In recent vending machine news, reporter Dave Lieber described his experience with vending machine manufacturer and re-seller, Planet Antares. In 2010, Mr. Lieber attended a conference advertised as a “Free Franchise & Home Business Conference” in Texas. Lieber describes the hour-long Planet Antares sales pitch as “cunning.” When they unveiled the Office Deli vending machine, Lieber snapped a picture of the machine and, as a result, was immediately ejected from the conference and the hotel where he was staying. Six years after the conference, many of the cheaply made Office Deli vending machines are still in the original packaging, unused and unable to be sold by their disappointed owners.
How to Avoid Vending Machine Scams
Unfortunately, scams have long existed. From pyramid and Ponzi schemes to online phishing and identity theft, crooks are diligent in reinventing themselves so as to evade detection and punishment. No matter their guise, with some diligent work on your part, you can avoid the scammers and choose the right vending machine manufacturer. We have a few tips on how to see through a con and avoid a scam:
- Work with a company with an established history. While some businesses can operate wholly online, a vending machine company is not one of them. Even a newer vending machine services company will have a physical location and home base. A company that has been around for years, or even decades, will have an established history of customer service.
- Research the potential company — deeply. While a cursory Google search is a good place to start your research, it should not be the only tool you use. Look for actual news articles on your target company as well as tried and true consumer protection sites such as the Better Business Bureau to get a more accurate picture of the business.
- Avoid companies who behave as if they have something to hide from you. A legitimate company is knowledgeable about and proud of their history. When a company seems like it is trying to hide something, it probably is.
- Avoid overly aggressive salespeople. While successful salespeople are generally known for their customer oriented extroverted nature, those who are truly aggressive and badgering may be peddling an inferior product.
- Visit or call on actual clients of the company. As always, when possible, the best reference is that of a current or former customer.
Working with VendNet USA
VendNet USA is a part of the larger company Wittern Group, which has been in business for over 80 years. We have an established history of customer service and excellence. We provide vending machine services and parts that will keep your machines operating at maximum efficiency. With a fully stocked parts department, we can provide fast, reliable shipping anywhere in the world. Our number one goal is to provide the best possible customer service to all of our customers whether they own one machine or one hundred vending machines. Contact us today to see how we can help you with your vending business.
