Anyone ever invested in the large, stand alone, ice vending machines?
if you're not sure what I'm talking about, here is the link to the most popular type: http://www.icehouseamerica.com/brands/twice-the-ice
The basic concept is that these are more efficient because it makes the ice right there as opposed to having to truck the ice to various gas stations or elsewhere. Also, there are no employees.
through general Internet research, it looks like the bigger machines cost around $100-120k. And i figure that doesnt include the cost of connecting it, leasing the space, etc. That seems a bit high to me.
Have also found a couple other brands (Bag of Ice, Kooler Ice) that run similar ice vending machines. I've heard they are a little cheaper but have not found a stated price for their machines but have attempted to reach out to all.
Lot of pros. The main con I've heard about is the concern of it breaking down. Just needing a couple repairs a month will obviously put it out of commission during that time and paying for the repair would quickly eat away at that weeks profits.
Seems like it is something worth looking into. Wouldn't even try to get it going this year. I imagine you would need to have the thing fully operational by mid-April to fully realize its potential for the best ice selling months.
Anyway, anyone have any thoughts on these? Anyone ever actually purchased and ran one? I'll try to add some info on costs of the machine when the various companies get back to me.
if you're not sure what I'm talking about, here is the link to the most popular type: http://www.icehouseamerica.com/brands/twice-the-ice
The basic concept is that these are more efficient because it makes the ice right there as opposed to having to truck the ice to various gas stations or elsewhere. Also, there are no employees.
through general Internet research, it looks like the bigger machines cost around $100-120k. And i figure that doesnt include the cost of connecting it, leasing the space, etc. That seems a bit high to me.
Have also found a couple other brands (Bag of Ice, Kooler Ice) that run similar ice vending machines. I've heard they are a little cheaper but have not found a stated price for their machines but have attempted to reach out to all.
Lot of pros. The main con I've heard about is the concern of it breaking down. Just needing a couple repairs a month will obviously put it out of commission during that time and paying for the repair would quickly eat away at that weeks profits.
Seems like it is something worth looking into. Wouldn't even try to get it going this year. I imagine you would need to have the thing fully operational by mid-April to fully realize its potential for the best ice selling months.
Anyway, anyone have any thoughts on these? Anyone ever actually purchased and ran one? I'll try to add some info on costs of the machine when the various companies get back to me.
