Well, after some pressure from Mr. Caserri, I have opened this blog on the TVF. We'll see how that pans out for him. Fingers crossed!

Something that a lot of new vendors face when they start is a lot of resistance- and a lot of new guys never make it past all of that. However, I think a fundamental question every new guy should really be asked is "Why did you become a vendor?"


I think the most common answer is "Money". It varies from "I need some money on the side for whatever" or "It's a great way to help with college" or "It's my latest get-rich-quick scheme" or whatever it may be. Sometimes they'll go in depth that they want something straightforward and simple to do, or they want to do something different for a job, or they want the vast freedom this business provides. I think for most of us, that's about right.

I started because I've always thought the machines were cool, and saw an opportunity to make some quick cash without much for start-up costs.

I think there should be a follow-up to this. Someday I'll muster the courage to ask it in the open boards to everyone, but for now, here it is: "Why did you stay a vendor?"

What's a good answer to that? I can't imagine it's money. I'd argue the vast majority of vending operations are still smaller than 50 machines. Maybe the income is great from those machines, but I can't see someone doing it just for the money. If you wanted the money, there are easier ways to get it. This industry is one of the most notorious for weeding out the lazy- I can't imagine anyone in it just for the money are going to tough it out.

Maybe for the flexibility? The freedom? Well, maybe, but that makes even less sense than money. I think these are the sort of vendors who leave their machines empty or out of service, or who never are available. These are the guys who are easy pickings for the rest of us. Why would you keep "working" if you're looking for an easy paycheck? Go work retail- it's very easy and much more reliable in terms of money.

I'm sure I'm missing a few answers here, but I think the best answer is: "I'm doing it because I love it."

I can't think of a better motivation to keep rolling out there to face more businesses and service more machines, and deal with more of the hurdles we all face everyday. Unless you love this, I can't imagine you can really soar with it. Unless this is really what you want to do, I doubt you'll ever see your true potential come out. If you have a passion for this industry, the right mindset, and the right tools- there isn't a thing that can stand in your way.

Maybe I'm just some nut barking on the "interweb" but I honestly believe that to really succeed in this business, it takes something special. Money can get you started, but love will keep you going!

So, why did you choose the path of the vendor?

Alex Macomber, Performa Vending