Dabbling on a vending machine
2.40 pm
“Hey Han, you got some time today after work? Ammar needs help on setting up for his new vending machine.” Khanafee messaged me over the phone.
“Sup, wow that’s cool. Yeah sure, where ya meeting at?”
“Head down to Haji Yusoff Mosque at 8. I’ll link up with you first at Bedok, say quarter past 7 for the Maghrib prayers? Thereafter, we’ll fetch Ammar from work before we check his machine.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ve been meaning to pass him some drink samples which I’m promoting as well. See ya then.”
I was running errands and trade, shuttling between haircuts and deliveries. I loved serving others, especially for a friend who need a helping hand.
I wondered what kind of problems he have with the machine, and I’m not exactly sure if I can be much of a help. After all, I would really suck at engineering, or Maths for that matter.
From what I know, Ammar bought a refurbished set which he managed to buy from Malaysia.
After linking up with Fee and Qisya, we called Ammar.
“Hey, we’re at Bedok. Where are you at? We have a spare helmet here and could give you a ride”.
“Hey, I’m already at home now as I’m feeling quite tired this week. Why don’t I meet you straight there at 8?” Ammar responded.
Bummer.
If we had known, we would have met directly to the meeting point, which is way nearer.
8.10 pm
We saw the vending machine.
It is quite a look: Two-third of the facade was made up of glass, with hints of frost on the sides. There is a built-in chiller. The remaining part finishes off with anodized metal which is coated glossy black.
Very sleek, and modern. I’m surprised.
Ammar took out the keys and unlocked the coin compartment. The entire panel slides out like a walk in drawer.
“ I can’t seem to figure out how to set the coin changer. It doesn’t seem to operate well. A customer complained that once he inserted cash, there is no way for a refund without making a purchase” Ammar responded, sounding like someone at his wit’s end.
We tried and tested, with no luck.
“Well, have you contacted the technician?”
“Yes I did. But you know, he’s based in Malaysia and possibly wouldn’t take the trip down to Singapore, even if he could.”
He was right. I mean, why would the guy take the extra mile for the service, considering that he has fulfilled his obligations once he sold the machine?
We continued with our diagnosis on the coin changer with our vast experience in dabbling, furiously pressing the keys and swiping our smartphones for an answer.
The Azan — muslim’s call for prayers — echoed in the backdrop as a throng of faithful worshippers glanced at us in curiosity as we work into the night.
Cramped legs from squatting. Knitted foreheads, eye strains. Nobody seems to mind the discomfort except me.
The air was thick with seriousness and the faint smell of someone’s fart.
Best we could figure was that the coin changer appears to be faulty — not through some mechanical means but through a diagnostic issue with the software.
9.25 pm
We looked at each other in defeat, while opening up a canned drink to quench our thirst.
“I guess this machine will have to shut down for now,” I said admittedly.
And this marks the first struggles to our vending machine business and many other problems to overcome.
Thank you for reading.
