Name this round top....

[loman4ec]

You could bolt them to a wall. When I get settled down somewhere I would really like to attemt to put a bunch of machines in different locations. I was thinking I could make a plate to set the machine on and bolt it to the plate where the leg levelers are and then anchor the plate to the ground. I think that using Cavalier 64's and tall 216's and 144's would be best. Then there is the problem of these machine only taking change. I would hate to cut out a big rectangle out of the machine to add a bill changer, so I was thinking of using the small change machines that bolt to the side of the machine. They are all over ebay for a couple hundred bucks. I would rather drill a few screw holes that are easily filled than cut a big rectangle out of the front. I was thinking that doing this vending route would pay for my Coke machine addiction.

[BryanH]

Intersting ideas there are a ton of antique and tourist traps in my town... I wouldn't keep the machine at my house as it's a single selection machine.  So I'd be looking to sell it or put it to wotk as Josh suggests. What about replacing the missing masonite bezel / sign. Any ideas on how I might get something to fit there?  Somebody had an Amish metal worker that was really good - think he could repro something interesting?

As for the other machines:
* Petey, I'll most likely offer the VMC56 to my buddy with the paint booth.  If he doesn't want it then I may keep it myself.  If I keep my VMC77 would be available if you are interested.  If I decide to sell the 56 I'll give you first right of refusal.
* Kevin, I'm in AZ and the can machine is going to be sold for sure.  The only info I have on the machine is from the seller "1970's Dr. Pepper machine, 62" tall by 27" front, this machine has 6 selections. Front plastic Dr. Pepper sign has been been broken, has decals and machine is in very good shape. "

[MoonDawg]

Quote (loman4ec @ June 28 2005,11:28)

You could bolt them to a wall.

Josh...who's wall you going to bolt to? Who's electricity you going to use?  
      I'm buying Vendo 80's for this purpose but they will need to be INSIDE someone's store, or antique mall. Of course the revenue should be shared with the store owner, but he may settle for a very small fee. If the machine looks brilliant and
appeals to his customers his merchandise sales may rise.
      I plan to have a buisness card taped to mine. If someone enjoys using this nostalgic machine, I'll make sure they know where to come to buy one for their home  '>

[glassbottlesrule]

I had a 154 in a gift shoppe/ hair salon for awhile.  It did alright money wise.  The top 2 gates were set up free vend for water the owner could give out.  The rest was Glass Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, IBC root beer and orange crush.  People had no problem paying $1.25 a bottle.  I was going to hack the door and stick a validator in but the depth just wasn't there so the cashier just had to make change.  Was a good deal but my friend sold the shop.

Getting electricity out to the machine shouldn't be that hard there are several ways that it could be done.

The problem I see with leaving them outside is vandalism.  There always seems to be someone that feels the need to leave their mark on anything outside.  I hate to leave anything too nice outside even if its not worth a lot.  Then again I have a friend that lives in the middle of nowhere that has a newer machine outside his house and says that he hears that thing vending all hours of the night from people that see it as they are passing through.

[loman4ec]

Vandalism is a problem I didn't really think about. I was thinking of having it outside since that is where the action would be. But if it was outside of an antique mall or somewhere that there is security at night or at least high visability and there is no punks roaming around at night ( which I doubt that there would be at an antique mall at night) I think they would be fine. Anyway just have them insured. Being that they are old and say Coca Cola you could probably have them appraised pretty high.

[BryanH]

I'm planning on looking at this machine on Sat.  Not sure what a fair price would be.  Needs a paint job and minor body work, needs the masonite sign. Refrigeration and vending must work or I won't bother.  IS $150 too much to offer?

[vend_dr]

Quote (loman4ec @ June 28 2005,11:43)

You can buy soda at sams club for .22 per can. So if you vend at $1.00 per can. If you were to sell 4 cans a day 7 days a week you make $1123.20 per year. That isn't bad for extra spending money. And I think you could end up selling a bunch more soda than that. I know that if I were to walk by a working vintage machine I wouldn't think twice about paying $1 for a soda.

Not to burst the bubble but there are some things to know before getting into vending. Remember that you need to pay sales tax on the vend price! With the budget shortfalls in much of the country the tax people are out in force. Plus you will need to insure yourself against any liability such as machine falling over on some one, a kid getting their arm stuck in it or any number of other possibilities. Plus depending on the city, county and state the machine is located in you may need to have a vending machine license (in some cases more than 1) to operate it.

I have been in vending for 21 years and it isn't the easy money maker that everyone thinks.

[loman4ec]

I understand there are expenses involved, but at the same time Even if it doesn't make a bunch of money it would be a great way to advertise restored machines. Have a vinyl sign on a huge Vendo 144 advertising that you sell smaller versions of this machine just call this number. Also I am sure that you could set up something with the antique store owner where your machine is to have a few restored machines for sale on consignment in the store. Just have the vending business as bait to get people in the store. Anyway it is all just thinking out loud.