Vending Machine Routes?

[SalesGod]

I am debating the acquistion of two vending machine routes with several machines, my concern is has anyone done this and is there any real money in it? Thanks for any input it is much appreciated.

[BiGWiLL]

I cant tell you if there is alot of money to be made. But iv been looking to get into vending too. Mainly Gaming machines that are put in bars.

[chrispalko]

BiGWILL, gaming machines in bars is definitely a good, profitable idea. Regardless, I have pondered the idea of vending machine routes and read up a little bit on it.

From what I've read, you just have to make sure that the area that they are placed have lots of foot traffic, but I'm sure that's obvious.

Now, you say you are debating an "acquisition". Are you buying it from somebody else? Or are you going to start it yourself?

If you are buying it from someone, why are they selling? And have you seen their books? Make sure you check their books before you buy, obviously. If they don't have any real log of finances, pass it up.

Either way, good luck with it and keep us updated, I'm interested in seeing how this pans out.

[BiGWiLL]

I think I could go both ways. I know a guy who owns a vending business and he makes a killer with his machines that are places in bars. SO im sure he could always help get me started.

[chrispalko]

Well, if you do, let me know how it goes. How much investment, time tending to the machines, etc. It would be good to explore my options for the future.

[BiGWiLL]

I could see it being a good investment to make. But the only bad thing if the machines were to break down. Im sure you need to have good technical knowledge to get them fixed. And iv heard people hiring a locater to place the machines. But that too could be a gamble to make, im sure that cost alot of money to hire a locater. And who knows if they will find a good location.

[chrispalko]

Well, my father used to manage a bar and they had a shooting game (shotgun and deer) and a golf game (Golden Tee) I think. They did really well just for the fact of being in there.

Now, if you target your game types and locations, then I'm sure you could do much better. Let's say you put some sports type games in a sports bar, see where I'm going with this? Now, even though you are just the game vendor, you could work with the bar owners to set up tournaments with cash prizes, and you see where I'm going with that.

I've seen the Golden Tee systems take some really heavy beatings and nothing went wrong there. The only problem I've seen is overheating, and that was only once, so just make sure their is sufficient cooling.

That's all I can think of for now.

[Ensign]

Since my question is related to this topic, I shall stick with this.


If you purchased the vending machines from a manufacturer couldn't you get it fixed with a warranty?


I am also considering placing vending machines in some establishments. If I am selling drinks, how long do you guys think it will take for the sales to pay for the machine itself? Machines cost around $1,000 to $2,000, I read somewhere that a $1 made from dispensing drinks yields about 54 cent actual profit.

Technically I would have to sell at minimum 2,000 drinks to pay for the cost of the machine. How long do you guys think it will take?

[andrewrichardgale]

the only problem i see with this is drunk people + arcade machine + losing = hitting the machine, even though it might not be rediculously hard, with people constantly yanking on the joysticks/whatever really hard, maintance might be a bitch

[SalesGod]

I would be buying them from someone else, I will also check out their finances to make sure I am not buying a dead business, thanks for the tip Chris. I also find that video games in Bars would be interesting let me know how I could purchase them and how I could be allowed to have them sit in Bars.

[BiGWiLL]

Yeah buying the Gaming Machines will be hard to find. I guess you could maybe look on ebay, or find some vending website. Where you can purchase them. Or look up a vending company in your area they might have some. Putting the machines in the bar. You would need to contact the Bar Owner and ask to place a machine in his bar. Usually the owner of a bar would want some kinda percantage of the money you earned from the machines. Same way with a store if you placed bulk candy machines there too. Normally they would want 15% of what you get. And also make sure there is good traffic and not too many machines that are already there from another vending business owner. But I guess you could put the machines in the same area they do. Just more Competition to deal with.

[stlsmoore]

Yea I've been looking at doing vending myself also but at a much smaller scale, like a few candy machines at a couple of local businesses. I'm not really sure where to start though.

[vendingbydean]

i have owned a vending business for 3 years an there is good money in it it matters where you put your machine if you have any more questions please ask me

[vendingbydean]

and i will be happy to help you start you business

[awayoflife]

This has been a very interesting post to read on vending. I have been looking at putting vending machines in bars in my local area. Although I think the biggest problem would be if they break, the cost of repairing them, as I have no mechanical experience.

I know this is a very hard question to answer, but does anyone know how long it takes for one of these machines to pay for themselves? I was also looking at the possibility of putting them in hairdressers.. I don't know what you would make of that.

Another possibility for hairdressers, and doctors waiting rooms would be computers with say, €1 for 15 mins on the internet. That is not a vending machine I know, but it is along the same lines. Any feedback on that idea?