Vending machine for workplace
Vending machine for workplace
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Discussion

vladcjelli

Original Poster:

3,348 posts

179 months

I work in a building housing a 24/7 operation made up of rolling staff to the tune of about 200 headcount in at various times.

With the best will in the world, the "tuck shop" has failed. Again.

Non/late payment. Sporadic stock levels. The people running it are struggling to make it work.

I want to help, but would find the lack of payments/dishonesty a spirit breaker and I would come to hate my colleagues.

But what if I could get hold of a cheap/used vending machine and run it myself?

How much is a machine that would have rows for snacks and a couple of rows for drinks? Can they be bought? Where from? My initial research keeps bumping up against the firms who want to rent them out to the organisation and I know they won't foot the bill as they've tried it before.

But if I was to restock it and maintain it, I don't think they would mind as it would be providing a valuable service to the staff.

Not too bothered about making a living out of it, just giving the staff a bit of snacky relief during the dark hours of the night.

fooman

982 posts

85 months

There's a whole load on eBay in the £1k to £2k range

K87

4,118 posts

120 months

Restocking of the vending machine is included with the cleaning services contract in my office, nothing mother than cans, crisps, chocolate etc.

Beware that employees will soon learn that if they hold the machine by the corners and rock it that they will get a free vend.

The Gauge

6,036 posts

34 months

K87 said:
Beware that employees will soon learn that if they hold the machine by the corners and rock it that they will get a free vend.
Sssshhh, don’t let the cat out of the bag! biggrin

48k

15,956 posts

169 months

The Gauge said:
K87 said:
Beware that employees will soon learn that if they hold the machine by the corners and rock it that they will get a free vend.
Sssshhh, don t let the cat out of the bag! biggrin
I thought those machines had a tilt alarm.
If not just screw it to the wall with brackets.

vikingaero

12,086 posts

190 months

Getting a serviced and stocked machine will mean that prices will be high.

Doing it yourself brings on the problems of your time and money being tied up. What happens when you find a new job?

With the best will in the world, people get or don't get what they deserve. I struggle to believe that grown adults can't bring in supplies themselves - my backpack is filled with multiple drinks and snacks.

languagetimothy

1,569 posts

183 months

vikingaero said:
With the best will in the world, people get or don't get what they deserve. I struggle to believe that grown adults can't bring in supplies themselves - my backpack is filled with multiple drinks and snacks.
this, definitely. Also, dont give credit, if they dont have the money then they can go without. they should try some responsibility in their lives.


JimmyConwayNW

3,388 posts

146 months

Sounds like passive income.

I'd charge goodwood or theme park prices. That will teach them to be civilized or suffer.