Operators have been installing MEI cash recyclers since 2008 so their vending machines can accept high denomination bills without causing changer starvation. But did you realize that recyclers can also help reduce the need for bill breakers?

MEI has sold more than 32,000 cash recyclers to date for use in vending machines. That’s a huge field base of recyclers processing thousands of payments per day, allowing vending machines to accept high value bills by “reusing” low denomination bills as change!

We are very proud of the fact that, despite all these transactions, operators have reported virtually no jams or mechanical problems. But there have been a few. Since MEI’s goal is 100% vending machine uptime, I want to share with you some tips to keep your recyclers running:

Tip #1 – Check to see if your vending machine has already been tested with an MEI VNR.  We have tested the product with 80+ machines by Dixie Narco, Vendo, Royal, Crane, APi, FastCorp, and Wittern. Download a copy here.

Tip #2 – Check out our Quick Reference Guide. This one page sheet gives you step-by-step instructions on installing, clearing jams, performing diagnostics, upgrading software. Download a copy here.

Tip #3 – Watch our training videos, which show you step by step how to install, set up, program, and perform diagnostics on the MEI VNR.  Click the link on this page.

Please keep in mind proper installation is key with the MEI VNR. If the recycler is being pressed on by other components or door of the vending machine, it could cause a flex in the VNR chassis that will reduce performance. It is also imperative when clearing a bill jam that you follow the instructions carefully, fully removing the jam. And it’s often best to empty the drum of cash so the VNR can cycle the drum properly upon power up.

Whether deciding to add a banknote recycler or to go cashless or to integrate some combination of payment accepting devices, we are typically asked the same question: What criteria do you use to determine what payment device to invest in and when?

We usually respond with with three or four criteria such as vend price, but the one thing that we always include is location. The specific location of your vending machine is a critical element in the equation because it affects what is being sold, the volume, the risk for vandalism, and what types of payment are most prevalent. Here are just a few examples: