9 replies to this topic

[Guth Vending]

OK guys.. Are locator's a scam? I think thay are! Your opinion please? I have located my fleet of machines by myself. I did not fall for the Locator's scam.

Kyle G.

[caserri]

While there are plenty of so-called "professional" locators out there, Its not fair to say that the industry as a whole is a scam. There are some fine companies out there performing a valued service for us operators. Sure, they aren't doing anything that we couldn't do on our own however there is a time and place for their services. I am a strong advocate of using a locator when appropriate. As we all know, it is far better, both financially and psychologically, to locate our own machines. There is a certian sense of accomplishment in knowing that you secured your own account.

As an operator grows, it becomes more essential to utilize the services of a professional locator. The practice simply frees up your time so you can concentrate on other aspects of your business. I like to think of them as my employees. Employees that I do not have to put on a payroll and deal with all of the issues that come with employees such as workmans comp insurance and such.

In conclusion, do I think locators are a scam? No. Some, well maybe most, are but if you are smart enough to weed through the locator jungle you will find some real gems. Do I utilize locators? Yes. I don't rely on them however I realize the benefits of their services. Most days I am just so busy running the day to day that I really dont have time to re-locate all the poor performers to better my bottom line. Thats where the locator comes in. They run in the backround, quietly securing spots.

[clvending]

I also have used a locator. They managed to find me some very profitable locations. For example: They secured me a cleaning supply store. A place that is sort of tucked out of the way. The guy has been in business for over 40 years. I placed a machine w/ gumballs and PMM. I average over $25/month Not all are as profitable, but locators do serve a purpose.

With that said, in this business you are always locating. I just do not have the means to check out every business in town. This is where a locator comes in handy. Email me if you want the name of my locator.

clvending@mho.com

Lee

[mio]

OK guys.. Are locator's a scam? I think thay are! Your opinion please? I have located my fleet of machines by myself. I did not fall for the Locator's scam.

Kyle G.

what's the process for locating your own machines? i have unique food products that i want to get onto university campuses. how should i go about it by myself?

[Guth Vending]

Well, what are you selling?

K.G.

[mio]

i'm thinking of selling caffeine/vitamin gum. it's a franchise-type thing. the company provides the machines, and supposedly the locations as well. i'd rather locate myself, as i'm sure they'll charge for the service, but need to know how to do it. my targets are 3 nearby college campuses. i could put several machines on each one. who do i contact and how? does anyone have experiences with university campus placements?

[horgonzo]

OK guys.. Are locator's a scam? I think thay are! Your opinion please? I have located my fleet of machines by myself. I did not fall for the Locator's scam.

Kyle G.

Locators are like a box of chocolates...

[caserri]

Locators are like a box of chocolates...

Are you saying that locators are overpriced, insincere, unappreciated and often last minute gifts that cause both tooth decay and rampant hyper-activity in children under 7 if completely eaten in under five minutes? Not to mention the cause of scorn if given to a loved one who you were supposed to know like the back of your hand, only to find out that they have severe allergic reations when exposed to chocolate and nuts? I mean you've only been with this person for 14 months! Isn't it perfectly normal to not know intimate details such as this.....

[tedk]

Are you saying that locators are overpriced, insincere, unappreciated and often last minute gifts that cause both tooth decay and rampant hyper-activity in children under 7 if completely eaten in under five minutes? Not to mention the cause of scorn if given to a loved one who you were supposed to know like the back of your hand, only to find out that they have severe allergic reations when exposed to chocolate and nuts? I mean you've only been with this person for 14 months! Isn't it perfectly normal to not know intimate details such as this.....

Do I detect a note of bitterness?

Ted

[caserri]

Who me??? Did I share too much?