Drink machine for 30 person office?

[Iolaus]

This was pretty cool, I just got a possible soda location from an inbound sales call TO my business. I received a call from a payroll company trying to sell me their services.  My day job happens to be working for the courier service they contract to deliver their payroll packages.  I told her this and also explained that I'm a sole-prop with no employees and have no need for payroll services.  We had a chuckle over this "small-world" incident.

She then asked me a bit about vending.  I explained that I do bulk, and then she said if I know anyone who does drink machines, they need one in their office because their boss is tired of them running across the street for sodas.  Of course this got my attention and I asked if I could put a proposal together for them.  She gave me the decision maker's name and I need to go see him.

I am brand new to bulk vending, just placed my first machine yesterday, so I am obviously not really prepared for this.  I've read a bunch of posts here on the forum and have a bit of a feel for full-line, but I could still use some help.

There are approximately 30 employees at this location, and that was about the only information I could get at this time. 

What other things should I ask them?

What type of drink machine should I be looking for to serve 30 people?

What should I expect to pay for the machine?

What should my revenue expectations be?

[vendman0729]

I am no expert but I also just recieved my first location the other day.  I have read on posts to expect $1-2 per person per week from a white collar and $4-6 per person per week from a blue collar area.  That being said maybe if its an office its probably a white collar.  I would imagine maybe possibly getting $1.5 avg/white collar x 4 weeks = $6/person.    $6/person x 30= $180 a month revenue.  Just my estimate but could be a lot more.  I would probably try to do a soda and a snack machine both seperate.  I get all my stuff from craigslist and I can always find deals for soda machines for around $700 for a descent machine as well as snack.  I have seen some for way less but those sell fast so make sure you check craigslist often.  This is just what I think from what I have learned from this forum.  Hope that helps.

[WillisNYC]

My experience with small,30 person white collar offices is that they tend not to spend much on soda.    I have one with 30 people that does only $15/week.  Your experience may garner more than that, but I doubt you will experience more than $30/week.  Thus you need a small soda machine that costs very little.  I hate combo machines like Seaga, but if you can get one online for $200-$300 this would be the ideal situation for it. 

[Poplady1]

If the person calling you was from a call center,  a drink machine will do very well.  Put together a little sample box of drinks, some cans and bottled water.  Drop by with it and ask to see the contact.  Tell him/her you wanted to drop off some samples and talk about installing a drink machine. While you are there see if everyone is on the phones making sales calls.  If so, take it. Telemarketing offices are good.  If not buy a inexpensive combo as suggested and put it in. Look for $15 to $25 weekly.

Blue Moose

[Iolaus]

Thanks for the replies so far.  I've enjoyed reading your revenue reports, Willis, and I've been able to learn a lot from your experiences.

I was concerned that the revenue from this location may not be all that great.  It's also on the other side of town from where I'm currently building my bulk route.  I don't know if a combo will fly because I was specifically told by the woman who called me that the "boss" doesn't want snacks, only drinks. 

Unfortunately, Bev, it is not a call center.  It is a payroll processing company, and they have maybe two salespeople making calls, the rest are putting together the payroll packages for their clients.  The employees are also about 80% women, and I believe I read other posts here indicating that this fact could also imply this location could be a dud.

I'm going to keep an eye out for something for them, but I may just have to pass on this one, or pass it on to a full-liner that can handle it better than my "wet behind the ears" self can.

[qualityvs]

If I had a spare machine sitting around and the location was within my curent route I would consider it. From what youve told me though it doesnt sound like a big money maker. Them carpet walkers dont seem to eat and drink much in my opinion.