Brand new, excited, but questions.

[Jarred767]

Hey all!! I'm so glad that I found this site, there's so much amazing information on here from people actually doing this, I've read pages and pages of stuff and it's so helpful.

So, I'm planning on entering into the candy/gumball vending side of things slowly as a side gig (I own a small auto detailing shop as my full time deal). I've got roughly $500 to invest right now and plan to reinvest everything to slowly build it up as I learn more. (Similar to how I started the first biz)

I'm guessing that most would suggest buying quality used machines over new (maybe lower quality) machines?? Would this be wisest with my budget? I'm thinking of doing doubles or triples mostly, but I'm open to any suggestions.

I did find a few used beavers (RB16) on CL for between 40-50, is that a decent price? Would I need a beaver specific stand for them, or are there universal ones in case future machines are different brands?

I'll continue reading through the forums in hopes to find more answers, but thought I'd see if anyone had specific suggestions, while also being able to introduce myself!!

[QuikVend]

Welcome to the forum. You're definitely starting off the right way, by asking questions and researching first.

Definitely, buying quality used equipment is an excellent way to get started. You're already looking at one of the higher quality brands available. Beaver, northwestern, oak and a&a (probably in that order as well) are the brands and majority around here would say are the best. Staying with doubles will allow you flexibility as you grow, as far as making it a single head of its not a huge performer or making it a rack of its killing. Triples have their place too. They can be cheaper and easier to get ahold of, plus they usually already have a stand included.

You should be able to use any stand with those beaver machines. I haven't bought or used any personally, so I'm not sure how good of a deal that really is, but if that is their list price I would try offering lower. Maybe 30-35.

[Determined]

Hey all!! I'm so glad that I found this site, there's so much amazing information on here from people actually doing this, I've read pages and pages of stuff and it's so helpful.

So, I'm planning on entering into the candy/gumball vending side of things slowly as a side gig (I own a small auto detailing shop as my full time deal). I've got roughly $500 to invest right now and plan to reinvest everything to slowly build it up as I learn more. (Similar to how I started the first biz)

I'm guessing that most would suggest buying quality used machines over new (maybe lower quality) machines?? Would this be wisest with my budget? I'm thinking of doing doubles or triples mostly, but I'm open to any suggestions.

I did find a few used beavers (RB16) on CL for between 40-50, is that a decent price? Would I need a beaver specific stand for them, or are there universal ones in case future machines are different brands?

I'll continue reading through the forums in hopes to find more answers, but thought I'd see if anyone had specific suggestions, while also being able to introduce myself!!

I have started with used vending equipment. I think it was a good way to start because I learned how they work and some parts that will interchange. The problem with buying used equipment is sometimes you need to order direct from the manufacturer. Sometimes they are slow in getting things shipped, the mail is usually slow, shipping is high, and they charge a small service fee if you don't spend enough. Most of the equipment I've bought is usually never set up the way I want, but you can save some money. Beaver's usually do run higher but you can a order a new a&a for $46 plus shipping but will probably take a month to get.

[Jarred767]

Thanks guys! Really appreciate the advice. There is really so much great info to learn and this is awesome to hear from people directly doing the same thing.

So,I was able to work out a deal for a couple Beavers for $30 each so I'm picking them up tomorrow!! Super excited to get my feet wet! They're very gently used in an office setting, so I feel like it's a pretty good deal based off of info on here. I'll need to figure out a stand, but I don't plan on placing any machines until fall (family stuff) so I've got time to figure things out along with squiring more machines.

I hear a lot of people say not so great stuff about triples on here, is that just for machines that are like a one-piece, three-section box? Or would a stand with three separate globes not be that great either? I would think more options for customers would only be better, but I'm very new. I was maybe thinking of starting with a fruity candy (m&i, skittles, runts, etc), a chocolate (pm&m, m&m, Reese's, etc), and a gumball. Kinda to test the waters, but yeah, still learning a ton through reading.

Thanks again!!

[QuikVend]

Beavers are high quality machines. Sounds like you got a good deal, especially if they're basically location ready. I don't really see them for sale around me too often,so I've stuck with oaks and northwestern mostly. I also have quite a few triples and uturns(both 4-way and 8-way).

Alot of the negative feedback you see about triples are about the single machines with 3 compartments. With those, if you're only selling 1 of the 3 products, you either have to stick it out or swap in another product. Alot of people tend to use 2 or 3 single machines on a stand,that way they can adjust to the sales. Also, if you're really killing it at the location, you can put the singles on a rack and add a few more heads of candy or toys and build some more sales that way.

I have quite a few breakrooms, so I think my triples and uturns work for me. But I have started leaning towards the single stands with 1 or 2 machines myself.

Also, I have a Beaver stand that I probably won't be using. If you're interested just message me and I'll give you a good deal on it.

[Jarred767]

Beavers are high quality machines. Sounds like you got a good deal, especially if they're basically location ready.......

....Also, I have a Beaver stand that I probably won't be using. If you're interested just message me and I'll give you a good deal on it.

Thanks man!! Really appreciate it, I'll shoot you a PM. Yeah I found an awesome post on here after leaving that question about comparing the two kinds at three different locations and the flexibility that comes with single heads. Your comments line up exactly with that, so it's great to hear!

[Jarred767]

First purchase... making this venture "official." Two Beavers in awesome condition and ready for a stand for $60 total!! Feels like it's a great start!