Only a Vending Operator? By Jane MacDonald – MD Excel Vending
Every now and again we at Planet Vending spot a post or article that is worthy of a wider audience. This post first seen on Linked In is one such… I doubt anyone would argue against Jane’s words. Drop us a line if you’d like to see more such articles on PV. YRY.
‘I recently overheard a conversation where a Vending Operator, when asked what they did for a living, responded, “I am only an Operator.”
At Excel Vending, there is no such thing as “only” an Operator. Every member of our team is essential and valued and plays a vital role in the success of our business. If they didn’t, we simply wouldn’t be here. It takes a team to keep everything running smoothly, and our Operators are at the heart of that, ensuring our customers receive the high level of service they’ve come to expect from us.
As we continue to grow year after year, we’re always looking for great Vending Operators and Merchandisers. But when you stop and think about what it takes to be a truly great Vending Operator, you begin to understand how critical this role is within the Vending and Unattended Retail industry. It’s not just about refilling machines—far from it.
Every Excel Operator holds a Scottish Disclosure Certificate, AVA Health & Hygiene Certificates, and a full driving licence. They drive 3-5 tonne vehicles through busy city centres, towns, and villages, navigating tight streets and tricky parking situations. Anyone who has ever struggled to find a decent parking spot in a city centre can appreciate the skill it takes to park a large vehicle safely—and I say that as someone who has been known to reverse into our bins at home! It’s a challenge our Operators handle with impressive ease.
Beyond driving, they need a whole range of other skills. IT knowledge is a must, as each Vending Operator is responsible for managing stock levels—both in their van, which essentially acts as their mobile office, and in every machine they service. They need to understand detailed planograms, rotate stock to prevent wastage, and ensure every machine is filled efficiently and correctly. On top of that, they’re trained to fix first-level faults, and every part of every machine must be cleaned to Excel’s high standards. There’s no room for shortcuts.
Then, there’s the daily vehicle checks—oil levels, tyre condition, and any potential faults that need reporting. Every Vending Operator takes responsibility for keeping their vehicle in top condition to ensure they can do their job safely and effectively.
But, perhaps the most crucial part of their role is their connection with our customers. Often, they are the face of Excel Vending, visiting customers (sometimes daily) and building relationships that are vital to us as a company. We pride ourselves on our customer service, and our Operators play a huge part in delivering that.
The same can be said for Vending Operators across the UK and beyond. So, to all the Operators, Merchandisers, and Joy Ambassadors out there—know your worth. What you do is invaluable, and we truly appreciate everything you bring to the industry. There is no such thing as “only” an Operator. You are the backbone of what makes vending work, and we couldn’t do it without you.’
Thanks Jane…
More from over the years about Excel Vending on PV here
