Getting Started (Beginner Seeking Advice)

[VendyWendy]

I'm looking for some advice on very beginner questions as I finalize my business plan and start sourcing locations to purchase my first machine.  Thank you in advance - I appreciate the help!!

 

1. What type of machines (brand/model) are good to buy used?

 - Ideally would like to start with 1 combo machine or 1 beverage and 1 snack (Depending on location preference)

 - Which brands are most reliable and easiest to service (easy to upgrade/parts are easy to find)?

 

2. Machine Testing

- Looking to start by buying a used machine.  From my research most say have the person you purchase from deliver the machine.

- In this scenario, where the seller delivers, how do you test? Is it on the spot or do they provide a guarantee and pick it up if it doesn't work?  Use a third party tester?

- As experts how do you test? I put together a test list please let me know if I am missing anything:

      - Bill+coin collector - Does the machine read money (mechanical)

      - Motor - Does the machine refrigerate when plugged in (mechanical)

      - Drop sensor - Does the machine dispense (mechanical)

      - User adds more money than item costs - Does it dispense correct change (technical)

      - User doesn't enter enough money - Does is show amount of money needed for purchase (technical)

      - User cancels - Does it dispense the correct amount of money (technical)

      - User selects sold out item - Does it show select new item (technical)

      - User adds more money than machine has change for - Does it reject the cash (technical)

 

3. Standard systems/software for sales and inventory tracking?

- Some videos mention a telemetry system

- Are these recommended, if so which system would you use?

 

4. Does anyone have an example contract/service agreement for when you land a location?

 

And if anyone has any general advice/insight on getting starting, keeping costs down, scaling, what you wish you knew when getting started, mistakes to avoid etc. it would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Gizmo Vending]

Here’s the machines I buy:  Stacked vendors would be Dixie Narco E series models(you’ll want 501e) and Vendo v21 models.   For larger locations I’ll buy a Bevmax 4’s and Royal RVV 500’s.  Not recommended for new operators.    For snacks I use AMS Sensit 2 and 3’s, National 167/168 and a few AP models.  For combos I use AMS Sensit 2 & 3.   Sensit 1 boards won’t accept PayRange and can’t charge cards over a certain amount.  I think it’s $2.25.  In this day in age that’s a large percentage of your products..  

As a beginner you do not buy equipment until you have a location unless you have access to large amounts of capital and are renting a warehouse.  I say this because not all locations will be the same.   If you buy a 600e or a vendo 821 today, and find a location tomorrow but it’s single standard doors everywhere  you won’t be able to move these machines in.  You don’t want to buy a combo today find a place with 50 people tomorrow.  You find locations then purchase equipment based on what the location needs.  (And by what the location needs is something for you to determine, not the location.  I’ve walked into places with 25 people telling me they want brand new machines, cold food machines, you name it.  It’s not their money, they don’t care.)

Testing out machines, you will need to have a place to deliver the machines to and then go through these machines yourself.   You do not want to buy machines and then deliver straight to location.  See this post: https://vendiscuss.net/topic/36895-new-to-vending-have-a-location-need-to-get-2-machines/

 

You will always find something that needs to be adjusted, cleaned, replaced etc.   You do not want to place on location and then work out the kinks especially as you are new and if you have a job.   

 

 

[VendyWendy]

1 hour ago, Gizmo Vending said:

Here’s the machines I buy:  Stacked vendors would be Dixie Narco E series models(you’ll want 501e) and Vendo v21 models.   For larger locations I’ll buy a Bevmax 4’s and Royal RVV 500’s.  Not recommended for new operators.    For snacks I use AMS Sensit 2 and 3’s, National 167/168 and a few AP models.  For combos I use AMS Sensit 2 & 3.   Sensit 1 boards won’t accept PayRange and can’t charge cards over a certain amount.  I think it’s $2.25.  In this day in age that’s a large percentage of your products..  

As a beginner you do not buy equipment until you have a location unless you have access to large amounts of capital and are renting a warehouse.  I say this because not all locations will be the same.   If you buy a 600e or a vendo 821 today, and find a location tomorrow but it’s single standard doors everywhere  you won’t be able to move these machines in.  You don’t want to buy a combo today find a place with 50 people tomorrow.  You find locations then purchase equipment based on what the location needs.  (And by what the location needs is something for you to determine, not the location.  I’ve walked into places with 25 people telling me they want brand new machines, cold food machines, you name it.  It’s not their money, they don’t care.)

Testing out machines, you will need to have a place to deliver the machines to and then go through these machines yourself.   You do not want to buy machines and then deliver straight to location.  See this post: https://vendiscuss.net/topic/36895-new-to-vending-have-a-location-need-to-get-2-machines/

 

You will always find something that needs to be adjusted, cleaned, replaced etc.   You do not want to place on location and then work out the kinks especially as you are new and if you have a job.   

 

 

Thanks for the insight!!  Greatly appreciated!

[AZVendor]

Do not buy imported machines or anything from a flashy website.  Do not buy Gaines, Seaga, Genesis, and a few others.  Post the model or a photo of anything you are considering so we can tell you the truth about it.

[Apple Leisure]

Folks here will give you great advice on what machines to buy.  My personal preference is AP123 and Dixie-Narco 501E. The point I'd like to make, to your question on what do you wish you knew when you started, is to stick with the same/similar machines, whatever you decide.  That way your extra parts can be used in any of your machines and also you become much more proficient in how your machines work.  And as a beginner I would only buy machines from a reputable dealer; I use Vending World in Rancho Cucamonga for example.  They are local to me but they also ship.  Or better yet, find a good dealer in your area and ask them to teach you the basics of operation.

I don't like contracts but have done them before.  I prefer to use the handshake method of business and never give them a reason to replace you.  I'm sure that there are other opinions about that, especially for the BIG customers, but you won't be encountering that in the beginning.

Lastly, I wish I had access to this forum when I started out.  It can be, and is, a huge help.