I want to preface this by saying that I have read up on “that vending machine” from some time ago.
In spite of knowing all about that, I would like to propose that VHS get a vending machine! Here’s why this can be different this time:
- I already have the vending machine
- I will not be running the machine for profit.
- I will lease the vending machine to the space for $1 for as long as the space wants it/deems it useful.
- I will form a VHS committee to run the vending machine, and participate on said committee. I will encourage and teach others to run it in my absence.
here are some pictures of the vending machine:
https://imgur.com/a/ToQsMj3
it currently is configured to accept loonies, toonies, and quarters. it could have a bill-acceptor or other mechanism added, but those are spendy, so I never bought one. it cost me $300 just to convert this from USD to CAD, way back when I first brought it home.
The downsides to this arrangement are: My vending machine is not a little spirally dispenser thing. it is a 7’ tall 4’ wide behemoth, with a refrigerated interior, and a vending system designed for cylinders.
The upsides are: I/we can retrofit the vending columns to dispense almost anything we can fit into a cylindrical container of between 2-3" diameter and up to 12" long. (containers TBD.) All monies earned can go directly to VHS’ funds, and there can be multiple parties trusted to maintain it, so there’s no weak-link issues with absenteeism which i believe to have been largely responsible for the decline in utility of the last vending machine.
Since this vending machine is, to me, a sunk cost, I’m not looking to have it earn its keep. I am no longer able to store the machine where it currently is, and I need to put it somewhere else. If VHS agrees that I can put it in the space, that’s what I get out of the deal, and the rest is gravy. I only want it to be “leased” so that I can claim it back if the space ever needs it gone for any reason. (or hopefully never, the space itself is ever gone…)
I have discussed this crazy idea with both @winegummo and @rob_mackenzie in the past, and they both suggested that I bring this idea forward for the wider membership to evaluate.
also, I wasn’t sure where to start this topic, so if it should be moved, mods please feel free to do the needful.