jb5580 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 I'm in the process of starting up a vending business. I'm torn between full line or bulk or a little of both. I had a question to you experienced full line vender's out their. When you have equipment problems i.e. breakdowns, jams, etc. do you have local mechanics you can call and they'll come out and fix your machines on call or do you have to learn the whole inner workings of them and fix them yourself? I'm a little mechanically inclined but don't have much experience in electrical issues at all. Any imput would be greatly appreciated. thanks, JIM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparta_Automation Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Actually....it's a mixture of both strategies. For easy fixes, tinkering with a machine is the best way to learn how to fix them. I have some mechanical and Electrical skills and that has served me very well as a starting point. Use some logical thinking/common sense and you can probably fix 95% or more of the issues. Don't forget manuals and forums for help when your stumped. For refrid/freezer issues, I will try standard stuff, but beyond that I have a local vending service company that I deal with....but that is a last resort as everything that I pay them is profits from me. My time isn't free, but at least it stays in the business. Travis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mxer518 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 I don't want to sound harsh but I feel that to be successful in the Full line vending business you need to be smart enough to be able to fix all your machines and be able to spot the problem very quickly and not rely on a company to fix your machines. When I was just starting out I made sure that I got to know each of my machines 100%, for example knowing what each part and what its function it. As for refrigeration it seemed scary at first but then I realized it was the best to always replace the deck when something went wrong, once you do that then you can have it looked at to see if it is repairable but in all my years experience only 1 has been. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jb5580 Posted October 28, 2009 Author Share Posted October 28, 2009 That's not harsh, that sounds reasonable. I plan learn my equipment inside and out like you describe. I think I was talking about the very immediate after I purchase a route or machines, in case of problems. I will also get manuals and study them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mxer518 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 That sounds like a good idea, also keep in mind that if you are buying equipment that is very popular for full line from the major manufacturers they have toll free tech lines and let me tell you these people are veryyyyyy smart and can pretty much tell you the solution once they hear the issue. Many times I have been on a location on my cell phone talking to a tech person and they have always been able to help. Look up their numbers and add them to your cell phone, you will be soo happy you did when you are on a location and a problem comes up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jb5580 Posted October 28, 2009 Author Share Posted October 28, 2009 Thanks for the knowledge mxer, Those phone numbers sound very helpful. Also, what are the kinds of tools and supplies you want to have available with you when your out servicing full line and bulk machines? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mxer518 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 just a basic tool box, now that I have had to repair a bunch while being on the road I know the exact sizes sockets and extensions to so things such as validators. but a basic common sense tool box should be good, also don't forget to always carry extra cleaning cards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mission vending Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 jb, What mxer has told you is sound advice. Here are a couple of additional points. 1. Don't let the electronics in the machines scare you. Most of the newer stuff is very easy to fix, just figure out the part that is bad and replace it. 2. Stick with the major well known brands when buying equipment. A good multimeter is something you ought to have in your toolbox along with a basic screwdriver and socket set. For the really tough repairs I've found that good hammer to beat the crap out of something can be helpful as well. (joking) I know the Wittern group people have a three day tech school you might want to consider looking into as well. Most of what they will teach you will be applicable to the other brands of equipment as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jb5580 Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 Hey, thanks for all the advice. I'm still just looking for small routes for sale in my area. Their are some but it seems hard to get the sellers to respond to me, guess that's good as they don't seem overly anxious to sell. I have access to a pretty big vendor in my area selling reconditioned Dixie narco's and such with 30 day warranties and delivery, and I happen to know him and trust him(we are both firefighters in the same dept.). Is it hard to build your own route by buying used equipment and getting a locator like kickstart to locate for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mxer518 Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 It is all what you make of it, depends on how hard you are willing to work on locating the machines. Some people find it very easy and other find it to be the hardest thing they have ever done. One bit of advice I could give you would to go locate the machine(s) and then purchase them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caserri Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 In addition to all the great advice posted, don't forget about finding good quality tech advice right here on VENDiscuss. Our members can be extremely helpful in not only starting your vending business but for diagnosing and fixing problems as well. For example, Bill, (Technivend on the board) has been a huge help to many members here, myself included when it came to diagnosing and correcting a problem on one of my machines. Hire a repair company (spend money) as a last resort. Learn your machines and ask questions here (free) is a great first step. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jb5580 Posted October 30, 2009 Author Share Posted October 30, 2009 Thanks, this board is really an excellent tool for beginners like myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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