Feds Are Reportedly Looking Into Why McDonald's Ice-Cream Machines Are Always Busted

[Jilly_in_VA]

I scream. You scream. We all scream ... out of sheer rage that the McDonald's ice-cream machine is busted again.

By now it is well known among connoisseurs of the fast-food giant's frozen desserts that McDonald's ice-cream machines often break down. The technical problems that regularly befall the contraptions can make McFlurries, shakes and other treats unattainable.

McDonald's has acknowledged the issue. But customers are not lovin' it.

The problem has gotten so widespread there's even an online tool that lets you track malfunctioning machines across the United States.

Now, the feds are reportedly on the case.

https://www.npr.org/2021/09/02/1033715465/mcdonalds-ice-cream-machines-mcflurries-ftc-investigation

[Jerry2144]

1. Possible causes

Machines poorly designed or built. Or the workers don’t get paid enough to clean the dang thing every day. Rather than clean it, they say it is broken. Which is more likely?

[Dustlawyer]

6. I watched a video on this a while back.

They claim the manufacturer has a deal with McDonalds use their machines in all franchisee stores as a requirement. The store owner cannot use any other repair/maintenance company but the machine manufacturer’s. They pay high rates and are stuck. The manufacturer makes a lot of money on repair work.

[Phoenix61]

10. I saw the same video. Thought it seemed the

most likely answer.

[Brother Buzz]

9. Or the third possibility: Nefarious software, secret codes and a sweetheat deal between....

Taylor and McDonald's, designed to shakedown franchise owners for unnecessary and expensive repairs.

It's not a bug, it's a feature.

[brush]

2. I run into that also. There must not be enough profit in the shakes...

for them not to have fixed that long ago.

[Effete Snob]

4. No, it's a racket

McDonalds requires the franchisees to use certain machines which are only manufactured and serviced by a company in which McDonalds has an interest.

The service charges on the machines is another revenue stream from the franchisees to McDonalds. In other words, McDonalds doesn’t want to fix the “problem” because they make money from the machines being broken.

[brush]

5. Ahhhh...got it.

[Buns_of_Fire]

3. Sounds like a job for the Cyber Ninnies! nt

[EYESORE 9001]

7. The public benefits from their broken machines

by not swilling down their chemical concoction.

[Fullduplexxx]

12. Isnt it a private entity that can decline to sell anything it has sold previously

[Effete Snob]

16. A private entity is not allowed to fuck its franchisees

[East-A-Squared]

8. This video may explain it. Taylor company is the supplier.

[Fullduplexxx]

11. Why are "the feds" getting involved?

[LeftInTX]

13. Trade issues involving the machines

Unfair trade practices..contract issues...stuff like that

It's not about us pulling up to McDonald's with perpetual broken machines, but about possible contract with the machine manufacturer/distributor that could be considered unfair.

From what I understand the machines are overpriced (overpriced includes overpriced maintenance and maintenance difficulties).

Don't know the details, but the perpetually broken machines make good headlines.

[Effete Snob]

17. Because it's a racket run by McDonalds

They require their franchisees to have these machines which break down a lot, and McDonalds gets a cut of the take.

[Fullduplexxx]

18. Thanks

[XanaDUer2]

15. We've been disappointed many times nt