It isn't just about getting machines at the lowest prices. You need to know what these machines look and feel like and how they play. Some are downright junk and will fall apart fast. Ten years ago, I bought good machines. I took care of them and I am still using them. They look great and have paid for themselves many times over.

It is important to learn what makes a good machine. The mech of course is very important. When it comes to mechs I like Beaver and Oak. When you are at a location servicing a machine you don't want something that will give you trouble. Fixing a machine can take up your time. It could cause headaches for the owner of the location and frustrate consumers who could take it out on your machines.

You can't judge a machine from a picture on eBay. You need to see and feel the machines. Take them apart and put them back together. Run coins through them and see how smooth the vend is. You don't want to have an inventory of too many machines either. Too many parts. Too many white elephants.

It is not good to buy used equipemnt sight unseen. It can be beat up. The globes get scratched and foggy. This is important if you are vending food products as it could make it look unclean, etc.

Know your machines well. It could make the difference between making it and failing. Do not load yourself up with a lot of machines if you do not know what you are doing. Better to buy them one at a time. You can even buy one from each major brand until you find which one you like best. Then you can look for your machine on eBay.

I am not sure but I think that is one of the made in China tri-vends. Some are good, some aren't. It sort of depends on what you are willing to pay. There are others out there that have a better reputation. I have heard Northwestern's is good but somewhat expensive. AA Global has a good one. I bought one. Thick steel, good stand and good locks (Chicago Lock Co). There are a few more nice ones out there. I like tri-vends that have a adult lood to them. There are some real handsome ones around. By all means look at as many brands as you can

If you want a China built machine, LYPC has one for I think around $90.

I would stay away from 1-800 types of operations. Stay away from anyone that tries to get you to buy more machines that what you need. It only takes one to get started. Most better machine suppliers will glady sell you one at a time. Good companies are Beaver, Oak Manufacturing, Northwestern, AA Global, T.Pico. For big machines OK Mfg is good.

It is best to stick with one or two brands so you don't go crazy keeping up with all the parts. I don't think vending is something you can learn out of a book. Some of the companies I mentioned above might give you pointers. You can start with single head machines on simple stands and start with 1" gum. Get your feet wet and then expand. In the beginning it is better just to try and learn rather than make a killing. This is a one step at a time business.

It's like anything else, some people can be better at it than others. It takes the right frame of mind. I place both small and large machines. I have done better with the larger ones. They cost more but there is advantages. Most vendors won't make the investment so you have less competition. Usually the bigger machines can get into bigger stores. As they are larger, they hold more product and you can come back less and therefore save on time and gas. As they are bigger, they are more noticed and sell better. My spirals do much better than my little Beavers. Food for thought.

I have been self-employed most of my life. When I started my vending businesss I already had other businesses and did not need to depend on it for a full-time income. I did not put that much effort into it and it grew mostly out of word of mouth. Give good service and run your business professionally and you will get word of mouth. Now my vending business is my main business. Like anything else, it helps to love what you are doing.

A lot of gum and candy are made in Canada as sugar is cheaper there than in the U.S. You might call Concord and also Oak Leaf and ask for a list of distributors. You should shop around as prices vary even for the same exact product.