VendRJS Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 I am looking into buying a few bulk machines and wondering if the triple head machines are worth the extra money. The option is nice but do they make more money ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musser Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 No Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerformaVending Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 In short, oh good god no. Triples are, in pretty much every way but number of products offered, inferior to singles. The biggest point of weakness is in terms of flexibility. Allow me to illustrate. Two vendors buy vending machines. They both buy junk Rhino brand machines, because those are the ones I found pics for the fastest. Lucky me. Anyway, each guy finds homes for their new machines right away- one is a small auto shop, another a small restaurant, and the last is a busy Chinese buffet. That looks pretty good... Now, both vendors will do well from the onset- most vendors do after the initial placement. However, it's over time that triples really start to show their problems as inflexible machines. When Mainor's awesome custom car shop really only sells out of Peanut M&M's, vendor one has two canisters he has to keep swapping things around in in a desperate bid to sell out before the candy expires- eating into his bottom line, which is already suffering here from lower sales on the less desirable items. But, what's this? Vendor 2 can simply swap out his triple plate for the single pipe flange, and suddenly he has a single that only sells the product that actually sells. The other two machines he can now re-loacte to new locations to make yet more money. A single from a triple!?! Sorcery! Now, for the sake of arguments, Bouncy Balls Waffle and Pancake Palace does a whale of a business. Candy sales are solid, and remain so throughout- both triple units are in their element. However, vendor 2 notices that there are a lot of families that eat there, and decides to turn one of his machines from candy to toys- a simple switch of the vend wheel. Now vendor 2 can vend "Zombienauts", and if it's a halfway decent machine (NW/Oak/Beaver/etc.) he's probably doing it for 50 cents. Now, a triple can vend toys as well- however for most candy machines of this nature, you'd have to either clean/empty the unit on site, or take it offline to reset. Even still, the triple canister machine has far less internal capacity per head than a unit with three individual heads, meaning that Vendor 2 still has the edge in terms of both sales capacity and product visibility. It is also a lot easier to switch in a 50 cent mech on a single than it is on a triple... if the triple in question even supports a 50 cent coin mech. Finally, H&A decided to buy the biggest Chinese restaurant in Chattanooga (The "Forbidden City", according to Google) and he wants top of the line service for his army of hungry patrons. However, there are so many guests, that Vendor 1's triple canister machines' lower internal capacity again means that it's running out- driving it's service cycle down. However, Vendor 2 knows that he can get a simple rack stand, and with a few quick modifications, have this impressive setup. Ooh! Shiny! Vendor 2 already has all of the equipment on hand from other locations, and can quickly change his configuration to suit the guests' needs, tastes, and even follow the hot toy trends if he so desires. Very few triple machines are able to be racked up, and none of them easily. Even when racked up, triple canister machines still suffer from their decreased internal capacity, lower visibility, and more troublesome maintenance. Most triples access from the back anyway, which would get interesting in a rack setup to say the least. Assuming all the equipment costs the same (unlike the real world, where the triple is usually more than the three single machines) Vendor 2 is able to run circuits around Vendor 1 for the same amount of money invested. So, to sum up this little story, do you really want to pay more money for less practical machines? Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReillyNoFun Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 dang, Performa killing the game again! well said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VendRJS Posted November 11, 2015 Author Share Posted November 11, 2015 Glad I asked, this makes sense. Looking on Craig's list, but found Bumball Machine Warehouse selling single heads for $89.00. I sent them e- mail asking what brand. Has anyone bought from them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerformaVending Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 Glad I asked, this makes sense. Looking on Craig's list, but found Bumball Machine Warehouse selling single heads for $89.00. I sent them e- mail asking what brand. Has anyone bought from them? You'll want to avoid those. I was just using them for photos. Pretty much every professional vendor relies on a "professional" vending machine. The big names are, in order of price, Oak, A&A Global, Northwestern, Beaver. All those machines can be bought for roughly the same as any plastic machine from an importer, and will last you a LOT longer. They also retain their value- an Oak Vista purchased in the 60's is still worth $40-50 today depending on condition. Some no-name LYPC knockoff from China will probably be selling for $10, regardless of condition, shortly after you buy it. I'd advise you to look into Oak Vistas- they're all metal, superbly durable, parts are everywhere, and they're very forgiving to learn on. You can also get new ones from the factory for around $50 depending on what deals they're running. Failing that, talk to A&A- their PO89 is a clone of the Oak Vista, and their PN95 is a copy of the Northwestern- all the parts are compatible. Northwestern is my personal favorite, but they're also more expensive than the other two. Beaver is another industry favorite, and are usually the "nicest" vending machines in terms of features, options, finishes, etc, but they're also the most expensive. Give any of those guys a call, and they'll set you up right. In the end, if you buy a quality brand, your machines will withstand the test of time and your customers, as well as retain their value should you choose to sell them. Parts (and support from the industry in general) is also going to be more readily available. The only things I ever buy from importers like Gumball.com and their ilk are pipe stands and racks, when they go on sale. Thankfully, there's not too any ways to mess up a pipe stand. Whatever path you choose, good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deee_z Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 Ha ha ha, love the analogy man! Great laugh and fun read, I would like eat both a few waffles and later the Chinese Super Buffet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkochan Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Eagle also makes good, single-head machines that are similar to Oak Vista machines. Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerformaVending Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Eagle also makes good, single-head machines that are similar to Oak Vista machines. Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk Totally forgot about Eagle. Good machines, like the oaks, but a bit more expensive. The poor guys still don't have a 'real' website though, and it's 2015. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMD Snacks Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I am looking into buying a few bulk machines and wondering if the triple head machines are worth the extra money. The option is nice but do they make more money ? Why do you say extra money? I have some triples, not dumb enough to say they're the bee's knees, but I got my triples because they're super cheap. Especially when you can get them on ebay on craigslist all day for like $50. I'm slowly getting NW and other singles but they're way less available..and like performa said they hold their value good so cost a bit more. Also for singles you have to buy a pole, and bracket and each head individually. Not arguing for triples since they don't seem to be a good long term, but I also don't regret starting out with a few as a beginner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SherlockHolmes Posted November 17, 2015 Share Posted November 17, 2015 Performa is spot on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJvend Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 I see the benefit of the single heads but the single heads, but as AMD said, triples are readily available for $50 or so on craigslist. Singles are hard to find used on craigslist and when I do, the price is not right for a used machine. The best deal I can find is A&A for $45 for the head plus $37 for the stand, plus shipping, so we are talking $100 which is double the price for 1 head instead of 3. How is this a better option for someone starting out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerformaVending Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 I see the benefit of the single heads but the single heads, but as AMD said, triples are readily available for $50 or so on craigslist. Singles are hard to find used on craigslist and when I do, the price is not right for a used machine. The best deal I can find is A&A for $45 for the head plus $37 for the stand, plus shipping, so we are talking $100 which is double the price for 1 head instead of 3. How is this a better option for someone starting out? The example was based on an "equal" investment in new equipment. I'm well aware that CL and the used market varies dramatically state to state, even city to city. If you are just getting started, and want to see if vending is right for you, by all means get a triple or two. They're easy to use, and very forgiving for a beginner. However, if you're looking to build an actual vending "business", investing in a foundation of triples is going to hold you back when your business gets bigger, especially when you're my size, and you're stuck with machines in storage that aren't able to suit the needs of your locating efforts. If you're in this for a short run, or to make some money on the side (which there is nothing wrong with), by all means invest in whatever you can get your hands on and have fun with it. However, if you want to build a foundation upon which to build a business, I advise getting equipment that is more flexible and reliable than any triple will be. I owned (and still own) many, many triples, and though they serve their purpose, I often regret getting as many as I did. If I can help someone else build a better business by learning from my mistakes, that's what I'm going to do. I mean no disrespect to new operators. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJvend Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Not disrespect at all. Just when the triples are available for so cheap, why spend double the money on a single head. I am considering buying some A&A po89s after I get these triples out and see how they work for me. Having nothing types of machines out I should be able to gauge what works. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJvend Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 Both types*** Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candy Kevin Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 I'm a small vendor...and have started with Vendstars. I got creative when I reached the "limits" of the Vendstar.(i rigged gumball and toy wheels) I start out a location with a Vendstar and after a few months make adjustments based on sales. If the location supports a triple I attach a double (on bottom) with the triple on top (compact 5 way rack) or if only two items sell I move the triple and put in a double head with the two best selling product. (toys, gum, balls, or candy that I tested with the cheap Vendstar that I bought for $10 a piece) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerformaVending Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 I'm a small vendor...and have started with Vendstars. I got creative when I reached the "limits" of the Vendstar.(i rigged gumball and toy wheels) I start out a location with a Vendstar and after a few months make adjustments based on sales. If the location supports a triple I attach a double (on bottom) with the triple on top (compact 5 way rack) or if only two items sell I move the triple and put in a double head with the two best selling product. (toys, gum, balls, or candy that I tested with the cheap Vendstar that I bought for $10 a piece) That's a very sensible way to go about it, especially if you have the units on hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJvend Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Performa, just starting out would you rather spend $90 on a new single with stand or $50 for a used triple needing refurbishing? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodney69 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I personally would spend 90 and only but one product saving me 20.00 inn startup. By the time you're done spending time and money on a beat up triple, you went far beyond the single. Not including time spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerformaVending Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Performa, just starting out would you rather spend $90 on a new single with stand or $50 for a used triple needing refurbishing? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk That comes down to what you want to do with your business, and where you ultimately want to go as an individual business in the long run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musser Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Single head gum, change to a candy if it doesn't sell, if gum sells great add another head with gum. I will repeat s post I made a year or so ago, Out if every one hundred locations you will get: at least 20 will be losers and need pulled, 60 will support a single head machine, 15 will support a two head, and five will support a triple. When I say support I mean that the locations give a good roi, you never throw product away, they make enough money so you can hire someone to do the route. Buy quality machines. It is very tempting to go cheap but you will pay greatly for it in the long run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJvend Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Single head gum, change to a candy if it doesn't sell, if gum sells great add another head with gum. I will repeat s post I made a year or so ago, Out if every one hundred locations you will get: at least 20 will be losers and need pulled, 60 will support a single head machine, 15 will support a two head, and five will support a triple. When I say support I mean that the locations give a good roi, you never throw product away, they make enough money so you can hire someone to do the route. Buy quality machines. It is very tempting to go cheap but you will pay greatly for it in the long run. I think this is what I am going to transition towards doing. I personally would spend 90 and only but one product saving me 20.00 inn startup. By the time you're done spending time and money on a beat up triple, you went far beyond the single. Not including time spent. I think I agree with you here. I kind of figured this out the hard way. Reading all the posts on here of people saying to go used, I didn't even consider any new equipment. I picked up 15 triples for a great price, but they were in less than stellar condition and the work that has gone in to refurbishing them doesn't seem to even be worth the money saved at this point, plus all the down sides to having triples people are pointing out to me. I will get these 15 triples out because I have them, then buy a handful of NEW single heads from A&A and either find locations for them or replace the triples at my slower locations. Also, good point with the money saved on startup inventory, I didn't even consider that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musser Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I think the big issue is that starting out everyone is all starry eyed. When reality sets in that this is really hard work most walk away. So, at least if you buy good equipment you have something to sell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJvend Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I think the big issue is that starting out everyone is all starry eyed. When reality sets in that this is really hard work most walk away. So, at least if you buy good equipment you have something to sell. well thats a way of looking at it lol. I do get the vibe of the vets on here getting frustrated with all the newbies with big dreams that come and go, and I understand. I am not afraid of hard work though. I am also getting in to this understanding completely that it may not work out and if it does go that way, I am keeping my investment minimal so to not be out to much money in the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musser Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 Cj, I gave triples, not saying they don't have a place. But my point is that there are more viable locs for singles, so if you are new it can be an easier path, my comment about using good singles ( northwestern, oak, eagle, beaver, ) is because they are more desireable to large operators, thus if one decides they don't like the biz after all, good single will fetch more money and sell faster. I have bought a lot of little routes and routes of singles are great. I have had many routes of uturns offered but have never and probably will never buy one. It would literally cost more to replace uturns with right sized equipment than it would cost to build a route from scratch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.