gumball and candy machines
@livingforever (29)
United States
June 21, 2012 6:32am CST
Every time I go to the store my kids want some coins to put in the machines for a little candy. I know it isn't really cost effective but since I don't buy candy for the house, I figure a little at a time isn't bad for them.
The machines are all 25cents, some are 50cents. I usually give them a quarter each but lately the machines just take the money and don't send any candy out. There is nobody to complain to about this, we have lost 75 in the past month alone, it is happening more often than not.
I don't know if the machines are just old but I don't want to waste anymore money in those machines because know I know there is a high chance it won't deliver.
Do you give your kids change for the machines and do they always receive or is there times like mine when they don't? What do you do if nothing comes out?
2 responses
@much2say (55498)
• Los Angeles, California
22 Jun 12
Have you ever hit the machines? Hee hee. Whenever nothing comes out of those machines, I will give it a good fist smack and sometimes the toy or candy will come out of it. Sometimes they just get stuck in the hole they are supposed to come out of. But moreso than the candy or toy machines, I've lost money on those kid rides - like at the mall. So sad when your child expects to have a fun ride - you put in your money - and zip happens. I will only let my kids have a chance at one of those machines - whatever it may be - but only ONE. And only if they've been good! 
@livingforever (29)
• United States
22 Jun 12
I haven't tried hitting it, I'll do that next time.
Oh my goodness, I hate those rides at the mall, they each cost 75cents! There is a penny horse ride at the supermarket. I try to avoid the mall rides because even if I don't put change in my kids will hop into one with another child and I feel like I owe that kid a ride!
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
21 Jun 12
Hello livingforever
I have given my children change for the gumball machines. I remember how much I enjoyed this activity when I was a child. I think it's less the getting of the gum and more the ritual of it that is most enjoyable.
How disappointing that your children are not getting anything. This has never happened to me with a gumball machine or candy machine. Usually there is a phone number on the machine. You could try that. Or, even better, if the machine is not secured, simply take it. Load it up and take it home. In fact, even if there is a number, take it home. Then call the number and tell the person you have their machine and you will gladly return it in exchange for the refund.
@livingforever (29)
• United States
22 Jun 12
Ahahaha! lol! Take it? I would have never thought that. But I will look closer to see if there is number on the machine. I know it does bring back fun memories from when I did that and I never had my change taken without a return. The machines look archaic, they are the same ones from when I was a little girl so there is bound to be some glitches by now.
I'm going to take a look and see if they are bolted down or attached to all the others, I'd be worried that store security might stop me! lol!
