SMC Discussion Areas

Just even a couple of years ago this machine would have been bought within a couple of hours of listing, I think it's been up close to a week now and still there, to me that is not good moving forward, I hope I'm wrong.

I looked at all the photos, this is a straight solid machine that does not need restoration and colors are excellent. Look at the ID tag. Missing slug rejector, at least in the photo. Door liner is rough but overall very nice at $1900.

BTW, this is not my machine just sharing with the group.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vendo-81-Coke-Machine/123773750227?hash=item1cd17d8bd3:g:DmsAAOSwKzxc2bTF

I've noticed a decline in prices across the board for vending machines in general...
Uncertain what is contributing to this phenomenon...
But you are correct in that the posted V-81 would have been scooped up just a year or so ago!

I hope someone here got it. I was close to pulling the trigger on that one. I always wanted a nice original B. I put in a pitiful make offer bid. Didn’t expect it to fly.

I think the auction just ended, I don't think it sold.

Sadly, :down: I don't think there are many people in their 20's to 40's who see the value in these machines that most of us do.  I know we have several exceptions to my broad statement in the hobby; but in general, I believe that they are just that--exceptions.  Unfortunately, a lot of us are getting up there in years and starting to think about retirement so there are probably starting to be more sellers than buyers.  Slider Bob and I have had this discussion more than a few times. If you are in your 50's or older, you remember when vending machines were in a lot of different places and you probably even used some of the machines that we all collect.  I used to love buying candy out of Stoners when I was a kid or sneaking a $0.45 pack of smokes out of the national 9 pull at the gas station even though the machine had the "No sales to minors" sticker on it.  At least that was my connection and why I got into the hobby several years back.

Hope that changes because I can't see any of the current vending machines being viewed like the classics that we all love.

 :drinking: Tim :drinking:

     Yes it sold, actually they sold it twice.

  https://www.ebay.com/sch/ace77557/m.html?item=123773750227&nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2046732.m1684  (https://www.ebay.com/sch/ace77557/m.html?item=123773750227&nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2046732.m1684)

I remember when the Ford model A and T scene was huge with those cars selling for big bucks.  Now you can pick up a really nice car for not alot of money.  If the classic soda machine market crashed tomorrow, I'd be content to enjoy the machines I have.  I've bought and sold enough stuff to the point where I'm way ahead on the money side of things! :happydrinkers:

As with most collectibles if you're expecting them to be an investment, especially when they have inflated pricing like a lot of these machines, cars, etc., you're buying them for the wrong reason.

I collect because I love the things I buy but most of us that are over 50 appreciate the style and look of these machines. Most younger people don’t even want to visit a museum much less collect anything.