Where do you find them?

[90grad]

Hello all,

I have had an interest in the classic machines for a while, but I've only been able to acquire a Westinghouse Standard cooler (and a beat up one at that).  Besides paying the often inflated prices on eBay and me not being able to afford a professional restoration or an antique dealer's prices, where do you guys suggest finding machines/coolers?  I've looked around for about 5 years and the rare few I've come across (all coolers) have either not been for sale or taken by others.  Any tricks of the trade you could pass on?

Thanks,

Wayne '>

[Eric]

There's a thread under this same topic area about running an ad
in those free trade papers... I've found some great things by that.
Also try running one in local weekly papers..... Sounds funny but
I found out about an old soda plant and hunted for guys that worked
there (got a Vendo 83 and 39 that way).
Want Ad Posters placed in Antique malls also.
Get serious and GET THE WORD OUT!.... People then will be looking out
for you.
And in running an ad I put soda machines, old candy machines, pas pumps
other stuff that can be good trader stuff!

Good Luck!

Eric

[sodaworks]

Hello Wayne, Welcome aboard. You may also want to hit swap meets and yard sales. You will be surprised at what you find. You should also get some business cards made and pass them out at antique stores. If I find somrthing that isn't currently for sell I leave a business card so that when the machine is avail. they have easy access to call me back. This usually works.

[loman4ec]

I mostly use ad's. I run them in bunch of different types of papers. It can get costly but it is worth it especially if you want to buy a bunch of them. Also don't give up on ebay. You can still find a deal every now an then. Where are you located? I am in Cincinnati and I do sell machines if you are interested.

Another thought to offer... be sure friends, neighbors, and co-workers know about your interest in soda machines.  I came across a decent machine just by accident when I was talking with a coworker about my frustration bidding on another machine on Ebay.  She just happened to have a nice roundtop in her basement she was getting ready to garage sale.  Flukes happen.

[loman4ec]

I have also bought machines from people that I have already bought from. When ever someone sells me a machiine I give out a business card. They do remember and call back.

[90grad]

Hello again,

Thanks for all the great advice.  I'll try putting an ad in the local trade paper.  It doesn't have the greatest circulation, but it is popular and will reach more people than I currently am.  Many friends already know to "keep and eye out" for me.

Loman4ec, I am located in Maryland, about 40 miles northeast of Baltimore.

Again, thanks to everyone for the good advice.  If anyone has other tips, I'm all ears.

Wayne

[loman4ec]

Just be patient with the ad. It sometimes takes  some time to get a response but it seems that once they start you can't stop them.

[sodaworks]

Hello 90grad,
  How far from Union Bridge are you located?

[90grad]

I live in Harford county (northeast of Baltimore).  My folks live in Frederick.  According to Yahoo, I am about 70 miles from Union Bridge.

Wayne

[sodaworks]

Wayne,
  I was in Union Bridge 5 times for 5-6 weeks at a time a few  years ago for a start up project. Loved the area. Did you know the the battle of Gettysburg was originally planned to take place in Union Bridge. Lots of history in that area.

[90grad]

Yeah, there's tons of stuff around there if you are a Civil War buff.  Frederick has a cool museum about Civil War medicine, and it's close to other places like Antietam and Harper's Ferry, which is close to Back in Time Warehouse, one of the advertisers on this site.

[sodaworks]

Funtronics is right there as well.

[90grad]

I've never been to Funtronics, although I have spoken with Steve Ebner previously regarding my Westinghouse Standard.  Funtronics is right by my Aunt's and about 15 miles from my folks.  

One Saturday in 2001, my Dad and I rode over to Charles Town and checked out the stuff at Back in Time Warehouse.  Wow, was it ever nice.  I just could never afford it.  However, Gene Smith was a wonderful host and took us through the whole place, showing us a lot of stuff.  My Dad had a good time seeing stuff from his high school days (graduated in '58).

[halehouse]

90grad,

I got my jukebox from BITW.  GW is a nice guy and that is a cool place.  He bought a generic slider from me once. We stayed in a B & B in Charles Town once, visited BITW and saw a show at the local theater there.  You aren't far from me in Northern VA, and Larsfor39 is relatively close by too.  Almost a SMC local chapter.  '>