Our 1st Vending Machine

 

    Before we truly understood how the vending machine business worked (and creative vending specifically) we purchased an old cigarette vending machine in 2019. We worked on that machine for a month: regreasing and painting and getting the components like-new. It wasn't until we attempted to actually vend out of it that we found of how sensitive the machine really was. Meant for cigarettes originally, this old machine only vends approximate sized boxes. At the time, Cricut cutting machines were not something on the market, so reproducing these boxes was something you either had to pay to outsource or re-use old boxes. We had no problem collecting boxes to repurpose, but later found out that the weight of the products inside of the boxes also mattered: as well as the covering of the cigarette boxes (It prefers cellophane wrapped cigarette boxes- decorated or wrapped boxes don't work as well). We still have the machine and plan on making it work in the fleet eventually, and we learned a whole lot about vending in the process. 

    The reason I write this blog is because I know that a lot of people follow us because they are interested in their own creative vending machines. I would highly recommend Vending Magic, a course by The Venderia. It will help answer questions you may have about buying vending machines, starting your own vending machine business, and other vending basics. BONUS: There is a built in community of creative vending machine operators who meet weekly and discuss what they know that is so helpful when you are first starting out. Of course, if you are in the Central Texas area and interested in a creative vending machine in your bar, coffee shop, or hotel but want it ready to go- send us a message! We can work with you to create a vending machine that your customers love and that works with your vision.