Starting a Vending Machine Business: to Lease or Buy?

Owning a vending machine can be incredibly profitable depending on the types of products in the machine, where it is located and a number of other factors. Once you have made up your mind about starting a vending machine business, the next step is determining whether you want to buy one outright or lease it. Each of these options has its pros and cons. Below we are going to look at both options so you can determine which would be better for your new business.

Cost and Payments

A major consideration when deciding between buying or leasing a vending machine is the upfront and ongoing costs of owning the machine. When you decide to buy a vending machine outright, you will incur a large upfront cost of purchasing the vending machine. This does not apply to leasing one. Many companies will not ask for an upfront payment and so this is not something you have to think about.

However, you need to think about the ongoing costs of owning the vending machine. With a purchase, you do not have to think about the monthly payments or installments. When you lease one, you have to factor in the monthly payments or installments and these can eat into your profits.

Ownership

It is obvious that when you complete the payment for a new vending machine, you get full ownership as soon as all papers are signed and payments received. However, you might not be the outright owner of a leased vending machine until you have finished paying for it. The good news is that many vending machine merchants consider your monthly payments as installments towards paying for the vending machine. They will allow you to get into an agreement where you pay a monthly installment and then have full ownership of the machine once your agreement ends. These types of contracts usually last 3-5 years.

Repairs

When you purchase a vending machine, you are responsible for the repairs. You have to coordinate regular inspections and pay for any repairs that are required. With a leased vending machine, vendors will usually coordinate the service for you until you have completed your payments and the machine belongs to you. This is also true for vending machine rentals where you get a fully serviced machine for your business. This can remove the stress that comes with thinking about inspections and repairs as well as paying for them.

Product Selection

If you want full control of the types of products you can add to the vending machine, buying one is your best option. The company no longer has any say about the types of products you can add as well as the prices you can charge for these products. This puts you in a better position to serve customers best. Also, it allows you to switch up the products should you find some products are not doing as well as you hoped.

Because there is so much competition in the vending machine space, your pricing is very important. Having the ability to compete on prices instead of thinking about the profit margins after you pay for a leased or hired vending machine is a great option to have. If there is little competition, you can always charge higher prices so that you have higher profit margins.

Owning a vending machine is a great option for those who want to make some extra money. Buying one requires a huge up-front investment, although it gives you more flexibility. Leasing one with the option of owning it in the future is a great option for those who do not have the upfront cash to invest.

How to Tell if an E-commerce Store is Legit

There are millions of e-commerce stores out there, and around the same number of fake stores. Unfortunately, creating a website and acting as a front for a fake store is too easy for cybercriminals. Therefore, we need to teach ourselves how to spot the fakers from the legit e-commerce fronts. Luckily, there are several checks we can carry out to ensure that you put your money in the right place and get the product you’ve ordered.

Search for the Website

If you suspect a site is fake but you’re having trouble making a final decision, you should simply Google search the webpage. If you’re searching for a legit e-commerce site, you will be met with Trustpilot reviews, official Google business pages, and active social media channels. If you’re met with negative reviews, you should see this as a red flag.

Sometimes, you will find helpful information from the supplier of a product you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for Kratom supplements, you can find kratom near you by clicking the link. For relatively new products, like Kratom, you should find out as much information as you can about where it is legal. If you’re sat in a country where supply is illegal, the chances are the site you’re looking at is fake.

Look for the Security Tag

The majority of legitimate stores will have a security tag that tells you they’ve been verified. If you’re unsure of what to look for, head to the address bar and look for the padlock symbol at the start of the address. Most fake e-commerce sites don’t bother with security verification.

Find the Connection Type

The connection type refers to the prefix of the address you’re trying to analyze. When you’re on a legitimate e-commerce website, you will find an “HTTPS” prefix. However, if you’re browsing a fake site, you may find that they’re using an “HTTP” connection, which isn’t as secure. The most important page on an e-commerce site to check for this on is the payment page, which has to keep your money safe.

Bombarded by Ads

Ads are a part of normal webpage management. However, when you’re met with an abundance of ads and those that play sound automatically, you should be vigilant. In particular, you should be wary of ads that take you to different websites, those that require you to complete an action before continuing, and those that are adult in nature. For best practice, just try an alternative site if you’re unsure.

Look for the Contact Page

Legitimate e-commerce websites will have some form of contact page, so you can get in touch if something goes wrong. However, if the site you’re browsing is fake, they will not want you to get in touch. So, if you’re unsure of the legitimateness of a site you’re using, be sure to search for a contact page.

Staying safe on the internet is important, especially when you’re spending your money without seeing a product. Knowing how to spot fake pages will help you ensure that you’re browning the real deal.

Five Reasons Why You Can Trust My Treasure Box

Do you need a new watch box? Or, are you looking for one as a gift?

If yes, you are fortunate to have landed this source. Right here, you will find out one of the leading online stores of watch boxes in Australia.

My Treasure Box is a well-known distributor of watch boxes, and jewelry boxes as well in the country. The store has been around for years providing high-quality products and top-notch customer service.

Now, you are probably wondering why choose this store when there are several options out there?

Find out below.

1. Has a Wide Collection of Watch Boxes

One thing you can rely on My Treasure Box is their wide collection of watch boxes. They’ve got a lot to offer that you won’t run out of options. For instance, they have watch boxes in a variety of sizes, designs, colors, and materials. The options they have are limitless!

And, if you need a separate jewelry box, they also have several of them. But if you are the minimalist type, My Treasure Box has unique watch boxes with a built-in compartment for other jewelry.

2. Stunning and Durable Watch Boxes

The store’s collection of watch boxes are incredibly beautiful and elegant looking. You can use it both as a functional piece and decor in your room. Moreover, it looks gorgeous enough to offer as a gift to a person.

Aside from its classy appearance, these items are guaranteed durable. All of it came from premium wood and polished to assure it’ll survive dust and moist. These items can last for many years, proving it is indeed a good investment.

3. Excellent Customer Services

My Treasure Box is both recognized for its amazing products and excellent services. The store has a customer support system wherein buyers can always depend on when they need assistance. So, if you have questions about their products and services, visit their official website, use their chat support, or directly call them.

4. Free Shipping and Easy Returns

The My Treasure Box offers free shipping and easy returns to buyers. Right here, you won’t have to spend more money to get your purchase. The store will send it to you on time and with no fees added.

And, if you happen to receive a damaged item, you can return it hassle-free. Also, if you changed your mind and decided to cancel the order, or pick another product, no worries! The store will gladly accommodate your decision.

5. Offers the Best Prices

At My Treasure Box, you can get their items at a reasonable price. Moreover, they have sales and promos, so you get the opportunity to buy a watch box at the least price.

Check out their website to see the latest products and prices.

Is it worth dealing with My Treasure Box?

This store is one of the best distributors and manufacturers of watch boxes in Australia. You can guarantee that spending money on this store is worth it.

If you are still hesitant, feel free to ask the store through their chat support or call them.

Fun Games to Play at a Pub

After a long week at work, getting together with some good friends for some cold beers is the perfect way to unwind and welcome in the weekend. Whether you have a tried and true watering hole you prefer to frequent with your buds, or you all enjoy the adventure of trying out new places every so often, there is a surefire way to keep the fun going no matter what bar or pub you hit up, and that lies in the hands of pub and bar games. Get creative the next time you go out with these game ideas.

Card Games

If you want to keep things intimate and keep the fun confined to your table of friends, one of the best ways to do that is through cards. A fun game of cards is good for keeping the conversation going and can move as quickly or as slowly as you like, so that you can control the mood of the night.

Go for the Classics

In just about any bar you frequent, no matter the style or the theme of the place, you are almost guaranteed to have access to a pool table. Pool is one of the best games to play while having a drink with your friends as it allows for plenty of room for conversation and, with its slow play style, it lets you really take things slow and relax while also enjoying a little friendly competition. A game of skill, pool can be a good way to keep spirits high and the cheers rolling all night long.

Darts

Just as classic as a game of pool, a dart board is pretty much a common fixture in just about any bar you might wander into. Darts are more fast paced than pool and can really awaken the competitive spirit in you. Darts is a game that can go on for as long or as short a time period as you like and will only get more interesting the more you drink. If you have a really good dart board you can play popular games like 301, 501, 701 and other similar variations.

Drinking Games

Sure, you could sit at home and play some cards or your favorite verbal drinking games, but that loses its shine. Shake up your usual festivities by taking those games to your favorite pub and play them among the high-energy atmosphere that the bar creates. You can turn whatever card games you like to play into a drinking game, or you can go for one of the classics and play any other way. If you’re the friendly-when-you-drink type, you may even be able to make a few new friends by inviting them over to join you for your favorite game of Quarters, Penny Drop and more.

Having a few drinks at the bar is not only a nice way to unwind after a tough day, but it is a good way to connect with friends and enjoy one another’s company. By incorporating games into your nights out, you can make them even more amusing and memorable.

6 Tips for a Successful Breakfast in Bed

Breakfast in bed is one of the best ways to surprise your partner. There is no better feeling than the one you get upon seeing a well-prepared breakfast seconds after waking up, and then sharing the breakfast with a special person. It is also a surprise you can prepare without going to a lot of trouble.

If you are thinking about preparing breakfast in bed for your partner, planning ahead is a must. There are a few things you need to prepare for the surprise to work. These six tips and tricks are what you need to successfully pull off a romantic breakfast in bed.

1. Get Breakfast Trays

You want to make sure you have breakfast trays big enough for the breakfast you want to serve. Ideally, you want nicely designed wooden serving trays, 20 x 15 inches or 20 x 20 inches in size, to fit everything perfectly.

Go for walnut serving trays for that extra warmth and gorgeous texture. Wooden serving trays are also easier to store and maintain, making them great investments as a whole.

2. Shop the Day (or Night) Before

Pick a breakfast menu for the surprise and prepare everything beforehand. You want to make sure that the ingredients you need are all available and that personal touches – such as flowers and handwritten notes – are ready to go.

3. Keep It a Surprise

Yes, the surprise element is important. Try not to spill the beans as you shop for ingredients. More importantly, don’t use your alarm to wake up earlier in the morning; that alarm will most likely wake your partner up too.

4. Watch the Portions

Eating in bed is a challenge, which is why we use wooden serving trays in the first place. Aside from choosing trays that are big enough for the breakfast menu, you also want to make sure that you leave some room on the plate and cups.

Filling the coffee cup to the brim will only make carrying the tray difficult. You may end up with a messy tray even before you surprise your partner, which isn’t what you want.

5. Watch the Menu

Speaking of avoiding unnecessary mess, you also want to choose the breakfast menu carefully. Some food items are easier to eat in bed because they can be consumed with one hand and don’t leave crumbs and other messy things behind. Think about the eating process as you prepare for the surprise.

6. Add Sweet Touches

There are a lot of ways to make breakfast in bed more special. Adding flowers to the tray and closing the breakfast with some sweet treats are two things you can try.

You can also add some reading materials – like the morning newspaper – or simply prepare some intimate things to talk about during your romantic breakfast. These sweet touches help elevate the surprise to a whole new level.

One last thing to keep in mind: don’t forget to clean up after. Taking the breakfast trays back to the kitchen and allowing your partner to simply enjoy the moment are parts of the surprise. With these tips in mind, your breakfast in bed will be as successful as you imagined.

How to Plan a Stylish Party

Kiddie parties are always fun but can you say the same thing about organizing them? Many people think that organizing parties for kids can be overwhelming, time-consuming and very exhausting. This can be correct depending on how you proceed with your party planning. In most instances, the process can be a lot simpler than usual if you know the key elements of a successful kids’ party.

You can begin by determining the kind of party you plan to have. Are you thinking of a simple party or a big celebration? What is the occasion and what do you think will make it very memorable for the celebrant? Will you prefer to hold it at home or at a larger venue? These are some of the considerations you have to keep in mind to minimize the hassles of party planning.

If your child is celebrating his birthday soon, a sure way to please him is to center the party’s theme to his favorite cartoon or superhero. Boys will love that idea and they’ll be more excited to invite their friends over if you stick with that plan. For girls, your best bet is to have a princess-themed party or even a teddy bear party.

Once you’re settled about the party’s theme and its scale, it’s time to start looking at the details. First on the list is the cake. You can make one or have one made by custom cake decorators. Many bakers have online stores nowadays and you can easily find nearby sources when you browse the web.

Next is the food. Children are picky eaters, so you’ll best go for food items that are a sure hit among kids. Mini sandwiches, hotdogs, burgers, and other favorite kids’ finger foods served on trays will be mostly appreciated. When buying trays, get a wood one so even if an accident happens and the tray falls, there wouldn’t be too much of a mess.

Decorations for the place are also important because it greatly contributes to the participants’ mood. If it’s a superhero party, then you may want to display posters of various characters like Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, and others on the wall. Action figures and comic books may be other options. You can even play animated shows or live action movies of these spandex-clad champions just for the fun of it.

Next, what games do you plan to play? Will you be leading these activities or do you know someone else who can do it better? What prizes will you give to the winners? How much time will you allocate for the game? These are questions that could get you started towards the right direction.

Giving out party favors at the end of the event may likewise be an option if your budget allows it. Generally, they should have the same theme but you can also get something neutral if you’re hard-pressed with time.

To sum it up, you don’t have to be an expert to be a good kids’ party planner. Aside from the resources on the web, you can also ask friends and co-workers for some suggestions. Those who have experienced organizing a kids’ party in the past will be ready to share precious insights for your benefit. Making the event memorable doesn’t even have to be too expensive if you know the right buttons to push.

The Top 5 Trampolines for Your Family in 2019

Trampolines are known pinnacles of fun when it comes to having a great time with family. They are perfect during the warm months and provide endless entertainment during family functions. Trampolines are also perfect for kids to stay occupied while burning energy and beneficial for strengthening motor skills. Among this, they can help foster the development of other skills both physical and mental. This includes social skills, improved posture, self-esteem and learning.

That’s why choosing a great trampoline is essential as you want to ensure your family’s safely while they have fun. You also want to be sure your child is getting the most out of their playtime in every way possible. This list of best trampolines for 2019 will help you decide which is best for keeping your family safe while providing your little one the time of their life.

1. Zupapa Trampoline

The Zupapa is a very good pick on our list because of it’s unique safety standard. This trampoline comes equipped with a net enclosure helping to protect and prevent harmful accidents. The legs are very sturdy and rust resistant while the mat is anti UV. The max weight capacity is 375 pounds allowing for large groups to play. To top it off, the Zupapa is a breeze to assemble and comes with a free pair of gloves ensuring a safe assembly.

2. Skywalker Rectangle Trampoline

If you’re searching for more bounce for your buck, the Skywalker Rectangle has got you covered. A trampoline that provides steady rebound is important and the Skywalker is designed to give just that. Due to its rectangular shape you can experience more stability, balance and security. The Skywalker also comes with a net barrier which is held by tall steel frame posts, adding even more security from harmful impacts.

3. JumpSport Elite PowerBounce

The JumpSport elite merges two activities into one as you can attach the Proflex Basketball set to the JumpSport enclosure net. With a cold-rolled designed steel frame the JumpSport is created with a specialized locking system that prevents twisting and bending. This trampoline also features specialized spring technology as they work together to create a high-powered and fluid rebounds.

4. Little Tikes Trampoline

We all know toddlers are chock full of energy and sometimes use it to jump and play on things they shouldn’t. The Little Tikes trampoline is perfect as it’s only three feet high and is equipped with a padded bar for safety and balance. It also features non-slip rubber feet covers to hold the trampoline in place as your little one plays.

5. Giantex Combo Bounce Jump

Go big or go home with the Giantex Combo Bounce trampoline. The larger than life Giantex was designed with u-shaped legs for ultimate stability and can withstand up to 350 pounds. A strong safety net that zips and a rust resistant frame ensures durability and guarantees safe, long- term use. This massive and powerful recreation also features a silent rebound for action packed yet quiet play.

These amazing trampolines will promote health and safety for you child while keeping them occupied and all smiles!

Drupal Based Based Hosting for VPS Servers

Often new Drupal users think that their Drupal system is their actual operating system, unfortunately, this couldn’t be furthur from the truth. In today’s post we’re going to look at Drupal and see how it differs from other CMS.

What is a CMS?

A CMS or content management system is the platform in which you can add content, publish new content and conenct withy our readers. There are many different systems and some of them offer very specific uses that other websites or CMS can’t really offer. Take WordPress for example a large portion of the websites on the web are using WordPress for their ecommerce store.

Types of CMS

HTML – Old School web development always uses HTML. Most of the older web is based on HTML and it still works fairly well.
Javascript – Anything fancy usually involves javascript. This is the like flash player of the Internet and offers multifunctional design and UX. It’s much slower though.
WordPress – This is the go-to system for most people and bloggers. It’s easy to use, reliable and has a huge development community.
Joomla – This is another great way to connect with people who are trying to make a blog and add content onto it.
Drupal – This is what we’re discussing today.

The actual webhosting that you use doesn’t really affect the kind of CMS you’re utilizing. The reality of the matter is that you’ll need to use a quality web host and deciding on which one works for you is extremely important.

Let’s look at some of the kinds of webhosting you can use for your Drupal website.

Drupal Supported Web Hosting

VPS – VPS hosting is the same as any other CMS. Drupal based servers are both easy to configure and also extremely reliable and they use much less resources then others.
Shared Hosting – This is the process of sharing your web resources with a host of other websites to provide the best quality access around.
Dedicated – Dedicated hosting providers hosting that is 100% yours and won’t be shared with anyone else.

These are just a few of the different kinds of web hosting that can support Drupal. For most web hosts you can simply configure cPanel to install Drupal instead of whatever the default CMS is.

Principles of Configuration Management

At this point, there is perhaps no better introduction to Drupal 8’s new configuration system than Alex Pott’s two-part article, “Principles of Configuration Management”:

http://chapterthree.com//blog/principles-configuration-management-part-one
http://chapterthree.com//blog/principles-configuration-management-part-two

If you want to learn more about CMI, this is the place to start.

Introducing the Drupal 8 Configuration System

If you are looking for video/persentation about the basic principles of the new Drupal 8 configuration system, check out Matthew Tift’s talk from DrupalCon Austin, “Introducing the Drupal 8 Configuration System”:

https://austin2014.drupal.org/session/introducing-drupal-8-configuration…

Configuration translation basics

Here is another great post by Gábor Hojtsy, this time about configuration translation basics. He does a great job explaining why the Drupal 8 configuration system is so helpful for multilingual sites. Check it out!

http://hojtsy.hu/blog/2014-may-19/drupal-8-multilingual-tidbits-15-configuration-translation-basics

Drupal8CMi

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