8 replies to this topic

[Johnny Ringo]

Hello,

I have been researching the vending business for the last week or so. I am beginning to get serious about entering into vending. This site has been a great resource and I greatly appreciate all the information and opinions posted here.

The main question I was hoping to get some responses to is: How has the downturn in the economy affected the vending industry?
I would love to hear the feedback of all of you experienced vending business owners out there.

Thanks,

Johnny Ringo

[mobo13]

Well, the search for any vending related terms almost trippled in the last few month (according to Google)...it tells you something. I guess more people trying to become more independent these days.

[Poplady]

Hello,

I have been researching the vending business for the last week or so. I am beginning to get serious about entering into vending. This site has been a great resource and I greatly appreciate all the information and opinions posted here.

The main question I was hoping to get some responses to is: How has the downturn in the economy affected the vending industry?
I would love to hear the feedback of all of you experienced vending business owners out there.

Thanks,

Johnny Ringo

Over all the business is down 30% Nationwide. That is based on a telephone survey of operators from East to West looking at income for the last two years.

[chrisdunn77]

I'm sure it is down, everything is. But there are two things on our side 1. everyone has a quarter or two in there pocket and 2. every kid wants candy, gum or a toy!!!!

[eagle90301]

I was down 25% last year big hit for me

[vendrell]

Sales will naturally be down because places will have fewer employees and less customer traffic volume. However, if you are always looking to expand and are creative with location placements, you can still have very good sales. I have machines at coin laundrys, childrens medical clinics, restaurants, bars, marine corp offices. I compensate for lower sales per location with density of machines in a concentrated area so you can go for volume with little extra time and gas investment.

[JonnyVendor]

Our sales have not been down since the beginning of the down economy. Not sure if it is because the product we sell or if there are so many people trying to start their own businesses? The alcohol industry is one that does not suffer in times of strife, therefore, Alco-Checkpoint Breathalyzer Vending Machines keep getting used at the bars, restaurants, clubs, Etc. Machines sales have rapidly grown since our inception in 2007.
Hope this helps and you can check out the our website at http://alcocheckpoint.com

[Cttomasso]

Ours is one of the only businesses that has increased during the downturn in the economy, but that's because we've been aggressively growing and because we were large enough before the downturn. This meant that we were able to keep our prices the same. A major consequence of the downturn has been that large companies like Coca Cola are squeezing out the smaller vendor through rebate programs. It's harder than ever to get started in the business from scratch because of the high price of product for a very small vending business.

[tomshark]

Here's an interesting interview of a successful vending operation in Atlanta about this topic of vending sales, the past and the future: http://www.amequipme...ss-has-changed/