What I've learned

[Fire708]

 
During my search for a can machine, eBay and Craigs list have taught me several things about soda machines:
1) anything made prior to 1998 is vintage.
2) If the seller only has one of the item its "Rare," No matter how many other identical items are posted for sale.
3) If the machine was made prior to 1980 its "Very Rare."
4) A "Very Rare" machine (see #3) is one of a kind and youll NEVER see one like it again.
5) The seller has already been offered at least double his/her current asking price.
6) If its on Craigslist the seller has seen them going for a much higher price on eBay, and vise versa.
7) NO LOWBALLERS!
8. Cleaning the exterior means its "Refurbished."
9) Spray painting at least part of the exterior means its been "Restored."
10) Rust acts as a primer for spray paint.
11) If a professionally restored machine (like ive seen from members of this site) sells for $x,xxx then the same model completly rusted out and missing parts is worth 95% of that price.
12) Rust displays well and is "Pateina"
13) If Rick D says the words "coke" and "machine" in the same show the value of all coke machines increases by $1,000.
14) Any soda machine with the words Coca-Cola on it is "Just like on A.R."
15) All parts are "Easy to find," no matter what year the machine was made. 
16) If a machine doesnt work its only because the seller "Just doesnt have the time," and the fact that the machine could be confused with a trash burning barrel is irrevalent.
17) The term "Will ship to lower 48" means you'll have to go pick the machine up.

This has actually made me very glad for finding this site and added to the fun of finding my next machine.

My search continues.........

[BrianS]

That's some excellent insight, but you left out that all nonfunctional machines "just need a little freon" or "have not been plugged in but worked that last time it was plugged in".  Welome aboard and good luck in your hunt!

[Eric]

That was awesome....made me smile... thanks!

[Larry]

Very funny.

I also like..."It used to work" (When it left the factory)or "I don't know if it works because I haven't plugged it in" (Bull****, you plugged it in and it didn't work).

[mznb1u]

You left off, "It works but somewhere along the line the cord got cut so I have no way to test it!"

Excellent list, I am sure that there are a few more that can be added!

  Tim

[Kilroy]

That summed it  up all right.  Thank you!

[briandr1]

You are correct on that lol too funny. my fav is the cord is cut and havent repaired it to test, which deff means they tried and it failed to work.

[tkaz]

"I had it appraised and the guy said it's worth $XXXX, but I'll let it go for $XXX"

[Slider-Bob]

And let's not forget "This machine belonged to my brother who passed away...we are just selling off some of his stuff, and we don't know what's it's worth".

Yeah, right!

[Slapshot42]

Welcome to the Site lived in Oly for 5 years now in Eastern Washington.   Keep looking they will turn up!

[mygoose101]

Yes, very good, nice work. My favorite, or I should say least favorite, the one that I wish I could put my hands through my monitor and grab the guy by the neck is" If the ad is still up, then yes it is still for sale". You know, the guy who is stilling his Vendo 39 for $6,500. Of coarse it's still for sale you moron!

Another good one is the Craigslist ad who thinks he is running a auction. The best offer over $2,500 guy for a Vendo 23.

How about the best offer ad, the guy who says he has no idea what it's worth and will refuse to give you a price. You offer him $1,000 for a Vendo 81 then he yells out " well, I need to get at least $4,000 for it". Oh, so you did have a price.

The won't last at this price ad as he list the ad daily for months and months.

I better stop, I could go on and on........

[globalcompressors]

My 2 favorites...

just needs a little freon....

these "go" for X number of dollars

I have people call me, wanting to know the value of a machine and they always see them going for "X" price... NOTHING
HAS GONE FOR ANYTHING...UNLESS IT "SOLD" for that price!

[Creighton]

Then we have the folks that can't post a picture. 20 minutes on the phone while Ether hollers to Earl. Does it have round corners? Is there a crank handle?
Too much monkey bizness for me anymore.
Creighton

[Kaleid20]

Then we have the folks that can't post a picture. 20 minutes on the phone while Ether hollers to Earl. Does it have round corners? Is there a crank handle?
Too much monkey bizness for me anymore.
Creighton

Lol....man you nailed it there! That's my phone experience 9 out of 10 times. Brutal.

[krovel]

very funny and very true!!

I just recently purchased my first machine which turned out to be very rare, a wb60 single vend. Which I am finding out means obsolete!!!

 I over paid and am looking looking looking for parts but at least it gives me something to do and I am learning something new everyday.

Oh and if anyone has some extra freon I might need some, think mine needs a squirt. 

[BrianB]

I agree with Eric on the "little shot of Freon" selling point. I know that most out there don't know anything about refrigeration systems and only some have a working knowledge and could be considered "dangerous" and then the other category is trade professionals.

But....when I see ad's like that I have a hard time muzzling myself to keep from asking what I consider an obvious question, Where did the Freon go? I've used to my advantage to haggle on price a few times. I'll usually let the seller know that these systems are hermetically sealed. Sometimes you get the blank stare an head nod and other times you get the return question of either "Huh?" or "what's that mean". I then explain to them that under normal circumstances these refrigeration systems are sealed systems or closed loop. If it needs a "little shot of Freon", then there is a leak or multiple leaks somewhere in the loop that will need to be repaired and it ain't gonna' be cheap. 

Sometimes they budge on price, sometimes they don't.....

I also like the "cord is cut" disclaimer. It completely absolves the seller of any responsibility in regards to the working condition of the machine but it too can be a major bargaining point off of the original price.

[mznb1u]

Too much monkey bizness for me anymore.
Creighton

Reminds me of a classic hit that was covered by Freddy Cannon (of Palisades Park fame) in the 60's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EcnfqNGWy0

  Tim

[collecture]

Don't forget the guy that says "Make a reasonable offer" in his ad for a machine.
You call up with your "reasonable offer" and he retorts that he has already turned down a $5000 offer.
I agree with Brian though - knowledge is power!

[Slider-Bob]

How about when you see an ad on CL for a machine for $600, then 2 weeks weeks later it's still not sold, and it's relisted this time for $700.

Classic!!!...it didn't sell initially for $600, so by waiting 2weeks, it must be worth $100 more now!

[flippa]

"It worked & cooled just fine when it was last used......20 years ago"

[cohammer]

I have not plugged it in too see if it works cords gone.

[MoonDawg]

     "My dog chewed the cord so I can't test it"

      I wonder how many poor dogs have been blamed for this? 

      Almost every old machine's main power cord has been snagged many times by moving it, or they just get brittle and break.   
      Dogs get in enough trouble on their own, they don't deserve this too! 

[bcharlton]

Last year, I drove 3 hours to buy a Popcorn Sez machine.  I asked the guy 3 times over the phone if it was complete and working on a dime.  He said yes all 3 times.  I arrived after the long haul and found that the cord was missing.  When I started to vent some of me frustration, the guy said, well, it was working 30 years ago.

Well, I was not very happy so I "lowballed him" and he accepted my offer but I made him throw in this Betty Boop lifesize statue.


My favorite expression in this hobby is, "sometimes you gotta kiss a few frogs"  (and I have been kissing a lot of frogs lately).

BC

[bcharlton]

Sorry.  Here is the pic I hope

[Kilroy]

I do use "the thrill is in the hunt". which really transltes to,  I haven't been able to find diddly