SMC Discussion Areas

Hi,

Just checking for any experts out there on what the Vendo 83 machine is worth?

I bought it at a Colorado Estate sale and the gentleman had over 200 different machines.

Looks to be redone and in perfect shape.

Thanks for any help.

http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/NJYTHRD/media/photo15.jpg.html?sort=6&o=5
http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/NJYTHRD/media/photo17.jpg.html?sort=6&o=3
http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/NJYTHRD/media/photo18.jpg.html?sort=6&o=2
http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/NJYTHRD/media/photo19.jpg.html?sort=6&o=1
http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/NJYTHRD/media/photo20.jpg.html?sort=6&o=0
http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/NJYTHRD/media/photo16.jpg.html?sort=6&o=4

Well.... the value of this machine is not that high.  Some people have a tough time giving away a Vendo 83.
Yours looks like it was restored in some manner, although the lettering was left undone.

If I had to put a value on this one, I would say 400 just because.

What's important is if you like it, and from where you placed it in your home, I take it you do, so thats great!
You can't just stop at one machine, so try to find a 81 on the next auction

 :happydrinkers:

Hi,

Thanks for the info.

I personally think it is a lot more than that.

It cost almost 3 times that to have it restored. Plus the cost of the unit when it was old and rusted.

Makes no sense at $400, but thank you for your input...

Anybody else know a good amount these machines?

Don't forget your audience here - you are asking a group of collectors and restorers ... and yes, some folks who flip machines for a hobby.

It might be tough to swallow, but Bonovox is not far off the mark for the folks you are addressing.  I would say $600-700 fully and completely restored is top of the market for an 83 among this group of folks.   

You have a large single-flavor/single-vend machine that is not mechanical (no crank handle) - among collectors, they just are not very desirable machines.  I personally like the look of them, but still wouldn't pay more than $600 for one because of their limitations. 

You could probably sell it for a couple of grand to the right person who just "has" to have a Coke Machine for his man cave, but that might take a long time.

Jim

I second that. Not a machine for collectors. More for the average joe who doesn't know a lot about machines. That's your target audience.

Don't know if this helps but Jeff Walters book has it valued at $225.00 fair condition $1400.00 fully restored.

That's one of the models that always comes up as not being wanted by many. $600 seems high. $400 does actually make sense. More $ may have been put into it, but it probably wasn't a good model to put $ into.

I do see some on eBay that sold. That might give some idea.

I would have to go along with others. It has never been a machine that I aspired to one day own - it is big, single flavor and small bottles only. I just don't drink THAT much Coca Cola. But that is not to say other people don't want it and, obviously some do!
I did a quick search of eBay for 'Vendo 83'.

First is a list of current auctions - no bids on any listings.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=vendo+83&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Second is a list of completed auctions, which show one machine with a paint job selling for $1525.00 but most under $600. And I would question whether the $1525 deal even went through since it has been over 2 months and no feedback has been given to the seller.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=vendo%2083&_pppn=r1&_dcat=13734&LH_Complete=1

The truth can be painful, but I have several items that I'll never get my money back out of too. It is just the painful side of collecting! Welcome to the club!

I've been quoted as coining the following phrase ..."The Vendo V-83 is the '59 Edsel of the coke machine world"  

Thus my less than stellar appraisal of this model, it's big, it had a very large production run. it's heavy & it can only vend small 8-ounce Coke bottles. and it lacks a crank handle that appeals to many people looking for a 1950's era machine. ( the sliding door doesn't cut it with most folks)

On the plus side, it is an embossed Coke machine and it's a round-cornered machine.

I thought $400 was too high. Moondawg had his storage area full of 83's at one time and couldn't give them away. This is a true story.

I second what the others said...

I think you should go back and buy some of the other 200 machines he had.  There has to be some real collectable ones in that bunch!

I have been collecting and restoring round tops for 15 years and this is not a collectable machine.  $500 tops and the I would walk away from it at that price.  Just because you spend $1500 on a restoration, by no means does it make the value of the machine $1500 or more.

Just my .02

I understand as well, as to what you may have paid for it, what the restoration costs..etc....

It would be like saying a Chrysler 1986 K car in rough shape goes for 100, but the cost to restore it is 4000, so then the value of the car MUST be at least 4100 after restoration.
All that car would be is a 100 car with a nice restoration... then the market dictates what the value is.  And with a 1986 K car, such as a Vendo 83, there is no market for it.

Not to say like others have said here that there isn't a buyer out there that just HAS to have this machine, as is willing to pay the cost of resto etc.... but at this time they are hard to come by.

Well, you can't take the cost of a resto, which most of it is labor, and add that to the "value" of the machine / car. Like cars, there are collectable vending  machines, and no so collectable machines.  Getting one that you like is the key, and if you like it don't worry about what it's value is.

If you're asking the value because you want to flip a machine like this.... well, good luck with that.  Getting a 83 for free is still tough to make a profit to flip it once you figure your gas, time maybe a trailer just to get the machine.

Welcome to the board though!
 :happydrinkers:

I think that what everyone has said is very valid, within a collecting community.

However, I still believe that there will be a market out there for this machine. And that the market
(normal members of the public who don't realise that there are so many variants of machine) will pay
more than most people here.

I think that the seller will have to be a bit clever about how and where he presents his machine.
An antique fair where there is only one coke machine for sale is going to be better than a show like
Chicagoland where there is an abundance and better models to boot.

Chin up and be productive. You may break even or make a profit but you'll have to work for it.
There isn't going to be a stampede here to buy it though.. 

Dave 

I agree with Dave, there is an ass for every seat.  The average person does not know a vendo 83 from an 81 as long as it is shiny and old they will buy it.  I would post it on the local craigslist, eventually someone there will pay for it.

I wouldn't take one for free!

Word of advice, you might as well get the vinyl decals for the lettering. If you want to sell it don't blow the $200 or more to get the pinstriping done. Just get the decals throw them on there and it will still look great. The sort of person who would pay alot for this machine wont know or care about the difference.

http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/index.php?crn=318&rn=1243&action=show_detail

I have passed on many 83's some in very nice original shape.  Just too big and a single brand machine.  I hear they make good smokers though!

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

Ok, ask a bunch of hard core Chevy guys what they think of the new dodge and your going to get the same BS responses you got here.

There are several different markets, you just asked the collector market.... And got honest, yet brutal, OPINIONS of value from a group of collectors that don't want to pay anywhere close to market value. (Only sell there!!)  These are the guys that value hunt and chase for the deals as much as collecting.

I knew a guy that dumpped about $15000 into an AMC bobcat... He will never see all of it back, but you know, although we all think he has gone (crazy) overboard, he still gets offers WAY above reality for it... Right buyers, right time...

The 83 has sold to non collectors ( read not us obsessive crazy ass sob's) at decent prices, probably the same reason someone wants a mid-70's brown box slider.... Because it can be cool and decorative. Not us crazy guys with 10, 20... Ahem... 50, 100 machines!!!

And if moondog has a warehouse full for free, ill be there monday with a trailer! 

Too late for Moondawgs, already went to the scrap heavens.

Perhaps this is why he was upset and left the forum. This would explain it..... I'd be upset too if I spent $3,500 to restore/paint a 83 and have someone tell me it was worth $400 at best. He should have asked the question BEFORE he restored it!

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/clt/3761996037.html

OUCH! :darn:

I don't think too many people are going to be offering up their 69 Camaro's for that machine!

We all have made at least one bad machine buy.  Fortunately, I asked some questions on here before I spent any money restoring my mistake.  It is still sitting in my garage on the dolley that we unloaded it onto!

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

PS--It photographs quite well.

Thanks for the info.

20 out 22 post useless.

Just sold at auction on Ebay to a collector, strange HUH?

That would be funny if it was one of you guys that bought after cutting some cheese with that wine on this tread!

The other funny thing the guy is a active member on SMC (A little chat we had to after arranging packing shipping ect)

Oh well who cares...Its not mine anymore

Under $1900.... LOL

I hope to get another 83 soon.

Well done.... Spend that $5000 wisely.

Craziest thing!
I was reading the SMC Discussion Board and an Oldgas.com thread broke out!

Everyone there complains that hot items they don't like that sell in the thousands aren't worth hundreds there too?!?!

Thank you. That made me  laugh.

        Just checked E-bay completed auctions..........can't find it!  :darn:

I also searched with the same results. 

You should probably put some contact info in your Craigslist ad, you don't have anywhere to reply to on there.  Or take it down since it sold on eBay.

Which member bought it?

Hope they post some pics!!   :oops: :blush:

           That info may be submitted at the end of the year when we all post our best finds of 2013.  :glare:

This is a prime example  why this board has been going in the wrong direction over the last few years.  A "newbie" joins the board  asks a question on the value of his "restored" machine?  Then, when people that have been doing restorations for decades respond and give him honest answers, the guy gets insulting.

I still liked it better when most of the people on SMC "collected" stuff and only a small % of board members were daily "flippers"  Now, with the introductions of our new friends like NJYTHRD, it seems like the only reason many people join SMC is to flip stuff.

Maybe it's time to consider splitting the board into 2 groups.  I am getting a little frustrated offering free advise to people who only are interested in the financial  aspect of this hobby. Just a little reminder, old soda machine collecting can be  a great hobby when you are not constantly focusing on the financial aspects.

I know there are great people  like Curtis Kaufman, the Heuerman's from Fun-tronics and others who make their entire living on parts and restoration of vintage collectibles.  They have offered a ton of free advise and I value their friendship. The rest of us are true hobbyists or weekend restoration warriors.  

Just my .02

OMGoodness

Why split the site.

On the main page Discussion area it split into 17 different discussion areas where you can ask, sell, get advice, ect...

Food for thought.

Sold the machine on the side off Ebay. Why pay Ebay fees?

Shoot you can also get a Square account and charge the person 2.75-3.5% and not pay any paypal fees. Free advice here....Come get it/Who wants sum?.....!

I know we are smarter than we type? right......

I'm confused you said in earlier post that is "just sold at auction on eBay?" .

Ha...was just about to post the same thing!

NJYTHRD,

I usually don't join in these 'hot' threads, just not worth my time.  You came here for 'free' advice from the people who deal with these machines every day, and I think you were given a relatively fair set of opinions on the Vendo 83.

Your machine is nice, I think that if you bought the Coca-Cola vinyl lettering, you could get a decent price for the machine.  It'll take some time, but the white Coca Cola on the red will really help to pull out a buyer, just finishing up that last step of the machine.  Buyers in this price range with a limited knowledge base typically will want a finished product, maybe not looking for a project.

Here's one that sold on Ebay for $1525 (assuming it actually sold): http://www.ebay.com/itm/RESTORED-ANTIQUE-COCA-COLA-COKE-BOX-MACHINE-VENDO-83-/111008364439?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d89d3797#ht_86wt_1634 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/RESTORED-ANTIQUE-COCA-COLA-COKE-BOX-MACHINE-VENDO-83-/111008364439?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d89d3797#ht_86wt_1634)

Yours looks like the interior is in better shape, so best of luck to you on the sale, I hope you can make some of your money back.

Now, the part about people like you that really pisses me off.  You came on here looking for advice, and then proceed to put down the very people that were providing the free advice that you sought.  I have another guy I deal with that gets really angry and calls me names when I tell him things he doesn't want to hear.  He's 4 but I hear you grow out of that phase.  You flat out lied to everyone that the machine is sold, changing your mind from eBay to sold off the site.

It's easy to find out some extra info on the internet these days...why are you telling craigslist buyers that it's a Vendo 81 even though you clearly know the model.  I have checked out your eBay auctions, and you lied about those as well.

I vote take this thread completely off... He got his response.. didn't like it... and this could just keep going south...
I had 2 83s (one was given to me)... nice machines if you like the big single vend machines... not worth much.. I
had to throw them in on a deal years back with a 23 a couple 39 shells to get rid of them... neat looking just
not a big money maker....

Again delete this post.. not worth keeping or looking back on. -  my .02

All posts are useless when it is after the fact - should have done your research.


That is because it is still listed for sale on the Phx CL.

       If this 83 was bought from a collection of over 200 machines, it was probably the cheapest one.
Did you even wonder why it was so cheap or do more research before sinking thousands more into a paint job?

Could you have been influenced by that TV show that claims all restored Coke machines are worth $7 to 8K?

       Again, what we're here for is to give advice BEFORE making such important decisions.

       We hope to hear from you again when you get your next machine.

       

I certainly didn't like to hear that I overpaid for an unrestored Vendo 39 when I first got on here. But I appreciated the advice and education for further purchases. I can honestly say being on this site has saved me thousands.

I'd never knock anyone for overpaying for a machine if its what they really wanted and they had the means. I think that has been made crystal clear by most members on here. Unfortunately this guy was hoping to get a pat on the back and for us to fall all over ourselves and tell him how awesome his machine was. Dont think he was truly looking for any real advice.

You'll NEVER get your money back bro. NEVER. It happens. Suck it up. Keep it on CL and eventually you will get $1200 for it (which is still too much). Just plan on waiting 6-9 months and having to deal with a ton of "low-ballers"

        Professional or hobbyist, we all feel the pride of taking a rusty old machine and making it look new again.  :drinking:

Well spoken MoonDawg!!!!

There is a fine line between "are not constantly focusing on the financial aspects" and completely ignoring that they can sell to the right person at the right time for 3-4 times the $400 that everyone is throwing out. Talk about kicking a newby square in the teeth then asking what his problem is. A gallon of red paint can cost more then $400!! A lot of things that get restored will never be worth all the money put into them.

Yes, machines can be bought for less then some people pay, but yes, there is a market above the rock bottom prices that are thrown out here because a machine is low on the "collectors" scale. Some people want decoration, and most machines NEVER GET PLUGGED IN!!!!! Want proof of that, how many machines do each of us have that are not plugged in at the moment, and have pulled them out of places that they are not plugged in.

 Value, is about how much is something is worth, not how much would someone pay who hates that model!! If you ever ask an appraiser how much something is worth, its not an offer to buy, its a calculation based on the actual SALE prices. That never means its an EASY sale, and usually answered with... "To the right person..." 



I agree with the splitting of SMC but I would suggest something that would reflect those that remember easily buying machines for the prices that people here value them at, and those of us that never had the chance and think they are valued at what they have actually been selling for in the last couple of years!!!!

My dad bought an ice cream cone the other day and was complaining to me that it was $2.37 and I just laughed. The difference is, I don't ever making that as an hourly wage like he does so it meant nothing to me.

I think we have to be a little careful here because this could all explode.

The chap came on asking for a valuation. I think he got it from all sides. He got the collectors viewpoint as well as some
sound advice about how he could make the most of what he has.

I agree that $400 is a low figure for a machine. But his own valuation of $5000 plus is way overboard. Just do a search on eBay
and this will give you a ballpark.

At the end of the day price is all about how much the buyer wants it or how much the seller needs to get rid of it.

I belong to forums where valuation of items is closely guarded and only shared among st the chosen ones. I'm glad we can
all share our experiences here.

The chap that popped up is not a collector. He is no great miss. He doesn't want to join the community he just wanted to pick your brains.

Maybe it should be the case that if someone does fly by asking for a price and they are too lazy to trawl through the archive or do searches on the
internet themselves we should think about a generic reply. That way we don't end up going over old ground all the time.

Dave

I think we are getting our chains yanked by this guy.  :darn:    At first the machine appears to have been (redone) and later defends the value because of what was paid for the machine and the cost of restoration. It was sold on Ebay then sold on the side. listed as a 81??? on CL. Really??? This just doesn't add up. Maybe we should take this thread down.

Not too mention $3500 for the restoration work? BS. Look at the compressor..looks like it was just spray painted black with matte finish without removing it. Then, the pinstriping doesnt get done? Not buying any of this.

Here's the ebay listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/EARLY-1950S-COCA-COLA-COKE-MACHINE-/230969266351?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c6d750af

I am amused by it all. I guess it's because i am a low baller.   I am ready to start telling trolls to Google when they ask about rarity or  price. 

If you ask my opinion. I will give it.  If you don't like it, oh well. Ask someone else until you find  one that you deem acceptable. 

The value of ANYTHING is only the amount of what someone is willing to give you for that item. Nothing more, nothing less. If  the prices are too high in your area, then move,  get it shipped in or shut up and keep looking.   

       Wow................... It's been listed on E-bay 10 times this month, why would he need to ask us what it's worth?

 http://www.ebay.com/csc/njythrd/m.html?nma=true&item=230969266351&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&si=Y8dgsVOFBfWspyycE%252F1Zk7K3sjg%253D&orig_cvip=true&hash=item35c6d750af&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc  (http://www.ebay.com/csc/njythrd/m.html?nma=true&item=230969266351&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&si=Y8dgsVOFBfWspyycE%252F1Zk7K3sjg%253D&orig_cvip=true&hash=item35c6d750af&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc)

Good detective work Glen. I thought I was a good detective when I found it on CL.

There is nothing wrong to admit in making a bad investment. I've made a few in machines, cars, women, etc. Who cares. Take your lumps and move on. I also never try to be a expert in something I know nothing about. If someone tells me something I don't want to hear then shame on me for asking.

Well I say all's fair in love & war, buy low & sell high...PS his " rebuilt" compressor area looked like poo. He's fibbing basically, he stated the condenser fan motor had been replaced, it is clearly an original under-slung mounted unit. ( unless he "replaced" it with another used motor...)  so there's my two-cent deposit anyway...

Please delete thread and let's move on...

Jim's call on deleting the thread.
Creighton

I say just leave it as the discussion will die soon anyway.
Besides people doing a search for machine values will find it and realize that they should not sink a bunch of money into a machine that will be a difficult sell instead of finding out after the fact.
People need to see the real side of restoration and not just the televised side!

I went back and reread the posts from the start.  In general, the opinions given were not given with animosity or attitude.  The values were probably low (I think you could expect to get somone to pop for more than $400 just for the "shiny old coke machine" aspect).  But this whole thing really comes down to a matter of common courtesy.  If you ask someone for their opinion, then be prepared for them to give it to you.  Nobody showed much animosity until the "20 out of 22 post were worthless" response.  Jeez, do a little research.  In 10 minutes on the site you can find a dozen different threads on V-83s.  People offered what they would give for the machine, don't like it, then ignore it.  There is no other place with more knowledge base than this site.  Sure most here like to buy low, that's not a bad thing, this is not a retail site.  Splitting the site is rediculous.  These kind of debates seem to always come up when a new guy asks about the value of something he wants to sell.  How about limiting opinions to when someone asks about something they want to buy.  Not opposed to deleting the thread - there is not much of any value other than for anyone else who is thinking about sinking a couple grand into a 83.

Guys, everybody chill out. Don't sweat the small stuff i say. We've all been in his shoes. Overpaid for a machine and felt duped when we found out the value. Not a big deal in the big picture of life. Win some, lose some. It's all part of the hobby. We have Obamacare to worry about!

Peace out!

In my opinion, I belive that the majority of the replies were honest & just because someone didn't like what they heard (or were expecting to hear?) doesn't disqualify the thread. I also see he's luking in on the discussion as an anon guest.

Every machine has a buyer somewere, but Sorry to say, yeah, it's still just a V-83   :tounge:

Well although I was the one who gave the 400 value on the machine, I need to defend myself, as I know for almost a fact that no one here would buy a 83 for anything more than 400, and to say that 400 was a low value is just pumping this guys delusion of retiring off the sale of this machine.

It is what it is.  Yes, someone somewhere might pay 4 figures for that machine, but someone somewhere also bought swamp land in Florida at one time or another.  An 83 does have some plus sides... it's red... it has round corners, and it's Coca Cola.  After that it doesnt have that much going for it.

Like some have said here, any new person that asks for a value of a machine, I'm not going to waste my time with a reply, other than to direct them to the search function.  Once I see that they are in this for a hobby by having more posts or value to the board, and not to see if they scored at an auction to simply flip a machine (and if this was his best score out of 200 machines to pick from, then I think that alone speaks for itself) then I will assist where I can.

What I should have done with my first reply, was tell him what his machine will NOT sell for,  although with all his Ebay listings that have expired, I think he at least knows he can't get for it.

Every post on this thread was helpful except for one..... the first one at the top asking the value of the machine.

Some time you get what you deserve because you think you are smarter than the whole room. I am glad every body is honest with their post . Over the last five years I have been on this site I have learned a lot. It is funny how you can follow an item and figure if some body is fishing, trolling or just plain lying. At this point I am sure I will see this machine again under his buddy's name to save embarrassment.

       Summary of this thread:

lol.... that is the best picture!!!

I'm using that as my avitar on other sites.. maybe even this one lol!!!

 :happydrinkers:

Now that's a great start to a rating system.

I think that NJYTHRD forgot to mention to us that he had the Machine restored by Rick... 
And everyone here should know that Rick can make any machine into a totally different machine.

I don't usually get involved in these discusssions because I believe that any item is worth what someone will pay for it.  I can say I got whatever I want to for an item but people that deal with this know B.S. when they hear it.

Please do not split the site,  I don't post much or show what I bought mainly because I am not really all that good with computers.  I have collected and worked on these old machines and items for 30 years and believe me this is the best web site that I have ever seen.  The knowledge up here is invauable and for everyone that gets a little miffed about an answer from the experts up here and there are  several they should go get an estimate from an appraiser who will charge them. 

I am on this site everyday usually two or three times and would really hate to see it split or changed.  I am just thankful for the site and Jim for having this vision plus patience to keep it up and running.  Other sites are not like this one, SO PLEASE LEAVE IT AS IT IS.


 Thanks to all the very knowledgeable people up here and I will now put my soap box back in the closet as it is also collectable advertising for lye soap and I dont want to get any more dust on it.