7 replies to this topic

[BVI]

I am quite impressed with their lineup and prices. They seem to do a lot to refurbish the machines they sell. They are located in Atlanta, GA., so they're not too terribly far from my location so maybe freight won't be too bad. Has anyone had any experience buying from them?

[BVI]

I am quite impressed with their lineup and prices. They seem to do a lot to refurbish the machines they sell. They are located in Atlanta, GA., so they're not too terribly far from my location so maybe freight won't be too bad. Has anyone had any experience buying from them?

Okay... guess no one has. I'm calling in an order for a refurb on Monday and I'll post my comments here after I take delivery.

[BVI]

Very professional, fast delivery, machine was everything they said it would be. Very helpful, they did all the setting up with flavor strips, programming price, etc... If you are not too far from Atlanta, this is an excellent source for used and refurbished machines. Freight was very reasonable.

[candybiz]

Very professional, fast delivery, machine was everything they said it would be. Very helpful, they did all the setting up with flavor strips, programming price, etc... If you are not too far from Atlanta, this is an excellent source for used and refurbished machines. Freight was very reasonable.

Thanks for the tip! If you don't mind my asking, what are their prices like?

[BVI]

Thanks for the tip! If you don't mind my asking, what are their prices like?

I thought they were very reasonable. Here's their web address: www.southernequipmentsales.com.

Not sure what you're looking for, but if you're doing full-line and live within 2 or 3 states from them, I very highly recommend them.

Most refurbished snack machines are in the $1300 to $1700 range, depending on what you need.

[BVI]

I thought they were very reasonable. Here's their web address: www.southernequipmentsales.com.

Not sure what you're looking for, but if you're doing full-line and live within 2 or 3 states from them, I very highly recommend them.

Most refurbished snack machines are in the $1300 to $1700 range, depending on what you need.

I received a National 145 snack and a National Shopatron food machine today. Both machines are absolutely pristine. These machines are probably 15 years old and they look brand new. Sort of like buying a completely restored vintage BMW. The look is a little dated, but they look new. I did not remove the stretch wrap since they are sitting in the back waiting for me to set-up next Wednesday, but I did look under it and was just totally blown-away by how good they looked. I'm sure they will work just as good as they look. What a deal! These guys are extremely good at follow-up and follow-thru and are detail-oriented. I would recommend them to anyone who wants like-new equipment without buying brand-new equipment!

[coinvestor]

I received a National 145 snack and a National Shopatron food machine today. Both machines are absolutely pristine. These machines are probably 15 years old and they look brand new. Sort of like buying a completely restored vintage BMW. The look is a little dated, but they look new. I did not remove the stretch wrap since they are sitting in the back waiting for me to set-up next Wednesday, but I did look under it and was just totally blown-away by how good they looked. I'm sure they will work just as good as they look. What a deal! These guys are extremely good at follow-up and follow-thru and are detail-oriented. I would recommend them to anyone who wants like-new equipment without buying brand-new equipment!

Did you get your machines setup?

JD

[BVI]

Did you get your machines setup?

JD

Yes, thank you Jeremiah for reminding me to post my comments.

Last Thursday, I installed the National Shopatron (cold food machine) and the National 145 that I bought from Southern.

First, let me say that they arrived packaged just like they said they would... securely strapped to pallets (the big blue ones) that are oversized to insure that the machines would not tip over. (this is very important as the only other time I bought used equipment was from a different company and they used a much smaller pallet and the machine had tipped over and had to to be re-assembled... there was a big dent on the top side of it.. good thing I insured it) The fact that Southern took the time to make sure the machines would be stable during shipping is in itself impressive.

They also do not box the machines, but stretch wrap them and use corrugate corners so that if the trucking company dents a machine with a forklift, you will see the damage without having to unwrap the machine. This was explained to me when I ordered the machines, and I thought it was a great idea.

Once unpacked, the machines were pristine. As pristine as you can reasonably expect from 15-year old equipment. There are small tell-tale signs of their age, but I noticed them because I was looking for them. My customer, who moved them around for me with a forklift, asked me if they were new machines! In short, they were very clean. Everything working with no problems. Bill validators and coin mechs rebuilt and working perfectly. Programming instructions were provided with both machines and locks were provided.

Structurally, these machines are very solid. Frame-wise and internally. I see no reason at all for them to not last another 15 years or more. Sure, the coin mechs and bill validators will need some attention in a few years just like any "new" machine, but that comes with the territory. However, these do not have the typical Coincos you see a lot of times. The ones they included were MDB (I think) and maybe MEI and maybe something else. That suits me just fine because I've had plenty of problems with Coinco in my 3rd parties.

All in all, my expectations were exceeded. I have ordered 4 more machines from them (2 AP coffee machines and one more National 145 and a National 146). My experience is that Southern Equipment Sales is extremely honest about what they sell (and very knowledgeable), and they do what they say they will do. They will get all of my business from here on out.

Needles to say, my philsophy has changed for the better when it comes to buying machines. I used to feel that new machines were the way to go. That may have been true in the very beginning when I had no experience and had no idea where to find good refurbs. Now I feel that very few locations actually need new equipment, and if I had realized this in the beginning, I'd have a lot less debt to pay off, and I'd be paying myself a lot more money right now.