5 replies to this topic

[bcron]

How do you guys feel about outdoor snack locations? I have an opportunity for a pretty good location, but the big drawback is it's outdoors. It is in a spot which would be most frequented during the spring to fall months. It would be facing west and get the brunt of the late day sun.

I know I can't put a regular snack machine there, not only for the heat purposes, but for the weathering purposes, but I can pick up an all-weather unit. With a chiller can it keep up with 90+ degree heat and full sunshine in the afternoon? I have talked to a friend in the business and he says pass on it. That is my gut feeling too. Expensive machine to start with, can it cool the product well enough, if it breaks down, not only have you lost most product, but expensive to repair, open to vandalism,... These are the things running through my head.

[coinvestor]

How do you guys feel about outdoor snack locations? I have an opportunity for a pretty good location, but the big drawback is it's outdoors. It is in a spot which would be most frequented during the spring to fall months. It would be facing west and get the brunt of the late day sun.

I know I can't put a regular snack machine there, not only for the heat purposes, but for the weathering purposes, but I can pick up an all-weather unit. With a chiller can it keep up with 90+ degree heat and full sunshine in the afternoon? I have talked to a friend in the business and he says pass on it. That is my gut feeling too. Expensive machine to start with, can it cool the product well enough, if it breaks down, not only have you lost most product, but expensive to repair, open to vandalism,... These are the things running through my head.

As far as I know, there are no all-weather snack units. There are climate controlled units, but they need shelter from the weather. I had a big red national climate controlled machine (like you see in rest areas). I didn't like the machine, or the additional risk for vandalism. I would pass on the location.

JD

[Seechi21]

How do you guys feel about outdoor snack locations? I have an opportunity for a pretty good location, but the big drawback is it's outdoors. It is in a spot which would be most frequented during the spring to fall months. It would be facing west and get the brunt of the late day sun.

I know I can't put a regular snack machine there, not only for the heat purposes, but for the weathering purposes, but I can pick up an all-weather unit. With a chiller can it keep up with 90+ degree heat and full sunshine in the afternoon? I have talked to a friend in the business and he says pass on it. That is my gut feeling too. Expensive machine to start with, can it cool the product well enough, if it breaks down, not only have you lost most product, but expensive to repair, open to vandalism,... These are the things running through my head.

I have a couple of outdoor machines and haven't had any problems. Mine are at an outdoor market where the gate is closed around 9 pm so I not really fearful of vandals. The worst thing I have had happen is some kid jammed a piece of wood in my validator, but it was easily fixed. These machines have awnings over them so they aren't in direct sunlight and I haven't had any shrink so far this year. Really in my part of the country, we only get brutal heat 3 months out of the year, so usually I slim down what I put in there. Obviously chocolate won't work, but chips hold up well. It's not my best location, but it's a definite money maker.

[danl]

Product and vandalism would be my two biggest concerns.

[Gabe .Z.]

I would not put a snack machine outside. vandalism, product going bad, the elements, animals getting in, etc. Not worth it IMHO.

[bcron]

Thanks to all for your opinions. It helps me cement my decision to not go with the location. I was not quite straddling the fence any more, but occasionally peeking over. I don't think I'll peek anymore.