Vending

Fake 'out of order' sign costs vending operator five days of sales

Image: Adobe stock

August 18, 2026

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A Singapore vending machine operator said it lost five days of potential sales after a boy allegedly placed an unauthorized "out of order" sign over the screen of a working machine, according to a Stomp report. The Press On Me machine, which sells press-on nails, is located at the E!Hub shopping and entertainment complex in Pasir Ris.

The owner investigated after the machine recorded almost no purchases for several days. Security footage reportedly showed a youth attaching the sign Aug. 8, while a photo taken Aug. 11 showed the paper covering much of the touchscreen. The owner said the machine remained fully operational and customers could have completed purchases.

Press On Me typically replenishes the machine every 10 to 14 days, but the unusual sales activity prompted an earlier inspection. The owner could not calculate the lost revenue but said the incident occurred during Singapore's National Day weekend, when the area typically experiences heavier traffic. Police confirmed that a report was filed and said the matter is under investigation.