trevordahl Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I will be retiring next year and I need to keep myself busy. I am researching the bulk vending business and would like some guidence on where to look for machine manufacturers, costs involved in this type of business, and overall general do's and don'ts associated with this business. Any help would be most appreciated. Trevor Dahl Carlsbad, CA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-man422 Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Trevor, welcome to Vendiscuss! Bulk vending is an excellent way to keep you busy while making a little money. For general do's and dont's all you have to do is check out all of the past posts here on vendiscuss. the "Vending 101" section will be very helpfull. Make yourself at home and feel free to ask any questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer980 Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Welcome aboard. You have come to the right place for answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurtsman Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Don't load up on brand new 8 way terminators Do post anything you are thinking of buying and ask if it is a good deal. We will answer honestly. Do not use random locators. We have a review section, the vast majority of locators are scum. There are few who are excellent resources to help you grow your business. That is why we have the review section. Do not buy a mistake. When someone else massively overpays for a terrible machine, don't let their "starting price" make you feel a responsibility to bail them out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay33 Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Welcome Trevor! I just joined last week, but I've already learned a ton!! Take a few hours to read some of the posts. You'll get a quick intro to most everything. Regards, Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sterling Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 There is a couple of us on here from the SD area. We are ruthless down here! JK. I've worked out deals with other vendors where if I find a location in south bay or North county we have traded locations if they are geographically desirable for both parties to do so. Study study and get out there. There are plenty of opportunities in this county. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Honda man Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Welcome to the forum! Like the others have mentioned, read past posts and ask lots of questions. After your 20th post, a whole new world of information opens up to you in the Memebers Plus section. Ernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trevordahl Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 I have concluded this is the #1 place to go for all questions. Even though I currently reside in the North San Diego County area, I am more looking at the Colorado River stretch from Blythe north. We have a home out along the River and plan to retire there next year. I am using this time now to do major research on viability of certain machines, and businesses. I have talked with the U-Turn people and will be talking with Super Pro Vending soon. I have concluded already that the U-Turn program is way too expensive to begin with, and based on viewing Craigs list and other sites, used U-Turns are not selling much over $100. Any pros and cons for the DI program with Super Pro Vending? Looking forward to the next few months accumilating info to make an intelligent decision. Trevor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trevordahl Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Sterling, Since you are located in the SD area, do you currently use the U-Turn or the Super Pro machines? Trevor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sterling Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Buy used. Hawk Craigslist for machines or even better a route for dirt cheap in the area your moving to. Buying new machines or a biz op will increase your ROI by years in most cases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trevordahl Posted March 19, 2009 Author Share Posted March 19, 2009 Yes, I will be buying used, but I was wondering about vendors experience with the U-Turn or Super Pro machines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nam Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Trevor, Welcome to the forum. I'm in Arizona but come to California on a regular basis to buy machines. You are in a great state to find deals on whatever you want. Shop craigslist and look here in the forum under "Shop and Swap" section. I have some U Turns and they like all machines have good and bad points. I would buy some more even though I wouldn't want to many as they take longer to service. One of the main compliants is they hold too much candy and the candy can spoil as most locations can't support them. If you have an 8 select then you can put in capsules with toys rather than candy to solve that issue. I rather like the 8 select for that reason but a real pain to collect your quarters and fill cannisters. If I can be of any help feel free to pm me. The last word from me is never buy new - always used! nam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trevordahl Posted March 21, 2009 Author Share Posted March 21, 2009 Nam, Thanks for the advice. What part of Arizona you working? I am looking at the Blythe, CA to Parker area to start. Any advice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nam Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Trevor, I'm in the Phoenix area. Your area is unique in that it isn't a very big population and further between other towns than normal. And those towns aren't very big either. lol The advantage is people are usually nicer in smaller towns and more receptive to listening to you as they won't have as many saleman calling on them. I'd try making the most of the locations you get as you won't have as many there as you would living further east or west. We're both also gonna need some big coolers and more ice packs than the rest of these guys no doubt. :cool: nam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trevordahl Posted March 22, 2009 Author Share Posted March 22, 2009 Nam, That's what I am looking forward to; living in a smaller community and get away from the big city. We have had a place out here for over four years and absolutely love it. When we retire, I won't need much to live on, but I do need to stay busy. This business fits the bill. It looks like my biggest expense in this business will be big coolers and ice packs. Still doing a lot of research and due dilegence. Was wondering how the licensing is handled in each of the cities? Will be checking with each of the Cities to get what they require. Any info on this would be helpful. Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Coast Vend LLC Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Welcome to VENDiscuss.com, Travor. Great place to live isn't it? We are here to help you with any questions you may have. Just ask away and join in the learning and fun. Again, welcome. Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trevordahl Posted March 22, 2009 Author Share Posted March 22, 2009 Gary, Yes San Diego is a great place to live. Been here over 20 years, raised two kids, have three grandkids now, but looking forward to slowing down next year at our place north of Blythe. I was wondering if you have any of the U-Turns and or DI machines placed in the market that I can take a visual look at? Again, I am not looking to start up here in San Diego. I just need to see these machines first hand. Any suggestions would help. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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