sterling Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I went to my tattto location. It had been about 2 months since they don't open until 12 and they are an outlayer who does only about 12-15/month. When I got there NO MACHINE! There was the gumball machine (not mine) at that was it. After some insisting on some checking in the back another guy came out and said that "the guy" took it about a month ago. Well I am "the guy" and I have no emloyees, therefore "the guy" stole my machine. He went on to say he took both of them. Well there were only two there before and one now. I can only guess some guy may have picked up his machine after a few weeks and mine as well for good measure!? I did get some wierd phone call about a week ago asking where all the money goes and he has some stores but never gave me his name or his stores. Maybe he took my machine and was calling off the number for more information on locations or just having some perverse fun. Anyway, I've been in the business for two years and have had three machines stolen to date. I'm curious what are peoples rate of machine theft per year. So far mine is 1.5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Coast Vend LLC Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 I have been in business about 3 years and I have had one machine stolen so far. The funny thing is, it was stolen from my wife's karate school. The neighborhood I live in must be much safer than yours Sterling. The only thing I would say is, lock them up or bolt them down. Sorry to here about your missing machine. Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alyssamma Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 One machine stolen...but I kind of knew going in it would be. It was in a boys college dorm I've had about 3 or so machines vandalized (hehe, one today)...but none were unusable (had to replace 2 tops and one cannister). I had one other vendor get mad because my machine was next to his and he pulled the top off my machine. Luckily the owners of the business put the machine up and called me right away. I've had about another 2 or so machines broken by emps while moving/cleaning, etc. (I have a lot in break/backrooms). Luckily, every one of these was a $15 Vendstar, so the loss of candy was the most upsetting This is over 18mo. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey B Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 wow! I hope I have better luck than you have had in the last 18 months when I start my bulk route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sterling Posted December 3, 2009 Author Share Posted December 3, 2009 Well Gary I know you only put your machines in high end exclusive neighborhoods where crime is not an issue. I however live on the edge and run out to South East San Diego. The gnarlier the neighborhood the better! My motto is if I wouldn't want to service this machine after dark, put it in! Seriously though it is the single pipe stand Vendstars that are getting stolen not the 250 lb 4 column sticker machines or racks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurtsman Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Well Gary I know you only put your machines in high end exclusive neighborhoods where crime is not an issue. I however live on the edge and run out to South East San Diego. The gnarlier the neighborhood the better! My motto is if I wouldn't want to service this machine after dark, put it in! Seriously though it is the single pipe stand Vendstars that are getting stolen not the 250 lb 4 column sticker machines or racks. Anyone can steel a vendstar. Only a strong person can steal a NW triple play. If the base rate for someone to be a criminal in that part of town is unaffected by physical ability, then having a machine that's harder to carry off will stop a large percentage of "would be" thieves, they will opt to steal something easier to pay for crack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Snacks Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 I loose about 5 machines (doubles, hoops, uturns, even a 7 foot gas pump) per year. Just the way it is. But I have not lost a rack yet. For those with stolen racks, were the stands on wheels? I avoid rack stands with wheels for that reason. Jax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reel Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Unfortunately this past 6 months has been our first for theft. We have lost 1 triple, 1 uturn terminator and 4 x 4 select uturns . The terminator was stolen from on location at a Backpackers Hotel and the others basically the businesses was closed when we went to service the machines, whilst i try and retreive them through property managers etc basically they couldnt careless about my problem in trying to get the machines back. We have also had uturn machines literally broken into and partiially destroyed as well. We collected a uturn that was at a KFC it had been there just under one week when the manager told us to come and collect it because they didnt want it anymore. The lid had been totally damaged all 4 canisters had been forced partially out from the lid held upside down and the candy tipped out..................I find this type of action so frustrating and very soul destroying , its hard not to loose faith in humanity sometimes and makes you wonder whether its all worthwhile . All of the above happened in average areas certainly not low class suburbs. I may relocate to the us and do vending there instead lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antoniocinisi Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 I may relocate to the us and do vending there instead lolthis issue is probably worse here in the US Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Snacks Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Unfortunately this past 6 months has been our first for theft. We have lost 1 triple, 1 uturn terminator and 4 x 4 select uturns . I find this type of action so frustrating and very soul destroying , its hard not to loose faith in humanity sometimes and makes you wonder whether its all worthwhile . All of the above happened in average areas certainly not low class suburbs. I may relocate to the us and do vending there instead lol With all of the things that go on today, I have very little hope that things will ever get better. There is clearly a lack of respect for other people's property, lack of respect for elders, for peers, for neighbors, for authority, etc. I just do "my thing" and try to tune out all of the nonsense. But America's best days IMHO are behind it, unfortunately. So stay put in Australia - at least the weather is better. By the way, I just had a smash and grab this week. Probably about $30 in the machine. The thieves did $1100 damage to replace the door and glass. I also had to pay a lawyer to send a recovery letter to an uncaring landlord to get some equipment recovered. On and on... Jax - Ready to move to Mayberry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavity Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Jax - Ready to move to Mayberry! Let me know when, I'll be happy to purchase your route! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetstop Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 I had my first 1800 machine stolen from an oil change place last week, They said "a guy came to get it last week" and thats all they had to say. maybe it was one of the workers? he says "you can put another one in If you want" YEAH RIGHT life goes on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reel Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Hi Jax, Yes i agree with your comments 100 percent, these days people simply have no respect for other peoples property or authority. Having been well raised, its difficult to get used to peoples general lack of manners and respect for each other and authority. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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