BluePlate Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 I haven't posted much lately, things have been crazy in my life. I wouldn't mind sharing a bit here. About a month and a half ago, I placed an ATM at a laundromat, after a few weeks the owner loved it and want one for each of his 6 more locations. I began scraping pennies to buy equipment and not to dissappoint him, I told him I would place them over the next 6 months. Recently, a large ATM business here in the Northeast had some issues (big explaination) and they had over 300 ATM down for over 2 weeks, I started hitting C-stores. It was like shooting fish in a barrel with a shot gun! These C-Store owners where ready and willing to change providers in a minute. 4 new locations so far and maybe more to come!! Well success and growth has it down sides too. I have been running my but off, one of my good pizza shops with stickers and bouncy balls calls, "If your not going to service your machine - get them the #@$% out of here". I run up to the location, the guy was so hot he just kept yelling at me! I started feeling abused and said "Dude, it's just a bouncy ball - I hate to see how you get when something serious happens" (OK, I was out of line and very tired). Needless to say I got booted! Wheeled an ATM into one of my new C-Stores, the owner looked like at me like I shot his kids "You told me I was getting a new one" (it really was not that bad). I don't remember saying that, but I told him take this one for a few days and I will give him a new one when it comes in. Got the new ones in, wheeled it in. Owner says "That's the same one" (WTF?!?) . I told him this is brand new from the manufacturer (it was).......well, he wanted a different model! They all spit out the same $20's....... I don't get people. I ordered a new model to be installed next week. Next new C-Store, the old ATM is still bolted to the floor. Owner says "Cut the Old ATM out". Well I don't feel too good about that......If I don't cut the old out by Monday he is going with a company that will cut it out.....OK, Ok.....I rented a sawzall and bought a pack of blades, if I have all my finger tomorrow I'll answer replies......... Approached a chain of 3 C-Stores who ATM's are out. Guy says, yea I'm going to change ATM companies, 3 of you came to see me this morning. So I figure I can sell my ATM business to someone. I said "WHAT?!". Well you want my business so bad, tell me how much you will give me to get my business. I think I was feeling a little dumb, because I just didn't get it. Then it hit me. HE WANTED ME TO GIVE HIM MONEY TO PLACE AN ATM MACHINE IN HIS BUSINESS AND HE GETS HALF THE PROFITS. I asked him how many transactions he was doing. He said the 3 locations were doing 1000 transactions(total)per month. I asked if he could prove it. He said he didn't have to prove it. He said one guy before me offered $2000! and I was lucky because I was the last bid he was taking. Now, once again I'm tired and cranky and haven't stopped working for days.......... I told him I would give him 3 new ATMs, I would give him all the surcharge plus 10%, I would load the cash, take care of all the repairs, offer him 24/7 service, and raise the bid to $5000. He looked up, smiled and said "REALLY?!!"......... I told him "No, not really, actually I don't want to do business with you." and walked out the door. Laundromat guy called today, he wants to know why I haven't installed anymore ATMs in his other laundromats. It's been 2 months! I told him 6......he figured one a month. He also wants to kick out his vending guy (1 Pinball, 2 cranes, 1 arcade) in each of his laudromats. I told him it was a huge investment and not sure if it was worth it. I asked for sales numbers, he said "I don't keep track of it, but he 'THINKS' each store does about $400 a week". I told him, that it would be about a $40,000 investment on my part and I need more then "THINK". I have a feeling he is looking for someone else to do business with. So, anyways did I mention the ATM/Vending business is part time for me? I'm going nuts!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whaletail116 Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 All the hard work will pay off, no doubt. Make sure you're having fun as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antoniocinisi Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 I sure hope it will be worth all your time money and effort in the end.good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurtsman Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 Glad to hear you are getting so many installs. It should create some excellent cash flow for you down the line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tooldini Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 I would be going crazy, but the dollar signs would keep me going for sure. Good luck and keep us posted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluePlate Posted March 8, 2010 Author Share Posted March 8, 2010 Thanks for the encouragement! I knew that was going to happen....... I think that is actually why I posted, I was looking for some positive re-inforcement. Got to the location to cut out the ATM this morning, the owner said "They just called, they will be here between 12-2 to take it out, why don't you come back this afternoon." I jumped for joy, bought a coffee and a $5 lottery ticket and won $50. Having a good day so far! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mission vending Posted March 8, 2010 Share Posted March 8, 2010 Keep it up, things will break your way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainor5251 Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 I would like to have BluePlates problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T BIRD Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Blue!!!!!! U go brotha!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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