I just thought this was novel... and it is really real, which is maybe weirder but kind of neat I think!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bGh0KOYEQg&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bGh0KOYEQg&NR=1
Flower Vending Machine
- Thread starter fleuray
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Yeah I think its cool ....if it were on mars!!! hahaha SORRY I don't mean to be harsh but its just another thing society has to have where there is no human service anymore. It just doesn't feel right looking at it ( even though its a lovely machine and I am sure does its job well done ) but nah I am not a fan.
Rhonda
Well-Known Member
Actually, Darren is/was a member here and was promoting his machine. To see it in action is kind of cool. Good for hospital etc....
I would be interested to see some stats on sales and scrap. There also is the duty of keeping it clean and stocked. Figure in the cost of the machine alone, I wonder how long before it paid for itself? I wonder if the WS monster has investigated this to some extent? Anyone?
It's a cute machine. There is just no way that thing makes money. Keeping it stocked with fresh flowers, paying the space rent, buying the machine, and whatever, will just never give you an adequate return.
Palms
Well-Known Member
I am with bigted on this one.
Initially i thought hospitals, hopsices etc but it would have to sell out a couple of times a day to make it worth its while and then you would have to pay someone to fill it. I am not sure you would get a return on your investment with rent, wages, maintenance etc...
Very novel though....
Initially i thought hospitals, hopsices etc but it would have to sell out a couple of times a day to make it worth its while and then you would have to pay someone to fill it. I am not sure you would get a return on your investment with rent, wages, maintenance etc...
Very novel though....
Joe Mioux
Well-Known Member
i have the opportunity to get a used one.
it needs a new validator, which will cost $800. my total cost for a 10 door machine will be around $2500.
I know of a shop that has two of these machines and one of them has been very successful. It all depends on the location of the machines. they have them in hospitals. one generates around $1200-$1400 per month. Easy sales!
The key is to buy a used one and one that only takes cash. no CC.
New $13k plus, used? name your price.
joe
it needs a new validator, which will cost $800. my total cost for a 10 door machine will be around $2500.
I know of a shop that has two of these machines and one of them has been very successful. It all depends on the location of the machines. they have them in hospitals. one generates around $1200-$1400 per month. Easy sales!
The key is to buy a used one and one that only takes cash. no CC.
New $13k plus, used? name your price.
joe
Interesting. What kind of an agreement does your friend have with the hospital? Does the hospital sell flowers out of their own cooler also? How often does it need stocked and cleaned? Sales are 1200 but what is the net profit after labor (kill me, but yes I said labor, sorry it does count.)
I liked how it was novel and serves the cash & carry/impulse buy niche so well and how it fits my type of shopping personality. I am definitely the kind of person who uses the "self" checkout at the grocery store.
But I was also curious to see what the operating costs would be on something like this. Especially since flowers for "delivery" are sent over to the shop.
But I was also curious to see what the operating costs would be on something like this. Especially since flowers for "delivery" are sent over to the shop.
Joe Mioux
Well-Known Member
$1200 is his take. hospital takes 20 pct. they reload once or twice a day, which is moot because they go to the hospital that often anyway with other deliveries.
the key is cheap. $10. $15 and $20. nothing more.
they want to basically give me an extra machine. I does need some work.
labor? it's making bouquets and taking them to the hospital. cleaning and maintenance....? You go there everyday to collect the money and give the hospital auxiliary their cut. Cleaning up is insignificant.
When things slow down for me i am going to approach a hospital with this idea.
joe
Please keep us posted Joe. With the right cost control and the right location it just might work
Joe Mioux
Well-Known Member
Please keep us posted Joe. With the right cost control and the right location it just might work
will do.
i spoke with my florist friends that have the machines today. this particular hospital is building a brand new hospital and will vacate the current one. A few months ago, the hospital moved the machine. It's amazing but just moving that machine 15 feet has caused the vending machine sales to drop from $1200-$1400 down to $800 - $1000.
The hospital wanted them to buy a brand new one with CC service etc. but the shop said no. They realize that a new $13k machine will never pay off.
the key is buying used with a validator that only accepts cash.
joe
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