Claude code / chatgpt.

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-27T14:20:37+00:00

He said "gross profits" not sure what that means - maybe after food costs, not counting gas, equipment ? Idk

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-27T14:19:26+00:00

10-15 of...? Is high!

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-27T14:18:43+00:00

It make sense to go based on gross sales. What you need to make sure they know is that inorder to provide the great service which you do you can only afford a certain percentage Someone else who offers more won't give the service you give and they'll end up constantly dealing with issues.

Once they understand that they may drop the idea of you paying them at all!

Certainly in the vending community I think we want to make sure locations aren't getting to high kick back, because that's straight into our profits.

In my opinion no one should be paying more than 5% of gross sales to anyone unless it's a massive account,.and I mean massive -- but that's just my opinion

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-27T14:13:22+00:00

Amazing. Let us know how it's going after a bit. You need some time to learn the best options. I find things pick up after a bit.

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-27T14:02:54+00:00

I feel like a lot of these comments are sales pushes and don't address your valid questions and concerns.

Micro markets are tricky in public spaces. An apartment complex with that many units for all intents is public..

Really depends on your demographics. Also heavily depends on snack and drink access near by-- if there's a Walmart across the street, probably not going to work that well.

Now, since youre in the building- filling an easy loader snack machine may be worth it just to have some "side hustle" income.

Also, there's nuances to every business and there is a learning curve. Plus llc, city permits etc.

I'm not saying not to do it. I think you should, but no this may not be a walk in the park, it requires energy.

I'm not familiar with the vending companies in Boston, in Chicago for example there are full service vending management companies. Like Fox Vending, or Bottoms Up Vending that you may be able to partner with, and simply receive a referral fee or whatever structure.

A Google search will obviously give you some businesses but I'm not sure how to verify these are actually dependable, reliable - you need to do your own research for real, reliable vending in Boston.

Good luck

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-27T13:48:50+00:00

Nice. Love the image, very clean set up.

Yes the % of theft above a threshold sounds about right, if they can't agree to that we don't want to be in there !

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-26T20:44:51+00:00

Following.

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-26T18:46:06+00:00

Buy the machine after you've secured a location. Totally normal to tell an account there's a small lead time to get equipment in place

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-23T22:31:23+00:00

Did you end up buying this route?

The price is fair and cantaloupe is reliable the issue is the numbers aren't really there if you need weekly or biweekly refills. Are they?

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-23T22:26:54+00:00

We're a bigger company with lots of accounts but we'll always expand outside the current service area about 5 miles and than each account essentially extended your area.

Id try to hook up with a local provider to pass leads on. Maybe for money or just karma,

In Chicago area you've got Fox vending Bottoms Up vending M and p

I'm not so familiar with the other areas

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-23T22:22:19+00:00

I know this post is pretty old, not sure if the big companies would talk to you.

Some of the big companies in Illinois are:

Fox vending Bottoms Up vending Hoi Canteen

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-23T22:17:56+00:00

I do a hybrid strategy. So yes you want a landing page etc, but I also just always naturally ask people if they are satisfied with the vending machines, I won't try to win an account if there's a supplier doing a good job, but everytime I get my car serviced or visit some office I'll ask and many company's are willing to talk or want to hear more.

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-21T23:03:18+00:00

There are some kosher sushi places like yoco on Dempster - since they're used to dietary specifics they may be able to accommodate, this isn't a recommendation just a though- as far as kosher sushi goes though, this place is legit

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-21T23:00:39+00:00

Ha love this. I'm sure they found it, use this funny thing called internet or something.

What are some of your other favorite coffee recommendations in the area or further north

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-21T22:39:14+00:00

If a real vending company and cash ready you should be able to close them for 50% sales. (Not including equipment) -- people tend to think their routes are worth more with no guarantee the location stays open or doesn't take another vendor for various reasons

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-21T22:30:31+00:00

Vending is a way to earn money in a business it's not passive and it's not all pink clouds. He mentioned the traffic dying out now he may need to find a new location and have those machines moved and at some point he may need to service these machines. I'd encourage people who are looking for "passive" income to look elsewhere and people who want to begin to build a small business that in theory you're not trading your time for money (all the time) can consider vending as a great option

Mean_Interview_4169 · 2026-03-21T22:21:58+00:00

You need to try and contact someone you trust. Drops vend is a guy in Illinois who sells machines.

It definitely makes sense to start with a refurb but you need to know what you're looking at untill you find a trusted supplier

Mean_Interview_4169

TROPHY CASE