Owner Operated machines

[joebob051977]

Pretty much all of us have come across machines that a business owner has bought and services. GotLocs might have a good response for this, but I haven't seen him here lately. Have you ever tried to be creative with your locating in these places?

I have a busy family restaurant that I patronize fairly regularly and would love to locate in. The business owner has 3 NW 60's on a stand. One machine is set for GB, but has nothing in it, not even a lock. I think this location would do awesome as a rack. I have considered purchasing his machines, but was thinking that it might be even more efficient to discuss using his machines on a rack. He would still own the machines, but I would add machines to it so that it would be operated well, and the commission he'd receive would be higher than what he was earning with his 3 60's (only 2 being used). I could even talk incentives with him such as winner balls and free desserts.

[dsimms]

Pretty much all of us have come across machines that a business owner has bought and services. GotLocs might have a good response for this, but I haven't seen him here lately. Have you ever tried to be creative with your locating in these places?

I have a busy family restaurant that I patronize fairly regularly and would love to locate in. The business owner has 3 NW 60's on a stand. One machine is set for GB, but has nothing in it, not even a lock. I think this location would do awesome as a rack. I have considered purchasing his machines, but was thinking that it might be even more efficient to discuss using his machines on a rack. He would still own the machines, but I would add machines to it so that it would be operated well, and the commission he'd receive would be higher than what he was earning with his 3 60's (only 2 being used). I could even talk incentives with him such as winner balls and free desserts.

why not have a chat with him to see what he is thinking...make an offer for the machines, and see

if it is ok to put a rack there, and pay him a % of what it makes...

[BluePlate]

If your gut tells you it's a good location, I would tell him he could make the same or more money by you managing it.  I would focus on how the empty machine is an eye soar for his business.  When you have the convesation with the owner do it in front of the machines.  Bring a flip book with you with pictures of some racks.  Tell him 1 or 2 50 cents vends could make a big difference. 

I think you would have more muscle if you don't use his machine.  Although it could be used as a trade in.  What ever figures he gives you, I would feel comfortable assuming 3x as much for sales.

[vendman]

His empty machines on your rack could make you look bad. Maybe its just me but I dont drive my vehicle with someone elses tires on it. I woul try to buy his machines.

[joebob051977]

His empty machines on your rack could make you look bad. Maybe its just me but I dont drive my vehicle with someone elses tires on it. I woul try to buy his machines.

I'm not going to have him servicing the rack! The NW 60's are nice looking, just empty half the time. But, it probably is better to discuss the option of purchasing his machines, and telling him how much more money he'd be making by letting a pro take care of the vending. I like the idea of a flip book. I think that is something I will start working on. I have some time to kill. I have all my machines located except the one in the mail and only $11 left until I collect on Friday. I'm running lean!

[West Coast Vend LLC]

I know exactly what you mean. I have been looking at a pizza place that is doing his own machines. They are the ugliest machines I have ever seen. That type of setup gives all of us a bad name. Customers think that vending is all crap toys in crap machines. I have asked this pizza owner a few times and had his help ask, but he thinks he can do better. I wouldn't go in to his pizza place and tell him I could make pizza better than he can so why not leave vending to me? I have seen his 2" capsule machine missing with just a tall rod standing there waiting for someone to walk in to. Every time I look through his door they are empty so I know even with that mess, he is selling product. What a shame, I say to myself each time I drive away. I will keep trying and maybe someday he will get tired of taking care of them and let me do it.

Gary