I have two questions I would like to put out to all you vending gurus!!

1. Where can someone find some market research on the demand for the different products of bottled/canned beverages, in different sizes, in their market area without paying an arm and a leg for this research. The bottler doesn't appear to want to give this info away...when I request this info it almost appears that they have a different agenda than what we as vendors might have in maximizing revenue (ie. they want to push bottles instead of cans, or want to push products lines that may or may not be the most profitable for their vendors).

I don't want to necessarily rely on my rep's suggestions, although I will consider their advice, but independant market research would certainly be much preferable.

2. Can anyone with a beverage machine list their best sellers in order from most popular to least - preferably with can or bottle size noted.


Thank you for your help!

Rob

Boys and girls!

I would like to say that this forum is a fantastic idea, and the information that everyone gives is absolutely invaluable to anyone getting into this biz (and I'm assuming for anyone still in it as well!). I'm happy to be a part of this community and will do my best to contribute when I think I have something worth sharing!

I have a question about beverage vending machines that I'm hoping you can help me with.

Does anyone have any experience with a VendoCo Model V-Max 840 (machine built in the mid-90s)? There are two models available for sale that I'm looking at.

This is what the seller has told me so far:

- Machine is listed and recommended for outdoor use.
- Parts and manual is still available on VenoCo website at www.vendoco.com
- Machine has 10 rows with a capacity of 80 cans per row (total 800 cans) or 36 20 oz. plastic bottles or 32 16 oz. glass bottles.
- 1 machine has a lock mechanism with no lock tumbler and the other has a lock tumbler with no keys.
- The manufacturer does not stock locks as they are standard, can be rekeyed at a local locksmith or purchased online (Ebay.ca has locks available starting at 6.99 and Craigslist also lists locks of varying costs).

He has two of these machines and he's asking $950 each.

1. Are these good machines?

2. Do you have a checklist of things I should be testing when I go out and check it out?

3. I noticed that the seller has told me that it can do cans, 20oz bottles, and 16 oz bottles (I know not to do glass bottles). Can these be adjusted so that I can sell energy drinks, etc. that are larger cans as well?

Thanks for all your help. I'm really excited about exploring this venture!

Rob