We've all been there before. Hungry, thirsty, and in a rush to get back to work or class. There's no time for a full meal, so you settle for a soda and snack from the vending machines in your office or break room. You put some money into the machine, make your selection, and nothing happens.
Hmpf?
The money is gone and you're without a soda or snack.
No amount of banging or pushing on the machine will help. Trust us. So, what can you do to get a refund after losing your money?
Below are three ways to get your money back from a vending machine.
Does your company have multiple locations? Consolidate all your vending needs into a national account with a vending management program.
How To Get Refunds From A Vending Machine
1. Refunds From a Coke or Pepsi Machine
If you lost money in a soda machine that's serviced by either Coca-Cola or Pepsi, there's a toll free number you can call to get your refund. Both companies have a system in place for this issue. They will send you a coupon to your home that is redeemable at any store where sodas are sold through a cooler or refrigerator. Here are the phone numbers:
Coca-Cola: 800-438-2653
Pepsi: 800-562-6800
2. Refunds From Vending Machines Not Serviced by Coca-Cola Or Pepsi
Sometimes local vending machine companies will service Coke and Pepsi machines in addition to snack machines. In this case, check the machine for the vendor's information. It'll often be either above the coin and dollar bill mechanisms, or on the side of the machine. Give them a call and let them know you've lost money and they will make sure you get it back.
3. Not Sure Who Services The Machine? Speak To Property Management
If you've lost money in a vending machine and you're not sure who services it, speak to the management of the location. They should know who to call, and sometimes they have their own procedures in place to provide refunds to customers or guests.
Nowadays, many vending machines have credit card readers on them. A lot of people will buy something from a vending machine, then see on their statement that they've been charged twice. Most of the time this charge is only temporary. See our blog post about why your credit card is charged twice for more information.
It's frustrating to lose money in a vending machine. Even though it's only a dollar or two, it's your money and the expectation of receiving something for it. When the transaction doesn't go through as expected, you feel cheated. Be sure to contact the supplier about the issue. Not only will you get your money back, but it will prompt a service technician to fix the vending machine and prevent the same thing from happening to someone else.
FAQ: How to Get a Refund From a Vending Machine
How do I get my money back from a vending machine?
Start by checking the machine for a customer service phone number or vendor label. If it’s a branded soda machine, you can often request a refund directly from the beverage company. If it’s a local operator, contact the vendor listed on the machine. If there’s no vendor info, ask the property manager or front desk for the service provider.
What should I do first if a vending machine takes my money?
Take a quick photo of the machine’s front (including the machine number/ID, vendor sticker, and payment area). Note the date/time, your selection, and whether it was cash or card. Then contact the number on the machine, or property management if no number is listed.
Can I get a refund from a Coca-Cola vending machine?
Yes. If the machine is serviced through Coca-Cola’s vending support, you can call Coca-Cola customer service to request a refund. Many refund requests are handled via a coupon that can be redeemed at retail locations.
Can I get a refund from a Pepsi vending machine?
Yes. If the machine is serviced through Pepsi’s vending support, you can call Pepsi customer service to request a refund. Many refund requests are handled via a coupon that can be redeemed at retail locations.
What if the vending machine isn’t serviced by Coke or Pepsi?
Look for a vendor label on the machine. It’s commonly located near the coin/bill area or on the side panel. Call the vendor, explain what happened, and share the machine ID (or location + selection). Most operators will make it right and will also dispatch service if the machine is malfunctioning.
What if there’s no phone number or vendor sticker on the machine?
Talk to the property manager, office manager, front desk, or facilities team. They usually know who services the machines and may have their own internal refund process.
How long does it take to get a vending machine refund?
It depends on the service provider and payment type. Cash refunds may be handled quickly by the local vendor or property management. Branded beverage support may mail a coupon, which can take longer. Card-related issues may resolve as the payment settles.
Why did my credit card get charged twice for a vending machine purchase?
Many vending card readers show a temporary authorization that can look like a duplicate charge. In most cases, one charge drops off after the transaction settles. If the duplicate charge remains after settlement, contact the vendor listed on the machine (or property management).
What information do I need to request a vending machine refund?
The more detail you provide, the faster it gets resolved:
- Location (building + floor/area)
- Machine ID number (if shown)
- Item selection (example: B7)
- Payment type (cash, card, mobile pay)
- Date and approximate time
- What happened (no vend, stuck item, double charge)
What if my snack gets stuck and doesn’t drop?
Don’t shake or tip the machine. Take a photo, note the selection code, and contact the vendor or property manager for a refund and service. Shaking a machine can cause damage or create safety risk.
Can my workplace refund me directly?
Some offices, schools, and facilities keep a simple process for small refunds (cash box, voucher, or internal reimbursement). If you’re not sure, ask the front desk, office manager, or facilities team.
How can we reduce vending machine refund issues across multiple locations?
If your company manages vending across multiple sites, consolidating into a vending management program (often called a national account) helps standardize:
- Service response expectations
- Refund and customer support procedures
- Equipment uptime targets
- Payment system consistency
- Reporting across locations
