7 replies to this topic

[gwhite93105]

So I'm just getting started in this and looking at branching out to a 2 or 3 head candy vending unit. My question is, what, if anything are you using to make sure someone doesn't just walk off with the unit as a whole?

[dogcow]

bolt them together, bolt them to the wall, get a cage, or all 3 ...u placing the machine outside in a rough area?

[gwhite93105]

I don't have any locations yet, but want to make sure I understand exactly what I'm getting myself into before I spend any money (unlike that old Dixie Narco I just bought with a friend...)

If the machine are indoors is physical security much of a concern?

[dogcow]

uh like anything else it depends and anything can happen...less risk than outside but break-ins and vandalism do happen from time to time. if ur placing it inside i wouldnt really worry especially if its a public area where people would be seen trying to break into it. that

with a drink machine like the one in your avatar the risk is kinda low, the thing is 800lbs or so empty the biggest risk is some idiot shaking it and having it fall on them or someone lucking up by having a spare key to your lock.
i wouldnt worry about it much unless it was outside.

around here the outside machines just have a security lock and a high security validator face plate because crime rate is fairly low even in the low income areas i dont see caged drink machines.

[gwhite93105]

uh like anything else it depends and anything can happen...less risk than outside but break-ins and vandalism do happen from time to time. if ur placing it inside i wouldnt really worry especially if its a public area where people would be seen trying to break into it. that

with a drink machine like the one in your avatar the risk is kinda low, the thing is 800lbs or so empty the biggest risk is some idiot shaking it and having it fall on them or someone lucking up by having a spare key to your lock.
i wouldnt worry about it much unless it was outside.

around here the outside machines just have a security lock and a high security validator face plate because crime rate is fairly low even in the low income areas i dont see caged drink machines.

Thanks dogcow for the advice. I was thinking with the large soda machines the risk was minimal, there's no moving it without catching someones eye. These smaller (peanut / M&M) ones I could see some idiot trying to walk off with though.

When you say security lock & high security validator face plate - could you explain that further?

I have ordered a standard lock off eBay, are the high security ones the ones that use standard (like house or car) shaped keys?

[dogcow]

yeah high security locks look llike a hockey puck. a few places make them. i would stay away from vanlock i had those and the key is prone to becoming warped and not working i replaced them just in time. you see the puck locks on outside machines. i do not haev any but i have heard good things about medeco. the ebay lock is probably fine. theres some chance someone might have a spare key but its pretty unlikely. if money goes missing change the lock

for outside machines they make validators with a stronger bezel so people cant pry the validator out or break it as a point of attack.

frankly unless ur going for an outside location i would worry about it otherwise no. i know a guy here who used to do construction sites he didnt even use a cage or anything he just put out beater $200 machines and i guess if they got destroyed he parted them out. he said he made a lot of money.

[H4UV]

The problem with bulk vending is, unless you are doing it in HUGE volumes, it can end up being not very profitable. In the long run, you WILL do better if you focus on full size vending. That would be the advice I would give based on what I have seen from many other bulk vendors. If you decide to go ahead with it, dogcow has the right advice.

[Steve Fischer]

When I first started with my bulk machines I was worried about securing them but after I started placing them, I never gave it a second thought. Just watch where you put them and I never place them out doors. The product will last much longer in a climate controlled situation than outdoors.