20 replies to this topic

[coinvestor]

I have a new HR23 snack machine in a train station. It has been on location for about 2 months sales total $120 since installation. Volume is sporatic. It may do $5 dollars a week for two weeks then do $35 the next. The location took me about 2 months to get working with the state for approval. Who would have thought that a train station with a police station above it that dosn't have vending would be a bad location. I have another location that could use the machine that is doing about $200 a week that I have to buy another machine for. The guys that work at the station tell me things really pickup around the holidays.

I don't think I have a choice, it has to be pulled. What do you guys think?

Jeremiah

[BVI]

I would not wait another day to pull it if you have somewhere else you can put it. Those numbers are really, really bad. I don't think I would use an HR23 for anything other than as a combo setup, but even then as a combo I would expect it to do no less than $70 per week or else I would pull it.

By itself, the $35 you say it does once in a while would be that bare minimum I would expect every week to keep it there. Falling below that number at all would get the machine pulled as soon as I could find another place to put it.

[BVI]

Speaking of pulling a machine, it is a pain. You do your best to get the location, then it peters out. Then, the next location you get is just to replace the one you're pulling out of. It seems like instead of moving forward, you're making a lateral move.

The way I try to look at it is that instead of "holding" at a certain number of machines, I'm actually growing by implementing a change that will increase my sales and profits without having to add more machines. When I look at it that way, it becomes a positive.

Jeremiah, it sounds like you're making some good, sound choices. All I can say is hang in there. Getting bigger is inevitable if you are dedicated to making your business grow. I've been trying to hit that "30" mark that Kevin was talking about (in another thread) and just got an account (5 machines) that will bring my total to 34. It has taken me a year and half to get to that point, which is longer than I anticipated. My problem is that I'm picky about the locations I go after... they have to meet certain criteria or I don't pursue them.

[coinvestor]

Speaking of pulling a machine, it is a pain. You do your best to get the location, then it peters out. Then, the next location you get is just to replace the one you're pulling out of. It seems like instead of moving forward, you're making a lateral move.

The way I try to look at it is that instead of "holding" at a certain number of machines, I'm actually growing by implementing a change that will increase my sales and profits without having to add more machines. When I look at it that way, it becomes a positive.

Jeremiah, it sounds like you're making some good, sound choices. All I can say is hang in there. Getting bigger is inevitable if you are dedicated to making your business grow. I've been trying to hit that "30" mark that Kevin was talking about (in another thread) and just got an account (5 machines) that will bring my total to 34. It has taken me a year and half to get to that point, which is longer than I anticipated. My problem is that I'm picky about the locations I go after... they have to meet certain criteria or I don't pursue them.

It is a pain! This one just seems hard to me since it took so much work to get in. The lady I was working with did her own research and decided that she wanted the I-Vend system, so I had to buy a new machine in order to get the location. Otherwise they would have got a refurb just to try them out. The location I want to put the machine has two combos that I have to service 3 time a week. Adding this machine and a CB300 should cut that back to once or twice a week at the most.

I am kind of stuck here. I work 46 hours a week on a 12 hour schedule and I keep my kids 2 days a week. This leaves one day for vending (assuming its not Sunday) and I can service on my way to and from work (I'm the night shift supervisor). I have to become more profitable to be in a good situation when I loose my job in April, so in order to do that or to take on more locations I have to become more efficient. If I pull this machine and move it I could potentially add a location to replace the time spent servicing it and two more locations for the time saved by getting the proper machine in the other location.

This is part of the reason I am considering an early (maybe premature) adoption of the DEX wrieless system. I am hoping that DEX would allow me to pull my stock on days when I have my kids then just stock the following days. This could potentially allow me to add even more locations before going full time. I am changing all my processes from accounting to stocking to transportation on a almost weekly basis as I try to grow, so implementing a DEX system right now shouldn't be any harder than any of the other lame processes I try that don't seem to have staying power. I think that it would be much easier for us small guys to get this system operating and we have a potential to leave the Canteens, Aramaks, and the "good ole boy" vending companies in the dust with this technology while they are stuck trying to change thier behemoth companies. We have the advantage as we can make changes and adjustments to our systems quickly.

"Then, the next location you get is just to replace the one you're pulling out of. It seems like instead of moving forward, you're making a lateral move."

The thing I like is the fact that by doing so you can make more money without the initial investment. Theres nothing like adding a good location that you don't have to buy machines for.

"It has taken me a year and half to get to that point, which is longer than I anticipated"

I have been vending for about 1 year 8 months, but only added my first drink and snack machine in February of this year and now have 19 machines not including my coffee machines that were already out. This averages out to bout three machines a month, but is actually more like ~12 in the last two months. Its been one crazy year

"My problem is that I'm picky about the locations I go after... they have to meet certain criteria or I don't pursue them."

I am tightening up on my requirements also as I find out what good locations look like. Part of this is to redo my website so I don't look so desperate Alot of the calls I get are from the locations that the big boys say are too small so they call me. I am going to adjust my image in hopes of getting the call first then they can call someone else after I turn them down. Hopfully moving up the food chain.

"Jeremiah, it sounds like you're making some good, sound choices."

I find business decissions are easy when I just post them here and leave them up to you guys

On a side note: None of my USI machines seem to have the DEX plug. They all have a label that says DEX with an arrow pointing to a hole, but there is no connector in the hole.

I will stop blabing it......

Thanks for the responses,

Jeremiah

[kevin]

It is a pain! This one just seems hard to me since it took so much work to get in. The lady I was working with did her own research and decided that she wanted the I-Vend system, so I had to buy a new machine in order to get the location. Otherwise they would have got a refurb just to try them out. The location I want to put the machine has two combos that I have to service 3 time a week. Adding this machine and a CB300 should cut that back to once or twice a week at the most.

I am kind of stuck here. I work 46 hours a week on a 12 hour schedule and I keep my kids 2 days a week. This leaves one day for vending (assuming its not Sunday) and I can service on my way to and from work (I'm the night shift supervisor). I have to become more profitable to be in a good situation when I loose my job in April, so in order to do that or to take on more locations I have to become more efficient. If I pull this machine and move it I could potentially add a location to replace the time spent servicing it and two more locations for the time saved by getting the proper machine in the other location.

This is part of the reason I am considering an early (maybe premature) adoption of the DEX wrieless system. I am hoping that DEX would allow me to pull my stock on days when I have my kids then just stock the following days. This could potentially allow me to add even more locations before going full time. I am changing all my processes from accounting to stocking to transportation on a almost weekly basis as I try to grow, so implementing a DEX system right now shouldn't be any harder than any of the other lame processes I try that don't seem to have staying power. I think that it would be much easier for us small guys to get this system operating and we have a potential to leave the Canteens, Aramaks, and the "good ole boy" vending companies in the dust with this technology while they are stuck trying to change thier behemoth companies. We have the advantage as we can make changes and adjustments to our systems quickly.

"Then, the next location you get is just to replace the one you're pulling out of. It seems like instead of moving forward, you're making a lateral move."

The thing I like is the fact that by doing so you can make more money without the initial investment. Theres nothing like adding a good location that you don't have to buy machines for.

"It has taken me a year and half to get to that point, which is longer than I anticipated"

I have been vending for about 1 year 8 months, but only added my first drink and snack machine in February of this year and now have 19 machines not including my coffee machines that were already out. This averages out to bout three machines a month, but is actually more like ~12 in the last to months. Its been one crazy year

"My problem is that I'm picky about the locations I go after... they have to meet certain criteria or I don't pursue them."

I am tightening up on my requirements also as I find out what good locations look like. Part of this is to redo my website so I don't look so desperate Alot of the calls I get are from the locations that the big boys say are too small so they call me. I am going to adjust my image in hopes of getting the call first then they can call someone else after I turn them down. Hopfully moving up the food chain.

"Jeremiah, it sounds like you're making some good, sound choices."

I find business decissions are easy when I just post them here and leave them up to you guys

On a side note: None of my USI machines seem to have the DEX plug. They all have a label that says DEX with an arrow pointing to a hole, but there is no connector in the hole.

I will stop blabing it......

Thanks for the responses,

Jeremiah

Yea it sounds like you need a wireless solution, where are you from? Depending on the location you may be able to stop into one of the wireless companies to check it out. USI's usually do not come with a dex jack so you will ahve to buy the cable. Im going to buy one today since I need one for the one I have. I have lso had to buy them for my AP110's and an Eprom which is a little more expensive.

[coinvestor]

Yea it sounds like you need a wireless solution, where are you from? Depending on the location you may be able to stop into one of the wireless companies to check it out. USI's usually do not come with a dex jack so you will ahve to buy the cable. Im going to buy one today since I need one for the one I have. I have lso had to buy them for my AP110's and an Eprom which is a little more expensive.

How much are the USI cables costing you?

[kevin]

I'm in NC. How much are the USI cables costing you?

Depends on brand usually $5-15 with shipping and all. You can make them but USI's schematics are messed up because Ive tried and it wont work and Ive called and they said the schematics are different. Any other brand no problems on making my own what-so-ever.

[coinvestor]

Wow, its almost an even split although I didn't vote yet

I think I will pull it as soon as I get permission from my other location to put in new machines.

It looks like I have another machine thats going to need pulled. Its an endless cycle. Time to tighten my requirments for placing a machine.

Jeremiah

[oldcity]

Speaking of pulling a machine, it is a pain. You do your best to get the location, then it peters out. Then, the next location you get is just to replace the one you're pulling out of. It seems like instead of moving forward, you're making a lateral move.

The way I try to look at it is that instead of "holding" at a certain number of machines, I'm actually growing by implementing a change that will increase my sales and profits without having to add more machines. When I look at it that way, it becomes a positive.

Jeremiah, it sounds like you're making some good, sound choices. All I can say is hang in there. Getting bigger is inevitable if you are dedicated to making your business grow. I've been trying to hit that "30" mark that Kevin was talking about (in another thread) and just got an account (5 machines) that will bring my total to 34. It has taken me a year and half to get to that point, which is longer than I anticipated. My problem is that I'm picky about the locations I go after... they have to meet certain criteria or I don't pursue them.

do u mind sharing your criteria for a good location?
i know it was mentioned couple of times in other threads, but i'd like to hear yours too.
thanks,jacob.

[BVI]

do u mind sharing your criteria for a good location?
i know it was mentioned couple of times in other threads, but i'd like to hear yours too.
thanks,jacob.

Blue Collar, mostly men, 18-35 years old, employee count no less than 40 but between 60 - 150 is ideal for me, and within a 5 mile proximity to my storage unit.

[coinvestor]

Great now the votes 50-50. This is helping me make my decision

[coinvestor]

Great now the votes 50-50. This is helping me make my decision

Well, I got a call from one of my locations on tuesday. The manager was mad. One of my combos I have at the location was completely empty. All snacks (everyone of them) were gone and three of the five drink selections were gone. I had just serviced them the friday before. Anyway I got him to agree to let me put some larger machines in (space is very minimal here). This will be the new home for the machine above.

I talked to my contact at the above location and will going to pick up my machine in two weeks. They aren't happy with me, but I can't wait six years to get my money back from my machine. Sometimes doing what needs to be done sucks.


JD

[BVI]

Well, I got a call from one of my locations on tuesday. The manager was mad. One of my combos I have at the location was completely empty. All snacks (everyone of them) were gone and three of the five drink selections were gone. I had just serviced them the friday before. Anyway I got him to agree to let me put some larger machines in (space is very minimal here). This will be the new home for the machine above.

I talked to my contact at the above location and will going to pick up my machine in two weeks. They aren't happy with me, but I can't wait six years to get my money back from my machine. Sometimes doing what needs to be done sucks.
JD

Smart move.

[coinvestor]

Well I gave notice to pull this machine with last Friday as my pickup date. My plan was to pick it up on my trailer, this would be my first machine move as I normally pay to have my equipment moved by a local vending machine refurb company. They charge me only $50 to move a machine and this was my one little luxury for the hard work and schedule I have been keeping. When Friday rolled around there was 100% chance of rain so I didn't want to get my machine wet considering it only had $185 total vends on it. I waited until monday then called to have the refurb company move the machine.

Tuesday I got a call to come down to the shop. They had picked up my machine and brought it back to the shop. When they went to take it off the truck they dropped it. It landed on the front so all the motors, trays, coils, and snacks came crashing through the tempered glass front. What a mess! We took a couple of hours and put it back together. They ordered the glass and we tested function. All is well, just need the glass and some touch up paint for the front. I think I will be moving my own machines from here on out.

Tuesday I had my first machine delivered right to my location (Witterns white glove delivery). This worked out well. They didn't even drop it

Jeremiah

[kandkvending]

1st yau have to ask will you get more locations from this client? is it mass transit or is it amtrack? most ppl at train stations are moving fast....best accounts are were ppl sit and think should i get that sinckers bar? if you think you can "take over " more locations stay with it.... if not move on when you have a new location for it

[BVI]

1st yau have to ask will you get more locations from this client? is it mass transit or is it amtrack? most ppl at train stations are moving fast....best accounts are were ppl sit and think should i get that sinckers bar? if you think you can "take over " more locations stay with it.... if not move on when you have a new location for it

huh?

[BVI]

Well I gave notice to pull this machine with last Friday as my pickup date. My plan was to pick it up on my trailer, this would be my first machine move as I normally pay to have my equipment moved by a local vending machine refurb company. They charge me only $50 to move a machine and this was my one little luxury for the hard work and schedule I have been keeping. When Friday rolled around there was 100% chance of rain so I didn't want to get my machine wet considering it only had $185 total vends on it. I waited until monday then called to have the refurb company move the machine.

Tuesday I got a call to come down to the shop. They had picked up my machine and brought it back to the shop. When they went to take it off the truck they dropped it. It landed on the front so all the motors, trays, coils, and snacks came crashing through the tempered glass front. What a mess! We took a couple of hours and put it back together. They ordered the glass and we tested function. All is well, just need the glass and some touch up paint for the front. I think I will be moving my own machines from here on out.

Tuesday I had my first machine delivered right to my location (Witterns white glove delivery). This worked out well. They didn't even drop it

Jeremiah

That has been a nightmare of mine since I got into the biz (dropping a machine). I bet your heart skipped a beat. Mine would have.

Yeah, Wittern really does a bang-up job with delivery (pun intended). That is exactly how I do it. Might as well let the delivery people spot it for ya! Hope your snack machine heals up good.

[coinvestor]

That has been a nightmare of mine since I got into the biz (dropping a machine). I bet your heart skipped a beat. Mine would have.

Yeah, Wittern really does a bang-up job with delivery (pun intended). That is exactly how I do it. Might as well let the delivery people spot it for ya! Hope your snack machine heals up good.

I wasn't there when it happened or I would have died. They had picked up all the pieces and snacks before I got there and would have had it put back together if they could have opened the door. After what happened I didn't want them working on my machines so I did most of the work myself. The good news is I learned alot about my machines from doing this (motor wiring and stuff). I won't even get in to the machine I bought from them that caught fire on location at the time of delivery This is the reason I buy new stuff when I can.

The injured machine has some new tempered glass on order for the front and a can of touch up paint from the manufactuer on the way (paid for by the resposible party). It really should have a new door ordered, but since everything is attached or ties into the door I would rather they not do the work. This gave me a chance to order some different coils to add capacity to the machine and get rid of the gum selections as its not allowed at the location.

Getting this machine on location and pulling one more machine is all I have left to do before I can declare my route as "lean" and continue to look for and add new locations. I think that I will go after more car dealerships because the size and hours work out good for me and they are in abundance. I am going to try and sell them on customized machines from wittern:

http://www.victoryst...com/vending.htm

Has anyone ever ordered any of these? The price difference is only a couple hundred bucks and I think it could be a huge selling point.

JD

[kevin]

I wasn't there when it happened or I would have died. They had picked up all the pieces and snacks before I got there and would have had it put back together if they could have opened the door. After what happened I didn't want them working on my machines so I did most of the work myself. The good news is I learned alot about my machines from doing this (motor wiring and stuff). I won't even get in to the machine I bought from them that caught fire on location at the time of delivery This is the reason I buy new stuff when I can.

The injured machine has some new tempered glass on order for the front and a can of touch up paint from the manufactuer on the way (paid for by the resposible party). It really should have a new door ordered, but since everything is attached or ties into the door I would rather they not do the work. This gave me a chance to order some different coils to add capacity to the machine and get rid of the gum selections as its not allowed at the location.

Getting this machine on location and pulling one more machine is all I have left to do before I can declare my route as "lean" and continue to look for and add new locations. I think that I will go after more car dealerships because the size and hours work out good for me and they are in abundance. I am going to try and sell them on customized machines from wittern:

http://www.victoryst...com/vending.htm

Has anyone ever ordered any of these? The price difference is only a couple hundred bucks and I think it could be a huge selling point.

JD

We were forced to buy one of these from a national contract. Not one of my favortie machines and the Dixie sitting next to it with a custom front from tuff fronts looks alot better then the USI and is mosr customized. Why not just buy a CB and order a cut out custom from tuff fronts. they are priced per square foot and are cheap. I think t cost around $200 for a full blown front on the full machine of the dixie and would of been $100 for the snack sitting next to it.

[coinvestor]

We were forced to buy one of these from a national contract. Not one of my favortie machines and the Dixie sitting next to it with a custom front from tuff fronts looks alot better then the USI and is mosr customized. Why not just buy a CB and order a cut out custom from tuff fronts. they are priced per square foot and are cheap. I think t cost around $200 for a full blown front on the full machine of the dixie and would of been $100 for the snack sitting next to it.

I didn't know tuff fronts did custom stuff. I will have to look at that. What is a custom front for a snack machine?

JD

[kevin]

I didn't know tuff fronts did custom stuff. I will have to look at that. What is a custom front for a snack machine?

JD

http://www.tuffronts...omGraphics.html

Ive been thinking about getting some pictures of some setups of my accounts for my website, if I do I will post what the front look like on my machines. We mostly only use black fronts though and havent been using then till latley. Most of the refurb was done in house with paint, a sprayer, and compressor. Alot of the refurb machine you buy have tuff fronts on them as well.

The machine on the right in the link is the size of front that we usually do for the car lots. They like them alot better and tuff fronts has pre made ones for most of the car lots already.