7 replies to this topic

[Tom]

Hi Guys,

I was laid off about a year ago, and recently started working with my uncle to build a real estate brokerage. Long story short, I need to do something else to bring in money for the short term while I get this company running, and maybe even as a long-term business if things don't work out (which is very possible).

I think I have a good mind for business, and the first thing I do when I take on something new is try to familiarize myself with it and find out just how little I know. I've gone through this forum and done a fair amount of research online, so understand that while I definitely consider myself pretty uninformed about how to make this business work, I'm not just writing a post expecting some easy answers without being willing to do (or having already done) some investigation on my own.

I've got a very open mind, and I would be very grateful for any advice you guys could give me from your own experience.


I started by posting an ad on craigslist advertising a free vending machine for a person's place of work. I didn't want to buy a machine without a place to put it, so I made that post and waited for replies. So far I've gotten a few.

One reply came from a Best Western requesting a combo machine, so I purchased one from a guy on craigslist for $200. He had a few of them, so I tested one he already had assembled, bu the one I bought had never even been opened. It's a cheap Antares combo machine with a coin changer, and it's very simple to operate which suggests (to me at least), that it should be fairly reliable. I've already installed it, and will check on it after a week to see what kind of revenue I can expect.

I've got two other places that have contacted me as well, and I would love some feedback from you guys. One is a two-story office building that has one floor devoted to a student cultural center, with about 40-50 students there per day year round. They want both a snack and drink machine, and have a nice prominent spot right by the entrance to put it.

The other is a dance studio that wants a drink machine to sell Gatorade, water, and soda. Here is the schedule of students:

Monday - no class
Tuesday - 15
Wednesday - 40
Thursday - 10
Friday - 20
Saturday - 30
Sundays - 30


I'm fairly cash poor at the moment, so buying a top-quality machine isn't an option for me. I've been able to find soda machines on craigslist for around $300, and snack machines for about $400.

Do you guys have any advice for me? Should I be looking for anything in particular when shopping for machines? Also, do you think these locations will be worth it, or would I be wise to look elsewhere for locations?

Anything you guys could tell me would be very much appreciated.

-Tom

[That Guy]

Tom,

Don't buy antares machines. Also, the locations with the students sounds great. Obviously the more the foot traffic the better. If I were you I'd google Steven Woodbine and read his books. I am reading one now and boy am I glad! I haven't even bought my first machine because I don't want to make mistakes by rushing to fast. Nice work on the craigslist posting, I hadn't thought of that, letting them come to you is always better. Visit the NAMA site and check out what they have on their regarding free information. Also, make sure you keep track of your expenses over the next 3-6 months to see how profitable each location is. If it's not profitable secure an additional location and then move your lowest performing account to the new one, or better yet, buy a quality machine (not antares) and put it in the newest location you secure.

Keep us posted on your progress! Good luck!

[That Guy]

Tom,

Don't buy antares machines. Also, the locations with the students sounds great. Obviously the more the foot traffic the better. If I were you I'd google Steven Woodbine and read his books. I am reading one now and boy am I glad! I haven't even bought my first machine because I don't want to make mistakes by rushing to fast. Nice work on the craigslist posting, I hadn't thought of that, letting them come to you is always better. Visit the NAMA site and check out what they have on their regarding free information. Also, make sure you keep track of your expenses over the next 3-6 months to see how profitable each location is. If it's not profitable secure an additional location and then move your lowest performing account to the new one, or better yet, buy a quality machine (not antares) and put it in the newest location you secure.

Keep us posted on your progress! Good luck!

[Putz]

Snack machines are pretty simple as long as you don't get into combo machines with frozen and regular in the same machine, Newer soda machines can be preyy high tech different prices and adjustments for each column a lot of electronics and learning adjusting the columns adjustments for different product was nice when cans where it now every bottle is a different shape. Watchout buying some older machines are can only.

[RJT]

I would not do a dance studio with only that amount of students. It most likely would not do enough volume to justify a machine. If you were talking about a 300 member gym or a YMCA then that is a different story.

If your investment funding is that limited then I would look into Honor Box vending. You could take that same dance studio and put in a Honor Box Snack and a Honor Beverage Refrigerator and maybe make it work. Your investment for that account before inventory would be just over $100.00

dogcow on this forum has really grown his honor box vending and is doing pretty well with it so far.

[TDavis]

I would not do a dance studio with only that amount of students. It most likely would not do enough volume to justify a machine. If you were talking about a 300 member gym or a YMCA then that is a different story.

If your investment funding is that limited then I would look into Honor Box vending. You could take that same dance studio and put in a Honor Box Snack and a Honor Beverage Refrigerator and maybe make it work. Your investment for that account before inventory would be just over $100.00

dogcow on this forum has really grown his honor box vending and is doing pretty well with it so far.

How do I get in touch with dogcow? Very interested in knowing how they started with Honor Box vending and how they can assist me.
Thank You
tdavis725@bellsouth.net

[Putz]

How do I get in touch with dogcow? Very interested in knowing how they started with Honor Box vending and how they can assist me.
Thank You
tdavis725@bellsouth.net

Here is his page send him a private message.
dogcow link

[RJT]

How do I get in touch with dogcow? Very interested in knowing how they started with Honor Box vending and how they can assist me.
Thank You
tdavis725@bellsouth.net

He started his honor box vending based on my recommendation after he hired me as a consultant. I have helped him with his vending and over all business.