Esko Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I just picked up my first machine a 1-800 for $65. Looks great and seems like a quality machine. I do plan to buy more of these machines as a foot in the door kind of thing but after reading many posts here I have decided to focus primarily on toys and locate racks. As for the Racks, I am leaning towards 2 Northwestern 80's 2" Caps (I think 25") on top set to .75/.75 vend and NW60's below 1" toy @.50/ GB @.25/ 1" Toy @.50 below. I was looking at the LYPC's but after reading the reviews decided against them. Also considered the AA, still may go that route but I would like to buy American Made if I can, even if it initially costs a little more. As far as product, I am thinking Hood Hounds and Glitzy Jewelry above and moustaches, Seedlings GB, and either FFE or Ultimate Fighters below. It's hard to believe how much better the margins can be for 1" ie moustache vs 2". This all sounds good in theory but I know when I get my feet wet things may change. Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jj54 Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I THANK YOU HAVE DONE YOUR HOME WORK . YOU GOT IT!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esko Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share Posted March 6, 2012 I THANK YOU HAVE DONE YOUR HOME WORK . YOU GOT IT!! I've tried, I know you can't have all of the angles figured out but I'm hoping this forum has got me on the right track. I am resisting the urge to just jump in and buy 20 racks and instead have a couple on hand and as they get placed buy new ones. Cost is also making that decision easy... lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antoniocinisi Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 25 INCH MACHINES will be fine for most locations.I use your same philosophy as far as buying American made.northwesterns are even made in my home state of Illinois.having said that I am starting to shy away from them since a and a has the same machine for much cheaper.your price points are spot on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esko Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share Posted March 6, 2012 25 INCH MACHINES will be fine for most locations.I use your same philosophy as far as buying American made.northwesterns are even made in my home state of Illinois.having said that I am starting to shy away from them since a and a has the same machine for much cheaper.your price points are spot on. I like the idea of the higher capacity of the 30" but it just feels too tall and I don't think it looks as clean. I will pay up to 15% more for Northwesterns because it's a one time cost, but if it comes out to much more than that I would have to reconsider, especially considering at that rate the difference is a free machine for every 7 you buy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antoniocinisi Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 you will tie up more inventory with taller machines with no gain.I like northwestern better and buy scratch and dents as much as I can.I just cant justify spending 80 bucks for a new one when a similar option is 25-30 bucks cheaper.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esko Posted March 7, 2012 Author Share Posted March 7, 2012 you will tie up more inventory with taller machines with no gain.I like northwestern better and buy scratch and dents as much as I can.I just cant justify spending 80 bucks for a new one when a similar option is 25-30 bucks cheaper.. That's a good point... I really liked the LYPC coin drawer too bad they have a lot of problems. I wonder if going with LYPC and changing out the mech and wheel to an Oak wheel could be worthwhile. After all if the machine would then be pretty much bulletproof, even if it cost as much as the A&A your time spent at each location would be reduced. Possibly a long term savings. Dunno. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyT Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Sounds like a great plan, Esko. Try it out first, get your foot in the door. That is what I am doing now, too. I like these 1-800s, but having some problems with 1.1-1.25inch caps. I think I might have figured it out, I'll let you know if I do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esko Posted March 10, 2012 Author Share Posted March 10, 2012 Sounds like a great plan, Esko. Try it out first, get your foot in the door. That is what I am doing now, too. I like these 1-800s, but having some problems with 1.1-1.25inch caps. I think I might have figured it out, I'll let you know if I do. Yeah, please do. I can see mixing in possibly acorn style 1" toys in some locations to gauge if toys will do well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainor5251 Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 That's a good point... I really liked the LYPC coin drawer too bad they have a lot of problems. I wonder if going with LYPC and changing out the mech and wheel to an Oak wheel could be worthwhile. After all if the machine would then be pretty much bulletproof, even if it cost as much as the A&A your time spent at each location would be reduced. Possibly a long term savings. Dunno. you can get coin trays for the A&A's and NW 60's and they make servicing pretty quick, just a thought Sounds like a great plan, Esko. Try it out first, get your foot in the door. That is what I am doing now, too. I like these 1-800s, but having some problems with 1.1-1.25inch caps. I think I might have figured it out, I'll let you know if I do. its easier just vending 27mm bb's and 1" round caps from brand or actionmatic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esko Posted March 12, 2012 Author Share Posted March 12, 2012 you can get coin trays for the A&A's and NW 60's and they make servicing pretty quick, just a thought its easier just vending 27mm bb's and 1" round caps from brand or actionmatic I didn't realize you had that option with the A&A's. Good to know. It seems like there is not nearly as much available in 1" round, or am I just looking in the wrong places? I like bouncy balls and that may be a solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dperry Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I didn't realize you had that option with the A&A's. Good to know. It seems like there is not nearly as much available in 1" round, or am I just looking in the wrong places? I like bouncy balls and that may be a solution. You are correct. The round caps cost more than the acorn caps for some reason. This makes the overall product cost go up. Therefore, fewer choice options. And quite honestly, some toys won't fit in the round caps. I had some empty round caps once, and when I broke down some acrylic ring displays and capped them, the larger rings would not fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esko Posted March 13, 2012 Author Share Posted March 13, 2012 You are correct. The round caps cost more than the acorn caps for some reason. This makes the overall product cost go up. Therefore, fewer choice options. And quite honestly, some toys won't fit in the round caps. I had some empty round caps once, and when I broke down some acrylic ring displays and capped them, the larger rings would not fit. Thanks Darryl, so it sounds like it can be a pain. Would you then recommend 27mm bb as a better choice? If I do go with some 1" I will be sure to get prepackaged... Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mage Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 I love my bouncy balls. (27mm mixed.) Unfortunately I only have one location using them right now. (And locating is on the back burner for now.) I talked to a location I already had to get the machine in, and it turned a dud location into a profitable one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esko Posted March 15, 2012 Author Share Posted March 15, 2012 I love my bouncy balls. (27mm mixed.) Unfortunately I only have one location using them right now. (And locating is on the back burner for now.) I talked to a location I already had to get the machine in, and it turned a dud location into a profitable one. I imagine there are many locations that won't allow bb's or gum. In that case I would like to have a good alternative. Good to hear it turned the bad location around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerformaVending Posted March 15, 2012 Share Posted March 15, 2012 I imagine there are many locations that won't allow bb's or gum. In that case I would like to have a good alternative. Good to hear it turned the bad location around. I've only had one location even bat an eye at bouncy balls. They were concerned about the choking hazard liability. I have had portions of my contracts dedicated to saying "YOU WILL NEVER VEND GUM OF ANY FORM AT OUR PLACE OF BUSINESS" in the past, but they're cool with bouncy balls. Though I imagine it varies by region, I can't think of a place that would say no to both. In which case- vend caps and be done with it. You have a fine plan Esko, I wish I had had your forethought when I dove into vending. Good luck, and best wishes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esko Posted March 15, 2012 Author Share Posted March 15, 2012 I've only had one location even bat an eye at bouncy balls. They were concerned about the choking hazard liability. I have had portions of my contracts dedicated to saying "YOU WILL NEVER VEND GUM OF ANY FORM AT OUR PLACE OF BUSINESS" in the past, but they're cool with bouncy balls. Though I imagine it varies by region, I can't think of a place that would say no to both. In which case- vend caps and be done with it. You have a fine plan Esko, I wish I had had your forethought when I dove into vending. Good luck, and best wishes! Yeah, I can see gum being a bigger issue. Thanks for the kind words. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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