Bulk Vending and the Current Recession
According to all the politicians and talking heads, the economy is steaming along just fine. Green shoots everywhere! Well, the rarified air they’re breathing must be very thin indeed, making them a little lightheaded, because I’m here to tell you that the view from Main Street is a little different. I’m just a small time vender, but this recession is hitting me hard. Granted I’m in Las Vegas where the economy has been hit particularly hard, but I imagine this scene is playing out across the country. Businesses are closing up at an alarming rate; I’ve already lost several machines due to businesses closing. The businesses fold up shop and take my vending machines with them. I have my business card taped to the back, but no one bothers to call. I guess they’re so caught up in their own losses that they lose sight of the fact that they’re costing me money. They steal (or trash) my machines, money and all. Hey, I’m a small business owner trying to make a living too! I get that they’re probably all wrapped up in their own misery, but each time this happens it costs me about $200.
So far I haven’t had an increase in theft or broken machines, but I do wonder if the economy does continue to get worse, will this potentially be a problem. I have however experienced a drop in income from a lot of my locations, people just aren’t going out as much as they used to. I don’t think most people would hesitate to drop a quarter in a vending machine, but if less people are actually coming into contact with my machines, then obviously my income will drop. A few of my locations have also laid off a lot of employees which has also reduced my income.
I’m trying to expand my vending business by using a locator, but it’s a tough market for an expansion. Competition is stiff and good locations are few and far between. I’m in vending for the long haul, but it looks like I’m in for a tough long haul.
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