SMC Discussion Areas

Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the reference book "Classic Soda Machine: 3rd Edition, by Jeff Walters"??  Everywhere I locate it on the internet it is out of stock?  If not, are there any other reference books similar to this one?

ebay

I have tried Ebay with no luck at this time, but will keep trying.   What other books are there out there besides this one Classic Soda Machine reference book?

Check Amazon.  I have seen it on there before:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_seeall_1?rh=k%3Aclassic+soda+machines%2Ci%3Astripbooks&keywords=classic+soda+machines&ie=UTF8&qid=1320810540

WOW!  The price has sure gone up over the past couple of years.  Another casualty of Pickers, Pawn Stars, Rick's Restoration . . . .

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

I think Harrison has bunch. I will ask him in the morning

WOW,, 62.00 on amazon... what is is collectable or something now? I thought I paid like 18-20 for mine years ago?

If Harrison has a few I would like one at the right price.  I have noticed in my looking around the net they
are quite pricy.

 Even though spendy I enjoy looking at the Alan Petreti's Coke Collectible Guide.
I have the 11 edition, I noticed a 9th edition on ebay for around 15.00 last week.

Is that a good book for machines?

Petrieti doesn't  cover soda machines, but if you like or collect anything Coca Cola, it's a great reference book

Thanks for the responses.  I did actually look on Amazon after my posting and saw it at $62.00.   Matt, if Harrison does happen to have a few at a good price I would love to have one.

Thanks,
Nick

Thanks for clarifying I should of been more specific.

Restored they go for $5k  :laugh: :biggrin:

You mean, autographed by Rick Dale they go for 5,000.00

As a coke collector, I like to look at Petreti's book. 

yes Petrettis is the Bible for signs and advertising, but he does not value machines.. hence the Jeff Walters Book  both good books to have.

I been trying to find Jeff Walters book at a reasonable price, and definitely not one signed by Rick Dale, lol

There's a first edition on eBay right now with a BIN price of $53.97. Not a reasonable price.

Harrison does have anymore copies. Sorry

Try this place, they list it as having a few left.

http://www.alwaysjukin.com/items/price-guides/classicsoda-detail.htm

Bireleys1,

Thanks so much.  I just tried your link and it appears they have copies as I just placed my order for one.  $41.95 with shipping.

Thanks,
Nick

maybe I should toss my 3rd edition up on Ebay.

Is there a reason he has not made a 4th edition?

Never met him, but I think he got out of soda machines all together. Sold his repro parts business to Soda Jerk Works and sold off other parts laying about on eBay many years ago. I think divorce played a factor too.

If you still need a reference book I have a first edition that you can have for free. The prices are not current at all but free is free and at least you still get the info on the machines.

If its avaiable i would like one!    :laugh:

Just a FYI that Bireleys suggestion of using the link http://www.alwaysjukin.com/items/price-guides/classicsoda-detail.htm worked as I received the book today.  According to the site they still have a few left.

Thanks,
Nick

I just received my copy yesterday. From the site listed above.

      I also got my new copy yesterday as my desk copy was getting a little shabby and I wanted to make sure I had a backup in case something happened to it.
      I was quite surprised when I opened the package to find it in a spiral binding and all of the descriptions and photos were condensed. Same content but easier to read and research since there are fewer pages (164 not 328).
      My first reaction was did this company get permission to reproduce the book?
Either way I now doubt there will be any shortage of copies in the future as their website may suggest. I like it!

I like that spiral bound version too. Looks nice.

Here is a thought I had.... and it's just a thought and would take some work by everyone here... but

I know that no one is going to look at reproducing the whole book, but what if some of the new price guidelines could be adjusted based on the opionion of several collectors, restorers and such (Yes the guys on this board)..

the idea would be to take some sort of survey that everyone could put their opionion on, and that way as a group we could come up with a new "Value" for each particular machine...

once a general concensus could be reached , we could then just print off a "sticker" or something that could be created to overlay in their original book and make the stickers available to those who own the books...

I don't think there are any copyright infringments or issues in doing this ..

and if the sticker idea isnt the way to go, maybe just a listing of 2011-2012 prices could be created and people could chose to do what they want with it, insert it , write it in or make their own sticker?

Thoughts?

Heck, we can assemble the material, and   sell it as a kindle book.
I think a sticker  would be a copyright infringement, since we are "taking" parts of the material written by Steve, and  processed by the publisher.

if this turns in to an undertaking, i will help

 

Wouldn't it be easier to put a sticker on every page that says "Restored they go for $6-7,000!!" :biggrin: :laugh: 8)

I think that would be an interesting project.

 :drinking: Tim  :drinking:

      Yes John, I have been thinking the same thing for many years now. My wish was to capture prices of sold items on e-bay to come up with a more realistic version of pricing. Unfortunately they stopped allowing a "completed listings" search a few weeks ago.
     Maybe a survey questionnaire to everyone on this board as to realized prices in their area could be compiled and then averaged out?

Glen, I'm still viewing completed listings.
It's an option hidden, but under Advanced Search Options, also under "show Only"  after an initial seach term is entered

Me too!

I've discussed the idea of a new book with Steve Ebner prior to him selling Fun-tronics to Rod & Janet...
I believe Rod even hinted on creating a new book during one of our conversations...
I think we could put a price guide together; however, which manufacturers/models would be included for consideration...?
I think SMC may have the largest listing/database of manufacturers/models, but unfortunately, I do not have image references for every model...

I'm curious to know what copyright infringement there is for placing decals on pages of a personal book...
Not sounding stupid, what would be the difference if I placed "Post-It" Notes on every page with speculated values...?

       For manufactures/models we could start with the easiest/most familliar like all of the 81's, 39's, 33's, sliders etc. and update the listings as time progresses.
       Steve Ebner had an insert for his book which could be updated without publishing new books as prices changed which would work well here too.
       And if SMC owns the soda machines section they can insert any estimated value they seem fit, I would think.
       In the past, price guides only gave 2 values: average and restored. If going to this trouble at all, I think it would be wiser to give a 1 to 10 grade, such as:
      2 would be a parts only machine,
      4 would be average,
      6 above average unrestored,
      8 older restoration and
     10 fully restored

I was thinking for ease it would be nice to use the existing book, but obviously don't want to infringe on rights and such... that is why I thought a sticker would be fine..

and wouldn't copright come into effect if we where selling this info ?? not sure..

I would think a listing of machines put out there on SMC if Jim was willing or some sort of site where we could conduct a survey would be good.. or just a thread and someone to monitor it and record replies and opinions...

You would have to be careful with the Coke ones. I have given it a lot of thought about doing a book. Here's where it's at. Do I do a book all on Coke machines, or a book on all machines. So I did some research. I have a licence with Coke, so it wouldn't be hard for me to do a book on all Coke machines, but would have to get the OK from Coke and then pay them royalty. For me to do a book on all models would get Coke's feathers ruffled. They didn't tell me no, but was not going to like it if I did one on all models. I have lots of bboks, and fliers and adds on machines I have collected over the years, so I have a lot of info to create a book. So not sure which way to go???  :upside:

Rod,
I would think just a Coke machine book wouldn't be as popular as there are just too many out there.. and for public use, limited it to one brand I think would shoot you in the foot and be tough to sell..

hence why I was thinking the easier route and just updating some already good information... but like most things it's usually great in concept and more complicated trying to execute the actual project..

 Well I like The Ideal Of a New Or Updated Book !! And I know That I would Pay $100 Bucks for it . I have the Second &Third Edition Plus a Copy Of Steve Ebners Square Corner Price List

But My Only Concern Is I like The Rare Secton Or Off Brand Machine That are in the Current ones . And I 'd Like To See More (Shame less Plug  Like My Delf 122 -2 drop and My Kevinator FE-S-51 Canada Cooler ) And I'm Sure there are Other That Might Have Different New Found Machine .

But Please Let Me State I know NOTHING !! In what it would Take To do this But I would Be Appreciative of the people And there Hard Work .

"Badges?  We don't need no stinkin badges"!  (from Blazing Saddles) .  Ok...maybe we do if the copyright gods have their way!

I think printing a periodic (yearly?) insert sheet would be the way to go.  Maybe sending a yearly SMC newsletter with it in it?  I would buy one/subscribe for sure!

Also, I like Moondawg's suggestion of how to grade machines in more than 2 categories.  Would help on both the buying and selling end.

 I'm Not Sure On Glens Ideal .Because What About The Rare /Different Model Value ???
I mean I know It's What You Get For it . But Can't We Do a Little Better Or Even Note That It's Only An Estimate

Here is an off the wall idea-- What about creating another forum here called price guide. People could list purchase or sale prices with the area they are in.. no discussions following the posts to clog it up, no stories, etc. Prices do vary from area to area. No copyright infringements, variety of machines, etc.

I like it Ken!

I like the idea of someone working on a new book and getting the help of all of us to showcase our own rare machines, input on current values, etc. I think a new book is long overdue. The Walters book is a great book, but it's over 10 years old and so much has changed with the hobby in that time. I really fell like a book again with sections like Jeff did is needed. Coke, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, 7UP, all other and so on. It's a great book, but how many people would love an new updated one! Tons!!

Brian

       I believe Coca Cola would probably try and put the brakes on a new book.
 
       Jeff Walters had to quit publishing calendars because Coke didn't like it for some reason.
       Dinuba Dan was producing six-pack picnic coolers in several soda flavors but when he tried to get permission to do them in Coke, they told him OK..........as long as he discontinued all other brands  :darn:
       Probably best to use the resources we already have for price updates.
       

Here's a company that claims to offer it as a .pdf:
http://www.chicompany.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_234_238&products_id=679


Classic Soda Machines by Jeff Walters. 3rd edition, 324 pages. 1999.

INSTANT DOWNLOAD in high resolution (400dpi), full color, PDF format. Fully word searchable. File size 103mb.

This is the bible for Classic Vending Machines. If you have or are interested in acquiring a Classic Vending Machine, this book is for you!

Note it is $10.01 for the download. WTF 10.01 :-)
Creighton

 Sorry I have not chimed in on this topic until now.  I did purchase this one for 10.01 and saved it to my flash drive.  All you need is Adobe Acrobat reader. I purchased mine back in the summer when I first started looking for this book and have had no problems with it. Keep in mind that once you purchase it you only have about 2 opportunities to download it. My first try I actually lost connection and it told me that I only had one more attempt to download it. Just keep that in mind. Also takes about 50 mb of storage space. Was hesitant at first since I did not know if these guys were legit or not so I took a leap of faith giving my credit card and have had no issues with theft, etc.

If anyone here has any questions let me know......and Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!!!

Jeff

So this can't be kept as a file or something on this site? Somewhere there is a company that can print books
one-at-a-time. I know that I have seen info on that I just don't know the name of the company.
It just seems like everyone here can contribute a page with the ability to add additional photos of different brands of each model. Change average value as it occurs or quarterly. Then if we want, print it off or have a copy hard printed.
Just a thought.
Terry

I'm not sure what, if any, copyrights have been breached as the material has been re-organized and now being re-distributed with monetary gains...
We can include the file/document in the Downloads Section ay SMC; however, I would be a little hesitant due to possible repercussions...
When I saw the Site posted and visited, I was tempted to do this very thing, but began to think of possible legal issues...

I also like the idea of a new book I think it would be a great thing and received really great, But Coke will be a problem to deal with, But if Jeff Walters did it then it can be done .


Just a thought if Coke is a problem then do two Books  Coca Cola  & then one for everybody else  And then title it SMC soda machine reference books.
again just a thought.

The only reasaon I suggested making a "Price revision" or update sheet was that by the time you create, and find a publisher to print the book, there are minimums that have to be met and I've heard it would START at about $40,000 up front costs!...

hence trying to find different ways.

I agree with others , and sure it would be great to be able to have a section on SMC that has photos and values as I can access SMC on my Iphone pretty much anywhere so would be just like having a book..

but I'm assuming 90% of the work would fall on Jim and that is not fair as well..

Sooo??? hmmm

back to the drawing board?

Being lazy and haven't read this complete thread... any thoughts of just upgrading the “Soda MAchine” section on this site with
a 1-5 grade pricing... like some car books do... 1 being restored inside and out (you guys know what I mean) and a 5 being a parts machine (or is it the other way around) anyway you could have it at your fingure tips on your phone... or have the pages printer
friendly when going to view a machine for sale... All the work is done... would have to just tweak the page to have an area for pricing
and maybe additional images of machines and or soda brands? thoughts? :Oo:

A new book won't happen unless someone is willing to spend a bunch of time and effort just to lose money.
Jack Sim on oldgas.com has addressed the issue from the author/vs/publisher viewpoint. He's not doing another book anytime soon.
There is no real market these days. $10.01 is the price point.

A spreadsheet of current pricing on popular models updated by the folks that that know such things would serve a purpose.
But the problem being, no two machines are the same, and prices vary by region. Then you get the "well it's worth 5k restored" crowd :-).

Leave well enough alone. Post a picture of what you have/want. If someone knows, they will reply with information.
Creighton








 

      Good point Creighton. I'm gonna test the waters with a question to the group.  :biggrin:

      Picked up this non embossed slider yesterday, complete, cools and vends fine.
NO DENTS anywhere but does have scratches. Nicest original I have ever owned. Walters book lists only the embossed version at $950 average cond./restored at $1950... or the Glasco at $475 / $1650.
      This particular version is not in the book.

      Any suggestions as to what todays actual market might bring in your area??

Good question and also a hard one. To me there are different price groups, almost 4. There is Craiglists pricing, e-bay, retail store, and collector, they all are different. If I see a Coke Machine on Craigslist my mentality is cheap. If I buy something from a collector that is part of his collection I would pay more as I would a retail shop. Even e-bay can be broken down to 2 mini price points. A seller who is new or is selling something he just stumbled across one would tend to pay less from that seller then the seller who deals in Coke Machines and knows everything about them. Just my 2 cents.

On your Slider there is no such thing as a $1,000 restoration so in our price book there needs to be a bigger gap then $1,000 between average condition and restored on Sliders.

I would break it down like this.

Glasco $500 avg. $2,200 restored
Embossed Ideal Coke $1,500 avg. $3,200 restored.
Yours Glen $1,200. I gave it a slightly higher price because although a generic it is a Coke generic and also of it's condition. No restored price on this one because it would be a sin to restore it and if it was restored it would just be a restored generic, no one would care it as actually a Coke before.

Just a thought,  a new "SMC Discussion Area" maybe called  "Machines Purchased" can be created where the members can post the make, model, year, price, condition (scale 1-10), amount paid, date purchased and picture with comments.   It wouldn't be perfect but would reflect a more current market and price trends, better that a 10+ year old reference book. Don't get me wrong reference books are great for all there info, but not for current values.
So if a member is looking for a Cavaliler USS-96 (I know,who would LOL)  they can do a search  in the  "Machines Purchased Discussion Area" for one an get and idea of what others have paid for similar machines overtime.  SMC members that wanted to can input all  their soda machines to get it started.

Make      Model     Year Condition  amount paid  Date Purchased   SMC member  Comments
Cavailer   USS-96  1973    7          $300.00          06-09               RAYG           clean  no rust working

Just for the heck of it, I made a google doc that can be edited by anyone with the link... Don't know if its the best way to do it, but worth a shot. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmEGeWYXIWuodDlmeFJMdHNNckwzWUZnblNHdE9TU2c . If it works, we can make a sticky. It should be in an area only available to members who are logged in...