You probably observed that the ap113 vending machine is a staple in breakrooms and hallways across the particular country, as well as for good reason. It's among those pieces of equipment that just neglects to quit, even with years of weighty use. If you're just getting directly into the vending business or looking to expand your route with no spending five numbers on a brand-new glass-front, this machine is probably on your radar.
I've spent a lot of period looking at different types, and there's some thing about the Auto Products (AP) legacy that really stands out. They weren't attempting to be flashy or futuristic; they just wanted to develop a machine that will dispensed chips and candy without jamming every five a few minutes. Let's dive straight into what makes this specific model such the workhorse and the reason why it may be the correct fit for your next location.
Precisely why the AP113 Is usually the "Old Reliable" of the Market
When you talk to individuals who have been in the vending video game for twenty or thirty years, these people usually have the soft spot for the 110 series. The ap113 vending machine will be the 35-inch wide version of its siblings, making it the "standard" dimension for most medium-to-large locations. It's not too big that you can't get this through a regular doorway, but it's large enough to hold a serious amount of inventory.
The build quality upon these things is honestly impressive. We're talking about heavy duty steel and a design that prioritizes function over form. In an era where everything seems like it's made associated with cheap plastic, walking as much as an AP113 feels different. It has an excess weight to it. The particular trays are durable, the coils are reliable, and the glass is solid. It's built to take a bit of a conquering from disgruntled snack-seekers who didn't get their Snickers around the first try (though, thankfully, jams are usually pretty rare with these).
Let's Talk About the particular Guts: Tech plus Upgrades
A single of the very first things you'll hear when looking at a good older ap113 vending machine is definitely whether or not really it's "MDB compatible. " If you're a new comer to this, MDB represents Multi-Drop Coach. It's basically the particular language the machine's computer speaks to the coin mech and bill validator.
The advantage of the AP113 is the fact that even if this started its life as an older "micromech" machine, you can almost always upgrade it. Why will this matter? Because if you need to create real money nowadays, you have to take credit cards. Many people aren't walking around with a pocket full associated with quarters anymore. By installing a simple MDB conversion kit and a cards reader like the Nayax or Cantaloupe, you are able to turn the 20-year-old machine in to a modern profit center.
I've seen lots of folks pick up a good used AP113 for a few hundred bucks, spend another couple hundred on an upgrade kit, and have got a machine that performs just as well as a $5, 000 modern unit. It's the ultimate "starter" move for someone who desires to keep their overhead reduced while they find out the ropes.
Setting Up Your Trays and Spirals
Loading a good ap113 vending machine is fairly straightforward, but there's an art to it. Usually, these machines come with five or six racks. The top trays are typically for "snacks" (chips, pretzels, big items) and also have wider spirals. The low plastic trays are for "candies" (chocolate bars, crackers, gum) and also have narrower spirals.
One particular thing I enjoy concerning this model is usually how adjustable the trays are. You can move them up or down to accommodate taller items. If you want to sell those big "grab size" bags of chips, you may just adjust the particular spacing so they will don't get stuck against the holder above.
Pro suggestion: Don't just throw points in there and hope for the best. You want to guarantee the "tail" of the spiral will be pointing down. If it's pointing upward or sideways, you're asking for the "hang-up, " in which the snack just dangles there, mocking the customer. Nobody wants in order to be that individual shaking the machine at 3: 00 PM on a Tuesday.
Maintenance Isn't as Scary since It Sounds
I think the lot of individuals are intimidated by the concept of repairing a vending machine. They view the cables and the motors and think they require an engineering level. With the ap113 vending machine , it's actually pretty user-friendly.
Most of the parts are "plug plus play. " In case a motor goes out—which eventually happens right after thousands of rotations—you just pop this out and glide a brand new one within. You don't usually require a soldering metal or anything insane. Plus, because presently there are so several of these machines away there, finding alternative parts is extremely easy. You will find almost everything from replacement spirals to brand-new logic boards on eBay or at any vending supply factory.
The almost all common issue you'll run into isn't even the machine alone; it's usually the coin mech or even the bill validator getting dirty. A quick wipe-down or a blast of pressurized air usually does the trick. Compared to modern machines with complex touchscreens and specialized software program, the AP113 is definitely a dream in order to maintain.
The Financial Side of the Equation
Let's come on with regard to a second—why could you buy an older ap113 vending machine instead of something completely new? It really comes straight down to the Return on Investment (ROI).
If you buy a brand-new machine for $6, 000, you have to sell a lot of hand bags of Cheetos before you decide to even break also. If you discover a strong, refurbished AP113 intended for $1, 200, you're in the green much faster. Intended for a small business owner or somebody starting an aspect hustle, that's the difference between the successful venture along with a stressful one.
Also, these machines hold their worth surprisingly well. Given that they're known regarding being reliable, there's always a market for them. If you decide to get out of the business within a couple of years, you can likely sell your AP113 for close in order to everything you paid for it, assuming a person kept it in good shape.
Where Does This Machine Fit Greatest?
The ap113 vending machine is an excellent "middle-of-the-road" choice. It's perfect for: * Office Breakrooms: It's calm enough it won't distract people, yet large enough to offer a good variety. * Schools: It may handle the amount of a busy lunch hour without breaking the sweat. * Manufacturing Plant life: The tough exterior can handle a slightly "grittier" environment than a high-end designer machine. * Hotels/Motels: It's a traditional look that visitors are comfortable making use of.
The only place I wouldn't put it is a super-high-end "boutique" lobby where they desire everything to look like it came out of a sci-fi film. But for 90% of locations? It's an ideal fit.
A couple of Things to Watch Out For
While I'm obviously a lover, I ought to mention the few items to keep an eye upon when you're buying for an used ap113 vending machine . First, check the particular "delivery bin" doorway. Over time, the plastic or hinges can get worn lower, making it hard in order to open. It's an easy fix, but it's a good bargaining chip when you're buying through a private vendor.
Second, check the wiring control. If the machine was stored within a damp garage area for five many years, look for any signs of corrosion. Quite often, these machines are kept inside, so it's not a huge problem, but it's worthy of a five-minute examination.
Lastly, create sure the lighting works. It sounds silly, but the vending machine along with a dead neon bulb looks "closed" or broken to customers. Replacing the old bulb with the modern LED strip is a cheap upgrade that makes the snacks appear way more appetizing.
Final Thoughts on the AP113
From the end associated with the day, the ap113 vending machine is like that old pick up truck that simply keeps running. It's not the quickest, it's not the particular prettiest, but it's going to show up and do the job everyday.
If you prefer a machine that is easy to understand, simple to repair, and it has a tested track record of making money, you really can't get it wrong right here. It's a classic intended for a reason. Whether or not you're looking to place your pretty first machine or you're adding number twenty to your route, the AP113 is definitely a solid, reliable choice that won't let you down. Just keep this clean, maintain it stored with the good stuff, and it'll most likely outlast most associated with the gadgets in your house.