8 replies to this topic

[joe t]

I have been researching and evaluating getting into the vending business for awhile now (nearly a year). I would like to start small with 5 or less combo machines. I have looked at new and used machines. I have also been to vending shows and have talked to several companies I have found on the net. I have also called approximately 12 locators. Calling locators was not very successful. Most never returned my calls and the couple that did were highly priced based on information I had gathered. Most recently I talked to Advance Vending but have read the recent postings and see the recommendation is to stay clear of them. Several months back I almost purchased three used machines but decided against it after learning the shipping cost was nearly $900 dollars.

Ideally most people getting into the business would like to minimize risk and keep the initial investment low. I too would like to do that but have come to the point now of not knowing what to do other than do nothing at all. Most of what I read says stay clear of the companies selling machines and providing locators. Buying used machines will certainly keep the cost down but which ones are the right machines and how do you buy something that will be trouble free and guaranteed to be operational. I thought buying mechanical machines may have some advantages over electronics ones but now I am not sure. Finally finding locations. This is another area that is difficult to secure locations. Nearly all the places I visit already have a machine. Ideally I would work with a locator but can’t seem to find one that is reasonably priced or trustworthy.

So as you can read I have been exploring getting into the vending business for some time. I did not just jump but did my research. Unfortunately I am nearing the end of my exploration only to decide to walk away and not get into the business at all.

If anyone has any feedback or information that I could trust, I would be happy to give it one more shot.

Thanks, joe t

[jblvending]

I have been researching and evaluating getting into the vending business for awhile now (nearly a year). I would like to start small with 5 or less combo machines. I have looked at new and used machines. I have also been to vending shows and have talked to several companies I have found on the net. I have also called approximately 12 locators. Calling locators was not very successful. Most never returned my calls and the couple that did were highly priced based on information I had gathered. Most recently I talked to Advance Vending but have read the recent postings and see the recommendation is to stay clear of them. Several months back I almost purchased three used machines but decided against it after learning the shipping cost was nearly $900 dollars.

Ideally most people getting into the business would like to minimize risk and keep the initial investment low. I too would like to do that but have come to the point now of not knowing what to do other than do nothing at all. Most of what I read says stay clear of the companies selling machines and providing locators. Buying used machines will certainly keep the cost down but which ones are the right machines and how do you buy something that will be trouble free and guaranteed to be operational. I thought buying mechanical machines may have some advantages over electronics ones but now I am not sure. Finally finding locations. This is another area that is difficult to secure locations. Nearly all the places I visit already have a machine. Ideally I would work with a locator but can’t seem to find one that is reasonably priced or trustworthy.

So as you can read I have been exploring getting into the vending business for some time. I did not just jump but did my research. Unfortunately I am nearing the end of my exploration only to decide to walk away and not get into the business at all.

If anyone has any feedback or information that I could trust, I would be happy to give it one more shot.

Thanks, joe t

I would go and work for a vendor first, to see if it's your cup of tea.

[danl]

Joe t - it looks to me like you've been going about this in the right way. You certainly have done your homework. Don't let "analysis paralysis" get in your way. Obviously, you want to try to minimize your risk but that concept applies to starting and running any business not just vending. I'm sure you know that there's always going to be a risk. You're not going to be able to eliminate it. In some ways that's what makes running your own business so exciting. It's how you prepare for those inevitable risks that's going to help you succeed or not.

So, you're at a deciding point now. Do you "jump in" based on what you've learned so far or do you proceed in another direction? I don't want to take away from the suggestion that you work for a vendor for awhile to see if vending really is for you. It's a good suggestion and should you decide to do that then you might be able to pick up on what kinds of problems to expect and how they are handled. Having a plan of action to fall back on is a great comfort and can keep problems from turning into crises. For example, did you know that rapid growth in a business can be just as disastrous for a business as no growth if not planned for?

If you should decide to go into vending or any business, realize that there are going to be problems. Try to anticipate what problems you might have to face, minimize them when you can and plan how to deal with them when you can't. Start out conservatively. Risks are part of any business adventure and as the owner/operator of the business, unlike working for someone else, the risks are yours to juggle. If you've got your juggling act together, it can be a very exciting thing but it's not for everyone and maybe that's what's got you stumped.

[jblvending]

Joe t - it looks to me like you've been going about this in the right way. You certainly have done your homework. Don't let "analysis paralysis" get in your way. Obviously, you want to try to minimize your risk but that concept applies to starting and running any business not just vending. I'm sure you know that there's always going to be a risk. You're not going to be able to eliminate it. In some ways that's what makes running your own business so exciting. It's how you prepare for those inevitable risks that's going to help you succeed or not.

So, you're at a deciding point now. Do you "jump in" based on what you've learned so far or do you proceed in another direction? I don't want to take away from the suggestion that you work for a vendor for awhile to see if vending really is for you. It's a good suggestion and should you decide to do that then you might be able to pick up on what kinds of problems to expect and how they are handled. Having a plan of action to fall back on is a great comfort and can keep problems from turning into crises. For example, did you know that rapid growth in a business can be just as disastrous for a business as no growth if not planned for?

If you should decide to go into vending or any business, realize that there are going to be problems. Try to anticipate what problems you might have to face, minimize them when you can and plan how to deal with them when you can't. Start out conservatively. Risks are part of any business adventure and as the owner/operator of the business, unlike working for someone else, the risks are yours to juggle. If you've got your juggling act together, it can be a very exciting thing but it's not for everyone and maybe that's what's got you stumped.

Good advice, I'd like to add something to my comment, when I say go try it first, then decide for yourself if it's something you would like to continue, the beauty of this is, they(the Company) teach you everything, pay you to learn what they learned, and any mistakes that you make, is on there dime. Now I understand some folks work a full time job, and would like to do it part time, let me say this, unless your off a few days during the week(shift worker) it ain't gonna work, you need a couple of days a week off to take care of the business, working in the evening, and late at night is going to make you regret ever getting into vending, it's like having a new born, you will have to take care of problems that arise ASAP, or the next vendor will.

[joe t]

All, thanks for taking the time and responding. I accept the risk and know that every business has them. I am very dedicated in whatever I do and work hard at it. The idea of working with a vending company is a good one. However where I am frustrated is not deciding if I want to do this or not but who to trust and what is the best way to get into the business. Perhaps I am reading too many blogs, articles, etc and talking to many people. Everyone seems to have their own idea that they are the best whether it’s the best locator, the best equipment, the best company, the best programs, the best used equipment, guarantee, warrantees, etc… I am trying to not fall victim to a scam.

Where I was a week ago was finding a company that sold new equipment and had a locator service all at a reasonable price. I had decided I did not want to buy used equipment and take over some else’s headaches. I also decided it was too difficult and too time consuming to find locations let alone the right locations. But after reading many comment on Vending chat.com I’m not sure anymore.

[Seechi21]

All, thanks for taking the time and responding. I accept the risk and know that every business has them. I am very dedicated in whatever I do and work hard at it. The idea of working with a vending company is a good one. However where I am frustrated is not deciding if I want to do this or not but who to trust and what is the best way to get into the business. Perhaps I am reading too many blogs, articles, etc and talking to many people. Everyone seems to have their own idea that they are the best whether it’s the best locator, the best equipment, the best company, the best programs, the best used equipment, guarantee, warrantees, etc… I am trying to not fall victim to a scam.

Where I was a week ago was finding a company that sold new equipment and had a locator service all at a reasonable price. I had decided I did not want to buy used equipment and take over some else’s headaches. I also decided it was too difficult and too time consuming to find locations let alone the right locations. But after reading many comment on Vending chat.com I’m not sure anymore.

I haven't been in this business very long, but have been in many different ventures in my life and have found that sometimes you just have to do what your gut tells you. When I first got into real estate, everyone cautioned and most were doomsayers, but I educated myself, did some research and made a decision based on what I felt was right and struck a jackpot several times. Even after I made my money, people would still try and put a negative spin on the situation. The truth is people are jealous and don't like to see others making money the easy way. Vending was no different. I purchased an existing route and when others got word of it, it was just like the things you were mentioning, "don't buy used" "sounds like a scam" "its too hard". The truth is, its really easy. I buy sodas for twenty cents and sell them for 75. Its like I own a bunch of little convenient stores that I don't have to operate. In fact I am making money as I write this blog. To me, the machines don't matter as long as the location is happy with them. I haven't had any problems yet, but what's the worse that can really happen? I'm not a tech guy, but I can call one, right? Yes, its possible you could lose money, but I'm sure you have before. You could also make a lot of money, the easy way. Which is more likely? It's like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play.
As far as the locators go, I would do my own. You won't always find the primo location, mainly because most are already taken, but I think its a lot easier than what you are making it out to be. We are providing a service, and most employees want to satisfy their workers. Besides, the worse they can say is "no". Ultimately, you will find if you provide a great service, that people will call you-this has already happened twice to me. GOOD LUCK!

[Vending_General]

I have been researching and evaluating getting into the vending business for awhile now (nearly a year). I would like to start small with 5 or less combo machines. I have looked at new and used machines. I have also been to vending shows and have talked to several companies I have found on the net. I have also called approximately 12 locators. Calling locators was not very successful. Most never returned my calls and the couple that did were highly priced based on information I had gathered. Most recently I talked to Advance Vending but have read the recent postings and see the recommendation is to stay clear of them. Several months back I almost purchased three used machines but decided against it after learning the shipping cost was nearly $900 dollars.

Ideally most people getting into the business would like to minimize risk and keep the initial investment low. I too would like to do that but have come to the point now of not knowing what to do other than do nothing at all. Most of what I read says stay clear of the companies selling machines and providing locators. Buying used machines will certainly keep the cost down but which ones are the right machines and how do you buy something that will be trouble free and guaranteed to be operational. I thought buying mechanical machines may have some advantages over electronics ones but now I am not sure. Finally finding locations. This is another area that is difficult to secure locations. Nearly all the places I visit already have a machine. Ideally I would work with a locator but can’t seem to find one that is reasonably priced or trustworthy.

So as you can read I have been exploring getting into the vending business for some time. I did not just jump but did my research. Unfortunately I am nearing the end of my exploration only to decide to walk away and not get into the business at all.

If anyone has any feedback or information that I could trust, I would be happy to give it one more shot.

Thanks, joe t

Joe- You may have some doubts about the vending market, but there are many many different markets and "pitches" to utilize. One market you may not have thought of trying is the Energy Vending Market. It's growing at a rapid pace and is becoming very popular.

[jblvending]

est

I haven't been in this business very long, but have been in many different ventures in my life and have found that sometimes you just have to do what your gut tells you. When I first got into real estate, everyone cautioned and most were doomsayers, but I educated myself, did some research and made a decision based on what I felt was right and struck a jackpot several times. Even after I made my money, people would still try and put a negative spin on the situation. The truth is people are jealous and don't like to see others making money the easy way. Vending was no different. I purchased an existing route and when others got word of it, it was just like the things you were mentioning, "don't buy used" "sounds like a scam" "its too hard". The truth is, its really easy. I buy sodas for twenty cents and sell them for 75. Its like I own a bunch of little convenient stores that I don't have to operate. In fact I am making money as I write this blog. To me, the machines don't matter as long as the location is happy with them. I haven't had any problems yet, but what's the worse that can really happen? I'm not a tech guy, but I can call one, right? Yes, its possible you could lose money, but I'm sure you have before. You could also make a lot of money, the easy way. Which is more likely? It's like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play.
As far as the locators go, I would do my own. You won't always find the primo location, mainly because most are already taken, but I think its a lot easier than what you are making it out to be. We are providing a service, and most employees want to satisfy their workers. Besides, the worse they can say is "no". Ultimately, you will find if you provide a great service, that people will call you-this has already happened twice to me. GOOD LUCK!

Wow, you make it sound so easy, and where do you buy soda's for .20 each? Now Im really interested in that.I think when people come on here, they are trying to see the pit falls that other people have encountered when they first started out, Don't thing there being negative, just sharing potential problems, which too me is priceless.

[BVI]

I haven't been in this business very long, but have been in many different ventures in my life and have found that sometimes you just have to do what your gut tells you. When I first got into real estate, everyone cautioned and most were doomsayers, but I educated myself, did some research and made a decision based on what I felt was right and struck a jackpot several times. Even after I made my money, people would still try and put a negative spin on the situation. The truth is people are jealous and don't like to see others making money the easy way. Vending was no different. I purchased an existing route and when others got word of it, it was just like the things you were mentioning, "don't buy used" "sounds like a scam" "its too hard". The truth is, its really easy. I buy sodas for twenty cents and sell them for 75. Its like I own a bunch of little convenient stores that I don't have to operate. In fact I am making money as I write this blog. To me, the machines don't matter as long as the location is happy with them. I haven't had any problems yet, but what's the worse that can really happen? I'm not a tech guy, but I can call one, right? Yes, its possible you could lose money, but I'm sure you have before. You could also make a lot of money, the easy way. Which is more likely? It's like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play.
As far as the locators go, I would do my own. You won't always find the primo location, mainly because most are already taken, but I think its a lot easier than what you are making it out to be. We are providing a service, and most employees want to satisfy their workers. Besides, the worse they can say is "no". Ultimately, you will find if you provide a great service, that people will call you-this has already happened twice to me. GOOD LUCK!

I don't mean to be offensive to anyone, but vending is NOT an easy business in any sense of the word. At least, not if your locations are doing any volume at all. In fact, I would never say such a thing, especially in a public forum. BizOps and scam artists are the ones out there pitching vending as an "easy business". Obviously, being a vendor yourself, you are not a BizOp, so it's not a good idea to talk like one.

And, if you haven't had any problems yet, then it's because you're either too new to the business, have only a few machines out there, or you just aren't doing the volume. Nothing wrong with being new or not doing a lot of volume as we all have to start somewhere, but it does not translate into vending being an "easy business". That simply is not a true statement and is misleading to anyone considering vending as a business venture.

The other thing... buying sodas for .20 and selling for .75? Would you mind sharing how you do that?