you paid for.
Write down what happened.
The date and time, where the machine is, the item and price, and how you paid: coins, bills, card or phone. For a card or phone payment, the last four digits of the card help the operator find the transaction.
Contact the operator.
Call, text or use the refund link on the sticker. Ask for a refund to your card, an e-transfer, or credit on the machine. Keep it short and include your photo.
Card charged? Check if it's a hold.
Card readers on vending machines often place a temporary hold before the product drops. If nothing came out, the hold usually falls off on its own within a few days. If a charge has fully posted and the operator doesn't sort it out after you've asked, contact your card issuer about a dispute. More on card-only machines in our guide to cashless vending and refunds.
No sticker? Ask the front desk.
The business where the machine sits is the host. The manager or front desk knows who services it, and a complaint from them carries weight with the operator.
Never tilt or rock a machine.
Vending machines are heavy and can tip over. A stuck item isn't worth the risk. Report it instead.
Want a better machine here? Tell us.
If this machine keeps eating money, sits empty or stays broken, tell us where it is. We'll suggest a better setup to the location: an operator who services it, and a promise that if a problem isn't fixed promptly, the operator is swapped or the machine removed at no cost.
Run the place yourself? Choose "I manage the location" and we'll get in touch about switching. Or see Switch for me.
Thanks. We've got it.
We can't refund the machine ourselves, so keep going with the operator using the steps above. If enough people at this location want a better machine, we'll suggest one to whoever runs the place.
Refund questions.
Can VendFynd refund me?
No. The company that owns and stocks the machine holds the money and handles refunds. VendFynd matches locations with operators; we don't run machines.
My card shows a charge but nothing came out. What now?
Check whether it's still pending. A pending amount is often a temporary hold that drops off by itself. If it has posted, contact the operator with the date, time and the last four digits of your card. If they don't fix it, your card issuer can help with a dispute.
The machine is always empty or broken. Who can fix that?
The location decides who runs its machine. Tell the manager, and tell us with the form above: we can show the location how to switch to an operator who services it.
Workplace list: City of Vancouver business licences and City of Surrey business licences, business name, address and city only. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Vancouver and the Open Government Licence – City of Surrey. General information, not legal or financial advice.