help w decision

[usrwl76]

I have found a seller semi-local who has 7 vendstart 3000 for 500.00. they have been in service for 3 years and he is leaving the business. any questions I should ask him before purchasing?

[BudLeiser]

Lots.

I would ask to introduced to the location managers. What commissions he's paying. His reports on collections and taxes paid etc. Let's not forget there was a scam artist in FL busted recently. Selling snack machines and locations. People paid up front and never got machines or locations.

Always be wary of handing someone money for keys. Who's to say they still have keys themselves? What will stop him from picking up the machines when he leaves town? I have never bought a route, I'm just saying be careful.

Bud

[usrwl76]

actually it the machines only(no route) and he lives in Seattle. I am on the east side of the state, so that will not be a problem. I was wondering if this is a fair price for being 3 years old.

[dapreachaman]

That price is too high for only 7 vendstars.  You can often find them for less than 50 each barely used or new from someone who bought them and didn't get it started.  I think you can do better.  If i were you I would offer no more than 300 for the 7, but 3 years old i would try to get them for 250 or less.  start low and work up, but set a limit as to how high to go.

Good luck and i am sure others will have better knowledge for you. 

[usrwl76]

thank you, that is what I needed to know. I have been online trying to locate some used machines and it seems like there is nothing out there right now. do you know of any other sites besides craigs list and ebay?

[BudLeiser]

thank you, that is what I needed to know. I have been online trying to locate some used machines and it seems like there is nothing out there right now. do you know of any other sites besides craigs list and ebay?

When I first started it seemed like nothing was out there. I jumped on some vendshop/xyz for $80 a piece. A month or so later I wouldn't buy them for more then $35 a piece. And when he refused I was ok with that, a few weeks later I was glad he said no cause I found ever better deals on better machines.

The important thing is to keep your finger on the pulse. Cast some lures out, post on craigslist that your buying. Contact other vendors ask if their selling or know anyone that is. Watch the vendiscuss deals sections. Maybe it's Florida but theres tons around here I want to buy, but I had to tell myself no until my others are fully refurbed and located.

[bacho]

I was lucky and found my Venstars on American Classifieds. Here's the link for the website:

http://www.americanclassifieds.com/

You can pick up a free circular just about anywhere.

[mxer518]

Vendstars that have been on location for 3 years are going to be in rough shape, scratched, and dis colored. I would not pay more that 25-40 dollars a piece for them depending on the condition. you can in most cases find better deals that he if offering on eBay with shipping included.