7 replies to this topic

[a_jones]

I'm new to the vending world, but I've been all throughout this sub-forum reading all the post which are related to my situation. I've gained a wealth of information on this site, which at first almost lead me to cancel all of my vending plans, but eventually and surely got me back on the vending track with a better understanding.

I have two small home-based businesses which only demands a few hours a day. I'm looking to add additional revenue. I'm wanting to place a refurb Dixie-Narco machine in the office/common area of the apartment complex I reside in. The 315-unit complex is in a very nice neighborhood w/ 5-12 workers. The area next to the office contains a small workout room, laundry, movie theater, swimming pool etc...

As of now the only machines I've seen that seem decent and fairly priced are:
http://www.vendingwo...S-supersize.htm
http://columbia.crai...1234851128.html
and ebay

I would appreciate any opinions on these.

Also,

Is insurance necessary for just one machine?
Any tips on getting vending repair experience? I'm willing to work as an apprentice for free for about a weeks time. I'm in GA, but I'll travel if I can get some experience.
I know summer is the best season for vending, but how bad is the fall and winter? I plan to buy a machine within a month or so.

Thanks

[a_jones]

Also,

Any tips relating to this situation but not directly asked, will be greatly appreciated.

[Ruskie]

A 315 unit complex would normally be a good source of revenue. I have a 400 unit complex with four machines and doing good. How ever in your situation if the complex does not already have drink machines tells me that the property management company does not want any on their property. Otherwise there would be dozens of vendors standing in line to place machines.

Insurance is a must unless you have very deep pockets. Someone gets hurt vending from your machine or it starts a fire - you're toast.

However I question the sincerity of your inquiry to vending, I think your subtle advertisement to your online busniness is your motive for posting here.

[a_jones]

A 315 unit complex would normally be a good source of revenue. I have a 400 unit complex with four machines and doing good. How ever in your situation if the complex does not already have drink machines tells me that the property management company does not want any on their property. Otherwise there would be dozens of vendors standing in line to place machines.

Insurance is a must unless you have very deep pockets. Someone gets hurt vending from your machine or it starts a fire - you're toast.

However I question the sincerity of your inquiry to vending, I think your subtle advertisement to your online busniness is your motive for posting here.

Thanks for the advice; however, you are seriously mistaken about the small business conspiracy. Not only is that not my intent,but I purposely left out my business name and duties because the business is a one of a kind and directly tied with me personally. Trust me, you don't have to worry about me in that aspect, I always keep my left hand separate from my right hand. I just always feel the need to give as much reasonable background as possible, that all....

Back to the original matter.... Is August or September a bad time to start, being that Fall and Winter are right around the corner? Also, your point on them not having a machine, because of policy, makes sense. However, this location is too good to not give a try. There is no store within close proximity. Plus there is an 6 store plaza right next to the complex and none of these guys have a machine either. The complex is fairly new so this could be part of the reason for no machine as yet.

My plan is to wow the landlord/manager with a very creative website and flyers and present him with custom fronts which I've designed and possibly give him the honor of choosing which front to use.

[Ruskie]

My plan is to wow the landlord/manager with a very creative website and flyers and present him with custom fronts which I've designed and possibly give him the honor of choosing which front to use.

Go for it my friend....

[Gulp-It!]

I'll be interested to hear how it turn out. I've stayed away from apartments due to security concerns. Un-monitored machines tend to get beat up. I was told by a former employee of Coke Enterprises that 80+% of their repair costs are from machines at apartments and hotels.

Anybody else have problems with apartment security?

George

www.gulpitvending.com

Thanks for the advice; however, you are seriously mistaken about the small business conspiracy. Not only is that not my intent,but I purposely left out my business name and duties because the business is a one of a kind and directly tied with me personally. Trust me, you don't have to worry about me in that aspect, I always keep my left hand separate from my right hand. I just always feel the need to give as much reasonable background as possible, that all....

Back to the original matter.... Is August or September a bad time to start, being that Fall and Winter are right around the corner? Also, your point on them not having a machine, because of policy, makes sense. However, this location is too good to not give a try. There is no store within close proximity. Plus there is an 6 store plaza right next to the complex and none of these guys have a machine either. The complex is fairly new so this could be part of the reason for no machine as yet.

My plan is to wow the landlord/manager with a very creative website and flyers and present him with custom fronts which I've designed and possibly give him the honor of choosing which front to use.

[a_jones]

I'll be interested to hear how it turn out. I've stayed away from apartments due to security concerns. Un-monitored machines tend to get beat up. I was told by a former employee of Coke Enterprises that 80+% of their repair costs are from machines at apartments and hotels.

Anybody else have problems with apartment security?

George

www.gulpitvending.com

Yeah, I've been thinking about vandalism for a while now. I plan to combat this by placing a big charity sticker on the machine, stating that profits from this machine goes to a senior citizen or kids charity. I think this will make most folks think twice and rethink any malicious thoughts or acts. I'll gladly pay 1 cent per soda sold to a charity to help deter vandalism and theft. I once heard a guy say the best way to stop thieves from breaking into your car is to hang a big "I Love Jesus" air freshener in the front. This is my twist on that observation. I'll probably just donate a few hundred every year.

My main issue as of now is finding a vending-tech to shadow for a few days. Does anyone have any suggestions on this front?

[bcron]

Hanging an "I love Jesus" air freshener in your car around here would be a good way to have your "I love Jesus" air freshener stolen!