I still need a location for my soda machine

The vending machine moves went well. We got all three machines moved. The two that we switched out were working great as of Thursday and Friday. My poor kids were exhausted after the moves. We went to all three locations twice. I had to go and unload the machines, and then reload the machines that were switched. Then we had to go and clean up the floor under the machine at the location that we lost. I am glad it is all done.

I decided to go on with plan B and C for finding a location. Today I visited one apartment complex that didn't have a machine, but they did not want one. I visited a second complex that has two machines. The first one I saw was not functioning. I was excited, but as we went to the office, we saw the second machine. It was running. I didn't see if it was actually working. We went in and talked to the really nice person that was working there. She gave me the names of three other apartments to try. I offered her the same finders fee that I offered my other locations' personnel. Maybe one of them will pan out.

I found a list of all of the apartment complexes in our zip code. Tomorrow the kids and I will try to visit as many of them as possible. I decided that I would take the kids with me. They might discourage some of the potential locations, but they are part of this business. Plus, they are cute and memorable. Then if the people ask, I can tell them that we are doing this to send the kids through school. That lets them know that we are in this business for the long term and that it is important to us.

I thought of another option if plans A-D do not yield a location for my orphaned machine. Plan E is to pay a locator service to help me place my soda machine. I do not want to go that way if I can avoid it. I need very specific locations that will let me take the kids with me. Many of the locations that I was given last time I used a service where small business run by men. Small business usually do not want noisy kids disturbing their employees and customers. The kids are usually good, but they can be noisy just because there are four of them.

I have also checked Craigslist. I found a person selling several machines on location. I will have to call him and get a little more information. The price is right, but I don't know if the locations are right for us.

Tomorrow is moving day.

The soda machines are going to be moved tomorrow. I decided that since I was moving one machine, that I might as well move two other machines. Tomorrow is the big day.

I am switching two machines. My army recruiting station machine is selling much less than in the past. I have not determined the cause. I have a great multi-priced bottle machine there. I decided that my storage location would benefit from having bottles of water and Gatorade instead of just cans of soda. So, we are switching the two machines. I am a little nervous about the switch. I only have to one bottle machine, so I will have to purchase bottles separately for it. When I move the machine, I will not know how often I have to go and fill it up. I anticipate that Gatorade, Propel, and water will sell well over the summer. The problem is that the new water bottles tend to get jammed in the machine. The eco-friendly design is not machine friendly. The package says that it will vend, but I have been having trouble with them vending properly. I guess I will just check the machine every week for a while until I get a feel for how many drinks are selling. It is like placing a machine at a whole different location.

The switch should mean that I have to go to the recruiting station much less. Cans do not expire as quickly as bottles. I was having an issue with condensation. This machine should be much better.

I have lost one of the apartment locations. I am going to give the manager a thank you note and I am thinking of going and getting some cookies or other goodies. I am still hoping that someone in the office will turn me on to a new location. If I don't hear anything in another week or so, it is onto plans B, C and D.