8 replies to this topic

[Rosy]

Hi!!!

We want to start the business and we are planning in buying a new machine, then find a location by ourselves. Now, we don't know if the location that we can find this way is good or not, will it be better to buy a location from one of those vending locators?

Thanks!!

[Agee Vending]

Find a guy in your area that refurbishes machines.

Then find the location first. Then buy a machine. Locating is a time consuming process... like finding a needle in a haystack. you're going to get a lot of NOs so spend your time and energy finding a location and perfecting your pitch.

It would be terrible to find a location and discover they want a full sized soda and not a combo.

Oh 2500 for a "G620" or genesis combo is a terrible price. Those machines are for low volume locations (<$40 a week). The machine is probably worth 1000. Oh there is no "New" G620s. That company stopped making those models in 2006.

Hi!!!

We want to start the business and we are planning in buying a new machine, then find a location by ourselves. Now, we don't know if the location that we can find this way is good or not, will it be better to buy a location from one of those vending locators?

Thanks!!

[Rosy]

Find a guy in your area that refurbishes machines.

Then find the location first. Then buy a machine. Locating is a time consuming process... like finding a needle in a haystack. you're going to get a lot of NOs so spend your time and energy finding a location and perfecting your pitch.

It would be terrible to find a location and discover they want a full sized soda and not a combo.

Oh 2500 for a "G620" or genesis combo is a terrible price. Those machines are for low volume locations (<$40 a week). The machine is probably worth 1000. Oh there is no "New" G620s. That company stopped making those models in 2006.

Million thanks!!! You are a great help!! We'll keep looking for another machine, do you have any sugestion where to look or which manufacturers are good?

[candyforcash]

The best way is just to develop a system of going out and securing your own locations. Work on brainstroming suitable locations, getting in the door and arranging an appointment with 'decision makers' and from there it comes down to pure sales skill which you have to develop over time.

You can advertise and it's likely that you will receive at least a few enquiries from people wanting a machine on their premises. Be prepared to talk commissions with this lot though as there is usually a reason why they are so proactive in contacting you - they want to squeeze every last dollar of profit out of their business that they can - they will want to know what's in it for them.

[tooldini]

What type of adverstising would one do to try and get locations? sorry to jump in but I thought this would be a good spot to do so

[candyforcash]

While going out and getting clients is the best way it is also possible to advertise and have a few come direct to you (but don't rely heavily on this as it will be slow and sporadic).

Unless you can find some other unique method of targeting small business owners locally then the methods that are most likely to work are the Yellow Pages and online (try to rank in the organic search results when somebody searches for vendors in your area or pay for 'pay per click' ads). If business owners suddenly decide that they want to explore opportunities to have vending machines on their site these are the two places that they will start looking.

[tooldini]

Thanks candyforcash I appreciate your input and will continue to read everything I can.

thanks
Jeff

While going out and getting clients is the best way it is also possible to advertise and have a few come direct to you (but don't rely heavily on this as it will be slow and sporadic).

Unless you can find some other unique method of targeting small business owners locally then the methods that are most likely to work are the Yellow Pages and online (try to rank in the organic search results when somebody searches for vendors in your area or pay for 'pay per click' ads). If business owners suddenly decide that they want to explore opportunities to have vending machines on their site these are the two places that they will start looking.

[marks_vending]

Definately find a location by yourself. If you go to ripoffreport.com you find a lot of scammers out there. The way to find locations is easy, you print up some flyers and drive to each location you are interested in, and speak with the manager. It's a fun experience, and it saves you a lot of money. All a locator does is call place to place, most locators are at a 1-800 # and never are in the area.

[Red Bear Vending]

Hello, I am thinking of starting up a vending business. I have researched this the last several days. I can see there is lots to learn. I can see that most people are against vending locators. Has anyone out there had a positive experience with a vending locator? When you call these locators you never get anyone to answer the phone and you leave messages and they never return your call. Doesn't leave a very good impression. What is a good number of machines to start with? I was thinking about 3-5 to start. I was told to also contact distributor/service centers in my state an talk direct to them about the vending business. Where would I locoate centers in my state? I would appreciate any tips or information on getting started in the business. Thank you! Jacque