Anyone here have any experience in vending?

[Collegeinvester1000]

Hey y'all, just curious to know if anyone here has had any experience with vending routes, mainly bulk candy machines, like gumballs. Just somthing I've been curious about as of late.

Thanks.

[TYSON]

Hey y'all, just curious to know if anyone here has had any experience with vending routes, mainly bulk candy machines, like gumballs. Just somthing I've been curious about as of late.

Thanks.

Yea, They suck. Go with full size sandwich and pop machines and get them placed in Hospitals,schools, and auto dealerships, you will make money. The small bulk stuff is mainly a hassel for the merchant and the person filling and repairing the machines (I know a little about this business because 10 years ago I was looking into buying a company that sold and did placement for the equipment)

Hope that helps

[Jeffrey]

The competition (finding places to locate you machines) is fierce! The initial investment is large! There are certainly people who are making some money with bulk vending routes....but you either need to go large or stay home to make it worth your while.

Just like anything....its not nearly as easy as the advertisements from the companies selling the machines make it seem.

Think about it long and hard and weight all the pros and cons before you leap into this type of venture.

My 2 Dinars worth ;)

[CramptonMotorsports]

Stay away from the ones with the carboard boxes that you drop off at offices, the "honor snack trays". I know of nobody that ever pays for those and the guys come pick them up and most aren't suprised that nobody payed for the candy.

as for real vending machines, I guess it can be profitable if you have a good location and keep them stocked.

[Collegeinvester1000]

yeah the feeling I got was that one could get themselves into a bind by jumping in to deep without propper planning. As for location that is what the entire thing hinges on, the only thing I would consider doing is a gumball machine outside of a resturant/cafeteria. It's definatly somthing I wouldn't put an exceptional amount of money into. The concept is still interesting

[neptune]

yeah the feeling I got was that one could get themselves into a bind by jumping in to deep without propper planning. As for location that is what the entire thing hinges on, the only thing I would consider doing is a gumball machine outside of a resturant/cafeteria. It's definatly somthing I wouldn't put an exceptional amount of money into. The concept is still interesting
Location is probably "THE" most important aspect of a vending business. As a matter of fact, we own a grill and arcade at the beach and the vending does pretty good! We have video games, pool tables, gumball, peanut, and "tattoo" machines. We have a 50/50 relationship with our guy; and he does really well. (In addition to these machines, he also owns a coin-operated laundermat.) Vending is definitely a "cash" business. The key is to be able to work on your own machines, because to pay someone to do it is outrageous and would eat up all your profit!
Its cool though-Once everything is in place, all you do is go around and "collect!" :happy26:

[Jared]

You might also want to scope out your local or area papers and look for businesses that are expanding operations or new businesses. The early bird catches the worm!

Jared :wave:

[Collegeinvester1000]

Well I got one set up in my college cafeteria.......it's a vaccum with no outside competition..........I think I have a winner!

[RET]

Hope it works out for you!!!