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Hi group, New guy here. Just got done typing up a longish post asking for some insight as to the value of an unrestored Vendo 81D. Finished the post, added some pics, and it was rejected due to size. Starting over now.

Went to look at this machine over the weekend. Looked like it was in very good condition to my untrained eye. It seemed in such good condition that I probably wouldn't even think about restoring (except to repair that which needed repaired). Everything was present and 99% of it worked (did not cool). I offered the folks $2,400....no love, upped my offer...still no love. Asked what their bottom line was, and was told $3,000. I walked away, but stayed in their good graces, telling them that I may be back in touch.

My questions are.....was my offer low? Is $3,000 an unreasonable asking price for an unrestored Vendo 81D, in what I would call very good condition? I should explain that I would not be buying this to flip. I will be the end user and I am only concerned that someday I would be able to be able to get my money back out of it if needed.

couple of pics attached...

Couple of more pics...

       Nice pretty machine but the answer to your question of value lies within the non-working compressor.
Do you feel comfortable throwing another $500 to $1000 into it? This should be a major bargaining chip in your favor.

Yeah, that's why I offered the $2,400 at the onset. I thought that my comfort level would be at $3,000 to $3,200 for a fully operational machine in original condition.

I guess what had me pondering paying their price is the difference between the price of a fully restored machine and one like this. I'll keep looking for now...thanks for the reply.

Agreed to what Moondawg stated.
3k for this original machine IF WORKING would be a great deal..
but make sure you look deeper into what was not working? was the compressor running and just not getting cold, if so then yeah you have some issues , leaks etc..
if it just never turned on when plugged in could be a simple thermostat part, power cable or loose wire?
so find out more of what was "not working" and maybe it's an easy fix.
otherwise a new drop in unit from Global is around $1000 with shipping.

good luck!

First of all that machine is nice, very nice. I would still pursue it.

Most sellers don't care justifying a non working compressor for a lower price. As for as you continuing to look for another, it could be a while before one that nice pops up again and if it does I can guarantee you if it's complete and working it will run you more than $3500 in this same condition.

Vendo 81's that need restoration prices have remained flat for a while now, so have restored ones, however, nice originals have been going up because they are getting very tough to find. Hard to say exactly how nice this one is but from what I can see I like it a lot.

Now, were you planning on using it or just for show? I'm asking because if you wanted to just display it you can always deal with the compressor at a later time.

Long story short, I would grab it even at 3K. 

Not really sure what the cooling issue is. Fan runs, but never heard the compressor kick on. Had it plugged in for about 20 minutes while I was there, could not feel the compressor running and it never got warm to the touch.

There is a guy in Pa. (not too far from me) that gave me price for refurbishing the cooling system. I called him prior to looking at the machine. He was at about $700, if I take it out and deliver it too him.

Thanks for the response. Input is greatly appreciated.

These people just had the machine for show. He basically told me that if he would rather get the cooling system fixed himself and keep it than sell it for less than $3,000.

Not sure if everyone has this problem, but as I look for machines, it seems that everyone is putting a premium price on them. There is a Vendo 90 (early 60's) near me that looks to be in pretty good condition. The guy is asking $1,500. The little bit of reading that I've done here is telling me that he is about 3 times too high, and I doubt he is going to drop his price that much anytime soon. If I'm going to spend a bit to much, my gut is telling me to do it with a more collectible machine.

I'm thinking I'm gonna call the Vendo 81 owners and see if they'll still take $3,000 for it. Soon as I do that something better will come up  :laugh:

Thanks for the evaluation. You guys have been great help.

Stay away from 60s machines. Buying a 60s machine is a purchase. Buying a Vendo 81 is an investment. Big difference. $1500 for a Vendo 90 is about $1500 too much.

Thanks again, this forum is a great resource.

      If that Vendo 90 were priced reasonable, ( like less than $200.00 ),
 you could pull the compressor and swap it with the 81 if you found it to be bad.

There's an idea, but I am pretty much doubting that the guy is going to swallow a $1,350 price reduction. I'd be afraid to even make an offer that much below asking, he's liable to thump me one. Don't think I'll even go to look at it.

The guy with the Vendo 81 has a couple of other items I might be interested in....maybe I can make a package deal.