CANDYMAN CAN Vending blog - bulk candy machines

No post in a long time! I'm back!

2008-01-17T13:17:00.001-05:00

Ok, well I haven't made a post in a long time, but you can bet I have been expanding my business.

I'm going to tell you the truth though. I have put the actual vending machine business on the side burner for a little bit.

Now, MY NEW VENTURE. Talk about exciting. Check it out now http://www.kickstartlocations.com

Of course, I started my own locating firm because I saw what a mess the industry was in. So Now I have my website that I have fervently been working on. I think I have a great business model and I got my largest order yesterday! 17 Locations!

Also, check out my new blog, it talks about the locating business. http://bulkspots.blogspot.com

If anyone wants to talk to me directly just shoot me an email.

RobertNPatterson@gmail.com

Yours Truly,
Candyman ;)

CANDYMAN BLOG HAS OFFICIAL MOVED TO HTTP://WWW.KICKSTARTVENDING.COM/FORUM

2007-08-29T01:50:00.000-04:00

The candyman blog has moved to http://www.kickstartvending.com/forum

My candyman blog is setup in that forum. There are also several other bulk vending bloggers as well!

Please come over and join in on the fun.

HTTP://WWW.KICKSTARTVENDING.COM/FORUM

driving, driving, and oh my god, driving

2007-08-22T18:43:00.000-04:00

Well, to start the day I decided to get some more machines. If you have ever been to Naples you would know that there is really NOTHING south of us. What I'm saying is, 99% of the time you go North on the highway instead of South. Of course today I forgot that I was heading to Miami (south) and started going north. An HOUR into my trip I realized my mistake...

Another hour back tracking, and then 2 more hours to Gumball Machine Warehouse and I still wasn't done! I couldn't believe it. I could have basically been there and back in that amount of time.

Anyway, during all this I'm getting emails from Alan and Frank on my blackberry. Alan was missing 3 double plates for his machines from GMW that I sold him but I took care of that and they were shipped out to him today! Rush order baby. Chris, from Great Lake Locators had managed to piss Frank off I guess. So not only is Chris emailing me but so is Frank, not that I mind, it was just funny. So I call Chris and he talks for about half an hour about the situation between him and Frank. And then after all that 2 hours later he calls me and says everything is fine with Frank, what a day.

In the beginning of the day Chris was so aggravated with all the comments about him on the forum that he said take the deal off. Then after talking to Frank he calls me back and says let's put the deal back up on the site, what did you say Frank? So I talked to him for a few minutes and worked out a new deal. I think it's better personally.

I also talked to another locator about locating machines for my new website. I am going to offer two solutions for locations. #1 is telemarketing. #2 is in person locating. Obviously the in person locating is going to be more expensive but I think I have worked out a real fair deal with the guy who is going to do the in person locating.

Here is how it will work. 15 machines or fewer = telemarketing. 15 or more machines = in person locating. What do you guys think? Are you willing to pay a premium for in person locating? Personally I am willing to pay that premium.

So I bought 15 machines today from GMW (Gumball Machine Warehouse.) I also bought some Mike & Ikes and Chicles and a few more gumballs.

I have one machine at my home and 15 in the car and 6 locations that need machines. So after those 6 are placed I'll still have 10 left which I think I'm going to contract to my new on site locator.

Rob

The new locator - read

2007-08-20T15:48:00.001-04:00

Well shit, this guy that I found on craigslist started locating for me today. I met him at 8:00AM and at 10:30AM he called me with 10 locations. I was like shit, 10 locations, 2 hours, $300. Damn, so anyway, I only had 7 machines but we dropped them off and now I don't know what to do.

I have 3 more locations to drop off that he found and 3 locations that my tele-locator found and no more machines. I can't believe how fast this guy places machines. He said he does on average 30 - 40 a day.

I will be keeping this guy a secret, haha. I'm exhausted from the days events. I had to meet him early in the morning, come home, build 5 machines, then load all the machines up for delivery, and go deliver.

He really likes the snack boxes but I don't know much about them. Seems like a descent deal.

I checked another machine that had been on location for 37 days. It had $46.60 in it. The first time I checked it after 35 days and it had $30 in it. Guess that one is picking up. Wish me luck.

Rob

HEY GO TO THE CONTEST PAGE AND DO THE CONTEST. I REALLY DON'T WANT KYLE TO BE THE ONLY PLAYER! HE IS THE LAST PERSON THAT NEEDS ANOTHER MACHINE, haha.

met locator at 8AM and snack boxes

2007-08-20T09:41:00.000-04:00

Well I put an ad in craigslist and got a call from a locator the other day. We met this morning and he is going to locate machines for me today. We are meeting back up at 3PM and he said he should have between 3 and 10 locations. I assume he will have 10 because he seems like he is good at getting them.

Anyway, we will see. He swears by snack boxes. They are little boxes that have snacks in them with an honor box to put money in. I think he said the entire setup is $15 for the box and snacks and he locates them cheaper than other machines. What do you all think?

At the moment I am building machines for today. I built 2 this morning, and have 3 left. Blah, I hate building.

Moving the candyman blog!

2007-08-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

Well the candyman blog is moving to http://www.kickstartvending.com/forum/

I have created my own section over there and all my future posts are going to be on the new forum. I am however going to copy and paste my posts to this blog since there are a lot of readers! I salute all of my loyal readers!

PRIZE CONTEST ON THE FORUM!
There is a contest for a brand new double head machine from Gumball Machine Warehouse on the Kick-Start forum now! It's not too late to try and win! Everyone is eligible. The contest rules are up and everyone has an equal chance at winning! Good luck!

Cranes, Cranes, Cranes -
Somehow in the midst of doing bulk vending I have gotten sucked into plush skill cranes. These are the cranes that pickup stuffed animals out of the machine.

Well today I talked to this guy about cranes for about 30 minutes. He had one listed on eBay but it was a little bit too big for me so I inquired about other cranes he had to offer. Turns out he has a nice crane for me at $550 but I might go ahead and get two cranes from him since the shipping is the same for one crane or two cranes. Shipping is $350 to get them here to South Florida so you can see how it would be advantageous to get two cranes instead of one.

Anyway, I'm excited to start my crane route! I will keep everyone posted on how it goes! I'm sure there will be much more to come!

Rob

46/55 Pizza and a Bank

2007-08-14T13:48:00.000-04:00

Well my locator found me a pizza joint. They had a gumball machine in there already but it looked nasty so I'm sure I will get all the business. I put gumballs and Mike & Ikes in that machine.

I also had a bunch of quarters to bring to the bank so I went. After I deposited my $96 worth of quarters I asked to talk to the bank manager. She said someone had a machine there before but it didn't do well so they took it out. I said I would like to try anyway and she said Ok. I guess the ladies there are on a diet but oh well. I put in M&M Peanuts and Runts. I opened them up so they will give bountiful handfuls of candy.

Does anyone have an idea of what to put in when people are on a diet? Anyway, I placed two machines today, not bad. Also Alan Sampson is getting ready to purchase 15 machines and start his own route. He already has around 10 locations primed that just need a machine. He is going to start blogging on the Kick-Start Vending forum hopefully this week!

Good luck.

Rob

Rules for purchasing an existing route. - Baxson

2007-08-13T23:58:00.000-04:00

1. Never trust a word the seller says, and I don't care if he/she seems like the most honest person in the world.

2. Require to see some form of books whether an Excel spreadsheet, account program, etc.

3. Require that they back up those numbers with either an income tax return or bank statements. They can blank out everything except the numbers, but require you see what they are bringing in monthly or yearly.

4. Make them take you on the route to service the machines, and have them pull out the money to show again what these locations are pulling each month.

5. Speak with every owner/manager in person to ensure that they would like to keep the machine. Have some type of clause with the existing owner that until you speak with every owner/manager and get the ok you will not give them any funds.

6. Don't spend more on an existing route then you would purchase for the machine used and a locating fee. Remember this is all you are really doing basically, so why throw your money away on something that you could get for less yourself. However, if they can prove that they are making decent money yearly and you are purchasing the route for less then 70% gross then consider that a decent route to purchase.

7. Take your time with this purchase, if anything doesn't sit well with you don't be afraid to walk away. Sometimes that is our greatest power the ability to say NO!

Buying an existing route can be a quick way to jump start your current route, or even add more locations if you are looking to build. Sometimes in over-saturated markets this is the best way to make a niche and not find your machine among the dozens in multiple locations. Don't be afraid to purchase an existing route, just make sure they have some type of evidence to back it up. If they don't, then make sure you are getting it for far less then you would if you purchased the machine used and got a professional locator. Check out ebay, craigslist, etc for prices on the existing machine and routes. Shop around, there are always tons of people getting rid of their routes because they don't have the time anymore.

And last but not least, call the numbers on machines that you wanted to place your machine but found someone already there. You would be surprised at how many people would love to sell their route and just didn't get around to posting it, or didn't know how to. Don't turn your back to purchasing existing routes, always look at it as a viable option. Look at companies that base their existence on purchasing up smaller corporations, it can be the same concept.

Happy vending! - This was written by a writer on my forum, Baxson Vending.

Rob

the real numbers

2007-08-10T15:36:00.000-04:00

I stopped at 5 places today to check money. So here are my numbers:

Pizza: $27 (20 days)
China $5 (10 days)
Computer store $3.50 (30 days)
Chicken Lunch Place $6.25 (30 days)
Auto place $21 (50 days)

If someone has the time to figure out what I average every 30 days I will post it here. I'm about to run out the door or I would do it. Anyway.. Bottom line is this. You can't tell how much a location will make just by first looks. The chicken place I thought would make a ton of money. The auto place I thought would make nothing. It's in a dim area, they smoke inside, and it didn't look like they had many customers. The point is, you just never know.

You learn, I learn, Kyle Guth teaches, Listen. GIVE AMPLE AMOUNTS OF M&M Peanuts!

The auto place asked me to take it out because the machine was only giving like 4 M&M Peanuts and the customers were getting mad. I apologized profusely and asked her if I could bring in a new machine this week. She said yes and I am going to bring one there right now. LISTEN TO KYLE. Give out lots of candy.

Rob

UPDATE: I get an average of about $13.50 per location per month. Can anyone concur?

tilt pan scan

2007-08-09T17:04:00.000-04:00

Today was a slow day but I did get something done. I went to Wal-Mart and got a dummy camera and batteries for $10. Now, I didn't realize it at the time but this camera is crazy.

#1 It has a motion detector built in.
#2 It blinks.
#3 You can tilt it to point in any direction.
#4 It scans the room back and fourth when the motion detector is tripped.

It's ridiculous. When you walk into the laundry room this thing starts panning back and fourth across the room. I also put up a sign that says "Beware of 24 hour video surveillance. You are being video taped." haha. I doubt anyone is going to mess with my candy machine now!

I'm still looking for an inexpensive crane machine to put in this Chinese joint. Is there a second hand plush crane website? I couldn't really find anything.

Rob

oh dear

2007-08-08T15:58:00.001-04:00

Well, My locator gave me three locations today but only two were open. The last one is a Karate place, does anyone have experience with these?

I also picked up a machine today at a local restaurant and it had $30 in it. Too bad I had to take it out.

I also checked the Chinese place, it has been there for about a week, not too much money in there. I didn't count but I'd say less than $5. I switched out Runts for Skittles. We will see.

Also, the Chinese guy wants a Crane. He told me today to get him one. I have looked on eBay and they want $1795 + Shipping for a crane with bill acceptor. I am not willing to pay that. I want one cheaper. Do you guys think a crane would do well in a Chinese place?

Help me find good crane deals in South Florida!

Rob

bad news tonight

2007-08-07T19:41:00.001-04:00

The guy that owns the restaurant in my neighborhood called and said he wants me to pickup the machine. He said he isn't selling any of his own candy anymore. I couldn't really understand him but maybe he said something about another guy putting a machine in. I'll have to inquire more tomorrow. DAMN. I tried to offer commission on the phone and I'll offer it again tomorrow.

Rob

the DHL guy

2007-08-07T18:26:00.000-04:00

My DHL guy came again today and I prospected him about my business. He actually inquired about my business first and I moved into him stopping at a lot of businesses when he drops off packages. I then offered him $30 for each machine he placed. He was excited about that prospect and said he will stop by after he finds me my first location. I may have to start shipping more stuff! If this works we may all have a new way of finding locations.

This lady my mom knows owns 7 auto/tire shops in town. Anyway, it's hard to get a hold of her so I decided I would send her a package.

I went to Wal-Mart, picked up photo quality printer paper, a binder, a bag of M&M Peanuts, regular M&M's, and a small bag of Roasted Peanuts.

At home I printed out high resolution pictures of the machines I have to offer. I also wrote her a letter and attached my charity information. I then put some gumballs in a zip lock bag and hooked it onto the binder. I also hooked the M&M Peanuts/M&M's/Peanuts to the binder. I made it very presentable. Then I took some wrapping paper, wrapped it up, put a bow on it, and dropped it off in the mail. Let's hope it works. She may get it tomorrow!

Oh, Kyle, I also sent you two bags of Runts via Priority Mail. Total is $20 even for the two bags and shipping. That's not too bad considering. Two bags of runts vend out $80 of candy. You can just send the check to my return address.

Not much else happened today. Check out the forum it's growing!

Oh yes, there was one other thing. Wal-Mart carries this fake surveillance camera for $8. It even has a motion detector in it so when someone walks by it starts blinking. I may bring back my machine to the laundry room and bolt this camera up, haha. What do you guys think?

Rob

the vending equation

2007-08-06T19:04:00.000-04:00

A reader on my blog Jason Burkert wrote this on the forum. It really sums up vending.

RISK

Low risk. Startup costs are low, and if you want to get out, you can always sell your machines.
The biggest risk is to your ego when you are placing machines. But look at it as an opportunity to learn to sell and to handle rejection. You also get the chance to know other business owners!

RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI)

Why would anyone do this?

Gum balls can purchased in bulk for $0.02 each. They are sold for $0.25 each.
Other candy, can be purchased in bulk for less than $0.10 per vend. They are also sold for $0.25 per vend.
Do the math.

OPPORTUNITY

When you go searching for locations, you're looking for an opportunity.
A location with lots of quarters (laundromat, arcade), or lots of waiting (restaurant, auto repair), or lots of kids (restaurant), or a captive audience (office lunch rooms) is an opportunity.
An empty lobby at a privately-owned store/shop/restaurant is a terrific opportunity.
Even if there is a machine there already, if the location is unhappy with their current vendor, or has plenty of space for your machine too, that's an opportunity. Call the phone numbers on other people's machines and ask to buy the machine or route to expand quickly!

NEGOTIATION

In general private businesses are easier to locate with. There are multiple ways to persuade a decision-maker to allow you to place a machine:

you're offering a free service to their employees and customers, it costs the location nothing but unused floor space
a commission paid to the location (10% - 30%)
a charitable donation to a local charity, police, or fire department (10% - 30%)
a one time gift certificate to a local restaurant ($20 - $40)

Large corporations may have policies against vending machines, so negotiation can be out of the question.
But it may be up to the discretion of the manager. It doesn't hurt to ask.

VALUE

When purchasing existing routes, solving other people's problems makes you money. Experience will give you an eye for things that are wrong with the existing business. I've read accounts where a route buyer was appalled at the state of a seller's "business" because of problems such as these:

Located machines are empty
Located machines are dirty and unattractive
The vend size is too large / too small
Several machines are not located, not making money, collecting dust in a storage locker
Locations have low profit and don't have enough foot traffic
The business owner has no records, and doesn't know the locations of his machines, or when they were last serviced
Candy selection is inappropriate for the location

Fixing these problems can make you money.

OPTIMIZATION

Like any other business, as you become more experienced, you'll find ways to make various improvements and optimizations.

Look for better deals on candy. Buy in bulk. Break it down to cost per ounce for easier comparison and greater accuracy. Include shipping costs.
Adjust the size of bulk vends to an appropriate size.
A one-time gift certificate is cheaper than a commission, or monthly charitable donation.
Relocate low-profit machines to higher-profit locations.
Map out your locations and service them in an efficient manner. If some locations are faster/slower service them on a different interval.
Have everything you need with you to service your machines. Be in and out quickly.
Buy already placed machines and existing routes.

cracking globes today

2007-08-06T16:14:00.001-04:00

To start the day I went out and attempted to locate machines. I say attempted because I had no such success today. I went to about 10 places and got 10 No's. I was even trying to give out gift cards! I don't know what was up today. I didn't have my Wheaties this morning, maybe that's it.

Well, I have a double head machine that I took from a location and I finally got the quarters out of one of the compartments. There is a picture of it some where on the blog. Anyway, today I was out there drilling for an hour trying to open the thing up and I finally cracked the globe with a hammer. $11 in quarters. Not as much as I expected but hey, they were free! But, now I'm missing a globe. Maybe I'll turn it into a single head machine.

After I cleaned up that mess I went ahead and began building machines. I got 5 build today! That's not bad considering the heat.

As you can see there is this great location deal on the top of the blog now. It is for blog/forum readers and I don't know how long it will last. I've been trying to get my locator to give you guys a deal and today I finally nailed it down with him. I think it's incredible, $30 per location is what it comes out to. I know Caserri is going to try it, he won't be able to pass that price up! Guth, give up and just try it. You spent $500 at Wal-Mart on binders, you can spend $90 on locations. You also get a 45 day warranty with the locations if you don't like them for any reason.

Good luck, God Speed, and get out there and Locate!

Rob

I need your help

2007-08-04T21:24:00.000-04:00

I need you guys to help spread the word about the blog and to sign up for the forum. The more readers we have and people that comment the better this site and the forum will become.

Right now we have 21 people signed up on the forum and around 100 readers per day on the blog. Let's double those numbers. On Monday I will have a special location deal for my blog/forum readers. I am also working hard on the main http://www.kickstartvending.com site. I have very high expectations for it.

I want to say something now about the vending industry:
Candy is very important. You need to switch out your candy and try new things when old products are not selling. I know this may be one of the last things on your priority list but it needs to be one of the first. Candy is the bait and we are all fishermen in this industry. Sometimes you need a barbed hook to catch a customer and sometimes you need to let your bait bleed a little bit. Chum the water, try new things, we are evolving.

My new site will be dedicated to getting people started in bulk vending. This is a very profitable industry. I really want people to get in it and try it. Even if it's only 5 machines, try it out. See what it's like to make money while you are at home. We are in a time where job security is not guaranteed. The housing/mortgage market is in a serious crisis. Luckily our main Auto companies GM/Ford are in the black now. It was not that way a year ago.

I can only work so hard, it's your job to take hold of your own life!

Rob

UPDATE: Check out this Baxson guy on the Kick-Start Forums! He just started and he is moving quick! He calls locations while in the car going from place to place locating, wow.

comedy of errors 43/56

2007-08-03T15:24:00.000-04:00

Well, I FINALLY placed my machine at Albertsons. It is in the break room and I wanted to put in M&M Peanuts and Mike & Ikes, but of course I forgot to put a second candy wheel in. So I ended up taping a business card over the springs and folded the edges down to cover the hole, I think. Who knows. They may get free M&M Peanuts and they may get none.

I also managed to rip a bag of Mike & Ikes open today and in turn they spewed all over the counter. What a mess. I did spray them with Pam though. Just a light mist. There must be an easier way to do this. Maybe I'll just melt some butter, dump it into a bag with the Mike & Ikes, and shake.

What else happened today. Umm, I placed two machines. One at an auto place that my locator gave me and then one at the Albertsons. I tried some other places to no avail. One pizza place had a 1800vend machine in there. You know this guy doesn't know what he is doing just by the candy in the machine. I don't even know what kind of candy it was but it just looked nasty.

Rob

Building Machines, Again

2007-08-02T11:22:00.001-04:00

This is a tedious task, building that is. I have unloaded all the machines and carried them to my patio. That is a task in itself. I just got done building 2 machines and I'm ready to take a nap, haha.

My locator has a location for me but I may not go until tomorrow. I'm working hard on the new site! I think it will do well. I'm excited. Kick-Start Vending baby!

Rob

Miami! 41/56

2007-08-01T17:45:00.000-04:00

I went to Miami and picked up some machines today. I traded in my 3 triples for doubles and got 10 more machines. So I came back with 13 machines in all.

I have been working hard on the new www.kickstartvending.com site!! It's not up yet but it will be and I'm getting you KILLER PRICES! I promise, you will not be disappointed. I wouldn't go to all this trouble to offer a trash deal.

What else happened today. Not too much. My loactor called tonight with another location. I'll probably be building tomorrow. I still have to unpack the car that is full of machines. Damn, you have no idea how much those things weigh! A ton.

Check out the forum and sign up if you haven't done so! Why? I'm getting special deals for Forum members when it comes to locating. Yes, that's right. I'm working for you all! Maybe I can get some machine deals too. It's hard to keep up with all this stuff, I tell you.

I don't think there is anything else to say! DOUBLE-HEAD MACHINES ROCK!

The location I got today is a replacement from my locator. So yes, he does replace machines. I didn't have a problem getting him to do that, which was a relief. I was really anxious to get to the replacement part of the locating business to see if he honored his warranty. He has so far. I'll continue to monitor his progress for you guys!

Rob

a day of days 41/42

2007-07-31T13:16:00.000-04:00

The day starts off pissed. Pissed at my locator. Who, is a great guy, but, he just gets a little snappy sometimes. Bygones. I called in frustration and worked things out. Communication is key. At least you can talk to this guy and he is willing to compromise. Something most people will not do. He gave me a barber shop today. Not Bad, so that is Location # 1 of the day.

Then, I see this auto place called Cookies and I stop in. He, like many other businesses in town is suffering from the Summer heat and migration of people to the north. The $20 Carrabba's gift certificate swayed him. BUT A PROBLEM! There were ants. He knows he has ants. I saw some ants.. What to do...

I WENT TO A 7ELEVEN. Thank heaven for 7 Eleven! Picked up a nice thing of Petroleum Jelly and basted that sucker with it. No ants are crawling up that thing. The day was a touch better now, but it was going to get worse. I drive ALL the way out to ALBERTSONS. A 20 minute ride and the manager wasn't in. How aggravating. This location is supposed to be secured and I've been there like 5 times. Tomorrow..

After that I went to Home Depot because I had a location with a stuck quarter. Well, as I found out in Home Depot, quarters are not magnetic. That idea didn't work. So, I had an idea to get the quarter out and went to the location. GUESS WHAT, the quarter wasn't stuck. Maintenance had gotten it out. The lady said a few quarters had been stolen. No problem, I gave her two.

THIS LOCATION MADE ME EXCITED. Yes, this machine had been on location for about 4 days. And yes, there was about $5 worth of quarters in there. There are 3, 250LB women working there. Can you imagine! I AM GOING TO MAKE A KILLING! I put in more M&M Peanuts, flirted with them a bit and went on my way. They really like me.

I stopped at a few places to ask after that but no managers were in. No problem, I was in a good mood. This location is going to make great money and it has my hopes up for all Apartment locations!

BOOOM BOOM BOOOM
I hit a pizza joint that I have a machine in. I replaced his machine last Tuesday because it wasn't giving out enough M&M Peanuts. I just wanted to check on it and see how it was doing with the Runts I put in.. Not bad, not bad.

Do you remember the Chinese place next to the pizza place that said I could put in a machine once the other guy took his out? Well, I GOT IMPATIENT. Yes, I went in armed with my $20 Carrabba's gift card. This guy is really nice, a really nice guy, remembers my name. A young guy too. He says: "Oh Robert, This is too good to pass up. I get 30% commission too?" I of course said Yes because this was the deal I had made with him. HE IS A BUSINESS MAN.

So, he put an "Out of Order" sign on the other machine and I brought mine in! Unlike the other machine that was back in the hallway, mine is right next to the door! I told him, it's up to you but it will make a lot more money by the door! He said, YES! It's a killer location. The guy likes me and I know it's going to do well. What else does life have to offer? Really..

I've decided to sell my 3 new triple-head machines. I want $95 plus whatever shipping costs to you. This is cheaper than you can buy on eBay or anywhere else. These are black with beautiful chrome stands. Let me know if you want one!

What a day. And, it's only 1:30PM. That's what I love about the vending business.

Rob

Machine Shopping

2007-07-30T10:50:00.000-04:00

I got up early this morning and built 4 double head machines! I'm about to take a shower and get out on the town and try to place some. You will notice if you get into the candy business heavily that your car becomes a complete mess of candy bags, very fast. So, I cleaned my car out today as well and it's looking much better. Let's see what else is going on..

I've been talking to people on eBay and Craigslist about buying used machines. I really want to get some machines for $30 or under. I know they are out there. Does anyone know if there is a way to search the entire state of Florida on Craigslist instead of just certain cities?

Besides the 4 machines I built today I still have 3 triple-head machines in boxes and I have one machine that I found on location that I need to fix. I still can't get into one side because of the lock. I am seriously considering selling the 3 triple-heads on eBay this week. I paid $95 and I should at least be able to break even. They are black with chrome stands. I've just decided that I would rather spend my money on cheaper used machines!

You guys have got to check out the forum. This guy Frank aka "Sweets" is really inspirational. His story is inspirational anyway. He has like 60 used machines now that he has paid UNDER $20 EACH for! I mean, how can you beat that. He is going to be successful, I know it, and I want in!

Intriguing Numbers:

Machine: $20
Location Cost: $40
Candy Cost: $15
TOTAL COST: $75

We will use a low calculation of a machine averaging $10 per month. Also, I count candy as a fixed cost for the machine in the beginning. A candy machine must have candy in it at all times, hence I'm going to set the fixed candy cost at $15. However, when calculating the true ROI, I am going to deduct the $15 as a candy expense. See below.

Gross Income: $120
Candy Cost: 15% of 120 = $18 - $15 (initial candy for machine) = $3
NET INCOME: $120 - $3(excess candy cost) = $117

ROI (per year): $117(Net Income)/$75(Machine) = 156%.

If you know anything about return on investments or finance you will realise this number is astounding. Granted this number works off of you finding used machines at extremely discounted prices. However, these are real numbers and they are fairly conservative. What I'm saying is, the opportunity is out there.

Candyman Can!

Sweet's Success is Inspirational!

2007-07-28T10:14:00.000-04:00

There is a new post on the forum from a guy named Frank aka Sweet Stop. He has his own section called Sweet's Success and there is a GREAT post from him about how he started and where he is at now. We started at similar times and he has 9 machines on location right now.

Anyway, it's a great story about how he started and he is going to keep us informed as he goes along. I really encourage you to check it out.

On my front, I think I'm going to build some machines today. There really isn't much for bulk vendors to do on the weekends. I guess I just assume that most managers aren't in. Anyway! Talk to you guys soon. Good luck.

Candyman Can!

the day of chains 38/45

2007-07-27T12:56:00.000-04:00

Well, I've concluded that apartment buildings are very easy to get. I went to two locations today and got them both. One of the machines I put in the laundry room and I'm pretty sure that one will make money. However the other machine I'm not sure if it will do well. It's sort of in the lobby area of the leasing office. I put M&M Peanuts in it though so maybe the ladies will be tempted.

Of course the laundry location was no guarded so I went to home depot and go some master locks and chain. It cost me $10 to secure one machine with two master locks and a 5ft piece of chain. I just hooked it to a big table that was in the laundry room. No one is taking the machine, but they could still break it if they wanted. There were two soda machines in the laundry room already which made me think it will do well.

I told my locator no more apartment buildings. I can find them myself. I checked one machine that had been on location for 10 days and there was $1.75 in it. It is in an apartment building leasing office, which is actually just an apartment turned into an office. I just stopped by since I was near it today. Anyway, she told me that near the beginning of the month everyone comes in to pay. She said a lot of Mexicans come in and bring their children. Hopefully that will help! She also recommended that I put a 25 cent label on it so they knew how much it cost so I put one on.

That was my day so far. I think that's 9 machines placed this week. Not too bad, not too bad. I just hope I am getting some locations that make money. I really hate having a top heavy route where certain machines make up the majority of the money but I'm sure that's how it is for everyone. I'm sure Apple doesn't enjoy making 80% of it's money from one product (IPOD) but they have no choice in the matter!

I'm also working on my new site. I've ended up investing a little more money then I initially wanted to but oh well. Check out the forum. We have 4 members already. It will grow. And I think there are some interesting sections. Kyle Guth has his own section as well as Alan Sampson.

Rob
http://www.kickstartvending.com/forum

Days Events 36/46

2007-07-26T16:49:00.000-04:00

Two new apartment building locations today have been secured. I went to a few auto shops but no managers were in. I wasted the morning getting M&M Peanuts when I should have been at auto shops. Oh well.

That is still 7 Machines located this week! And I still have another day, let's hope!

THE NEW, NEWER Forum is up and running! Well, I just couldn't take the old one. I wanted to upgrade and I think it was the right choice. This has got to be the best forum I have ever seen.

Kyle Guth and Alan Sampson have their own sections. Go on there and check them out, they will be posting soon.

Any new ideas? How did you guys do today?

Rob

P.S. There was this pregnant lady working at one of the apartment buildings today and I KNOW she is going to go crazy over the M&M Peanuts and Runts. She was so excited.

starting the day

2007-07-26T09:31:00.001-04:00

Well, I'm getting ready to start the day. The forum is undergoing some maintenance right now, should be back online anytime.

I have to go to Costco to get M&M Peanuts because I'm basically out and have been buying bags at Wal-Mart to get me through my drought. As far as gumballs go I think I'm basically out. I don't have a SAMS card so I have to find someone who can take me to SAMS. Why can't Costco just have some Double Bubble?!

Anyway, I'm hitting the road with gift cards in hand. I know those mechanics can't say no to a free $20 dinner! Here I come..

Rob

New Vending Forum

2007-07-25T21:44:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you have noticed the new image at the top of the blog. It is a link to the new forum that I made. Please sign up and try it out. If you want anything changed I can do that for you. I am also asking Kyle Guth to have his own column on the forum, hopefully he will oblige. I have already created it for him, haha.

You can now post your own topics and do whatever you want. You don't have to listen to me anymore, although I will continue on writing here! Sign up!

My new vending sales site will be http://www.kickstartvending.com It is not quite up yet but it will be soon. The forum website is http://kickstartvending.com/forum/

As you can see you are going to get Kick-Started into vending! There is no better time than the present! Thank you guys. Sign up today! I've already started writing on there so go read.

Rob
Candyman 007

BACK UP AND RUNNING 34/46

2007-07-25T16:38:00.000-04:00

Well, boy do I have a story to tell. First off I would like to say the site is back up and I can post without a problem!

I'm also in the midsts of working on a new site to sell a product for vending. It's cool, sort of unique in its own right. I think it will be popular and it sure will help new people starting in vending. Even oldies may give it a try since it's such a great deal. It was going to go up today but I got in an argument with the guy designing the site so I may just do it myself. It will be up soon at any rate.

About the forum: To be honest I've been wanting to start a forum for a long time. Caserri emailed me about 10 days back and told me he was starting his own. I told him then that I was actually considering starting my own and now I'm ready to start it. It will be up soon, most likely within a few days. It will have a few different things. Anyway, I know you guys like to comment on here but I think it would be nice if you could make your own topics as well.

Next on the agenda: I stopped and got Carrabba's gift certificates this morning. They come in $10 denominations so I got $60 worth and put $20 in each holder. This way I could give out $20 as a promotion for letting me put my candy machine in the location.

Next, I went to an Albertson's that I had already been to once and he told me no. My locator found this one for me. Anyway, my locator called this morning and said that they talked to the manager again and he said no one ever stopped in to drop the machine off.. Obviously I had been there before, I don't know what's going on. I went again today but I the manager was on his way out the door so I have to go back on Friday.

Next to Albertson's was a China King.
ARMED WITH GIFT CERTIFICATE IN HAND, I WENT IN:
Man, did this guys eyes light up. My friend was with me and he said that Chinese people probably only eat in their Chinese restaurants but I don't think that is the case. He got excited and let me put the machine in. That was my first stop of the day, and I got a yes. He got a $20 gift certificate and we are all happy. Who's excited?

I went to a few more places and got great feedback. One guy said "Wow, that is tempting but I can't." Next, I went to an auto garage. Yeah, $20 Carrabba's dinner to that mechanic and he said "BRINGER ON IN" and I did. I went to 5 places and got 2 in. Talk about moving up in the world!

I checked on one machine in a rib shack and it had $13 in it. It has been there for 20 days. It's new and hopefully it will pickup. I have one in the same rib shack here on this side of town and it made $30 in the first month. I was near so I figured I would check.

Gift certificates are the way to go! I wanted to do $15 gift certificates but they only come in $10 $25 and $50 denominations. I stopped by later and got $60 more in gift certificates. Back on the road tomorrow! So yes, Guth, I can place my own machines. Thanks for the outstanding idea Josh. I think everyone needs to do this.

Rob
Candyman CAN

lost in the sea

2007-07-24T09:32:00.000-04:00

There are many reasons to have a business plan. There are even more reasons why you should write your business plan on paper. Probably so you don't get into situations like I am in..

I just don't know what to do right now. I am not content doing nothing but I'm not sure what I should be doing. I'm just waiting right now for my locator to call with more locations but that doesn't keep me content. Should I even stick with my locator now or should I get this guy to come locate in person?

I have no written business plan so I'm not sure what I should be doing. The only thing I can think to do today is build machines. But that will only keep me busy for so long.

Rob

RIDICULOUS

2007-07-23T21:30:00.000-04:00

The argument about locator's is ridiculous. A machine placed is a machine placed. The only valid argument is about the money paid to locator's.

In the spirit of trying to locate myself, since everyone seems to agree that locating yourself is a good thing, I am going to start calling tomorrow morning. I am going to make my own phone calls right here in Naples, FL. I am going to call until I get a location. I am done going from place to place locating but I'm willing to try telephone locating.

Also, the in person locator is followed up by telephone locating. So if locations need replaced they will do it by telephone. I think there deal is you have to pay half to replace a location, so in my case that would be $20. But, I will make my deal so relocating is free. I really like this guy that I have been talking to about in person locating. He is a real businessman and I know his locating company has made him very wealthy. He has his own in house telemarketing staff.

TO SUCCESS! LOCATOR'S OR NOT WE ALL WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL! WISH ME LUCK AND I WILL WISH YOU LUCK. Yes, I do want to grow faster than most of you out there. But that is in my business plan ; )

THE CANDYMAN CAN
Rob

Sergeant Alan Sampson 32/46

2007-07-23T11:55:00.000-04:00

TWO LOCATIONS BEFORE 9AM. Alan found me two outstanding locations this morning. One is a Goodyear and the other is an auto place. They are both outstanding locations. In the second auto place they had 2 machines already but the guy moved them into the back and let me put mine right there in the front! Great deal!

As I was rising from bed Alan was working and finding me locations. Amazing. I couldn't believe it. He called me to give me the first location and then 3 minutes later called again with the second. I thought I was dreaming. He called 10 places today so far. 2/10 isn't bad at all.

There was a barber right next to the second auto place so I thought, hmm. I went right in with just a business card, gave him my pitch, and he said sure. Now they have a candy machine! Yes, that is 3 machines this morning before 10:30AM! The day hasn't even started.

Back to work.

Rob

Preparing for Monday

2007-07-22T10:19:00.001-04:00

Can I place 17 machines next week? That is my goal but we will see. I have my locator working hard and he promised a few locations for me on Monday. If anyone else out there feels like donating their time and energy to my business feel free to start calling locations in Naples, FL for me!

Alan Sampson and I are working for locations on Monday as well. He has his phone ready and is going to call 100 places. We have a nice script worked out and I think it is going to work great. I am going to have a few machines in my car and when he generates a lead I'm going to head right over to the business and bring in the machine. These are free locations so let's hope I get a lot!

About vending enough M&M Peanuts. So in the beginning I was a little stingy with the amount of M&M Peanuts I distributed. Well, I have had a few complaints. The latest was at the pizza place where I made $55. I told him I would replace the machine and make sure it would vend plenty of M&M Peanuts. Lesson learned. The customer is always right.

Everyone in my direct area (friends/family) thinks I should slow down on this business. Everyone on here thinks I should keep going, expand faster, and be an example for those just starting in the business. Me an example? We will see, haha.

I've never really listened to nay sayers so I guess I will just keep going. I don't really see a choice to be honest, what else am I going to do?

LAST THOUGHT: If all of my readers found me JUST 1 LOCATION I could expand much faster! What do you guys think?

CANDYMAN CAN

What a day 29/46

2007-07-20T13:14:00.000-04:00

Today I decided I needed to check some machines. First of all I had 3 machines that I couldn't get into. The back door lock is stuck. I know what the problem is but I need to take those machines out for maintenance, does anyone have a good idea how to do this? I'm new to this.

The ones I did check:

Dry Cleaners : $5.50
Bar (Machine in hallway) : $9.25

I'm driving around depressed at this point. The first two locations were not good. I felt so lucky to have made $9.25 in the one location. Then I went to the next two.

Butchers: $3.75
Lunch Grill: $4

After these I was really down. What was going on in my mind: How in the hell did I let myself get into this damn business and think it would be so easy. $20 a month average, yeah right. Damn, now I have 46 machines making $5 a month. I'm running through numbers in my head. 100 machines at $5 a month only $500.

Prepare yourself for this vendors. This has got to be the worst feeling ever. Going around and doing all this work, building machines, finding locations, and then making $3-$4. God how aggravating and depressing.

So, I went to the pizza shop that Cynthia found for me. He said he didn't think there was room and he thought it was a table top machine. I talked to him for a few minutes and we found a corner in the restaurant for it. It fits, looks great, and I think it will do well. So the day wasn't as bad at this point. Had he of said no I may have looked for a bridge ; ) It really is an outstanding location. The machine fits in perfectly with gumballs and runts. I hope it does well, I think it will.

Finally, there was one last place to check by my house; a pizza shop.

Pizza Shop: $55!!!!!

Yes, that is $55 not $5.50. It has been on location for a month. So at this point I'm just all mixed up. $4 and $55. My mind wasn't ready for all of this. Anyway, Let's look at the averages so far. We will find the truth.

Location Money Thus Far:
Location 1: $35.50
Location 2: $55.00
Location 3: $15.75
Location 4: $30.00
Location 5: $9.25
Location 6: $5.50
Location 7: $3.75
Location 8: $4.00

AVERAGE: $19.85 per location. I hope this helps your calculations Alan. It is very interesting. I'm not sure if you all are familiar with the Pareto principle but it goes like this. 80% of your profits will come from 20% of your locations. The principle is universal. 80% of locations derive 20% of profits. 80% of candy in your machines generates 20% of your revenue; this would be true for the pizza shop, as most of the sales were gumballs.

The other nice thing is this. At locations where I'm only making $5 bucks a month I can throw in a single head. A single head sets me back about $55 and at $5 a month it will pay for itself in a year.

Rob

UPDATE: I called the 15 places that Cynthia gave me. One of them is a maybe. I'll be honest, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was kind of torturous getting down the list though. I'm sure you get better the more you call. The reactions are generally good. I think because I have no accent and I'm friendly on the phone. It took me 10 minutes to call 15 places, I can see how locators can make good money even at 1 location an hour.

Cynthia AKA The Terminator

2007-07-19T18:45:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure if you all knew about Cynthia and I sending each other lists of businesses to cold call for each other. Anyway, I sent Cynthia a list of about 60 pizza places today and she sent me a list of only 15 restaurants to call, haha. So anyway. I figured I would start calling for her on Monday but hell she called for me today and already secured me a location!

Plus there are a few places that she wrote call back and one location that is remodeling and said come back August 21st. Cynthia, I'm going to ask you to call back those locations since they have already heard your voice on the phone. You are doing an outstanding job. We will keep this going.

NOW: I have all this pressure to get a location for Cynthia. I would call tomorrow but so many managers don't show up on Friday I think it would be fruitless. Maybe I will call anyway. I want to get her a location now!

EVERYONE NEEDS TO JOIN IN ON THIS PROGRAM
How it works:

Exchange a list of 30 names/numbers with Cynthia and I.
We each give you a list of 30 names/numbers to call.
Start making phone calls and securing locations for the other vendor!

WHY DOES THIS WORK?

More confidence calling for other people.
No pressure.
You don't get discouraged if it's not your own business.
No emotion.
It forces you to make calls you otherwise wouldn't make.
IT'S FREE!

I want more people in on this program now! Cynthia just wrote me a healthy location check. I can feel more to come. This program is wonderful. I love it and I think it can grow to much more. I want to hear your ideas and input/suggestions on this new program! GO CYNTHIA!

Candyman 007 AKA Rob

P.S. I placed a machine in a restaurant that my locator gave me today; an outstanding location. I also had lunch there. They wanted mints and all I could find were Mikenike chewy mints at the store. I figured it out, they cost me 12 cents per vend. Oh well, the gumballs will be the real money maker! I built 5 machines today, I hate building.

NEW LOCATION

2007-07-19T12:21:00.000-04:00

My locator emailed me last night with 3 locations but 2 of them were in the wrong zips, unfortunately. I say unfortunately because all 3 were outstanding locations. Anyway, the one I have to drop off today is at a restaurant/bar. They mentioned that they want mints. Does anyone have an idea about what kind of mints to put into these machines? Obviously cheaper is better.

Cynthia and I have exchanged call sheets! We are going to call and attempt to secure each other locations. I think this is a great program and if anyone wants to join in on the fun let me know. It is much easier calling for someone else. It's a mental thing.

I have 17 machines to build today. What a blast. I got part of them put together yesterday with my friend, I think he's going to help again today. Putting these things together is becoming a full time job.

Rob

Building

2007-07-18T09:57:00.000-04:00

So, I decided to pull the laundry location. I'm going to pick it up today, hopefully it's there. Anyway, it will be interesting to see if there are any quarters in it.

I have two new locations from my locator and I'm going to drop them off this morning. Hopefully they are descent.

THEN ON TO BUILDING. 14 machines left to put together out of this new lot and 4 of the triples left to put together. This is becoming a full time job in itself. See you guys on the flip side.

Rob

15 NEW BEAUTIFUL MACHINES

2007-07-17T18:51:00.000-04:00

Yes, I went to Miami today with my friend and picked up more candy machines! I got double heads, yes double head machines for $95. Not too shabby. The machines are metal double heads, upgraded from the plastic bottom ones. I just didn't want to buy the plastic ones even though they were a bit cheaper. And I have black metal stands. ANYWAY, THEY ARE SEXY. I built one today and just love it. I love it, love it, love it. I'm a double head man now. So I went to buy 10 double heads, but I got excited and got 15. That's the beauty of having my business plan in my mind, it changes on the spot. I can tell the machines are just built better than the triple-head ones. I'm excited. AND DAMN do they look sharp. My idea is to put Runts and Gumballs in all places that are non auto related. I just think that they will sell better. M&M Peanuts are a hearty snack, not good for a restaurant. Maybe salons will get M&M Peanuts! We will see. Anyplace where I think true hunger is an issue I'll put in M&M Peanuts!

My locator called with two new locations today. I haven't had time to drop them off yet but I will tomorrow. I think he said one was an apartment building and one was a Goodyear tire. Great.

RUNTS RUNTS RUNTS. He (www.gumball-machine.com) charges $7.50 a bag and I begged for $7 and we negotiated $7.25 a bag, haha. So I bought 20 5lb bags. Yes, I had 100lbs of Runts in my car today. And probably another 750+ pounds in candy machines. It took an extra quarter of a tank on the way back from Miami then on the way to.

I need to get building my machines! I think my friend is going to help me tomorrow, how nice.

The nice thing is with these new machines is 1 bag of runts and about $7 worth of gumballs will fill the two heads. Meaning for under $15 my machines are full. The triple-heads were costing me $35! That was crazy. Lower inventory = higher profits. Who's excited!?!

Candyman 007

One last thing. I've been talking to this retired Sergeant and he is considering 1800vend. Now, I have fervently tried to sway him from them and I want you guys to help. Below is a copy of the email I sent him tonight:

EMAIL:

Alan,

I respect that you have a plan and are sticking to it but I think a few adjustments could be made. A business plan is a living document and is never perfect. As you grow and learn more you must make needed changes. Some advice. Buy 10 machines on a credit card and get them located. As you will find out, locating is not an overnight process, it takes weeks. 50 machines will not be located in 1 day. A home equity line of credit is a great thing and probably the lowest interest rate you will find, however, there are other options. I'm 22 and they approved me for $45,000 in credit with 0% interest until May 2008. This gives me considerable time to grow with OPM or other peoples money. Bulk vending machines pay for themselves in less than a year.

Don't buy triple-head machines. That is the last thing I will say. I got my first batch of double head machines today and I can tell you the quality is much better than triple-heads. There is a reason every single large vendor on the market uses double head machines.

Marketing and promotional material provided to you by companies such as 1800 vending are gimmicks. Promotional material does not sell vending machines, you do, your locator does, and good service does. From someone with a business degree I urge you once again to stay away from business opportunity's such as 1800 vend, UTURN, and others. These are MADE to make money from novices. Buy your machines on eBay and get a locator yourself.

You are a retired Sergeant. Most people respect that. I don't see why you can't locate your own machines. Don't tell me that you are scared to sell like so many others, I won't hear it. You are in a position of authority, people will be happy to accept your machines. Use a charity that means something to you and sell it. I'm telling you how to be successful.

Rob

Questioning my machines 26/30

2007-07-16T13:23:00.000-04:00

Well the more I think about it, the more I'm not sure about switching to two headed machines. MY MACHINES LOOK SO GOOD. I'm going to have to take some pictures of the machines on location to show you guys. They are just the sharpest things you have ever seen. Chrome and black is just sexy. I don't know if some locations will be happy with a crappier looking machine. My machines supply a level of class that other machines don't. What do you guys think?

WELL, I GOT 2 AMAZING APARTMENT BUILDING LOCATIONS TODAY!!! These will make mad money I think. They are both in great locations. I'm excited, kids and workers alike will be using these. And yes, I've turned up the M&M Peanut distribution so you get plenty. I had one lady say "Wow, that sure is a lot." So yes Guth, I'm giving generous portions of M&M Peanuts now. My locator found these, I'm keeping him on his toes.

1 MACHINE I JUST DON'T KNOW ABOUT: Ok, I dropped it off anyway but I want to hear your guys opinions. It's in an apartment building laundry room. It's not guarded and it's open 24 hours. There is nothing to bolt or chain it to. Do you guys think it will get stolen? It's there now but I can always take it out. I think it will make good money if it's not stolen but you never know with those things. I don't have any experience in this department. Does anyone have an idea of how to secure it to a location? The floor is tile and there is nothing that I can put a chain around, I looked. Plus, there are no cameras. I just don't know what to do about this location. Help me out.

Rob

P.S. Somehow I've misplaced a machine. I have 26 machines on location now and only 3 new ones left. I honestly don't know what I did with the machine. God help me, keep good records!

Runt Rampage

2007-07-16T08:51:00.000-04:00

Ok, I have 3 machines to place in apartment buildings today. God, I wish I had Runts to put in the machines but all I have are skittles and M&M Peanuts. SAM'S here doesn't have Runts and they cost me $7.50 from my distributor in Miami. This is ridiculous, I'm on a Runt Rampage.

MOVING TO DOUBLE HEAD MACHINES:
It just makes sense to me. I've been talking with other vendors who are much larger than myself and they all use double head machines. Why, you ask? Well here is the explanation that one big vendor gave me in my own words.

You can start out with a double head machine. You put Runts and Gumballs in there. You leave it a month and if one product is making up for 80% of your profits then switch that machine to a single head. So if only gumballs were selling, take out the double head, break it down, put one of the machines on a single stand and put it back. Now you have another machine to place somewhere else and you're still making top sales. Chances are as well that the 20% of people who bought Runts will be happy with a gumball.

Now, Let's say you start with Gumballs and Runts and both are selling like crazy! Now you can bring a rack into that location. You take the two machines on the double head and put them on the rack along with 2 more machines. Now you will be making even more money! As you see, it is the versatility that comes with the double head machines that makes all the difference! BUT I'M NOT DONE YET!

Marketing. We're in this business and paying 0$ for marketing, but we have candy! So we need to show off our candy. This is why the single and double head machines with round globes make sense. You can see the candy from all angles! Instead of only being able to see the candy from one direction like with my triple-head machines. Let's say a couple with some kids is sitting in a restaurant where you pay at the front and I have a triple-head machine. My machine is off to the side and when they go to pay the kids see it and get excited! "momma momma I want a quarter, me too, me too, gimmi!" Ok, great you say, and maybe it is. They are going to get some candy from my machine.

But, now imagine this. They are sitting at the table for nearly an hour while they are eating their dinners all the while staring at the candy in my double heads. They are smiling and talking about it with their parents. Hey have already dedicated talking their mom into getting candy and their mom agreed but only after they eat their meals. They finish their meals and run to the machines! They grab some Runts, run back and shove them in their mouths! Now, the parents are still sitting and chatting. The kids hit them up for a few more quarters. This time for Gumballs! Now they are sitting and chewing and having a blast. Then they go to pay. The bill comes to $34.50! Guess who's getting some new gumballs?!?! That's right! The machine marketed itself all through dinner and this was the outcome!

What do you guys think? I think this is a great idea. It has moved me from the triple-head to the double unless you all have ideas against it. I pay basically the same price for a double-head that I do for a triple. It seems like a crap deal at first sight, but look harder! What do you guys think?

Candyman 007
Rob

P.S. I would like to welcome all the new readers to the blog. I have been getting emails from people who read religiously but just never comment! I welcome you to comment. We all want to hear what you have to say. Start with a story, that always catches our attention. We have a veteran reading the blog who is starting his own candy business! He wants to have 100 machines to supplement his retirement. A great idea!

I love picking up money 23/31 IN LOCATION

2007-07-13T16:10:00.001-04:00

So, to start the day off I dropped off two machines at locations provided to me by a locator. One was at an Albertson's and another at a Cash advance place. Albertson's has me a bit excited. I'm the only guy in the break room and I think those M&M Peanuts will get eaten up. I also put Runts in that location because I think Runts are great. When I go pickup my next 10 machines I'm going to buy a ton of Runts. They are cheaper than skittles and I think they sell better. They are more appealing to me anyway. I pay $7.50 for a 5LB bag of runts, that's not bad at all, granted I have to pick them up. I haven't calculated the actual cost per vend but it's probably around 5 cents. Does anyone know of a local chain that sells runts in bulk? I can't seem to find runts anywhere.

Cash advance place, ehh, I'm not too excited. He gave me this location before I gave strict orders to find $20+ prime locations only. He wants the business, he likes working with me, and I know he wants your guys business too, so let's make him work his ass off right ; )

LOCATIONS, LOCATIONS, LOCATIONS... So, I have this new locator working for me. I know I'm busting his ass. And if I get crap locations I tell him I think they are crap and he's always working on getting me better ones. I have a warranty with him so if something goes wrong with a location he will replace them. Nice thing is, I can get this guy on the phone whenever I need to. Anyway, it's a good deal so far. IF, it all works out I'll hook you guys up with his information. Maybe I can get some special deals for you guys too. I don't mess around!

He just sent me 3 apartment building locations. I THINK THESE WILL KICK ASS. He said apartment's did great for other vendors in Florida, and I told him I want locations that do $20+ a month. He knows I'm not interested in crap locations. Anyway, I haven't dropped them off yet but I will on Monday.

Anyone have any experience in apartment buildings?

NOW THE MONEY:
I stopped at two locations today to check on machines. The first one was an Auto/Tire place. I took out the quarters and I was disappointed. It didn't look great and the machine had been on location for a month. Well, to my surprise I got $15.75 out of it. So... Not bad! And that doesn't count the dimes and pennies that were mixed in.

Next, I stopped at a rib joint! Guess what, $30.00 even! It has been there a month as well. Most of the gumballs were gone. M-M, remember the M-M Phenomenon!

Skittles and Reeses just don't do nearly as well as Gumballs and M&M Peanuts. I'm switching to Runts from now on.

23/31 MACHINES IN LOCATION

Candyman 007 - Rob

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that I went into this Car Wash place. Well they have this big UTURN but I wasn't going to let that stop me. Some lady put in a quarter and got so many M&M's that the started spilling on the floor. So I talk to the guy and he ends up telling me that he owns the machines. He was kind of a jerk but whatever.

"Middle Money" Phenomenon AKA - M-M

2007-07-11T15:53:00.000-04:00

I have a found a new trend and I have called it the M-M Phenomenon. Not M&M but M-M, for Middle Money. So what is Middle Money? And why is Middle Money so great? First let me tell you a little about middle money.

Middle Money is the most profitable money available. In fact a Harvard study (ok, my study) shows that Middle Money generates an outrageously generous 1600% profit margin! What is this magical "Middle Money" you ask?!

You will notice as you vend, especially in restaurants the abnormal presence of a lot more quarters in the middle compartment of a vending machine then any other! Why is this? People like the world in harmony, they like to be right in the middle, it makes them feel comfortable, and it makes me profitable! M-M is the big money, it's what we're all banking on in the vending industry. So let me tell you how to capitalize on it!

First, you can't have M-M if you have a two head machine! However, I do consider a one head machine to be Middle Money. If there is only one head it's got to be in the middle of some where right! So only buy 1 or 3 head machines. Now, how do you take the most advantage of M-M? GUMBALLS!

Put gumballs in the middle compartment of your candy machine or in the only compartment of your single head machine. You will see them disappear like crazy! Usually at a 5:1 ratio compared to other candies in your machine! Why gumballs? Well they cost 1.5 cents each at Costco and you can sell them for a quarter, so you make 1600% or more on your investment. Now you ask, won't gumballs sell just as well if they are in the first or last compartment? NO! The middle compartment sells the best so you put your cheapest product in there. Notice it is also a product that everyone loves!

You use other products such as M&M Peanuts and Runts to bring people to your machine, then you cash in with Middle Money! Cynthia, I noticed you posted on Guth's blog and I'm a little jealous since you have never posted here, so this entry is for you! Guess what product I want you to put in your singled-head machines!?

M-M is Trade Marked 2007 - Patterson Vending

21/31 MACHINES IN LOCATION

LOCATOR FOUND A KMART AND AN AUTO SHOP FOR ME TODAY! GOOD DEAL!
You will hear more about location services when I feel I can endorse someone. I promise you will get the best deals in town and the best locator!

Candyman CAN with M-M

I Got G's

2007-07-11T08:42:00.000-04:00

Yes, my $7,000 loan on prosper DID GET FUNDED! I don't have the $7,000 in hand yet but as soon as my bank account is verified it should be transferred over! How exciting is this?! So, now I need to come up with a plan on how to invest the money. Let me go over my current financial/candy situation.

I have 12 machines left and enough candy for 1 of them. I'm out of candy money, so thank god that this loan went through. The point is, I'm going to have to buy some candy with this money.

Candy for 11 machines X $30 = $330

Also, I want to buy new machines and have my current 12 machines located for me. Let's look at the 12 I have now first.

Locations for 12 machines X $35 (with a new locator, test run, special deal) = $420

Left over money for new machines, candy, and locations = $6250 - $70(fee that prosper takes from the $7000 loan.) = $6180

Now, with this money let's get as many machines out on the town as possible!

40 Machines X $95 = $3800
40 Machines Located X $35 = $1400
40 Machines Candy X $30 = $1200

Total = $6400 I think I can come up with the extra $220. So what do you guys think? The loan payment for prosper is about $240 per month for 3 years. I don't think this will be a problem. Who's excited?!!?

Also, I checked one of my machines yesterday at a restaurant. Now, granted this is a great location. And, I didn't count the quarters, I just looked. But there had to be AT LEAST $20 in quarters in that machine and I'm being very conservative with that number, it could be a lot more. Anyway, now you know my situation. Let me hear your remarks! What do you think?!

Candyman

UPDATE: Dropped off machines at KMART and AUTO PLACE, locator found.

Damn it's HOT

2007-07-10T12:26:00.001-04:00

I put three machines together this morning and damn is it hot in Florida. It's got to be 100+ degrees along with 100% humidity.

I'm going to try and put the rest together this afternoon after lunch. It's sweltering down here. I applied for college loans today. Does anyone know anything about these? They only want to give me $22,000 which is what tuition costs for a year at the school I'm going to... I would like room/board loan money too. Any idea if this can be done?

Check out Kyle's page. He has a new post about claw machines.

Rob

Sorry, Sorry

2007-07-09T18:12:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of updates and responses. I've just been thinking a lot. Ok, I don't think my prosper loan is going to get funded this time but I have a new plan of attack for my next loan and I'm pretty sure it will get funded. I'm going to ask for a little less money and give a little better interest rate. In the end it will all work out to the same. I have plans.

Kyle, the crane thing sounds fun. The only place I can think that one may be successful is a pizza parlor that I am currently in. I don't know if he has enough room though, I'll have to see. Also, what is one of those things going to set me back, including prizes.

Ken what does your new location look like? Is there room for another machine?

Ryan, get back in the US so you can start your business!

So, what did I do today. I drove to Miami and picked up 10 more machines and I dropped off a machine at the bank. So now I have 11 machines to place. I called this locating company that I've been talking to and told him to get on it. I should have 5 locations by the end of the week. If I don't I'm moving to a new locator that is giving me another INCREDIBLE deal and he has been around quite a bit longer. Remind me on Friday that if I don't have new locations I'm pissed off.

Tomorrow will probably consist of building machines. I am also going to work on a new prosper loan to get funded. I'll let you guys know what is happening. To be honest I'm so excited about prosper that I've gotten side tracked. There is so much potential there and I want to explore it. I'm going to explore it on the side. If any of you have some cash and want go start lending on prosper with me let me know.

I went to a restaurant that I had a machine in the other night. It is exciting seeing your machine and putting a quarter into it. It looked like it had been used too. Let's hope. I still haven't checked any machines for quarters yet!

19/31 MACHINES ON LOCATION
AND A LOT MORE TO COME

Candyman

prosperity, prosper, propagate

2007-07-06T12:50:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I'll just tell you guys. I'm on this new site call prosper.com I wasn't sure if I was allowed to share my identity with the lenders but I checked and I am! So anyway, YOU WILL SEE THIS BIG BUTTON ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE PAGE! You can lend me a minimum of $50 and up to $7,000. It is going to expand my candy business.

I'm so excited about this. This has got to be the coolest concept I have ever seen. This may make waves in the lending industry. I think this site is going to be huge and mutual fund managers all over will be buying up individuals debt on this site!

Here's how it works. I'm offering 15% annual interest and you can lend me any amount from $50 to $7000. I'm asking for $7000 total but it will be given from a bunch of different people. It is all automated, this site is awesome. Just check it, and look, and give me your opinions! I want you investing in me! I just put the listing up today, it's a 5 day listing, and I already have two $50 bids.

You ask, what happens once all $7000 is accumulated? Well if people still keep bidding then my interest rate will come down. So if there are $8000 worth of bids and I only want $7000 then my interest may drop down to 14% or whatever number is calculated. Anyway, check it out. Let me know if you invest. This is really cool for you guys because you will be able to see how your investment is going day by day! And what's $50! I know you believe in me!

Candyman CAN!

the new, the sexy, the crazy

2007-07-05T22:02:00.000-04:00

So I wrote something really cool and then I decided against it. I'll let you know about it later once it goes through. Just 1 week!

Candyman

UPDATE: I'll say this. You can now own a part of my vending company! You can invest in me. Send me an email to robertnpatterson@gmail.com if you want me to tell you about it. It's so cool.

the route of 30 dwindles

2007-07-03T17:20:00.000-04:00

The guy sent me a list of his 30 locations and let me tell you, I don't think he has ever serviced them. Out of 8, 2 machines are on location still. Amazing right. I'll just make him an offer on his still good machines and the 8 in his garage once I'm finished checking them all.

So the good that came out of it was I found a bank that he had once had one in and now I'm getting in there! Someone had actually already replaced him but the M&M Peanuts were out and that is what sold the girls in the back. It had only been there since February so they obviously eat a lot of them. I told them I would keep it full and I told them they could pick the candy they wanted. So they want M&M Peanuts, Reeses, and Runts; no problem. I'm placing the machine on Friday. I'll go to the rest of this guys locations and try and put my machines in since his will most likely be gone by now. So in two locations today, the bank that I'm putting my machine in and this other furniture store had the same guys machines in them. Both with M&M Peanuts missing. I will have to go back to the furniture store and offer to put in my own machine but anyway.

I called the guy. I had actually called him last week but I didn't know it was the same guy. I talked to him today though and he has 300 machines around town. They are all 1800-vend machines. Can you believe it? He paid $230 + $40 for locations for 135 of them initially and then bought another 150 for $75 used and had them located as well. Nice guy though. So now we have a machine at the same bank. I don't think he will care. He must have some money.

So, I guess it was a good day. I'm going to have to buy more machines pretty quick. I'm basically out. I have 1 of mine left after the bank machine is placed and then one machine that I need to replace the locks on. DAMN, WHERE IS MY LOCATOR! The guy who had his 1800vend machines located gave me the name of the guy who located his machines for him in case I want to use him. That was nice.

Candyman

UPDATE: I figured out that the more google adwords I add around my site the more related content I get. Meaning there should be some new sites you havn't seen before. Anyway, I think it's cool. Rob

back on the town

2007-07-02T17:55:00.000-04:00

To start the day I had a meeting with the guy who has 30 machines in town. I'll shorten this story up real quick:

The guy paid $12,000 for 40 machines and had 30 of them located. He has 8 in his garage. I have a feeling he hasn't checked the machines for 6 months, maybe more. Want to hear the funny part. You know the guys machine that I took because it was empty and then ended up bringing back.. That was his, haha. So who knows how many machines are actually out on the town and operational still. He wanted $4,000 for all 38 machines, but I know this is going to go way down. There may be 20 salvageable locations from the 30 he has out there now.

He's going to email me a full list of his locations and I'm going to have to go out by myself and look at the machines. I know he doesn't even want to bother with them anymore, he's over it. I'm sure he looks at this as an all cash deal for him. After I get the list does anyone have an idea about how I approach the businesses that have the machines? I know he has some break room locations that I will have to ask to go into.

Besides that I went to some other places today and got 1 more location. It is a franchise and I have one in the location in my county and I got one in the county over. I also have 3 good leads I think. Hopefully those will pan out. I only have 2 more of my own machines and then the 1 that I found. After that I'm either going to have to buy this guys route or buy some more in Miami. But damn it would be nice not to have to locate anymore.

Rob
18/20 MACHINES LOCATED

OH, I found gumballs at Costco for 1.5 cents each. What a profit margin! My dad has a Costco card so I'm getting my M&M Peanuts there for now on. They don't have skittles or Reese's though. I went to the doctor today and tried to get a candy machine in there, he said it didn't really go with the lifestyle they were promoting. But, I'm going back in a week and I want to present him with a health conscious alternative. Any ideas besides sugar-free gum?

17/21 MACHINES IN LOCATION

2007-06-29T15:34:00.000-04:00

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

nothing went on today

2007-06-28T21:37:00.000-04:00

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

GUTH VENDING COMPANY - NEW BLOG

2007-06-28T10:09:00.001-04:00

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

call me button on the left hand side

2007-06-27T22:47:00.000-04:00

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

not too much accomplished

2007-06-27T16:24:00.000-04:00

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

15/22 MACHINES IN LOCATION

2007-06-26T14:52:00.000-04:00

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?

oh this is a good post - do read

2007-06-25T18:26:00.000-04:00

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!

5 Machines Built, 8 to Locate

2007-06-24T18:02:00.000-04:00

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.

One bad day

2007-06-23T15:34:00.001-04:00

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!

PITCHED A NO HITTER TODAY

2007-06-22T16:21:00.000-04:00

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

Butchers love me, Chinese hate me

2007-06-21T17:48:00.000-04:00

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.

10/20 MACHINES PLACED

2007-06-20T16:13:00.001-04:00

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

10/10 MACHINES PLACED

2007-06-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

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

up and out

2007-06-18T08:46:00.000-04:00

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

Replaced two locks today

2007-06-16T15:13:00.000-04:00

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

FAILURE! I'M QUITTING

2007-06-15T17:41:00.000-04:00

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

Thursday

2007-06-14T10:13:00.000-04:00

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

LOCATORS WELCOME, SELL US HERE AND NOW!

2007-06-09T20:41:00.000-04:00

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

Contest? Contested!

2007-06-08T17:12:00.000-04:00

"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

4/10 Machines with Homes

2007-06-07T19:00:00.000-04:00

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

For you all

2007-06-07T08:59:00.000-04:00

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

No luck Wednesday

2007-06-06T18:30:00.000-04:00

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

End of the Day Update

2007-06-05T18:33:00.000-04:00

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!

Mid-Day Update

2007-06-05T13:37:00.000-04:00

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

New Flyer, New Attitude

2007-06-05T09:47:00.000-04:00

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

BACK in the game

2007-06-04T19:21:00.000-04:00

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

disheartened

2007-06-04T12:26:00.000-04:00

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

Day 3 - Sunday Building

2007-06-03T23:08:00.000-04:00

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

saturday off

2007-06-02T21:31:00.000-04:00

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.

1st day of scouting

2007-06-02T00:36:00.000-04:00

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

Candyman can day 1 - buying 10 machines

2007-05-31T22:31:00.000-04:00

So... I had been thinking about candy machines for a while. I just graduated with my business finance degree and I want to be a business man. What does a business man do? Candy!

I checked on eBay, froogle, google, and the rest of the web for the best deal on candy machines. Sure you can buy them used on eBay, and hey, that may be a good idea once you get into the candy business but here is the reason I bought them new.

1st. I didn't want to start off my candy machine business bringing in shabby looking machines.

2nd. The more confidence you have about your machines the easier they are to sell.

Also, I would like to say that after much contemplation about the type of machine to buy I went with the triple head and chrome stand. They look good, they vend 3 types of candy, and they are cheap! Well I got mine BRAND NEW for $95 each. And I'm going to tell you where to get them for that price too.

I drove to Miami to pick them up. Miami is about 2 hours from where I am, Naples Florida on the west coast. I got them from this company. http://www.gumball-machine.com It is basically just a warehouse with a kid running it, nice guy by the way, and I paid $95. But for that price I had to pick them up. From personal experience and from what he told me it costs about $15 to ship one of them so you can probably talk him into $110 shipped if you buy 10. I drove a ford escape over and 10 barely fit into the back. I also bought like 3500 gumballs while I was there, he sold me on it ; ) They were just over 2 cents each.

That was all yesterday, today I set two of the machines up. It is not that difficult. It takes about 15 minutes to assemble them and it's easy although I had to call once because I had an idiotic question. I went out and bought two other types of candy at Wal-Mart. I got M&M Peanuts and Reece's. I went to SAMS to get a membership but I checked out the in store prices and they weren't much lower than at Wal-Mart. And if you calculate in the $40 membership card it really just isn't worth it. Maybe if you have 50+ machines it would be worth it but not until then. I have 10 and they are all in my house and garage, I don't need a SAMS card yet.

I cleaned them out, put M&M Peanuts, GUMBALLS, and REECE'S into the two machines and then cut out logos from the empty bags of candy and taped them to the clear plastic outside of the machine. I also found a picture of a child with cancer and put him along with the children's cancer society logo on the gumball portion of the machine (I assume people will know they are gumballs. Anyway, the machines look OUTSTANDING. I couldn't be happier.

Tomorrow I am going to make some fliers and go into local businesses and try and find a couple locations for my candy machines. Locator's charge like $50 to locate just one machine, so I'm just going to look at it like I'm making $50 each time I find a spot for one of them. Wish me luck!

Toss me a quarter,
candyman can