HRI Vending Sold "refurbished" machine that never worked correctly. Muskego WI
Purchased "refurbished" drink vending machine from HRI.
I was promised it was in "perfect" working order prior purchase. I was given a 30 day "parts" warranty.
Machine struggled to work from the day it was delivered by HRI. Immediate mechanical issues included:
1. Only one of the two cabinet lights that illuminate drink selection consistently worked.
2. Bill Validator was over 20 years old. Not surprisingly, it never worked correctly from the start.
3. The control board had issues regulating the temperature of the drinks.
I did replace the bill collector. Of course I had to pay over $100 per hour plus $1.50 / miles to and from my location.
After 90 days:
Refrigeration unit began freezing (and exploding) drinks inside the machine. In addtion to the hassle to again call HRI to repair a machine in "perfect" working order, it made a massive mess and wasted several cases of drinks.
I contact HRI and set an appointment for a service call and orderd new (refurbished) control board fromHRI. This cost over $623.00
After 120 days:
Refrigeration unit failed again. Since the part was ordered from HRI they "only" charged me for the service call which, again, amounted to hundreds of dollars.
After 180 days:
Vending machine again exploded all the drinks resulting in a huge mess. I was angry and explained the situation, for the third time, to HRI.
I was told by HRI "Vice President" Kym Hytry, to "Sell the machine and find a new service provider."
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Blair
New Berlin,Wisconsin,
United States
HRI Incompetence
#3Author of original report
Sat, June 08, 2024
Youre right I would think this isnt "rocket science." Which is why I filed the complain as HRI is both the seller and the hired service entity for this machine. HRI braggs about their "30+ years of service." Problem is they are the only service entity I've found in the area, unfortunatley.
I normally do my own repairs but I'm totally unfamiliar with this ancient machine and it manufactuer.
The thermostat was functioning properly (or so I was told). Which is why the conrol board was replaced. I actually replaced the control board again myself after HRI refused to service the machine. It worked for awhile but then started freezing drinks again.
Thanks for the pointers. Didn't know disconnecting the board and installing a different temp. control was even possible -- wish HRI would have came up with that solution before I junked it.
Flint
Rolla,Missouri,
United States
Incompetence
#3General Comment
Fri, June 07, 2024
Sounds like you need to hire your own service technician who knows what they are doing. This isn't rocket science, you probably just have a defective temperature control or a sticking relay or something like that. It should be an easy and inexpensive fix. Worst case, disconnect the control board from the refrigeration unit and install a regular mechanical refrigerator temperature control. That should cost around $50 for parts and maybe $150 for labor.