anyone have experience with pools

[orsd]

Is it a good idea to place soda machines at a community/ association pool?

Any experience/ comments/ problems?

thanks

[AZVendor]

It's not so much whether it's by the pool as how many people live there and what their income level is.  If it's an apartment complex it may do well if there's easy access to the machine.  My experience has been that if it's a condo or townhouse complex, sales will be slow.  People who own property are less likely to need soda as they will regularly grocery shop and will be likely to bring soda to the pool with them.  Your condo owners are more responsible than apartment renters and will eat better with better nutrition and be less likely to drink soda.  Apartment renters are more likely to use fast food, convenience markets and eat junk food.  You have a higher class of customer in a condo complex.

 

The higher class of customer won't mean less of a likelihood of vandalism.  The machine will still be outside, exposed and unguarded most of the time.  You will want to secure it with a T-handle hasp, side hasp at the validator, and a high security lock and then you can still expect problems eventually. 

[Vendors Tech]

On the technical side, they are more prone to rust, especially in the wiring, even if the machines are outdoors.  Humidity levels are much higher where a pool is located.  I've bought machines wholesale that came out of pool areas, and they are generally complete rust buckets, if they have been there for a long period of time.  Just something to take into account. :-)

[Vending How Chris]

Additionally, they are highly seasonal, so expect to order most of your product and make most of your money in the summer months. If you grab the location, be sure to lower your product levels in the winter so you don't end up wasting too much product.