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
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8 comments:
Keep up the good work.....I am envious that you can drive and pick up the stuff......candy, balls, and machines.....It will save you a lot on shipping, although the price of gas is ridiculous.
I bought a couple of 2 head machines yesterday and will try to locate them when they arrive. I will let you know how that goes. I have a couple of good prospects in mind.
Rob...and Ken,
Good work Rob. You bought all that stuff. How cool! Unfurtnaly, I did not get aroud to placing my machine. I did not ask anyone! So, 20 machines, what now? The mechs are a peice of crap. Thay look fine, but a 7 year old can realy screw with your machine! I had 30 dollars in my newest machine today. It was the GMW, crapy mech, machine. I messed with the broken mech and fixed it. Thankfuly.
Start again towmarrow. 3 towmarrow, OK?
Ken: What brand machines do you buy?
Kyle G.
I rarely buy new machines.....I watch ebay and bid on used machines.....but in this case I bought a couple of NEW Seaga Millenia 2 head machines with stands. I got them for less than $70 including shipping. I have Seagas on my route and they have been good sturdy machines for me. I have never had a problem. I usually look for Seaga, Oak, and Northwestern machines at bargain prices. I prefer the Northwestern Super 60 machines...they are what I have the most of.
Ken,
Do you have a route, and your son have a route? Or are the machines your sons? I have herd a lot of negtive things about saga machines. The only problem I have is this: The machines screw into the stands with 2 screws, not 4. There for, thay are wobbly. I do not have pernosal experince with saga, other than shaking compaitors machines. That is how I konw thay are extermaly unstable. But as long as thay do not fall off the stands, I would use them.
Kyle G.
My son is only 12 and we do the route together....I handle all the machine purchases and go with him on locating....he usually gets the permission to locate the machine and he services the machines. I drive him around when we locate and service the machines. We have 12 locations currently...working on more. The Seaga machines do only have 2 bolts that connect to the base, but I have never had a problem. The coin mechanism is all metal and I have found them to be sturdy. It is not hard to check to see if the bolts are tight after collecting the quarters. We always carry a screwdriver and crescent wrench with us.
Ken,
Very cool. I will look into saga, as I need to perchase 4 double head machines. Are thay cheap new?
Kyle G.
Yeah, I calculated gas today, roughly. It cost me about $25 to get there and back. That isn't bad at all. I take a ford escape. The 10 machines barely fit. I talk him down on price with everything I buy there. He always tells me I'm getting the lowest prices in America. I'm sure I could resell these on eBay for break even without a problem. Anyway.
Too bad you didn't get it placed Kyle, but I'm know 1 is no big deal for you.
I started building late today. I just built 1 machine. I'm going to build 2 more tomorrow morning and try and fit 3 in my car to locate. Hopefully I can do 3 in one day. I havn't done that before.
I'm really getting nervous about the ammount of money the machines I have out are going to make. I hope I havn't gotten myself into all this for nothing. Anyway, by the time the first machine needs serviced these 10 should be placed.
Ken, why don't you get 10 from gumball-machine.com I think they are only $125 each shipped.
MY 20 MACHINES: Well if I get these 10 placed without problems and the machines that I have out end up having a descent return then I may go candy crazy.
Candy machines paid for from college loans? I get college loan apps almost every day offering 35k. That's too much to think about now.
Let's see how long it takes to get these machines placed and how much the machines I do have placed make.
Rob
Rob,
Do not get nervous. You will go "candy crazy" once you find out how much is in thoes machines. I will try tomarrow to place it...mabie. 1 machine is a lot to me, $30 more, in a good spot. But 10 in a low traffic spot. Every little bit hepls in this buiness.
35,000 dollars woth of candy machines? You would Deff. become a E-Bay seller again! LOL!
You should look into XYZ Vending, with every 10 machines you buy, you get a machine FREE. All free shipping. Machines come with manuals, 25 cent stickers, and more. free shipping, and a free machine, that 11 machines! You must buy them on there E-Bay store to get the free machine..I think. That is a very good deal, plus 100% better quality machines! LOOK INTO THEM!
Anyways, I have to fill up my new machine. I did not today, so that hs one reason why I did not locate it today.
Kyle G.
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