Start Up Costs

[PabloV8]

Dusty,

The post was supposed to be of help and use to others and not a **ck measuring contest.

So I have put in the retail stock value as oppose to cost. You seem to be back peddling on your post that does not make sense whT so ever quote:

Dear Pablo

Am sure you mean we'll but your maths are very rusty. 100 towers would require 9 columns x 7 high on average at say 50p a pot cost including Vat and delivery. I make that £3,150. Plus say 50 per cent of that as a back up another £1575. Total of £4725 !!

One minute you are talking about 7 high now you are talking about filling machines 2/3rds! Only a fool would go to a site and fill a machine 1/3 empty - if you are at a site and have took the trouble it is cost effective to fill the machine and service it correctly. Vendors like to see machines full and do not like it if you have not filled it correctly, makes sense to keep the customer happy.

You have been a member for a very long time and yet in comparison the amount of posts is pitiful, so rather than pick fault with someone who goes out of his way to help others, try using your expertise and experience to help others rather than pick fault in posts when the posts are trying to help others.

You need to grow a pair!

[PabloV8]

Hi Style,

A domestic no.

I typed up the article pretty quick, you will see this by looking at the times - however, got fed up seeing the same question over and over again. Even I asked the same questions when I started out so had a go at rectifying it and in the process to help others.

I find it irksome when you get low contributors who have been members for a very long time picking fault we others who are trying to help. My whole life has been about helping others so have scant regard for those that try and pick fault. It would have been more constructive if Dusty had used his vast knowledge and experience to add to the post with viable and help for new comers.

No doubt he will return with another installment.

What a pavlova!

[Style]

Helping Newbies, there's a debate to be had there.
I'd help and advise anyone getting into the business, (as long as they are not on my patch). But I don't think I would ever give away all the details of my best tips. Maybe I'm selfish but I suspect we are all the same.

So if you are a newbie reading this what you need to do is.....................

[PabloV8]

This forum is all about helping people, swapping ideas, networking, sharing mistakes etc.

Guess you joined the wrong forum!

You should have called yourself:

Selfish Style
Or
Don't'ask Me
Or
ME, ME, ME

[Cannyvending]

The guide is mainly focused around sweet machines but there are many options available to do with vending. I've just bought a load of sweet machines and underestimated the stocking costs for them all so I know that this guide reads true lol.

I would also add that putting in more than one type of machine is something that should be looked at as well such as toy machines, pringles (I don't do them) or washroom. There are also skill with prize machines (quiz machines) that could be added in but you need to check the lease type.

I've tried doing a lighter machine and that sold loads but I can't find anywhere that sells a reliable lighter machine. Anyone help?

[PabloV8]

Hi Cannyvend,

That is exactly what it is a guide, something to work from, I did suggest that I was trying to set the scene, start the ball rolling with a post that all can and will contribute so thanks for that.

Unfortunately, out of the large member base we have a very, very small minority who will always try and hijack the post with ridicule or whatever they have on their minds at the time.

We cannot help them it is in their DNA.

Still keeping with the post, it am sure someone will have the answers especially Matt to help.

Everyone at some point under estimates stock because we never know what products is going to be the flavour of the week.

Cheers.

[Style]

Cannyvending,

I would think you can use a condom machine to vend lighters.

[Coin Operated Group]

Hi Pablo,

I still think its a great post, and took a lot of time to actually write it down which I (and I'm sure many new members) certainly appreciate.

I don't know why some members post as they do,rather than just pointing out your simple errors giving you chance to put right.

I wish more members made more of an effort to put posts up like this.

[PGBrew]

Thanks for your guide Pablo!

i don't care so much about the maths, easy to correct. How many people if they had their time again, would have a better round or would pay less for their existing round? especially if they had Pablo's information, me for one!

I started in 2006, with a trial of 20 machines, all sited, stands included, stocked and with 20 boxes of refill stock, all for the amazing price of £8,000.00 (cheapest on the market and no franchise agreement). I then bought another 3 stater packs at the discounted price of £7,500.00 each. thats about £30k for my first 80 machines. So if I had pablo's advice when I started I could have saved a few bob!

Still at this price, it was probably one of the best investments I've made.

The only thing I would add is once you've got to 80 machines, Diversify into other areas, Pringles, Toys, tattoos, rides, blue pill, etc. The other important thing is to grow by aquisition. After 80 towers & 40 pringles all my growth was by buying up existing business. The 2nd best investment was to buy 200 sited bouleys in 2008.

If you just take the positives, there's good advice to be had.

Pete

[Cannyvending]

What's the best methods to use to find other operators to buy out?