jstolpe Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 I am curious as to where every one goes to buy their products in bulk for their vending machines. I currently have 5 machines and have been buying from sam club. I am just wondering if there is a better solution out there that maybe some more seasoned vendors know about. I appreciate the help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruff84 Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 Vistar, Costco, but with only 5 locations I bet SAMs is still going to be the best bet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moondog Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 I am curious as to where every one goes to buy their products in bulk for their vending machines. I currently have 5 machines and have been buying from sam club. I am just wondering if there is a better solution out there that maybe some more seasoned vendors know about. I appreciate the help! There might be a good wholesaler in your area other than Sam's and Costco - the one I use probably won't work for you unless you're in this area Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparta_Automation Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 Costco Business Center. It's different then a Costco. They are geared for business sales, C-Stores etc. I buy the VAST majority of my snack/drinks from them. Travis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillisNYC Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 When you go to Sam's Club, look for other vendors like yourself. Ask them what other outlets they purchase at locally. I have found several local soda and chocolate wholesalers in the area by doing this. I also tracked down a local bakery selling cakes by seeing them on a guys truck who was at Sam's Club and asked him where he got them. Networking with other small local vendors can lead you to all kinds of ideas on where and how to purchase product, not to mention equipment, vehicles, etc. Worked out really well for me and still does! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
executivevending Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 I buy food from sams club and soda from walmart when there are sales around the area in local ads as they have the price match guarantee. Just get a cart or 2 and stock up! Works well with only a small amount of machines. Hope this helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F J Vending Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 I am looking at purchasing a small route of 4 combo's and one snack machine. I have been pricing various snacks and soda everywhere I go. I was thinking that when the local grocery stores runs specials I would stock up, as it would be cheaper than Sams, at least for soda. No local Costco and the other local wholesaler is not even competitive for the small amount I would expect to be purchasing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekobun Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 Costco Business Center. It's different then a Costco. They are geared for business sales, C-Stores etc. I buy the VAST majority of my snack/drinks from them. Travis I noticed memberships at costco included business membership, do you need business membership and is it the same building or totally separate location? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moondog Posted February 22, 2013 Share Posted February 22, 2013 I noticed memberships at costco included business membership, do you need business membership and is it the same building or totally separate location? The business membership allows you to purchase product tax exempt if you've got a state resale certificate (which you should). In addition there are cash back incentives based on purchases (4% on gas) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thekobun Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Are the Costco business center prices for snack and beverage vending different/cheaper than regular costcos? I have a costco business center about 45minutes away from me. I plan to visit, but I do not think this will be reasonable in the long run for supply unless I stock up. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruff84 Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 You will want to stock up as much as possible. The fewer trips to buy product ( and almost everything else) the less you are going to spend in fuel and time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indiana Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 I'm a big fan of my local Sam's Club, so I do my best to purchase as much of my inventory here as possible. They have truly helped my small business grow from nothing, especially from extending my business a credit account when most others wouldn't. I also do sporadic shopping at Jetro Cash & Carry (Restaurant Depot) and Chicago Vendor Supply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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