Vending machines?

Question

I am looking into the vending machine business - mostly the soda and snack machines.

1)How do I get in touch with the place I am interested in placing my machines in?

2)How do I look for places?

3)How much do I usually pay them?

4)What's a good line to convince the place to let me put my machine?

4)If it breaks is it easy to find a person to fix it?

5)Is it expensive to get it fixed?

6)Where can I place cigarette machines?

I'm in Salt Lake City - UTAH.

I'd appreciate all the help.

Answer 1

1: Knock on the door:  Just enter the place of business, present yourself as owner of xyz vending, and i would like to talk to someone in reguards to your vending needs. wfa( waite for answer)  Most places will listen to your offer hoping to get the better deal.  

2:  Count the number of cars in the parking lot.   50 plus should support a snack and soda machine.  

3: 10% or less of the gross sales.  Preferrably nothing.  Present it this way, when it comes up in conversation put it this way:   I understand that you would like to cover the cost of the electricity or provide some benifits to the employees, however you have to understand that I have a margin I must work within.   The pricing in the machine will cover that margin and if you want a commission it will increase the prices for the snacks and soda.  So do you want a commission or would you rather have the lower prices.  

This will usually stop the requirement for commissions.

4: There is basically only 3 things you have to offer a new site, thoses are:

      a: new or better equipment

      b: better or name brand products

      c: better service ( keep the machines filled and repaired)

5: If you have to hire your service work done it will be very expensive.  Most service techs can be upwards to 80.00/ hour. plus travel time.   Best to learn how to fix yourself, check with the equipment suppliers and see if they offer training classes.

6: Why!!!!!!!!!  Dying business, too much regulation/taxes/ licensing/ low profits/ loss products due to theft/ service issues at 1:00 am Saturday night/ refunds due to drunks droping quarters and are too drunk to count/  Done that been there, never again.  Just took 60 cig machines to scrap yard. ( price of tin was up)  I am not familier with your states requirements on cig machine placements, so I cant answer this question.  Michigan - Bars only, within site of the bar tender.   How much longer, who knows, they are tring to ban smoking in all public buildings. If that happens in your state, your out of business.  

Hope this helps