What a relief to see everyone's stories about this company! They tried to tell me that I was the only one that ever complained! This whole experience has been a nightmare and has cost me my life savings. I, like many of you bought 10 machines for 16,000. Shortly after receiving them (but before placing any of them) was contacted by CKA and offered 10 more machines for a reduced price. Something about a hurricane and their factory. It was presented as a "get it now or lose it" deal, and stupidly, I bit... But only for 5 machines... Thank God.
It was only after placing some of these machines that it became horribly clear just what junk they are! I called CKA so many times that I lost count, seeking help with the many problems that I had. These machines are attached to the base by 4 tiny bolts and they are incredibly "wiggley".
At their suggestion, we put large washers between the base and the "can" for stabilization.
This looks terrible but we didn't know what else to do.
Also, the keys: 703 and 704. When money came up missing from one of my machines, I asked the owner of the location (a friend) about it and he asked to see the key. He informed me that those keys and locks were very common and that he had the exact same ones for all of the locks in and on the motor homes that he rents out! I verified the comminality of the key with 2 of my local locksmiths. I now have bicycle locks around several machines so no one can take the backs off.
Has anyone else found it ridiculous that there is no coin box in these machines? I was told to put a rag or a towel inside to catch the coins and to make getting them out less time consuming. I am using cut off milk bottles... How sad is that?
Once after moving a machine I put a quarter in to test it and got back 2 peices of gum and one screw!!! What a nightmare that could have turned out to be if someone broke a tooth or swallowed a screw!!!
Also how about all of the tiny torque screws holding the plastic front and back of the "can" on? I constantly have to replace them. Stanley says it is because I have them in "inappropriate locations where they are apparently not supervised" Please.in many places they are right next to the solid little gumball machines that cost a fraction of the price and last for years.
These machines are just plain JUNK and I, along with countless others have been ripped off and lied to.
I filed a complaint with the office of the Attorney General of the State of Minnesota and the response (yes there actually was one) from CKA was one of blaming me and throwing in statements like "client was crying upset, complaining" like that was a bad thing. Hell yes I was... I'm out $21,500.00!!! CKA has offered me 6 more machines free of charge just to get me to go away.
If this in anyway resolved the problems that these machines have, I would consider it but to me this just sounds like 6 more headaches and I want no part of it. They also state that they believe that they have done everything possible to assist me both contractually and ethically. If that were true, they would just refund my money. I have also filed a complaint with the State of Flordia and am waiting to see how that pans out. My next step will be an attorney. I just want my money back and would love to join anyone in this fight. How do we contact each other to band together?" I know I will be calling Benjamin's (Kaneohe Hawaii) laywer ASAP to see where he is at in his fight and hopefully join in.
Good luck to everyone else in this pathetic boat.
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