Ok, so I got two new locations today. I was in a great mood today and I knew I couldn't come back without placing some machines. So I did.
First, I got into this computer store. The guy gripped my hand like a gorilla and I held on for dear life. I can tell you, again, that is why he gave me the account. Be very aggressive in your hand shake, it will often get you the account.
Then, as I was driving around in circles trying not to overlap I saw this little lunch place. I stopped in and they had plenty of room. Plus I could tell it's a killer location and there's no better place to put a machine than a fast paced lunch joint. The manager let me do it. We are doing it on a 1 month trial. I'm pretty sure it will stay on location. It's an amazing location. I'm excited for it.
I call all the numbers on vending machines that I run across in my area. I'm sure one of these days someone will want to give me a great deal when they sell their route.
I found a bank in town that counts quarters and I opened an account there today with my $47 bag of quarters. They let me in even though there was a $100 minimum. I explained my situation to the lady and why I picked that bank. It is a local bank with only 1 branch, it's a huge bank though. I asked for the branch manager after I signed up for my account but she was on lunch. I'm going to go back there on Monday and have the lady that helped me open my account introduce me to her. Hopefully I'll be able to get a machine in the lobby!
I've got friends calling me now when they see a good location for one of my machines, how awesome is that?!
Candyman
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
nothing went on today
I tried to get out there and sell but I just wasn't in the mood. I have this pending 30 machine deal on Monday and I have a locator locating 5 machines. It just seems almost fruitless to get out there and place individual machines by myself. It takes forever. I know that is negative. Anyone got some inspirational words for me?
Besides that everything is going well. A month is coming up quickly on my first machine being placed and I can't wait to check it! You guys should check out Kyle's blog. I made a post on it earlier today. He hasn't made any new posts yet but I'm sure they'll be interesting.
I'm thinking about manufacturing my own machines. Does anyone know any of some fabrication plants in China? I know they are available. I'm going to do some searching. I know you guys would be interested in getting machines cheaper and there are some things I would like to change.
For one, I want classier looking machines. I want a coin mechanism that isn't cheap. I want something that is no hassle and good looking. I think two candy options is enough. Gumballs and M&M Peanuts seem to be the biggest hits so why not stick with it. I like the triple-head design and want to turn that into a double-head design in one single machine.
I think buying routes is the way to go. The more I think about it the better it seems to me. You don't have to locate yourself. You get machines that are on location, and you usually just have to pay for the machines, meaning locations come free. That and networking at chamber of commerce meetings is what I'm going to focus my efforts on. Anyone else have any other ideas?
There have been some new people checking out the blog, feel free to post. This site just got listed on google so that is sending in some new people. Talk soon.
Rob
Besides that everything is going well. A month is coming up quickly on my first machine being placed and I can't wait to check it! You guys should check out Kyle's blog. I made a post on it earlier today. He hasn't made any new posts yet but I'm sure they'll be interesting.
I'm thinking about manufacturing my own machines. Does anyone know any of some fabrication plants in China? I know they are available. I'm going to do some searching. I know you guys would be interested in getting machines cheaper and there are some things I would like to change.
For one, I want classier looking machines. I want a coin mechanism that isn't cheap. I want something that is no hassle and good looking. I think two candy options is enough. Gumballs and M&M Peanuts seem to be the biggest hits so why not stick with it. I like the triple-head design and want to turn that into a double-head design in one single machine.
I think buying routes is the way to go. The more I think about it the better it seems to me. You don't have to locate yourself. You get machines that are on location, and you usually just have to pay for the machines, meaning locations come free. That and networking at chamber of commerce meetings is what I'm going to focus my efforts on. Anyone else have any other ideas?
There have been some new people checking out the blog, feel free to post. This site just got listed on google so that is sending in some new people. Talk soon.
Rob
GUTH VENDING COMPANY - NEW BLOG
So what is Guth Vending Company, known as GVM. Well, let me tell you. It's a company in Sparta, TN, owned by a guy by the name of Kyle Guth. Now let me get down to the man.
Kyle Guth, a loyal reader and comment extraordinaire on my blog has started his own blog. All I can say is I'm sure it will be interesting. I don't know exactly what he is going to put on there but let's just say he always tells you the truth. If you do something stupid, You're going to hear about it from Kyle. If you do something good, You're going to hear about it from Kyle. If I have a good post, Kyle's going to comment. In fact, I think he is on his computer about 90% of the day because usually as soon as I post something he comments.
What you're going to learn from Kyle Guth's Vending blog? First, you're going to learn that he is a down to earth guy who is one terrible speller. You're going to learn that he's a nice guy who's always willing to help. If you have a question, he will answer it. And I'm sure in a timely manner. He has a lot of experience. He is a self proclaimed 5 day a week vendor. What does that mean? He collects quarters for his lively hood.
You will definitely laugh when you read some of his stories. He has no shame. Let's just say I would be scared to tell him no if he asked me to put a vending machine in my home. Kyle and I have become friends through this blog and I'm sure you will like him too.
Rob
Candyman 007
Kyle Guth, a loyal reader and comment extraordinaire on my blog has started his own blog. All I can say is I'm sure it will be interesting. I don't know exactly what he is going to put on there but let's just say he always tells you the truth. If you do something stupid, You're going to hear about it from Kyle. If you do something good, You're going to hear about it from Kyle. If I have a good post, Kyle's going to comment. In fact, I think he is on his computer about 90% of the day because usually as soon as I post something he comments.
What you're going to learn from Kyle Guth's Vending blog? First, you're going to learn that he is a down to earth guy who is one terrible speller. You're going to learn that he's a nice guy who's always willing to help. If you have a question, he will answer it. And I'm sure in a timely manner. He has a lot of experience. He is a self proclaimed 5 day a week vendor. What does that mean? He collects quarters for his lively hood.
You will definitely laugh when you read some of his stories. He has no shame. Let's just say I would be scared to tell him no if he asked me to put a vending machine in my home. Kyle and I have become friends through this blog and I'm sure you will like him too.
Rob
Candyman 007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
call me button on the left hand side
I added this new thing from a company called wengo.com to the left side of the page. You can call me and ask for vending / financial advice. I set it at 20 cents a minute. That is basically the cheapest you can do. I'll be available on week nights if anyone wants to try it! It sounds interesting. My dad is a retired doctor so I would love to get him on there if it works out for me.
I'm looking into buying several routes right now. I think buying routes may be the way to go. Especially if you want to expand quickly. I'll be careful and run stuff by you guys before I purchase.
Rob
I'm looking into buying several routes right now. I think buying routes may be the way to go. Especially if you want to expand quickly. I'll be careful and run stuff by you guys before I purchase.
Rob
not too much accomplished
I didn't place any machines today, and I had to bring one of the ones back that I took. No big deal, I may get it back in the future. To be honest I'm surprised the guy had the veracity to call me and ask for the machine back.
So while I didn't place any machines and I lost one machine I think something good may have happend. I got a call from this guy who I had called about 5 days back. I got his number from the back of one of his vending machines in a barber shop. I asked him if he wanted to sell when I left the message 5 days ago and today he said, yeah he would sell.
He has 30 machines on location, double heads, and 8 machines at home. He asked what I paid for my machines and I told him $95 new, and he said that is about what he would like for his machines. He sounded about 50 years old and I'm meeting him this coming Monday at 11 so I don't forget. Someone remind me. Problem is, he has no books. He just puts all the quarters into a machine. I don't know exactly where to go from here.
Any ideas on what I should say? He has no books, I want the route though. I'm getting the route. But I want it cheap. Help me ; )
On another note: I got my business cards. They look nice and they got here fast. 123print.com
Candyman
So while I didn't place any machines and I lost one machine I think something good may have happend. I got a call from this guy who I had called about 5 days back. I got his number from the back of one of his vending machines in a barber shop. I asked him if he wanted to sell when I left the message 5 days ago and today he said, yeah he would sell.
He has 30 machines on location, double heads, and 8 machines at home. He asked what I paid for my machines and I told him $95 new, and he said that is about what he would like for his machines. He sounded about 50 years old and I'm meeting him this coming Monday at 11 so I don't forget. Someone remind me. Problem is, he has no books. He just puts all the quarters into a machine. I don't know exactly where to go from here.
Any ideas on what I should say? He has no books, I want the route though. I'm getting the route. But I want it cheap. Help me ; )
On another note: I got my business cards. They look nice and they got here fast. 123print.com
Candyman
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
15/22 MACHINES IN LOCATION
So it was a slow day today. I had $20 to give to this guy Mike at his auto shop but for the life of me I couldn't find it. I drove and drove and drove. You see this is what happens when you don't mark down your locations! Anyway, I'm going to see if I can find him in the phone book or something and find out exactly where it is! I want to get my machine in there! Here is what I had planned:
"Hey Mike, I was in here the other day about the candy machine. I found $20 in quarters in that machine yesterday and I wanted to give it back to you. (Handing the $20 bill over) I don't know who was using it but it sure was being used. What do you say about putting one in here now? You would be surprised at how many customers enjoy using them, and employees too." - hopefully that will get me one more location, I'll keep you apprised.
I did find this other body shop. Euro/sports car body shop. I went in and his daughter (about 4) was on the couch watching tv and eating. I walked back and talked to him and the mechanic that was with him. He asked if he could pick the candy and I said yes, but I told him the default was M&M Peanut / Gumball / Reeses. Well the mechanic was excited on the M&M Peanuts and basically sold it for me. So now I have a machine in there. Plus I went in and gave him like 10 gumballs in the box for his daughter. It's a good location I'm sure. YES KYLE, I turned up the M&M Peanut thing. They are getting like 7 nuts now. That's it. No more! I actually told the guy "Let me know if it's not liberal enough with the candy and I'll fix it up." So, I think I'm set!
ON THE HOME FRONT: My mom is a business woman around town. We started www.icanweightloss.com about 5 years ago so she knows a lot of people. So anyway, I contacted the wife of this guy who owns 7 tire/auto places in town and she called me back! She said she wants to see the machines. My mom let her know I was going to call and told her about the business. Let's hope! These places are top notch auto places. I'd say the bring in 1 mil per store. I WANT IN!
who can?
The candyman can!
I'll update later I get the other 3 heads of the machines open that I found. Thanks for the locks Kyle. Steve you still reading the blog?
"Hey Mike, I was in here the other day about the candy machine. I found $20 in quarters in that machine yesterday and I wanted to give it back to you. (Handing the $20 bill over) I don't know who was using it but it sure was being used. What do you say about putting one in here now? You would be surprised at how many customers enjoy using them, and employees too." - hopefully that will get me one more location, I'll keep you apprised.
I did find this other body shop. Euro/sports car body shop. I went in and his daughter (about 4) was on the couch watching tv and eating. I walked back and talked to him and the mechanic that was with him. He asked if he could pick the candy and I said yes, but I told him the default was M&M Peanut / Gumball / Reeses. Well the mechanic was excited on the M&M Peanuts and basically sold it for me. So now I have a machine in there. Plus I went in and gave him like 10 gumballs in the box for his daughter. It's a good location I'm sure. YES KYLE, I turned up the M&M Peanut thing. They are getting like 7 nuts now. That's it. No more! I actually told the guy "Let me know if it's not liberal enough with the candy and I'll fix it up." So, I think I'm set!
ON THE HOME FRONT: My mom is a business woman around town. We started www.icanweightloss.com about 5 years ago so she knows a lot of people. So anyway, I contacted the wife of this guy who owns 7 tire/auto places in town and she called me back! She said she wants to see the machines. My mom let her know I was going to call and told her about the business. Let's hope! These places are top notch auto places. I'd say the bring in 1 mil per store. I WANT IN!
who can?
The candyman can!
I'll update later I get the other 3 heads of the machines open that I found. Thanks for the locks Kyle. Steve you still reading the blog?
Monday, June 25, 2007
oh this is a good post - do read
At 22 I'm one hell of a BUSINESSMAN..
Or at least I like to think so, don't try and mess with my ego right now ; )
Ok, so I placed two machines. That should be 14/20 Machines placed right? Wrong! It is 14/22 Machines placed, and let me tell you how it's done ladies and gentlemen.
But first, my first location is a cellular store. It's brand new. It's right in front. Hopefully it will get some business. I know teenagers like to go in those stores. So then I hit the car garage shops..
In the beginning of the morning maybe 10 locations in I found a shop that said yes, well maybe, but we don't think we have the room. I said, no problem let me bring it in. So I did, and sure enough, it was too big, the base just took up too much hallway room. But no problem, I have some new machines to take care of that problem. I'm going back there this week! The wife that was there really tried to help me get my machine in but she just couldn't make the room.
I went to a lot of places and got a lot of no's and then I went into this one place that a guy named Mike owned. I looked around and hidden by a Pepsi machine was an empty 2 headed machine. A very nice looking machine, just empty. So I talked to Mike and prospected him about putting my machine in. He said to be honest they didn't get much traffic that would use it. I told him I saw the other empty machine in the corner and said "Sorry about that. Some vendors just don't take care of their customers. Why don't you let me take that out of here for you, maybe I'll be able to use it." He said sure, thanks a lot. Guess what. I have an empty machine, a nice looking machine full of quarters. I could hear them. Damn was I excited, haha. He said the guy never came back so no hard feelings. It is Mike's shop and if the other candyman wasn't taking care of him I sure as hell was. So I took the candy machine and put it in my trunk. Guess what's going to happen after I count those quarters? Yup, I'm going to bring Mike half of the quarter money in cash and say "Tell you what Mike, I got this out of the old machine you had here and I want to give it to you. What do you say now about me putting in one of my machines?" Yes, I'm a businessman. On to location two.
Well, I went to this auto body shop. One guy said yes that managed it but then when I came back 30 minutes later to put in the machine his mom I guess said no. So, damn. But what can you do. I should have had the candy with me I guess. It wasn't that great of a location in retrospect. I'm glad I didn't get it. Fate right.
Next, I went to a bunch more locations. I had dedicated in my mind that I wanted to replace the machine that I thought I had placed. So I went to this transmission place. He had AN EMPTY MACHINE IN HIS LOCATION. Two head, looked amazing. A great machine, all metal design. I was thinking in my mind, is this a joke? Can you guess what happened next? Well the guy was hard of hearing, and he was big, and his hands had a ton of grease on them. It's ok. I accommodate my customers. I spoke in a yelling tone and introduced myself and shook his hand. We both had mighty grips, I think that's what sold him right there. I told him about my machine and how it supported my cancer foundation of choice. Then before he spoke I said "I see you have that empty machine over there. I'm really sorry, some of these guys just leave the things and never come back. Why don't you let me take that one off your hands and replace it with my brand new machine." He said great! So I took another, very top heavy machine out of it's location and replaced it with mine. Oh yes, I'm a businessman. The businessman. After that he said sit down here for a minute since I helped you out. I of course obliged. He told me about a boat that he wrecked when he was about my age; he was drunk. His fiance died in the wreck and he barely made it out. He turned to Jesus and got a new wife and everything is good. You could tell he had told the story many, many times. He told it very fast, and it was hard to understand everything. Anyway, he's happy to help my cause and is a nice guy. I told him I'd see him in a month, probably for more conversation.
I then drove around to a few more places. Most notably a cigar shop. It was very upscale and I knew my machine didn't really fit the decor but I thought I might as well try. He said no but I ended up staying and chatting for a half hour with him and another customer. It's a nice place, he's a nice guy, and who knows, he may get me a location somewhere else sometime. Plus it was nice to sit on a couch and relax for a while. I stopped at a few more places and then headed home. I'm a businessman.
Now. To anyone who is going to say what I did was not ethical, I have this to say to you. YOU JUST WISH YOU THOUGHT OF IT FIRST! Listen, we live in a time where business is cut throat. If service is bad, people go elsewhere. I am elsewhere, and I'm happy to be him. This is what separates the Men from the boys, right Guth!
I got home, took my suit off and went to drilling the locks out on the machines. Of course I broke my drill bit on the first lock and couldn't get it open. Both machines are the ones where you put a key in the top and unscrew it. There was no opening in the back to take out quarters so I guess you just take the top off and they are underneath. I can't wait to get the quarters out and get the machines fitted with new locks! They are so nice! I might even take pictures. They are definitely $100+ machines.
So let's hear it! Yell, scream, tell me what you think! I am the candyman!
Candyman 007
14/22 MACHINES IN LOCATION!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
5 Machines Built, 8 to Locate
Well, I got to building my machines today. It's hard to believe that I have 20 machines now. I still have to locate 8 though, so... That means scouting Monday morning bright and early.
Anyone have a motto that keeps them locating through out the day?
I paid $27 for "Smarter Vending" by Alex Danner. I read it all in an hour and a half and I'm asking for my money back. It just wasn't what I expected. Maybe for a complete novice it is a good book. I just didn't get much out of it, definitely not $27. Too much hype, not enough content.
Candyman CAN
UPDATE: New flier added. I put the things I thought were most important on it. Free, supports the kids. I think that sells people. And if that doesn't they have their 30% commission.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
One bad day
So I had one bad day and now I'm nervous I won't be able to get rid of these things. It's amazing how our mind works. I'm going to hit some poorer areas on Monday to try and at least get rid of one. Self doubt is like a silent stalker. I had a few drinks last night and while we were driving around all I could see was opportunity for my machines.
I'm thinking of offering nut options for bar / restaurants. I think that will be more popular. Does anyone have information on this? I don't want to overpay on nuts. Also It seems like I would make more money on shelled pistachios but I wonder if bars will have a problem with the shells? I'm also going to make business cards. I'll probably make them right now. If I finish them I'll put a copy of it here. I'm just going to use vistaprint and get the free ones. I know they make you pay for shipping but what can yah do. It's amazing how stingy you become when you're paying your own bills.
CANDYMAN 007
UPDATE: Vistaprint is a scam. For the free cards they want you to wait 21 days. I made my cards with 123print.com and they cost less than $13 for 200 cards shipped and they will be here next week. Not a bad deal. I didn't want to go the tacky gumball card route so I went patriotic. After all candy machines are the heart of America and my machines support the Kids!
Friday, June 22, 2007
PITCHED A NO HITTER TODAY
Struck out today. Maybe the thought of 3 machines in the back had me down. The last place I waited 15 minutes for the manager, and he said no quicker than.. Well quick. 4 hours of nothing. All no's. I know I was tired. I didn't even know where I was at the end. I must have stopped at 30+ places. The first place a Chinese to go restaurant I sat there and talked to the lady. I told her "much cash for you. commission, you no pay, you get money" Something like that. I'm going back there, I know she's thinking about it.
One place, she said yes, but then we both got to thinking it would be too hot. It's sort of an out door bar / lunch place. I've been thinking about it, and I'm going to buy some nuts and bring them a sample. Do nuts stay good in the heat? I know they have hot nut machines. I don't know. I think I can get in with hot nuts there. Anyone have experience with these nuts? I didn't even think of nuts while I was there. I must have been delirious.
3 hours in the heat building machines this morning, then 4 hours in the heat peddling machines in a suit. I could use an upper here. I can't believe I didn't place a single machine today.
Chinese karma? haha
Candyman 00nothing
One place, she said yes, but then we both got to thinking it would be too hot. It's sort of an out door bar / lunch place. I've been thinking about it, and I'm going to buy some nuts and bring them a sample. Do nuts stay good in the heat? I know they have hot nut machines. I don't know. I think I can get in with hot nuts there. Anyone have experience with these nuts? I didn't even think of nuts while I was there. I must have been delirious.
3 hours in the heat building machines this morning, then 4 hours in the heat peddling machines in a suit. I could use an upper here. I can't believe I didn't place a single machine today.
Chinese karma? haha
Candyman 00nothing
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Butchers love me, Chinese hate me
One thing I want to mention real quick. With my machines, triple-vend machines from gumball-machine.com the back lock gets stuck. What happens is one of the trays that holds quarters wedges against the lock when it is in my trunk. One of the machines I placed today had a bad back lock. I'm going to have to take it out of location one time and drill the back. I was so mad when I got on location because I had tested them all at home before I left. Obviously I'm going to have to start taking out the back quarter compartments before I transport; you learn as you go I guess.
I GOT IN ANOTHER BUTCHERS SHOP! They are a fish and meat butcher. They say a ton of kids go in there and they think it will be a big hit. They were really excited about it. If it does good I might bring another one over with different candy and bouncy balls! They have plenty of room and it's not real fancy so they don't ruin the decor. Guess who runs the butchers shop? A man. A white man I can relate with.. More on this later.
So I was at the butchers around 1:00PM and I walked to this restaurant/meat market. It is sort of a place where you walk in put in your order for a fresh cooked meat sandwich and go. So it's ideal for my machine. Anyway they were super busy but I marked it as a prime location. I wanted it. So I took a few hour reprieve and went back. I mean I had this placed marked. I knew I wanted it. I know I went in there with more confidence than I have ever demonstrated before. I wanted that location and I got it!!!
I only had two machines ready so that was the end of my day but I think I got two great locations!
Oh and on the second location the guy said this to me:
You said two things that I couldn't pass up:
FREE and It helps the Children! I'm going to have to add this to my flyer. Obviously this is important. On that note, the first butcher shop today couldn't believe that it was free. THEY WERE EXCITED.
Ok, so who approved my two machines today? White men that own their own businesses and have respect for what I am doing and vice versa.
You don't even want to hear what I have to say about the Chinese right now. I am the farthest thing from a racist but when a 15 year old Chinese girl that can barely speak English tells me no before I even walk in the door that pisses me off. I'm done eating Chinese. I love the food, but **** the people. They are willing to take my AMERICAN dollars all day long but will they even consider helping me, NO. It's like they are programed to say No to all men in business suits. That's how I feel. Guess where the managers are never in? The Chinese places. I have given them SO MUCH MONEY in my life and they can't even consider what I have to offer.
Guess what. At the next Chinese place I hit I'm talking to the owner/manager. I'm not leaving until I do talk to him/her. I'm giving them my full presentation. And I'm going to sit there and argue with them if they say No. Maybe I'm stubborn but that is me. It is so aggravating to me. The girl today was like 15 years old, she looked at my papers quizzically and wanted to know what it was. I told her and she used her hands to motion no room, and said "no room." Give me a break, your lobby is massive. I've placed machines in much smaller locations. Screw you. I'm never giving you another dollar, you are done, and you can bet when I'm at my chamber of commerce meetings I'm going to let everyone know how terrible you are. I hope they find dead cats when the health inspectors check you out.
The gist of this whole thing is I'm better at selling to people who are like me. I'm not very good at selling to the salons and I skip by most of them. I'm going to have girls call them who can relate with them. I'm just saying white men usually let me put in machines and the Chinese hate me. Sure I walk in and I have a deep voice and I'm 3 times the size of them but that should mean they are running from me not standing up to me and saying No. I'll give them a reason to run next time I'm in there. ; ) The same goes with all the Asian run nail salons, no, no, no is the answer they give. They are paying people $5 an hour to do nails and charging massive amounts. No wonder they dominate the damn nail market. You people are done in my book too.
12/20 MACHINES PLACED!!!! I'm building 3 more tonight, and then the rest this weekend!
Candyman 007 - Don't hate, hate the Chinese! j/k
P.S. After I got done writing this I read it and got to thinking. Dr. Choi you are the man. I'm just generalizing what I have seen. He is a good professor of mine who I gave this site to.
I GOT IN ANOTHER BUTCHERS SHOP! They are a fish and meat butcher. They say a ton of kids go in there and they think it will be a big hit. They were really excited about it. If it does good I might bring another one over with different candy and bouncy balls! They have plenty of room and it's not real fancy so they don't ruin the decor. Guess who runs the butchers shop? A man. A white man I can relate with.. More on this later.
So I was at the butchers around 1:00PM and I walked to this restaurant/meat market. It is sort of a place where you walk in put in your order for a fresh cooked meat sandwich and go. So it's ideal for my machine. Anyway they were super busy but I marked it as a prime location. I wanted it. So I took a few hour reprieve and went back. I mean I had this placed marked. I knew I wanted it. I know I went in there with more confidence than I have ever demonstrated before. I wanted that location and I got it!!!
I only had two machines ready so that was the end of my day but I think I got two great locations!
Oh and on the second location the guy said this to me:
You said two things that I couldn't pass up:
FREE and It helps the Children! I'm going to have to add this to my flyer. Obviously this is important. On that note, the first butcher shop today couldn't believe that it was free. THEY WERE EXCITED.
Ok, so who approved my two machines today? White men that own their own businesses and have respect for what I am doing and vice versa.
You don't even want to hear what I have to say about the Chinese right now. I am the farthest thing from a racist but when a 15 year old Chinese girl that can barely speak English tells me no before I even walk in the door that pisses me off. I'm done eating Chinese. I love the food, but **** the people. They are willing to take my AMERICAN dollars all day long but will they even consider helping me, NO. It's like they are programed to say No to all men in business suits. That's how I feel. Guess where the managers are never in? The Chinese places. I have given them SO MUCH MONEY in my life and they can't even consider what I have to offer.
Guess what. At the next Chinese place I hit I'm talking to the owner/manager. I'm not leaving until I do talk to him/her. I'm giving them my full presentation. And I'm going to sit there and argue with them if they say No. Maybe I'm stubborn but that is me. It is so aggravating to me. The girl today was like 15 years old, she looked at my papers quizzically and wanted to know what it was. I told her and she used her hands to motion no room, and said "no room." Give me a break, your lobby is massive. I've placed machines in much smaller locations. Screw you. I'm never giving you another dollar, you are done, and you can bet when I'm at my chamber of commerce meetings I'm going to let everyone know how terrible you are. I hope they find dead cats when the health inspectors check you out.
The gist of this whole thing is I'm better at selling to people who are like me. I'm not very good at selling to the salons and I skip by most of them. I'm going to have girls call them who can relate with them. I'm just saying white men usually let me put in machines and the Chinese hate me. Sure I walk in and I have a deep voice and I'm 3 times the size of them but that should mean they are running from me not standing up to me and saying No. I'll give them a reason to run next time I'm in there. ; ) The same goes with all the Asian run nail salons, no, no, no is the answer they give. They are paying people $5 an hour to do nails and charging massive amounts. No wonder they dominate the damn nail market. You people are done in my book too.
12/20 MACHINES PLACED!!!! I'm building 3 more tonight, and then the rest this weekend!
Candyman 007 - Don't hate, hate the Chinese! j/k
P.S. After I got done writing this I read it and got to thinking. Dr. Choi you are the man. I'm just generalizing what I have seen. He is a good professor of mine who I gave this site to.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
10/20 MACHINES PLACED
Don't you love how that second number jumped up to 20. Half of my machines are now located. I drove to Miami today and picked up 10 more machines. I also picked up some bouncy balls (500) for less than 4 cents each, skittles, runts, 3 back locks (free) in case I have any bad ones, sugar free gum, and 1700 more gumballs (2 cents each). Anyway, the total came to $1030 for all of that. Not too bad.
Now I have the task of putting all the machines together. It's not a terrible job, but I do have to clean out the insides, set the candy dispense amount, put the stands together, and mount the machine on the stand. I'm going to try and finish all 10 today so tomorrow I can get back out and start locating. The guy looked a little surprised that I was back so soon for machines. He told me today that I locate fast compared to most people, I'll take that compliment.
I asked him candidly about how often the coin mechanisms broke down. He told me that he has had a few but overall they really haven't been a problem. I looked at a mechanism while I was there that was out of a machine and I really don't see how it could break. It's very simple and it's all metal. They are $20 to replace if one breaks, but they are free if they break within 1 year because of my warranty. Plus if I keep buying machines there really is no way of telling what machine has a broken coin mechanism from what purchase as long as I stick with the same model. So basically, I'm not too worried.
These are some slick looking machines for $95. In fact I have dropped these machines off at some locations and heard people say "Wow, it's going to take you a long time just to pay off that machine." And I look at them and smile and of course say "Yeah" with a slight sigh. Little do they know the bargain I am getting. You can't touch my machine for less than $150 anywhere else!
Today I offered to trade him a new 32" flat panel lcd for some machines but he said he didn't really watch tv. But he seemed kind of interested when I told him I only wanted 7 machines. These TV's cost $800 new at best buy so who knows.
OK. So I have been talking to this one locator. He's a nice guy named Chris. He and his wife own the company and started it about 5 years ago. He's going to cut me a super deal and I'm really thinking of contracting him for 5 machines to start. I really want to see what kind of locations he can get. I know what I can get, what can he get? He will give me a 40 day warranty for poor performing locations so that makes me happy. Anyway, he sounds like a genuine guy. If he comes through with what he says then I will be very pleased. I GOT A KILLER DEAL for when I'm ready. If he works out I'll try and let you all in on the deal I got.
I really want to locate myself though, since I'm good at it and it gives me something to do. Wish me luck building, hopefully I won't run into too many problems. Did you place your machine today Kyle? I'm sure you did, but tell us where, what you said, and what happened. Did you try the sneaky snake?
RONNIE TALENT'S - CASH LOCATIONS: REVIEW
It's not a bad book but I'm not sure it's worth $20. It basically tells you about vending and why bulk vending is good. It then offers some steps to come up with ideas for new products and locations. Basically the idea is that you network with people to locate machines instead of cold calling door to door like I have been. Sure, I'm going to try networking at some chamber of commerce meetings, etc, and well see how it goes. I'll let you know. It's nothing extraordinary. There was one line in the book that I found particularly funny, true, and maybe even revealing. "Most people do not want your machines."
Candyman
Now I have the task of putting all the machines together. It's not a terrible job, but I do have to clean out the insides, set the candy dispense amount, put the stands together, and mount the machine on the stand. I'm going to try and finish all 10 today so tomorrow I can get back out and start locating. The guy looked a little surprised that I was back so soon for machines. He told me today that I locate fast compared to most people, I'll take that compliment.
I asked him candidly about how often the coin mechanisms broke down. He told me that he has had a few but overall they really haven't been a problem. I looked at a mechanism while I was there that was out of a machine and I really don't see how it could break. It's very simple and it's all metal. They are $20 to replace if one breaks, but they are free if they break within 1 year because of my warranty. Plus if I keep buying machines there really is no way of telling what machine has a broken coin mechanism from what purchase as long as I stick with the same model. So basically, I'm not too worried.
These are some slick looking machines for $95. In fact I have dropped these machines off at some locations and heard people say "Wow, it's going to take you a long time just to pay off that machine." And I look at them and smile and of course say "Yeah" with a slight sigh. Little do they know the bargain I am getting. You can't touch my machine for less than $150 anywhere else!
Today I offered to trade him a new 32" flat panel lcd for some machines but he said he didn't really watch tv. But he seemed kind of interested when I told him I only wanted 7 machines. These TV's cost $800 new at best buy so who knows.
OK. So I have been talking to this one locator. He's a nice guy named Chris. He and his wife own the company and started it about 5 years ago. He's going to cut me a super deal and I'm really thinking of contracting him for 5 machines to start. I really want to see what kind of locations he can get. I know what I can get, what can he get? He will give me a 40 day warranty for poor performing locations so that makes me happy. Anyway, he sounds like a genuine guy. If he comes through with what he says then I will be very pleased. I GOT A KILLER DEAL for when I'm ready. If he works out I'll try and let you all in on the deal I got.
I really want to locate myself though, since I'm good at it and it gives me something to do. Wish me luck building, hopefully I won't run into too many problems. Did you place your machine today Kyle? I'm sure you did, but tell us where, what you said, and what happened. Did you try the sneaky snake?
RONNIE TALENT'S - CASH LOCATIONS: REVIEW
It's not a bad book but I'm not sure it's worth $20. It basically tells you about vending and why bulk vending is good. It then offers some steps to come up with ideas for new products and locations. Basically the idea is that you network with people to locate machines instead of cold calling door to door like I have been. Sure, I'm going to try networking at some chamber of commerce meetings, etc, and well see how it goes. I'll let you know. It's nothing extraordinary. There was one line in the book that I found particularly funny, true, and maybe even revealing. "Most people do not want your machines."
Candyman
Monday, June 18, 2007
10/10 MACHINES PLACED
Boy is it a relief to have those things placed. I feel success all around me.
I was out for about 2 hours this morning, placed one at a butchers shop. Then this afternoon I placed one in an auto repair place lobby. They are under new management and I'm sure it will be slow for a while but I'm glad I got the account. The lady behind the counter is a little heavy and she asked for handful of M&M Peanuts, I of course obliged; I think this will work out good.
10/10 MACHINES on location. So what would this route sell for? Any ideas? Brand new tripple-head machines. All on location. I'm extremely excited to see what these machines bring in. God I hope I'm not disappointed. If I average $20 per machine I will jump for joy. If you include candy in the machine, each machine cost me $120. So if they average $20 a month they will pay for themselves in 6 months and I will have a 200% return for the year. Let's hope.
THE SNEAKY SNAKE: Oh I tried it. I read about it from Ronnie Talent. Of course, he is the vending guru so if he did it, then I'm willing to try it. And I did. My first stop was a JoAnn Fabrics and I went right in with a full machine. I asked for the manager, when he came I said, "where would you like your machine, out front or in the break room?" He sort of looked at me blankly and said who are you again? I told him I was from Charity-Vend and he started calling people. I stood their hoping that maybe someone on the phone would say yes, why not. Anyway, he talked to district and they said no, not allowed to put one in. But that is the fastest I have ever got a guy from district on the phone. I should have asked to talk to him. I told the manager of that store that an "associate" of mine booked the location and I didn't know who he talked to. Oh well, I tried it. It failed. Maybe I'll try it again sometime. Does anyone know of a location that this might work better on? My guess is a place with a little more lax management and it might get by. Anyway, there it is from me, I tried the sneaky snake.
10/10 MACHINES WITH HOMES
Well I looked at my books and I have spent $1366. I have some extra candy. Who knows. Maybe I filled the machines too much. And I spent $35 on gumball wheels. I have an extra 1200 gumballs left, $24 bucks. Anyway, it's not too bad.
Candyman CAN
I was out for about 2 hours this morning, placed one at a butchers shop. Then this afternoon I placed one in an auto repair place lobby. They are under new management and I'm sure it will be slow for a while but I'm glad I got the account. The lady behind the counter is a little heavy and she asked for handful of M&M Peanuts, I of course obliged; I think this will work out good.
10/10 MACHINES on location. So what would this route sell for? Any ideas? Brand new tripple-head machines. All on location. I'm extremely excited to see what these machines bring in. God I hope I'm not disappointed. If I average $20 per machine I will jump for joy. If you include candy in the machine, each machine cost me $120. So if they average $20 a month they will pay for themselves in 6 months and I will have a 200% return for the year. Let's hope.
THE SNEAKY SNAKE: Oh I tried it. I read about it from Ronnie Talent. Of course, he is the vending guru so if he did it, then I'm willing to try it. And I did. My first stop was a JoAnn Fabrics and I went right in with a full machine. I asked for the manager, when he came I said, "where would you like your machine, out front or in the break room?" He sort of looked at me blankly and said who are you again? I told him I was from Charity-Vend and he started calling people. I stood their hoping that maybe someone on the phone would say yes, why not. Anyway, he talked to district and they said no, not allowed to put one in. But that is the fastest I have ever got a guy from district on the phone. I should have asked to talk to him. I told the manager of that store that an "associate" of mine booked the location and I didn't know who he talked to. Oh well, I tried it. It failed. Maybe I'll try it again sometime. Does anyone know of a location that this might work better on? My guess is a place with a little more lax management and it might get by. Anyway, there it is from me, I tried the sneaky snake.
10/10 MACHINES WITH HOMES
Well I looked at my books and I have spent $1366. I have some extra candy. Who knows. Maybe I filled the machines too much. And I spent $35 on gumball wheels. I have an extra 1200 gumballs left, $24 bucks. Anyway, it's not too bad.
Candyman CAN
up and out
Alright, this is the earliest that I have been ready to leave and start scouting. I really want to place those last two machines. I've read 2/3's of ronnie talents new book "cash locations" and I'll give a review of the whole thing when I'm done. It's an OK book. He does something called the sneaky snake. I think I'm going to try it, I like the name anyway.
Here is what you do:
Bring a machine in, ask for the manager, and say "where would you like me to drop this off?"
I don't know. It sounds like something I would do and what is the worst that could happen. At least in larger places I think this might work. I'll post more when I get back from my scouting.
OH: Well just in case you all were wondering about my financial limitations for expanding quickly. I just got approved for a 10k Amex card and I've got some cash so I'm set. Don't worry I have 0 credit card debt and I'll only be buying candy machines on credit, I'm a finance major come on!
Candyman Can EXPAND QUICKLY
Here is what you do:
Bring a machine in, ask for the manager, and say "where would you like me to drop this off?"
I don't know. It sounds like something I would do and what is the worst that could happen. At least in larger places I think this might work. I'll post more when I get back from my scouting.
OH: Well just in case you all were wondering about my financial limitations for expanding quickly. I just got approved for a 10k Amex card and I've got some cash so I'm set. Don't worry I have 0 credit card debt and I'll only be buying candy machines on credit, I'm a finance major come on!
Candyman Can EXPAND QUICKLY
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Replaced two locks today
Well out of my 10 machines, 3 came with locks that didn't work for the back door. Unfortunately one is in a location now. But anyway, I got some new locks for free and replaced locks on two machines today. It really wasn't that big of a deal. It took me about an hour. And I can tell you that they are in there much better than was done by the company originally. They aren't going to be a problem anymore.
I pay $95 for my machines. They are tripple-head chrome stand/base machines. To purchase anything comparable you are talking $150 at my door. And to be honest I don't think the competition has a machine that looks as good as mine. The problem with the competitors machines is the bottom part of the chrome stand, the base. It is usually smaller, has a black ring around it, and doesn't look nearly as good as mine. I can tell you that my wide pipe big base chrome stands are the best looking on the market. The only thing better in my opinion is a wooden base (it just gives you that down home Cracker Barrel feel) but they get dirty and wood doesn't clean up well.
Kyle (a reader here on this blog) has me nervous that my machines are crap and to be honest he got me a little nervous myself. But, after careful consideration on my next machine purchase here is what I have resolved:
1. My machines cost 1/3 less than the next competing machine at $150.
2. My machines come with a 1 year warranty the same as almost every other machine.
3. If a coin mechanism does happen to break after a year I have $50 to fix it that I saved initially.
4. I can probably get a few extra coin mechanisms early by saying the machines have problems. They would rather send me one then mess with the hassle.
5. I don't see anything else major that can go wrong. It's either the lock or the coin mechanism.
Any ideas on this? I'm excited. I have 8/10 machines with homes and after I place those last two it's back to Miami for more. My first machine has been on location for two weeks; exciting.
Candyman
I pay $95 for my machines. They are tripple-head chrome stand/base machines. To purchase anything comparable you are talking $150 at my door. And to be honest I don't think the competition has a machine that looks as good as mine. The problem with the competitors machines is the bottom part of the chrome stand, the base. It is usually smaller, has a black ring around it, and doesn't look nearly as good as mine. I can tell you that my wide pipe big base chrome stands are the best looking on the market. The only thing better in my opinion is a wooden base (it just gives you that down home Cracker Barrel feel) but they get dirty and wood doesn't clean up well.
Kyle (a reader here on this blog) has me nervous that my machines are crap and to be honest he got me a little nervous myself. But, after careful consideration on my next machine purchase here is what I have resolved:
1. My machines cost 1/3 less than the next competing machine at $150.
2. My machines come with a 1 year warranty the same as almost every other machine.
3. If a coin mechanism does happen to break after a year I have $50 to fix it that I saved initially.
4. I can probably get a few extra coin mechanisms early by saying the machines have problems. They would rather send me one then mess with the hassle.
5. I don't see anything else major that can go wrong. It's either the lock or the coin mechanism.
Any ideas on this? I'm excited. I have 8/10 machines with homes and after I place those last two it's back to Miami for more. My first machine has been on location for two weeks; exciting.
Candyman
Friday, June 15, 2007
FAILURE! I'M QUITTING
Just kidding ; ) I placed two more machines today. Now before I go into details of my day I want to write in about one quick phone call I made this morning.
My mom knows this lady, and she and her husband own like 15 auto places around town. So my mom called her and told her about my business and she said for me to give her a call. Well I did, but her secretary said she was in a meeting and I left my number, name, and who I was. She hasn't called back. Should I call back tomorrow on a Saturday? Also, that was her work phone. I also have her cell phone number, is it ok to call her on that do you think?
OK TO START: I went to about 22 places today. It may have been a few more. When I get to walking around the damn shopping centers I sometimes forget to write one down. Anyway, here's the break down.
I started off at this plaza with a small movie theatre. We have a much larger new one in town so I don't even know if people see movies there anymore. I started at some ship and mail places, and then some Chinese restaurants, and then I went into this lunch/dinner/bar place. They have candy machines in there. Anyway, I talked to the manager, he said he was in a good mood so why not. He asked what other types of candies were over there and what I would be adding. So I told him I would put candy since all he had were gumballs. So I didn't put gumballs in the center of my machine. I want to go back sometime and put gumballs in there. The other machines looked like crap. I moved them around and put mine in the prime location. (They are all on the way to the bathroom so they get a good amount of traffic.)
So after I got one in there my endorphins were pumping and I was ready to go. So I went to a bunch more places. Finally I went to a new plaza and there is this dry cleaning place. So I went in, a very small lobby, very small, but you could tell they did a good business. Now it is hot in Florida, very hot, it was like 95 today and all they had were fans in there. But I figured the temp was around the 80's in there so I figured I would risk it. A nice black guy was the owner, he said sure why not, bring it in. So I did. I hope the chocolate doesn't melt. Now, I didn't have any luck the rest of the day but I did find this cool restaurant and went in.
The restaurant story: She said the manager wasn't in but she didn't think he would be interested because there was no room up front. You could tell that she wasn't in a great mood and if she was the manager the place would probably be out of business. Anyway, she gave me a card and said call at 5:00 tonight when he would be in. Call? There's no way I'm calling. I'm going back tomorrow to see if he's there. But anyway, I looked around and there really wasn't any room. But, she was busy with people, everyone was busy, and I was up front by myself. So I sort of moved stuff around a bit. Just a little bit. This here, and that there. So now there is definitely room for my machine. In fact I'm going to point out the place to the manager before he has a chance to say there is no room. I hope this works. Sometimes you have to go stealth!
SO THEN: Remember the Pizza place that I had on a 1 week trial run? Well I had been thinking about this guy all week. I remembered that I put it in a bad place in the corner of the restaurant. And people were going to have to walk by tables to get to it. I figured when I went back he was going to say take it out since it bothered people at some of the adjacent tables. BUT, he said no great, loved it, let's keep it. I said great. I said you know, it would probably be better there right by the front door, and you can move the hi-chair that is there now over into the corner. He said and I quote "Great Idea, Do It." And I did. It's in prime real estate now.
After that I saw a restaurant to the right that I had not seen before. I go to the bar and see this very cute (being modest here), young bartender so I go to her and ask for the manager. She says "you're looking at her" (sort of). So I do a little charm and say, wow. I give her my speech. She loves the idea. Says she doesn't see why not. The head guy will be in around 5 today and she will ask him. I left her a flyer and said I'll be back tomorrow. Let's hope on this one. It would be a killer location. I feel like I have been getting a lot of outstanding locations for my machines.
THE CHINESE AND THE PACK AND MAIL PLACES DO NOT LIKE ME. I have been turned down by every one. I need a new way to tackle the Chinese. Any ideas?
I may drive to Miami on Monday to get more machines. I only have 2 left. I am considering getting some gumball only machines but I just don't know.
I want to say one more thing. It's hard for me to get started in the morning going from place to place. It's hard to get into that first place, period. But after about 3 places I get back into the groove and it's easy. I stopped at more places today than I ever have in one day before.
8/10 MACHINES WITH HOMES.
Candyman Can
My mom knows this lady, and she and her husband own like 15 auto places around town. So my mom called her and told her about my business and she said for me to give her a call. Well I did, but her secretary said she was in a meeting and I left my number, name, and who I was. She hasn't called back. Should I call back tomorrow on a Saturday? Also, that was her work phone. I also have her cell phone number, is it ok to call her on that do you think?
OK TO START: I went to about 22 places today. It may have been a few more. When I get to walking around the damn shopping centers I sometimes forget to write one down. Anyway, here's the break down.
I started off at this plaza with a small movie theatre. We have a much larger new one in town so I don't even know if people see movies there anymore. I started at some ship and mail places, and then some Chinese restaurants, and then I went into this lunch/dinner/bar place. They have candy machines in there. Anyway, I talked to the manager, he said he was in a good mood so why not. He asked what other types of candies were over there and what I would be adding. So I told him I would put candy since all he had were gumballs. So I didn't put gumballs in the center of my machine. I want to go back sometime and put gumballs in there. The other machines looked like crap. I moved them around and put mine in the prime location. (They are all on the way to the bathroom so they get a good amount of traffic.)
So after I got one in there my endorphins were pumping and I was ready to go. So I went to a bunch more places. Finally I went to a new plaza and there is this dry cleaning place. So I went in, a very small lobby, very small, but you could tell they did a good business. Now it is hot in Florida, very hot, it was like 95 today and all they had were fans in there. But I figured the temp was around the 80's in there so I figured I would risk it. A nice black guy was the owner, he said sure why not, bring it in. So I did. I hope the chocolate doesn't melt. Now, I didn't have any luck the rest of the day but I did find this cool restaurant and went in.
The restaurant story: She said the manager wasn't in but she didn't think he would be interested because there was no room up front. You could tell that she wasn't in a great mood and if she was the manager the place would probably be out of business. Anyway, she gave me a card and said call at 5:00 tonight when he would be in. Call? There's no way I'm calling. I'm going back tomorrow to see if he's there. But anyway, I looked around and there really wasn't any room. But, she was busy with people, everyone was busy, and I was up front by myself. So I sort of moved stuff around a bit. Just a little bit. This here, and that there. So now there is definitely room for my machine. In fact I'm going to point out the place to the manager before he has a chance to say there is no room. I hope this works. Sometimes you have to go stealth!
SO THEN: Remember the Pizza place that I had on a 1 week trial run? Well I had been thinking about this guy all week. I remembered that I put it in a bad place in the corner of the restaurant. And people were going to have to walk by tables to get to it. I figured when I went back he was going to say take it out since it bothered people at some of the adjacent tables. BUT, he said no great, loved it, let's keep it. I said great. I said you know, it would probably be better there right by the front door, and you can move the hi-chair that is there now over into the corner. He said and I quote "Great Idea, Do It." And I did. It's in prime real estate now.
After that I saw a restaurant to the right that I had not seen before. I go to the bar and see this very cute (being modest here), young bartender so I go to her and ask for the manager. She says "you're looking at her" (sort of). So I do a little charm and say, wow. I give her my speech. She loves the idea. Says she doesn't see why not. The head guy will be in around 5 today and she will ask him. I left her a flyer and said I'll be back tomorrow. Let's hope on this one. It would be a killer location. I feel like I have been getting a lot of outstanding locations for my machines.
THE CHINESE AND THE PACK AND MAIL PLACES DO NOT LIKE ME. I have been turned down by every one. I need a new way to tackle the Chinese. Any ideas?
I may drive to Miami on Monday to get more machines. I only have 2 left. I am considering getting some gumball only machines but I just don't know.
I want to say one more thing. It's hard for me to get started in the morning going from place to place. It's hard to get into that first place, period. But after about 3 places I get back into the groove and it's easy. I stopped at more places today than I ever have in one day before.
8/10 MACHINES WITH HOMES.
Candyman Can
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Thursday
In the interest of giving the full story of vending I will make this post. It's hard to start back going out there and asking people to allow you to put your vending machine in their place. Yesterday I just couldn't do it, I was just too tired. But today, I would say it's possible for me to get out there but I really don't want to. Tomorrow (we always say tomorrow) will be the day. I'm going back out there. I have 4 machines left to place. I don't know if it's because I'm lazy or I just don't want to hear what they have to say. I need to find something motivational to think about to make me want to get out there.
Dare I say with my new found confidence in my sales pitch that I can place all 4?
So I have been coming up with or at least thinking of places that I patronize to put candy machines in. Unfortunately most of the places for which I am a patron are eating establishments that are franchise operated. So they are basically a no go for candy machines, but here is my list so far.
Dentist's Office - My family goes to her. I was thinking of a toy machine for her location.
Tire Place - We get our tires changed there and my mom knows the owners wife through some various women's networking thing for business owners. Anyway, they have like 12 locations, and I really want that account. My mom called her and she said for me to give her a call this week. So I'm going to call her tomorrow, any ideas for what I should say?
I haven't been completely unproductive. I've made a few spreadsheets for my candy business. One with Location information and then one with my costs (it's amazing how much candy costs.) I also applied to another grad school which is fairly time consuming.
I think it's interesting what the locators had to say. Even though Kyle Guth swears they are all from hell. We may just see :p You never know until you give something a chance. And you never learn until you do something yourself.
LASTLY: I've been scouring eBay looking for machines. I've sent emails to people who have had lots of 15 - 20 units up that haven't sold. I'm basically trying to get them at super, super, bargain prices. This one guy has 12 1800 vend machines and I want them, but I think the shipping will be outrageous. Anyway, I told him I was a college student who started his own vending company, etc, etc... Hopefully I'll be able to strike a deal. To a lot of people these machines are just taking up space (that is the mentality I construct for them anyway) and want to just get rid of them. One wife listed her husbands on eBay and I know she wants them out of the house. We will see.
One more thing: About toy machines. What do I put in there? I mean I want to put bouncy balls. I know kids love them, I've purchased them myself, and they are fairly cheap. Does anyone else have another idea for products to put in that are cheap? I want kids to ask for more than 1 quarter when they use the machine; I know one bouncy ball is never enough!
I know it's much more interesting when I have actual vending news to post so hopefully tomorrow this will pick back up. I AM GOING TO PLACE 4 MACHINES. I won't come home until they have homes. Wish me luck.
Candyman Can
Dare I say with my new found confidence in my sales pitch that I can place all 4?
So I have been coming up with or at least thinking of places that I patronize to put candy machines in. Unfortunately most of the places for which I am a patron are eating establishments that are franchise operated. So they are basically a no go for candy machines, but here is my list so far.
Dentist's Office - My family goes to her. I was thinking of a toy machine for her location.
Tire Place - We get our tires changed there and my mom knows the owners wife through some various women's networking thing for business owners. Anyway, they have like 12 locations, and I really want that account. My mom called her and she said for me to give her a call this week. So I'm going to call her tomorrow, any ideas for what I should say?
I haven't been completely unproductive. I've made a few spreadsheets for my candy business. One with Location information and then one with my costs (it's amazing how much candy costs.) I also applied to another grad school which is fairly time consuming.
I think it's interesting what the locators had to say. Even though Kyle Guth swears they are all from hell. We may just see :p You never know until you give something a chance. And you never learn until you do something yourself.
LASTLY: I've been scouring eBay looking for machines. I've sent emails to people who have had lots of 15 - 20 units up that haven't sold. I'm basically trying to get them at super, super, bargain prices. This one guy has 12 1800 vend machines and I want them, but I think the shipping will be outrageous. Anyway, I told him I was a college student who started his own vending company, etc, etc... Hopefully I'll be able to strike a deal. To a lot of people these machines are just taking up space (that is the mentality I construct for them anyway) and want to just get rid of them. One wife listed her husbands on eBay and I know she wants them out of the house. We will see.
One more thing: About toy machines. What do I put in there? I mean I want to put bouncy balls. I know kids love them, I've purchased them myself, and they are fairly cheap. Does anyone else have another idea for products to put in that are cheap? I want kids to ask for more than 1 quarter when they use the machine; I know one bouncy ball is never enough!
I know it's much more interesting when I have actual vending news to post so hopefully tomorrow this will pick back up. I AM GOING TO PLACE 4 MACHINES. I won't come home until they have homes. Wish me luck.
Candyman Can
Saturday, June 9, 2007
LOCATORS WELCOME, SELL US HERE AND NOW!
I think there are some things we need to talk about, you the locators, and us the vendors. So if you are out there reading this is your chance to sell us.
My dream locator would offer me this:
- $30 location charge for a triple-head machine. I doubt a triple-head is any more work to locate then a single or double head.
- I want two guarantee's. First I want you to guarantee that the machine will keep it's location for 5 weeks. This will give me time to go back in a month, check it, talk to management, and make sure everything is ok.
- Second I want a guarantee that my machine will make a minimum of $4 per head. I think this is very reasonable. A triple-head machine guarantee would have a $12 minimum for the first month. I'm only asking you to guarantee the first months income, I'll take my chances on the rest.
- I'm not really interested in giving you a list. I can give you some zip codes to look up, you know what to do from there.
- I don't mind putting a down payment on my locations. But I don't think I should have to pay it all up front. I can work on a pay as you go schedule too.
I don't think these requests are too much to ask. You specialize in locating candy vending machines. I think the guarantees I ask for are minimal. If you aren't providing long term, quality locations then there is no reason to do business in the first place.
Those are my personal ideas for what I want out of a locator. I know a lot of us on here want to expand strong and quick. Who doesn't want to grow strong and quick? But we don't want scammed either. AND, one thing we have is the power of word of mouth. Trust me if one locator get's on here and does a kick ass job, EVERYONE will know about it. I will probably talk about it for months, giving you lots of repeat business, from me, and from everyone else.
LOCATOR THAT I WANT, WHERE ARE YOU!?
I have a 5 machine contract up for grabs if you are willing to meet the above demands and that is just to test the water.
The Candyman
My dream locator would offer me this:
- $30 location charge for a triple-head machine. I doubt a triple-head is any more work to locate then a single or double head.
- I want two guarantee's. First I want you to guarantee that the machine will keep it's location for 5 weeks. This will give me time to go back in a month, check it, talk to management, and make sure everything is ok.
- Second I want a guarantee that my machine will make a minimum of $4 per head. I think this is very reasonable. A triple-head machine guarantee would have a $12 minimum for the first month. I'm only asking you to guarantee the first months income, I'll take my chances on the rest.
- I'm not really interested in giving you a list. I can give you some zip codes to look up, you know what to do from there.
- I don't mind putting a down payment on my locations. But I don't think I should have to pay it all up front. I can work on a pay as you go schedule too.
I don't think these requests are too much to ask. You specialize in locating candy vending machines. I think the guarantees I ask for are minimal. If you aren't providing long term, quality locations then there is no reason to do business in the first place.
Those are my personal ideas for what I want out of a locator. I know a lot of us on here want to expand strong and quick. Who doesn't want to grow strong and quick? But we don't want scammed either. AND, one thing we have is the power of word of mouth. Trust me if one locator get's on here and does a kick ass job, EVERYONE will know about it. I will probably talk about it for months, giving you lots of repeat business, from me, and from everyone else.
LOCATOR THAT I WANT, WHERE ARE YOU!?
I have a 5 machine contract up for grabs if you are willing to meet the above demands and that is just to test the water.
The Candyman
Friday, June 8, 2007
Contest? Contested!
"Robert,
My machine was placed an hour ago. Good LUCK. I placed it on the 1st try. HA HA HA!
Kyle G."
Well I placed two today, So, HA HA HA HA!
Mine didn't go as quickly as yours, and definitely not on the first try but I got them in! There is this tire place that we get our tires at and he said sure! Plus there was another vendors gumball machine in there but he said the guy never came so just put mine in his place and move his somewhere - lol. So, now I'm getting all the business there for sure! Plus it's a great location. A very busy shop and I saw kids in there even while I was there for my brief moment. AWESOME. And talk about the nicest guy. "Sure bring it in, I don't mind at all, the kids like it, I'm usually picking up candy at the end of the day but hey, whatever."
Oh yeah, one guy at a Salon was very mean. He's lucky I didn't make a scene. You don't treat potential customers like that. Hard to walk away there.
THEN THE BIG ONE. I have been going to this rib restaurant for the past week. Talked to several managers, left fliers, etc. TODAY, I walk in, talk to the main guy and he says those 5 beautiful words, "I don't see why not." It's in, right next to the door. Filled all the way up to the top. I was nervous as hell bringing in the machine, scared he would change his mind or something. THE BEST LOCATION I HAVE RIGHT NOW BY FAR.
IT WAS A GREAT DAY.
By the way: Kyle Guth and I had a competition today. I wasn't allowed to come home until I placed one machine, but I placed two! More tomorrow? Or can I take Saturday off?
6/10 MACHINES HAVE HOMES, MORE THAN HALF WAY THERE!
Candyman Can,
Rob
My machine was placed an hour ago. Good LUCK. I placed it on the 1st try. HA HA HA!
Kyle G."
Well I placed two today, So, HA HA HA HA!
Mine didn't go as quickly as yours, and definitely not on the first try but I got them in! There is this tire place that we get our tires at and he said sure! Plus there was another vendors gumball machine in there but he said the guy never came so just put mine in his place and move his somewhere - lol. So, now I'm getting all the business there for sure! Plus it's a great location. A very busy shop and I saw kids in there even while I was there for my brief moment. AWESOME. And talk about the nicest guy. "Sure bring it in, I don't mind at all, the kids like it, I'm usually picking up candy at the end of the day but hey, whatever."
Oh yeah, one guy at a Salon was very mean. He's lucky I didn't make a scene. You don't treat potential customers like that. Hard to walk away there.
THEN THE BIG ONE. I have been going to this rib restaurant for the past week. Talked to several managers, left fliers, etc. TODAY, I walk in, talk to the main guy and he says those 5 beautiful words, "I don't see why not." It's in, right next to the door. Filled all the way up to the top. I was nervous as hell bringing in the machine, scared he would change his mind or something. THE BEST LOCATION I HAVE RIGHT NOW BY FAR.
IT WAS A GREAT DAY.
By the way: Kyle Guth and I had a competition today. I wasn't allowed to come home until I placed one machine, but I placed two! More tomorrow? Or can I take Saturday off?
6/10 MACHINES HAVE HOMES, MORE THAN HALF WAY THERE!
Candyman Can,
Rob
Thursday, June 7, 2007
4/10 Machines with Homes
Ok, so I didn't make 30 locations today. I made 12. And with the 1/12 average of placing a machine I did get one a new home. AND it is a great location. A new pizza place with sit in dining. Let me tell you what happened..
I go in, show him the fliers and give him my speech. He says I don't know, leave me a flier and let me think about it. I say, well you know it doesn't cost you anything and you make 30 cents on every dollar and it helps charity. I said, why don't you let me grab a machine out of my car real quick and show you. We can do it on a one week trial, and if you don't like it you don't have to keep it. I bring in the machine and put it in a great spot in the store. He says Ok, I'll try it out for a week. AND we all know he is going to keep it. I mean do many people make you take them back out? ** He said to me, "Wow, you're really good at this. You don't take no for an answer."** I think that is the greatest thing I have heard all week.
The Chinese place I went today. She already had a machine and man did I ploy with her. Let me bring in a machine. Let me show you how it can fit. Mine have more than just gum balls, etc, etc. But those Chinese are good at saying no to me anyway. I tried, there was nothing more I could do.
So I went to 12 places today, and got in 1. Not a bad day, AND at a pizza joint, good deal.
I also had a meeting with a guy from S.C.O.R.E. It's a national organization that helps business owners for free. He actually just resigned from S.C.O.R.E. but anyway I know him and he offered to help. So I had about a 2 hour meeting with him. He had some good ideas and helped. I'm going to make some business models to show what exactly this business can accomplish. His initial reaction was "you have a business degree, you are educated, quick, and smart, why are you doing candy" but I think I swayed him into my corner. Once he began thinking in all cash and 500 machines I think he liked it.
The Mean Lady:
So I go into this pizza place. A pretty big one and I talked to the owner. Right when I thought she was about to say yes she said do you have your charity information with you? How do I know you're not just stealing the money? I mean it was in an accusatory tone before I had even done anything worthy of accusation. I said I can bring it to her, and asked if I did would she be interested, and she said yes. I don't like her but hey, I need her right now so I'm going to go back. Be sure, I won't frequent that place for any other reason then to take her money though.
LESSON: Be Nice to everyone. Bad word of mouth carries, VERY, VERY, fast. I don't know how many people I have already told today that she was a mean, cold hearted, .... (in case our new friends son is reading.)
Also. I got the number of a guy who owns 16 dry cleaning shops in town from a manager. I really want to make this a good call. Does anyone have a good ploy for this guy?
MY IDEA: Now I don't want everyone stealing this right away before I try it but let me tell you.. I have a few locations that I think are PRIME. I mean, I love them, but the owners have given me responses like, we don't have enough room, etc. So here is my idea.
Paint my machine to match their restaurant and restaurant theme. Maybe even with their name on the machine. First I would make it in Photoshop and show it to them. Once they O.K. it I would have it painted. Yes, I think this idea is a keeper! LET ME TRY IT FIRST. : ) Even if a machine cost $50 to get painted.. In a prime location this would definitely be worth it.
LAST THING: My dad is a retired doctor and I had him call a pediatrics place today. So I went in after he called with my flier saying "Dr. so and so called, I'm Robert." Well I think that may really work. I don't know what the answer will be but I'm going back tomorrow to find out.
4/10 machines with homes. Not bad. Read the last post and the comments. The guy with the kid is really inspirational. Plus Mr. Guth keeps on sending in great comments.
Candyman Can,
Rob
I go in, show him the fliers and give him my speech. He says I don't know, leave me a flier and let me think about it. I say, well you know it doesn't cost you anything and you make 30 cents on every dollar and it helps charity. I said, why don't you let me grab a machine out of my car real quick and show you. We can do it on a one week trial, and if you don't like it you don't have to keep it. I bring in the machine and put it in a great spot in the store. He says Ok, I'll try it out for a week. AND we all know he is going to keep it. I mean do many people make you take them back out? ** He said to me, "Wow, you're really good at this. You don't take no for an answer."** I think that is the greatest thing I have heard all week.
The Chinese place I went today. She already had a machine and man did I ploy with her. Let me bring in a machine. Let me show you how it can fit. Mine have more than just gum balls, etc, etc. But those Chinese are good at saying no to me anyway. I tried, there was nothing more I could do.
So I went to 12 places today, and got in 1. Not a bad day, AND at a pizza joint, good deal.
I also had a meeting with a guy from S.C.O.R.E. It's a national organization that helps business owners for free. He actually just resigned from S.C.O.R.E. but anyway I know him and he offered to help. So I had about a 2 hour meeting with him. He had some good ideas and helped. I'm going to make some business models to show what exactly this business can accomplish. His initial reaction was "you have a business degree, you are educated, quick, and smart, why are you doing candy" but I think I swayed him into my corner. Once he began thinking in all cash and 500 machines I think he liked it.
The Mean Lady:
So I go into this pizza place. A pretty big one and I talked to the owner. Right when I thought she was about to say yes she said do you have your charity information with you? How do I know you're not just stealing the money? I mean it was in an accusatory tone before I had even done anything worthy of accusation. I said I can bring it to her, and asked if I did would she be interested, and she said yes. I don't like her but hey, I need her right now so I'm going to go back. Be sure, I won't frequent that place for any other reason then to take her money though.
LESSON: Be Nice to everyone. Bad word of mouth carries, VERY, VERY, fast. I don't know how many people I have already told today that she was a mean, cold hearted, .... (in case our new friends son is reading.)
Also. I got the number of a guy who owns 16 dry cleaning shops in town from a manager. I really want to make this a good call. Does anyone have a good ploy for this guy?
MY IDEA: Now I don't want everyone stealing this right away before I try it but let me tell you.. I have a few locations that I think are PRIME. I mean, I love them, but the owners have given me responses like, we don't have enough room, etc. So here is my idea.
Paint my machine to match their restaurant and restaurant theme. Maybe even with their name on the machine. First I would make it in Photoshop and show it to them. Once they O.K. it I would have it painted. Yes, I think this idea is a keeper! LET ME TRY IT FIRST. : ) Even if a machine cost $50 to get painted.. In a prime location this would definitely be worth it.
LAST THING: My dad is a retired doctor and I had him call a pediatrics place today. So I went in after he called with my flier saying "Dr. so and so called, I'm Robert." Well I think that may really work. I don't know what the answer will be but I'm going back tomorrow to find out.
4/10 machines with homes. Not bad. Read the last post and the comments. The guy with the kid is really inspirational. Plus Mr. Guth keeps on sending in great comments.
Candyman Can,
Rob
For you all
Well to be honest I don't really feel like going out today and hearing the No's again, but I don't want to let you all down so I'm going out anyway, to 30 places. 30 places. I'm going to try the new trial thing that Mr. Guth recommended. Wish me luck.
Rob
3/10 machines with homes
Rob
3/10 machines with homes
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
No luck Wednesday
I was going to go through all the places I stopped today but I think it is better for me to just tell you what is happening.
The most abundant response I am receiving is "we don't have enough room." Even though sometimes I will say what about that corner over there. One lady didn't want to mess with the ambiance of her restaurant, blah whatever (so that gave me an idea, I'll tell you later if it works.)
So, no room, no thank you is the most common response I have been getting. I need a new strategy when I go into places, mine just isn't working. I went to 12 places today and got 0 yes answers.
A few things to consider: I live in an extremely wealthy town. Commission may just not be that attractive to owners here. Maybe I'm just not presenting the opportunity correctly to the owners/managers (I have a feeling this is my problem.)
Thanks for all your responses. I can use all the help I can get.
Robert
The most abundant response I am receiving is "we don't have enough room." Even though sometimes I will say what about that corner over there. One lady didn't want to mess with the ambiance of her restaurant, blah whatever (so that gave me an idea, I'll tell you later if it works.)
So, no room, no thank you is the most common response I have been getting. I need a new strategy when I go into places, mine just isn't working. I went to 12 places today and got 0 yes answers.
A few things to consider: I live in an extremely wealthy town. Commission may just not be that attractive to owners here. Maybe I'm just not presenting the opportunity correctly to the owners/managers (I have a feeling this is my problem.)
Thanks for all your responses. I can use all the help I can get.
Robert
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
End of the Day Update
Well I placed two machines today! And I have a feeling that one of my main problems is that I'm wasting my time on too many corporate owned stores/franchises.
Here's the down low:
13. Encore Restaurant - Check Back in 1 week
14. Vet - Call in 1 week
15. Il Primo Pizza - I really tried to get in but the owner said no.
16. Sam Sneads Restaurant - Call back in a week.
17. Tanning place - Yes! They already had a gumball machine but I agreed to take the gumballs out of mine. Anyway I need to find something to put in place of gumballs.
18. Learning Toy Store - No, and she was mean.
19. Salon - Go back for manager tomorrow. She liked the idea.
20. China place - Second time there, again no, even with commission.
21. Hair and Nail Salon - Yes! Great location, sits in the waiting room. Need to bring more reeces to that location because I ran out. (I'm using this blog sort of as my notes for the day too :p )
22. Sweet Treats - No, guy was mean. I think he's losing a lot of money and with that attitude he will continue to lose.
23. Cotton Tails Clothing - No, doesn't want kids touching candy and then clothes.
24. Pinch a Penny - Pat's the manager, George and Trish are the owners. Go back on Wed.
25. Hair Design by Sam Sneads - So I'm going back in Thursday when he is there. His name is Kyle.
26. Salon by IceCream shop and Pine Ridge - Check Wednesday - Get this, she said the manager was saying he wanted a damn candy machine the other day!
27. Oil Lube by Home Depot - Check back in a week.
Ok, so I didn't make all 30, but I made 27 and got 2 machines in. I guess that is about average. Plus you have to figure that I wasted a good bit of time in corporate owned places. I'm really excited about this Fat Burger place and this Rib place. Both seem like outstanding opportunities to me. So let's hope.
Also. It seems like maybe just buying gumball machines is better? Since you have only one product with extremely high margins. Plus they don't take up much space and they cost about half the price of my current machines.. Any ideas on this?
Candyman
3/10 MACHINES HAVE HOMES!
Here's the down low:
13. Encore Restaurant - Check Back in 1 week
14. Vet - Call in 1 week
15. Il Primo Pizza - I really tried to get in but the owner said no.
16. Sam Sneads Restaurant - Call back in a week.
17. Tanning place - Yes! They already had a gumball machine but I agreed to take the gumballs out of mine. Anyway I need to find something to put in place of gumballs.
18. Learning Toy Store - No, and she was mean.
19. Salon - Go back for manager tomorrow. She liked the idea.
20. China place - Second time there, again no, even with commission.
21. Hair and Nail Salon - Yes! Great location, sits in the waiting room. Need to bring more reeces to that location because I ran out. (I'm using this blog sort of as my notes for the day too :p )
22. Sweet Treats - No, guy was mean. I think he's losing a lot of money and with that attitude he will continue to lose.
23. Cotton Tails Clothing - No, doesn't want kids touching candy and then clothes.
24. Pinch a Penny - Pat's the manager, George and Trish are the owners. Go back on Wed.
25. Hair Design by Sam Sneads - So I'm going back in Thursday when he is there. His name is Kyle.
26. Salon by IceCream shop and Pine Ridge - Check Wednesday - Get this, she said the manager was saying he wanted a damn candy machine the other day!
27. Oil Lube by Home Depot - Check back in a week.
Ok, so I didn't make all 30, but I made 27 and got 2 machines in. I guess that is about average. Plus you have to figure that I wasted a good bit of time in corporate owned places. I'm really excited about this Fat Burger place and this Rib place. Both seem like outstanding opportunities to me. So let's hope.
Also. It seems like maybe just buying gumball machines is better? Since you have only one product with extremely high margins. Plus they don't take up much space and they cost about half the price of my current machines.. Any ideas on this?
Candyman
3/10 MACHINES HAVE HOMES!
Mid-Day Update
I think I'm going to run out of posting juice pretty soon but let me tell you what has happend so far.
I have tracked all the places I have stopped so far today, home for lunch now..
1. Fat Burger - Nice manager, said he needs to talk to the district guy. Check back Wednesday.
2. Rib Place - Check Back tomorrow when the main manager is in. The assistant manager liked the idea.
3. Green Salad Place - Damn I can't remember what happend. I think it was a no.
4. Smoothie Place - No because they are healthy (more on this later.)
5. Petco - No because they have vending machines already and it's corporate run.
6. Red Brick Pizza - Franchise, answer is no because of franchise rules.
7. Carwash - Check back thursday, they are redoing the place (looks good.)
8. Oil Change - Check Back Today when manager is in.
9. Petsmart - Corporate run, no.
10. Dry Cleaners - Corporate run, no.
11. Liquor store - No, what's up with these guys?
12. Smoothie King - Story here. The assistant manager said she didn't think so because they had mostly healthy food in there (which is bullll shittt, because smoothies have like 1000 callories in them) so I told her I could put nuts and bouncy balls in the machine. She sounded excited and said check back next week after she talks to the main manager.
Anyway, the responses today have been better, but still, no one has said YES. In about 30 minutes I'm headed back out to lunch places that I felt were too busy to bother with earlier. Wish me luck.
Note: BRING MORE FLYERS. I ran out again today. I'm going to bring a full stack this time.
Because the Candyman Can,
Rob
I have tracked all the places I have stopped so far today, home for lunch now..
1. Fat Burger - Nice manager, said he needs to talk to the district guy. Check back Wednesday.
2. Rib Place - Check Back tomorrow when the main manager is in. The assistant manager liked the idea.
3. Green Salad Place - Damn I can't remember what happend. I think it was a no.
4. Smoothie Place - No because they are healthy (more on this later.)
5. Petco - No because they have vending machines already and it's corporate run.
6. Red Brick Pizza - Franchise, answer is no because of franchise rules.
7. Carwash - Check back thursday, they are redoing the place (looks good.)
8. Oil Change - Check Back Today when manager is in.
9. Petsmart - Corporate run, no.
10. Dry Cleaners - Corporate run, no.
11. Liquor store - No, what's up with these guys?
12. Smoothie King - Story here. The assistant manager said she didn't think so because they had mostly healthy food in there (which is bullll shittt, because smoothies have like 1000 callories in them) so I told her I could put nuts and bouncy balls in the machine. She sounded excited and said check back next week after she talks to the main manager.
Anyway, the responses today have been better, but still, no one has said YES. In about 30 minutes I'm headed back out to lunch places that I felt were too busy to bother with earlier. Wish me luck.
Note: BRING MORE FLYERS. I ran out again today. I'm going to bring a full stack this time.
Because the Candyman Can,
Rob
New Flyer, New Attitude
I have a new flyer and I'm about to hit the road. Commission + Plus a small percentage to charity. I'm going back to the chinese place to talk to her again. She wasn't very excited yesterday, and I'm sure she'll be displeased to see me today but maybe I can turn her around. I'm hitting 30+ places today. I have attached a picture of the new flyer.
Godspeed
Godspeed
Monday, June 4, 2007
BACK in the game
GO GUTH VENDING!
I got an email this evening from a full time vendor, Kyle Guth. Let's be honest here, after the email I was reinvigorated to go back out tomorrow.
With a new outlook on the vending odds of placing machines I think I can deal with the No's better, hopefully.
I'm also going to offer a new commission structure.
5% charity
25% commission
I think with that combination I can say "It's a good deal for you, you get 25% commission and you are helping the cancer children." Do I give these people checks or quarters or what?
ON KYLE'S BEQUEST I'M GOING TO AT LEAST 30 PLACES TOMORROW. I'm really going to test the odds. Thanks a lot Kyle. I needed some inspiration.
Candyman CAN
I got an email this evening from a full time vendor, Kyle Guth. Let's be honest here, after the email I was reinvigorated to go back out tomorrow.
With a new outlook on the vending odds of placing machines I think I can deal with the No's better, hopefully.
I'm also going to offer a new commission structure.
5% charity
25% commission
I think with that combination I can say "It's a good deal for you, you get 25% commission and you are helping the cancer children." Do I give these people checks or quarters or what?
ON KYLE'S BEQUEST I'M GOING TO AT LEAST 30 PLACES TOMORROW. I'm really going to test the odds. Thanks a lot Kyle. I needed some inspiration.
Candyman CAN
disheartened
went back to the vet. she said no. went liquor store. she said no. pizza shop, manager wasn't in, come back. laundromat said no. salon said come back tomorrow. chinese said no.
I think there were a few more but anyway, you get the gist, NO NO NO.
It's not that I mind going in and asking. But after a few I get disheartened and then it's hard to go in. And I'm sure that my attitude shows when I go in. I smile but you know how you can tell when someone is feigning happiness. Damn I need help. Anyone?
candycan't
I think there were a few more but anyway, you get the gist, NO NO NO.
It's not that I mind going in and asking. But after a few I get disheartened and then it's hard to go in. And I'm sure that my attitude shows when I go in. I smile but you know how you can tell when someone is feigning happiness. Damn I need help. Anyone?
candycan't
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Day 3 - Sunday Building
Ok.. So I built 7 vending machines today and it was sort of exhausting. The problem is you don't just build them. You have to clean them and adjust the candy dispense ammount. I ran into a problem with 1 machine. I can't get the back open where the quarters drop into. The key goes in and the lock trys to turn but it will not turn enough to let the door open. I'm going to work on it some more tomorrow but if anyone has an idea on how to fix it..
$100 BET:
I have a $100 bet with a family member that I can/can't place my remaining 7 machines tomorrow. Obviously I'm on the CAN side. I have no idea if this is possible. It should seem to me that it is possible, especially since I have $100 riding on it. Let's make Monday a great day.
IDEA: I have found that it is easier to do things if you are not the responsible party. For example, it is easier for somone else to call someone on behalf of me then it is for me to actually call them. Because in the end I am responsible, and I know that, so the fear shows through when I call, but the other person calling on behalf of me has nothing to risk. SO TO OTHER VENDERS OUT THERE I PROSPECT TO YOU THIS IDEA:
Give me a list of 20 businesses you would like a candy machine at in your area and I will give you a list. We call on behalf of each other. #1 It gives us more confidence, we are calling on behalf of the other person. #2 It forces us to actually make calls.
If anyone is in let me know. My email is robertnpatterson@gmail.com
CandyCandyCandyCandy
$100 BET:
I have a $100 bet with a family member that I can/can't place my remaining 7 machines tomorrow. Obviously I'm on the CAN side. I have no idea if this is possible. It should seem to me that it is possible, especially since I have $100 riding on it. Let's make Monday a great day.
IDEA: I have found that it is easier to do things if you are not the responsible party. For example, it is easier for somone else to call someone on behalf of me then it is for me to actually call them. Because in the end I am responsible, and I know that, so the fear shows through when I call, but the other person calling on behalf of me has nothing to risk. SO TO OTHER VENDERS OUT THERE I PROSPECT TO YOU THIS IDEA:
Give me a list of 20 businesses you would like a candy machine at in your area and I will give you a list. We call on behalf of each other. #1 It gives us more confidence, we are calling on behalf of the other person. #2 It forces us to actually make calls.
If anyone is in let me know. My email is robertnpatterson@gmail.com
CandyCandyCandyCandy
Saturday, June 2, 2007
saturday off
Although I took the day off I wanted to jump on here and thank the man that really inspired me to begin in my candy career. His name is Steve also aka Candyman and this is his blog. I just started reading his blog about 10 days ago and I have already read every single post, most of them twice. He has great information and his blog really gives you the confidence to start. In his most recent post he mentions me in a nice little article and links to this blog, thank you.
ON A SIDE NOTE:
I talked to my friend Katie last night. A beautiful girl, 24yrs old. She just quit her job at a non-profit organization where her job was basically asking people for donations over the phone. So I prospected her with the thought of her getting vending locations for me and she loves the idea. She thinks that getting locations will be easy for her and she has no fear of asking, she rocks.
A QUESTION:
Does anyone see a problem with making this a full time business? Can anyone see a reason that I can't scale this business up to say 500+ machines?
Toss me a quarter,
Candyman Can
P.S. I started eating some of my damn profits today. M&M Peanuts, mmm.
ON A SIDE NOTE:
I talked to my friend Katie last night. A beautiful girl, 24yrs old. She just quit her job at a non-profit organization where her job was basically asking people for donations over the phone. So I prospected her with the thought of her getting vending locations for me and she loves the idea. She thinks that getting locations will be easy for her and she has no fear of asking, she rocks.
A QUESTION:
Does anyone see a problem with making this a full time business? Can anyone see a reason that I can't scale this business up to say 500+ machines?
Toss me a quarter,
Candyman Can
P.S. I started eating some of my damn profits today. M&M Peanuts, mmm.
1st day of scouting
Ok! So I went to 4 places today, and I got a machine in! Oh yes, I did get a machine into a restaurant. It may not be a super busy restaurant but it is in and it is looking good!
So, lesson #1. Don't fill your machines before you bring them into locations because they weigh a lot. My candy machines weigh easily 80 pounds when filled with candy. Anyway, they are not easy tot around.
First I visited a salon but the owner wasn't there so I had to go back. When I went back he said no and complained about previous machines spilling candy out onto the floor and the candy melting, etc. I attempted to thwart his negativity for a minute but I could tell it was a fruitless effort.
Next I went to the local restaurant in our neighborhood (several thousand homes) and a guy named Nino said sure, why not? So I went out to my car, got the machine and brought it right in. Later on I will tell you my "pickup" line for getting the candy machines into their new homes.
After that I went to a nail salon and asked for the manager. She was sort of mean and said no. I know I'm trying to solicit her business but still, she could be nice about it. After all, everyone is a potential customer, so she should have been nicer. She didn't say anything mean but you could tell her negativity in the tone of her voice. Unlike the hair salon guy who shook my hand and said, thank you.
I was still running on the rush of placing my first machine in a restaurant! So I drove out and found a vets office. I went in and talked to the lady at the front desk. She liked the idea but the owners weren't there. So I left her my handout and I'm going to go back there on Monday.
I need to start writing down all this information because eventually I'm sure I am going to forget where my machines are and who I have visited. Now, let me tell you my strategy for placing the machines.
First off, I have triple headed machines and the first, very first thing everyone asks is "how big are they?" I usually guesstimate the size with my hands and make it a bit smaller than the actual size.
I go in and say "Hello would you like to help children with cancer?" Obviously the answer is yes, and I try and cultivate that yes into a yes for my machine. I say "Would you mind if I put in a small candy machine for the children?" While I am saying all this they have the flier in their hands; the flier that I have a picture of up above. I made it and I am proud of it. The machine at the bottom is my actual machine!
This weekend I'm going to build the rest of my machines. I have 7 to put together, clean out, and adjust the candy dispense settings on. This is exciting! My friends still laugh, tell me this is idiotic, and say "you have a business degree, why are you buying candy machines?" I AM A BUSINESSMAN. I know what I'm doing, I am smart.
One last point I want to hit on. Print more than one flier to show people. The lady at the vets office wanted to keep the flier and I only had one with me. I gave it to her but that ended my day trying to find vending locations.
Toss me a quarter,
Candyman Can
So, lesson #1. Don't fill your machines before you bring them into locations because they weigh a lot. My candy machines weigh easily 80 pounds when filled with candy. Anyway, they are not easy tot around.
First I visited a salon but the owner wasn't there so I had to go back. When I went back he said no and complained about previous machines spilling candy out onto the floor and the candy melting, etc. I attempted to thwart his negativity for a minute but I could tell it was a fruitless effort.
Next I went to the local restaurant in our neighborhood (several thousand homes) and a guy named Nino said sure, why not? So I went out to my car, got the machine and brought it right in. Later on I will tell you my "pickup" line for getting the candy machines into their new homes.
After that I went to a nail salon and asked for the manager. She was sort of mean and said no. I know I'm trying to solicit her business but still, she could be nice about it. After all, everyone is a potential customer, so she should have been nicer. She didn't say anything mean but you could tell her negativity in the tone of her voice. Unlike the hair salon guy who shook my hand and said, thank you.
I was still running on the rush of placing my first machine in a restaurant! So I drove out and found a vets office. I went in and talked to the lady at the front desk. She liked the idea but the owners weren't there. So I left her my handout and I'm going to go back there on Monday.
I need to start writing down all this information because eventually I'm sure I am going to forget where my machines are and who I have visited. Now, let me tell you my strategy for placing the machines.
First off, I have triple headed machines and the first, very first thing everyone asks is "how big are they?" I usually guesstimate the size with my hands and make it a bit smaller than the actual size.
I go in and say "Hello would you like to help children with cancer?" Obviously the answer is yes, and I try and cultivate that yes into a yes for my machine. I say "Would you mind if I put in a small candy machine for the children?" While I am saying all this they have the flier in their hands; the flier that I have a picture of up above. I made it and I am proud of it. The machine at the bottom is my actual machine!
This weekend I'm going to build the rest of my machines. I have 7 to put together, clean out, and adjust the candy dispense settings on. This is exciting! My friends still laugh, tell me this is idiotic, and say "you have a business degree, why are you buying candy machines?" I AM A BUSINESSMAN. I know what I'm doing, I am smart.
One last point I want to hit on. Print more than one flier to show people. The lady at the vets office wanted to keep the flier and I only had one with me. I gave it to her but that ended my day trying to find vending locations.
Toss me a quarter,
Candyman Can
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