Ice Vending Machine Distribution in Michigan
Investing in Kooler Ice is an easy process, the two main hurdles are location and financing. We are experienced at helping investors accomplish both of these, so let us help you today! If you want more information on the Kooler Ice Machine, or if you want someone from Insta-Ice to contact you today, please contact us.
Small Business Opportunity:
The packaged ice business, although non conventional, is a $2.6 billion dollar industry. The Ice distribution industry is fairly antiquated, and has not really changed since the early 1900's.
For example: the 6 or 8 pound bag of ice purchased at the convenience store has traveled from regional ice plants that mass-produce bags of ice and distributes them to specific territories. This method is subjected to increasing fuel and distribution costs, human error and the potential damage to the end product due to distribution and handling.
An automated ice vending machine solves all these problems and creates quick ROI and great cash flow. The business is "eco friendly" and free from human contamination.
An Easy, Lucrative, and Cash business:
Starting your own business has never been easier. After a simple "set up" of a water line and a power connection, your ice vending kiosk will be operational.
Why so easy:
- The ice vending kiosks are 100% financeable if you have another business and good credit. We use a 3rd party leasing company, and have had great results in the past.
- The cost of the ice vending kiosk, is 100% tax deductable the 1st year, this can lower your overhead by over $12,000 easily.
- Low overhead, no employees, 24/7 opportunity
- MARKETING - Do you have another business, well our ice kiosks can bring an additional 30-70 people a day to your parking lot. Think of the "cross over" and "capture rate" for your existing business, the Ice vending Kiosk is a proven marketing winner."
Steps Toward Investing
Finding a location is the most important step of the investment process. We are experienced at site selection and would be happy to help you with your decision.
The following are some of the locations you may want to consider when determining where you will place your Kooler Ice Machine:
- Convenience Stores
- Storage Facilities
- Gas Sations
- Car Washes
- Strip Malls
- Retail/Grocery Stores
- RV & Camping Areas
- Sports Complexes/Parks
- Parking Lots with Easy Access
- En Route to Beach or Fishing/Marina Locations
- Open Land Along a Well Traveled Road
- A Centralized Location in Less Populated Towns
Other Considerations:
- Easily Accessible so Customers Can Enter/Exit Quickly
- High Vehicle Traffic Flow (10-20,000 Cars Daily)
- High Visibility from the Street
- Near Apartment Buildings or Homes
- Blue Collar or Lower Income Area (Purchase Ice More Often)
The more of these criteria you can get in one location – the better. Locating the machine in an extremely busy location isn't necessarily the best if the customer can not easily and quickly get in and out (and don't forget that people in trucks need ice, too!)
The main factor that affects people's ice purchasing habits is CONVENIENCE – NOT PRICE!
Once you have chosen a location, Securing financing is your next step, which we can also help you with.
Once you have placed your order here are the other steps to follow:
1) Checking into State and Local Requirements Regarding Ice Vending
The requirements for ice sales vary from state to state, but the agency you should make contact with first is the State Department of Agriculture. Generally, this agency may require a food permit or request that you register the machine. You should allow 2-3 weeks for this process.
In addition, many states will also require the owner to send a water sample for testing once every 3 months. You may choose a local water testing facility near you to have the tests done. Your records of the approval of your samples should be kept inside the machine for inspection.
Normally the state agency will require an approved sample be confirmed before you can open the machine for business, so choosing a lab that is convenient to you is wise.
If you are not placing the unit at a "like-related" business that is already in operation, you may need to check with your county or municipality to see what permits they may require, and what codes apply, which might affect how and where you place your machine. Often, the only permit that is required is a business license at a nominal fee.
2) Planning your Drainage Method
Check your local codes FIRST to determine what they will require. In most cases, if there is a sewer drain or drainage ditch, you will be able to run your drainage line to it as an alternative.
In other cases, a French Drain is acceptable because our machines use filtered water and the run off is safe. The drain should be located beneath the machine, unless the machine is placed on a pad. Then, the drain would be located behind or away from the pad.
3) Planning your Supply Line
You will also need to have a 1" supply line (not to exceed 60lbs.of pressure to the machine.) You would normally tap into an existing water line. You may be able to attach to an existing spigot with a Y but not directly to the spigot, please check local codes.
4) Planning Your Electrical Connections
You will need to plan for 220 Volts, Single Phase and a 4 wire hook up: 2 hot, 1 ground, 1 neutral. The KI 510 requires 50amps and the KI 810 requires 100amp service.
Most owners have their electricians bring the wiring to the machine and hard wire directly into the panel. THE MACHINE MUST BE GROUNDED PROPERLY.
If you pour a pad, the electric should be routed to the back edge of the pad. If you are locating the machine where the electric connection has already been established, make sure that the outlet can and handle 220V – 50 or 100 amp single phase.
You will need to have your electrician available for approximately one hour on the day the machine is in stalled to do the final connection. While our technician will be there to help, most states require that the connection be done by an electrician licensed by your state.
5) Preparing Your Site
It is best to level your site or pour a slab to place the machine. While you do not need to "pour a slab" it does offer an aesthetically pleasing way to place the machine on the land.
Other alternatives would be leveling the land, or placing cap blocks (4"x 8" x 16")
If you are within 16 miles from the Coast, or if you are in areas that experience high winds, tornado, or hurricane, or if the threat exists, you may want to incorporate "tie downs" in your site preparation to provide additional stability and security for the machines. Along coastal areas, they will be required.
If you will be placing your machine on land that is not protected by a curb, you may also want to consider placing "pylons" to protect the machine. We strongly encourage our owners to give serious thought and consideration as to how you will make your site pleasing and inviting to your community. We can provide you with the plans/blueprints for all of the machine set up alternatives we have mentioned.
On Installation Day, you will need to have a Plumber and Electrician on site for 1 hour
We, generally, will contact you 2-3 days prior to your delivery date to confirm the delivery time and make sure your site is ready to take delivery. Please be sure to keep us advised of any delays or difficulties you may be having.
Investing in Kooler Ice is an easy process, the two main hurdles are location and financing. We are experienced at helping investors accomplish both of these, so let us help you today!
