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INVEST GUIDE
A PERFECT BLEN PRODUCTION, AND PERFO
Kooler Ice, Inc. –
Our Business Vision
Thank you for your interest in Kooler Ice!
This guide is meant to be a resource to enhance your understanding of the Ice Vending Business and point out some things you may want to consider when making your purchase decisions
Our Corporate Vision
Kooler Ice will achieve our mission by selling our machines directly to independent owners, who selectively choose the locations where our machines are placed using proven guidelines provided by Kooler Ice and by focusing on accommodating and capturing the largest share of potential consumers by offering a high quality, competitive product with customer service and satisfaction being a primary driver for the success of our business.
Our Business Principles
We will conduct our business in a professional manner, striving to ensure that the quality of our product is consistent and that our machines are reliable and user-friendly.
We will treat our customers as we expect to be treated, valuing the customer and the satisfaction of our customers as a top priority. We will offer an outstanding product at a fair and competitive price to attract and sustain a loyal customer base. We will continue to look for opportunities to expand and offer our products into surrounding areas that can support and benefit from our product, increasing our market share and enhancing our brand identity to increase the value and resale value of our machines for our owners
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to bring the consumer a new and innovative means of purchasing the highest quality ice product available at a competitive price in a uniquely convenient way, which protects the environment and improves upon the current delivery and purchasing options available today. In turn, machine investors can offer the best tasting ice (and water) at the best price, with the most convenience, in the safest manner possible.
WHY ICE VENDING?
Packaged Ice is over a $4 billion dollar per year industry in the United States. Nearly every convenience store and grocery store sells packaged ice, along with liquor stores, pharmacies, marinas & and bait shops, meat markets, etc.
Ice is a high-demand commodity...
Historically, it has been dominated by ice delivery companies, which have an ice plant, delivery trucks, and employees These companies deliver the ice to the stores, and the stores resell the ice at a profit The ice delivery method is capital intensive, and pricing is volatile, being directly associated with the rising costs of fuel and labor
You are not paying for someone else's ice plant. With Ice Vending, there is no direct link causing pricing to rise due to fuel or labor costs Overhead is much lower, so the ice can be sold at a lower price. The ice is made on-site and is fresher. Food safety is better because no one is in the middle handling the bagged ice. Plus, the machine is outside, curbside, and more convenient to access without waiting in line.
Beat the Competition with Kooler Ice
Kooler Ice is a big part of a major disruption to the Ice industry that is still in its early stages. With Kooler Ice, you beat the competition on Price, Product Quality, Product Safety, and Convenient 24/7 Curbside Access.
It’s a Long Term Investment
Wh l d f ll f l h K l I h p their investment in 2-5 maker
Kooler Ice was Established in 2007
In a short time – it has aggressively and successfully established itself as the leading manufacturer of ice and water vending machines in the world Kooler Ice offers the largest product line in the Ice and Water Vending Industry To date, we have sold more than 2000 ice and water vending machines in the U S , Canada, Australia, Bahamas, and France
BENEFITS FOR CONSUMERS
It‘s Convenient
Like pay-at-the-pump at fuel stations, Kooler Ice machines are open 24/7 and easily accessible without having to go inside or wait in line.
Curbside With No Lines
Customers enjoy the convenience of not having to go inside and wait in line for just Ice or Water.
Better Ice Quality
Because the Kooler Ice machine dispenses ice “ on demand,” your ice will not sit in bags and freeze into chunks, making it difficult to remove from the bin and use - so the quality is better. In addition, the ice is delivered as a 7/8” cube of ice (not as cracked ice), so it lasts longer and is easier to position The machines are equipped with proper filtration for the area to ensure the water and ice are of outstanding quality
Better Price
The cost of delivered ice keeps going up for traditional ice retailers. Labor and fuel costs make it difficult for stores to sell ice for a competitive price. With Kooler Ice, your operating costs to produce a bag of ice are much lower so you can offer a great product at a lower price and still enjoy excellent profit margins that keep improving! Si l d S f
e. The customer pays, pushes a button, and retrieves the whole bag of ice once it slides down the ice e f
You Own the Asset
BENEFITS FOR MACHINE OWNERS
With ownership, you have a tangible asset - and profitability is further increased by your ability to depreciate your asset, which cannot be done with traditional bagged ice The“Kooler Ice” name is nationally branded and licensed which will enhance the machine’s resale value should you ever decide to sell it
You Set the Price and Control Your Profits
Ice and Water prices vary from area to area, and you are in charge of setting your prices and adjusting them over time We encourage owners to offer a better price-to-value offering vs the competition As prices go up, you can increase yours as well Kooler Ice does not charge royalties, so you keep 100% of your profits!
Easy to Maintain
Regular maintenance mainly requires that you ensure the machine has bags and that the money from the machine is collected periodically Machine owners encounter most failures due to human error, which are easily remedied. With a little training, machine operation is simple, requiring low mechanical ability.
Easily Monitor Sales
The IceTalk monitoring system comes with an iPhone app or Android app and keeps track of sales in real-time. Purchases are itemized, and reports can be run for the day, week, month, and year. The system provides a complete monitoring package to tell you what is always going on with your machine. Owners of multiple Kooler Ice machines can see sales data for the fleet in one place. Icetalk is an excellent machine management tool that keeps owner satisfaction and machine uptime high! The system provides a complete monitoring package with "Push" notifications to let you know what is happe i i h hi ll i
It‘s Noticeable
Kooler Ice builds four machine sizes for a v canopy They advertise ICE, WATER (if appl promotes top-of-mind awareness for future
Safest Way to Buy Ice
100% of our ice is dispensed fresh and automatically in a bag at the push of a button The first person to touch the bag of ice is the customer, and it is dispensed out of a magnetically locked chute that re-engages after each use Concerning food safety, our method is the safest
Machine Models & Dimensions
"At our 49,500-square foot facility in Byron, GA, we have trained and developed a high-quality workforce that is committed and passionate about creating the highest quality ice vending machine possible!"
HOW OUR MACHINES ARE BUILT
At Kooler Ice we know that building a quality product takes time and a commitment to the process.
We utilize lean manufacturing principles, and our employees are empowered in our manufacturing and quality control process. Kooler Ice practices quality at each stage of the ice machine manufacturing process. Each employee is provided with detailed work instructions to ensure that each part of a machine is assembled to the exact specifications of our customers’ requests. Before a machine is shipped, we test against a 100+ point verification checklist to ensure the machine is operating properly before it is installed.
Our machines are delivered on time by a trained professional and are ready to serve customers within 24 hours of installation. We invite all of our prospective owners to come tour our manufacturing plant to see how our machines are assembled.
Our Plant Tour Video
Our philosophy is simple, “Do it right the first time!”
We have trained and developed a high-quality workforce that is passionate about ice machine manufacturing and creating the best machine possible. Utilizing lean manufacturing principles, we are committed and empowered in our manufacturing and high-quality control processes.
"The smallest and most versatile ice and water vending machine on the market.".
IM600XL
With its unique size, the IM600XL can be placed anywhere, whether inside or outside a retail store or standing alone in a parking lot. While the unit is only 3’ deep and 6’ wide, it can produce up to 80 + 10lb bags of ice daily Like each of our machines, it includes multiple payment options and offers water vending capabilities with an optional reverse osmosis purification system, allowing you to meet all your customers' needs.
Model Specifications
✓ Automatically bags and dispenses ice
✓ Bin capacity of 550 lb. of ice
✓ Choice of Scotsman “Prodigy” Ice-makers
✓ 220 Volt Single Phase Power/Uses 60 Amps
✓ 3/4” Supply & Drain Line Hook Ups
✓ 7/8” Dense Cubed Ice
✓ High Strength Aluminum Alloy Frame
✓ Food Grade Molded Plastic Storage Bin
✓ Bag Tracking System on All Bags
✓ Easy Access to All Components
✓ Easy Bag Changing Operation
✓ Easy Water Filter Changing Operation
✓ Push Button Operation
✓ Adjustable Vend Rate
✓ Stylish Backlit Graphics
✓ Variety of Machine Options are Available
"If you need more production than what the IM600 offers, the IM1000 Series III is the machine for you!"
IM1000SERIES
The New IM1000 Series III ice vending machine is the produc 17 years of research and development in the Ice and Water Vending Industry. While the IM1000 has been a standard in o Industry for over 10 years, the new IM1000 Series III increase production, improves serviceability, and has an updated look provide better synergies with Kooler Ice’s overall product bra strategy, while increasing our customers’ ROI even higher.
✓ Automatically bags and dispenses ice
✓ Bin capacity of 900 lb. of ice
✓ Choice of Scotsman “Prodigy” Ice-makers
✓ 220 Volt Single Phase Power/Uses 60 Amps
✓ 3/4” Supply & Drain Line Hook Ups
✓ 7/8” Dense Cubed Ice
✓ High Strength Aluminum Alloy Frame
✓ Food Grade Molded Plastic Storage Bin
✓ asy ag C a g g Ope a o
✓ Easy Water Filter Changing Operation
✓ Push Button Operation
✓ Adjustable Vend Rate
✓ Stylish Backlit Graphics
✓ Variety of Machine Options are Available
"The new IM1500 was designed using years of research and development.".
IM1500
The IM1500 was launched in late 2019 and quickly became our Number one selling machine It hits a sweet spot between production, price, and performance The IM1500 is designed for freestanding placement and takes up just one parking space. It can produce up to 240+ bags of ice on a peak day. It’s also upgradeable and can add a 2nd ice maker when needed. Like each of our machines, it includes multiple payment options and offers water vending capabilities with an optional reverse osmosis purification system, allowing you to meet all your customers' needs The packaged ice business is bustling on the weekends, and the IM1500 and IM2500 will enable you to take care of more customers on your busiest days, with the ability to upgrade later if needed as your ice business continues to grow.
Model Specifications
✓ Automatically bags and dispenses ice
✓ Bin capacity of 1500 lb. of ice
✓ Ability to Add 2nd Scotsman* “Prodigy” Ice-maker later as needed
✓ 220 Volt Single Phase Power/Uses 100 Amps
✓ 3/4” Supply & Drain Line Hook Ups
✓ 7/8” Dense Cubed Ice
✓ High Strength Aluminum Alloy Frame
✓ Food Grade Molded Plastic Storage Bin
✓ Bag Tracking System on All Bags
✓ Easy Access to All Components
✓ Easy Bag Changing Operation
✓ Easy Water Filter Changing Operation
✓ Push Button Operation
✓ Adjustable Vend Rate
✓ Stylish Backlit Graphics
✓ Variety of Machine Options are Available
"The IM2500 is our largest and mo machine."
IM2500
The IM2500 fits within one parking space and is productive ice vending machine, intended for are demand for ice It's similar to the IM1500, but ha can upgraded to a 3rd or even 4th ice maker Lik machines, it includes multiple payment options a vending capabilities with an optional reverse osm system, allowing you to meet all your customers' produce 345+ bags of ice on a peak day with ju and production can be boosted all the way to 300 with additional ice makers
Model Specificat
✓ Automatically bags and dispenses ice
✓ Bin capacity up to 2300+ lb. of ice*
✓ Ability to add 2nd-4th Scotsman* “Prodigy” Ice-makers later as needed
✓ 220 Volt Single Phase Power/Uses 100 Amps
✓ 3/4” Supply & Drain Line Hook Ups
✓ 7/8” Dense Cubed Ice
✓ High Strength Aluminum Alloy Frame
✓ Food Grade Molded Plastic Storage Bin
✓ Easy Access to All Components
✓ Easy Bag Changing Operation
✓ Easy Water Filter Changing Operation
✓ Push Button Operation
✓ Adjustable Vend Rate
✓ Stylish Backlit Graphics
✓ A variety of Machine Options Available
Kooler Ice offers a variety of machine options so the machine can be configured for the environment of the specific location.
MACHINE OPTIONS
Credit Card Reader – This provides an added convenience since some consumers rely on credit cards and do not carry cash We provide and support the hardware and assist with service onboarding No internet is required; we mount its cellular antennae when we deliver the machine to you The service is between you and the credit card company, either Nayax or Cantaloupe. Credit card sales are batched and processed into your account every 2-4 days, minus their fees. They charge a nominal monthly fee for modem access, and their commission is assessed on a sliding scale of around 4-6%. Many owners add a 10-cent swipe fee to offset their fees. Credit card sales account for at least 20% of machine sales revenue. Consumers love the convenience!
Canopy Kit - Our canopy is highly recognizable from a distance and made of a Sunbrella yacht-grade fabric. The canopy covers the ice makers for a more aesthetically pleasing look for the machine and to offer shade and protection for the ice maker(s). The canopy can be left off if there’s a need to.
Lighting Kit - Our LED light kit lights the machine very brightly from each direction for nighttime visibility and safety. The lights use photosensors and automatically turn on and off at the appropriate times. The machines really show off their looks at night!
Heater Package for the Machine - This option is recommended where outside temperature can fall below freezing. A heater and thermostat are provided to regulate the machine temperature just above freezing so the ice vends properly. Water lines are wrapped and protected with heat tape to prevent water lines from freezing.
In milder climates, the heater package alone is sufficient. In areas where it drops below freezing more frequently, we offer a cold weather package to winterize the icemaker with a heating element, thermostat, tray probe, and heat tape Icemakers do not produce ice when below freezing, and the cold weather package helps the icemaker function sooner and better when coming out of freezing temps
Reverse Osmosis Filtration Package - In areas of the country where you have poor water quality, you will have poor ice and water quality coming out from your ice vending machine unless you treat the water with a reverse osmosis filtration system "RO" RO is the only commercially available method where you can reduce the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water so that the ice comes out crystal clear and hard rather than cloudy and crushable. Not only does R.O. filtration enable you to offer superior quality ice and water, but it also protects the longevity of the ice maker. It helps prevent mechanical issues that stem from poor-quality ice.
Water Vending Station - Each Kooler Ice machine model can include a water vending station, providing owners with a secondary income source through water sales! Bulk water may be offered in two quantities, typically 1 and 5gallon vends. Your customers bring their own containers for water, and you enjoy high profits on ice AND water sales
Your machine is only as good as the quality of your component partners. They keep your equipment running!
COMPONENT MANUFACTURER PARTNERS
is a worldwide leader in ice makers and offers a large network of dealers and service centers throughout the U.S. We use “The Prodigy” line of ice makers due to their unmatched features, serviceability, and support With the IceTalk Monitoring System, you're remotely connected to the Scotsman computer board, and you will receive descriptive alerts if there is an issue with the ice maker. We've removed the guesswork from troubleshooting the ice maker so that issues can be promptly resolved.
WARRANTY:
3 Years of Parts and labor on the full machine, 5 Years of Parts on the compressor and condenser, and 5 Years of Parts and labor on the evaporator.
is the world leader in PLC and electronic components that are used throughout our machines. The Kooler Ice electronics system is the heart and soul of our machines and will display alerts and important machine functions on an LCD panel inside the machine that is also relayed to your phone via our Icetalk monitoring system. We decided early on to use only the best electronic components to ensure the reliability and adaptability of our electronic system. Siemens industrial grade PLCs, Contactors, Relays, and HMI (Human Interface Screens) are secured in an industrial grade, waterproof panel to provide our customers with the most reliable, serviceable, and durable electronic design in the ice vending industry
is the worldwide leader in payment systems and makes the bill validator and coin mechanism for accepting money. The bill validator accepts $1's and $5's and will hold up to 500 bills. It also accepts optically encoded, reusable coupons that are sorted out from bills and reused. The coin exchanger holds $94 in change. With people feeding change into the machine, investors rarely need to manage the coin exchanger other than periodic cleaning and emptying out the change overflow container
Kooler Ice offers a "World Class" remote monitoring feature, that is available on all Kooler Ice machines.
ICETALK REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM
Remote Monitoring – This feature allows our owners to manage their ice vending business more efficiently and effectively using a cellular-based monitoring system - saving time and money. It can also provide valuable data for owners to assist them in managing and marketing their machines This service, with access via phone app and computer portal, costs $395 to $449 annually While this service is optional, nearly all owners find it to be an extremely valuable tool for operating the business.
Modem – The modem is installed at the factory and works with a software system designed by Kooler Ice that allows owners to manage their machine(s) from any computer or smartphone for a modest monthly fee. There are no hard-wire connections or third-party contractors required, and the system can be accessed from your computer or smartphone.
Notifications – The system is set up to automatically notify you or your support personnel when there is an 'alert' in the machine's operation, such as 'Door Open,' 'Out of Bags,' 'Out of Ice,' etc. Push notifications can be viewed from your Icetalk phone app. With any equipment, troubleshooting will be necessary occasionally, and this feature enables you to know exactly what the problem is when it occurs, making troubleshooting much faster and easier. Additionally, when you need to call our 12-hour expert support line, our service dept will pull up your machine diagnostics just like having your car connected at a dealership This streamlines support, removing guesswork while minimizing downtime.
Two Way Communication – IceTalk enables you to "free vend" a bag of ice, "re-set" the bill validator, place the unit into "free vend" or "sold out" mode, and fine-tune other machine settings - all from your phone!
Sales Activity – With this system, you can track hourly, weekly, and monthly sales data in an easy-to-use format The data can be exported easily into an Excel worksheet to develop your charts, graphs, and sustainable reports for your business's sales volume and activity to monitor the location’s success.
Time Saver – The IceTalk feature allows for more efficient use of your time and resources. In addition to saving trips to the machine, you’ll be able to time your service visits around peak periods, having a firm understanding of what days and hours of the day you are busiest. Whether you ’ re monitoring one machine or a group of machines, you’ll learn more about your customer’s buying habits and preferences
Tiered Access – If you have employees helping you manage the machine, a more limited access tier can be provided. Hence, they receive alerts to help service the machine without having access to all the sales data. The machine reports how much cash is in the machine at any time, and there is a 'cash-out' feature that keeps employees honest when cash is collected.
OUR CUSTOMER SUPPORT
We will be there to assist you from the time you begin considering a Kooler Ice machine, and throughout your many years as a successful Kooler Ice vending business owner.
Site Evaluation Services – The Kooler Ice sales and marketing team can help you evaluate your machine location(s) under consideration Every site and area is different, and we build four sizes of machines to best adapt to the demand for ice for the specific location. We will pull up the address and review the site with you from street level and can access demographic and traffic information to help with machine size recommendations. Various factors can impact the machine's success at a location including level of traffic, population density, visibility, accessibility, proximity to where people live and work, proximity to outdoor recreation, etc. Our experienced team can provide expert guidance whether you own the property or will be seeking out properties to work out a lease with a property owner
The Kooler Ice Machine Locator App – As a machine owner, one of the many perks of your license agreement is that you ’ re listed on our “Locator App” to give consumers an easy way to locate your machine and get directions. It can also be helpful when you ’ re analyzing this business investment. Go where you download apps on your phone, type in “Kooler Ice,” and download the free app, which is an interactive map of Kooler Ice locations
Marketing Tools – Kooler Ice offers a wide selection of signage and flyers available for purchase to help you build awareness and advertise your machine We also guide you with setting up a Facebook page, doing mass mailings, having an open house, etc. If you need assistance with a layout for signage or advertising or need artwork for your local sign shop, we can help. Through our online store, you can access various Kooler Ice wearables and specialty items to promote your business.
WEARECONCERNEDABOUTYOURLONGTERMSUCCESS!
OUR CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Effective customer service and support starts with how the machines are strategically designed and is deeply embedded in our corporate culture.
Service Hotline – We provide a 12-hour every day 1-800 Service Hotline for our customers. Whether you have a simple question about the machine’s operation or a more serious inquiry about servicing your machine, our professionally trained service staff will answer your questions anytime from 7 am to 7 pm EST - any day of the week year round, including Saturday and Sunday when you are the busiest! Plus, with the monitoring system, our techs can see your machine diagnostics remotely like having your car connected at a dealership We’re very effective with support when it’s needed, to help minimize your downtime and increase your profits.
Service Videos – Because our machines are easy to operate and service mechanically, we have developed a Video Series for our customers on how to diagnose, fix, and maintain their machine(s). You can view these videos anytime from your IceTalk Remote Monitoring portal.
Product Support Reference Page – Besides the video series, you will find a reference page with a detailed parts book, service repair bulletins, and maintenance tips for your machine.
Preventative Maintenance Support – Kooler Ice believes in a strong maintenance program to protect your investment and the 'Kooler Ice' brand. A machine with proper maintenance will last longer, have better uptime, and have higher resale value down the road.
Preventive Maintenance should be done every 6 months. We provide guidance and a checklist, along with our video series. The work required is simple, and most owners do it themselves. If you do not have the time, Kooler Ice or one of its authorized Distributors is available to perform the six-month maintenance on your machine to ensure it operates at optimal levels.
Extensive Warranty Coverage - The main warranty with our equipment is the Scotsman icemaker warranty, which is 3 years of full parts and labor coverage, 5 years parts for the compressor and condenser, and 5 years parts and labor for the evaporator. The other smaller components have their own warranties, mostly 1-2 years. Kooler Ice has a 1 year warranty over the whole machine. When a warranty issue comes up, we are available at our Service Hotline to help facilitate warranty repair or replacement for you
GETTING STARTED: THE KOOLER GUIDE TO SETTING UP YOUR ICE VENDING BUSINESS
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION
The real estate saying, “LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!” also applies here! With Kooler Ice, you beat packaged ice competition with a Lower Price, Better Product Quality, 24/7 Curbside Convenience, and Product Safety. Machines are typically placed on main roads in spots that are visible and easily accessible. Sometimes, having the machine placed away from the road storefront or beside the building is the best option for the property. Every site is unique, and we are happy to help you scrutinize your machine placement options and provide feedback.
location is different, and we build
Retail/grocery gtores
Gas stations
Car washes
Convenience stores
Easily accessible so customers can enter/exit quickly
High vehicle traffic flow
High visibility from the street
Not far from where people live and work
Not far from other convenience retail
Working class income area (purchase ice more often)
Complement existing business
Parking lots with easy access
Sports complexes/parks
RV and camping areas
En route to beach or fishing/marina Locations
Vacant, small or repurposed lots
Storage facilities
Bait & tackle shops
FINANCING OPTIONS
Considering the Cost of the Equipment – Kooler Ice vending machines can vary depending on the model, its features, where it's being delivered, the local tax rate, the local climate, etc. We can help remove the guesswork from cost analysis with rough total estimates and firm quotes Your Regional Sales Manager is happy to assist you with this information
Exploring Different Financing Options – Kooler Ice does not offer in-house financing; however, financing is standard and typically done in one of two ways:
1 2.
Financing through a local bank is the most popular method of financing for getting into this business Most banks will treat the machine as collateral and require 10-30% down as equity, depending on your bank situation… similar to a car note. We would recommend printing a copy of a machine brochure and price list and taking those to your first bank meeting to discuss getting pre-approved. Most banks are familiar with the industry and should be able to provide feedback about what they’ll need from you to get it done.
Equipment finance companies can be an excellent option if you already own a business with established credit This method allows for 100% financing of your Kooler Ice machine without tying up any personal lines of credit. They will also allow you to roll in your site prep costs, which means you can fund your entire purchase without providing any upfront capital. The loans are typically structured to maximize tax savings, and there may be options for deferred payments.
There are three companies that we highly recommend for equipment financing:
a Call Davis Campbell with Ascentium Capital at 281-883-0155 or email daviscampbell@ascentiumcapital com
b.Call Jesse Sorensen at 952-855-2648 or email JSorenson1@LeafNow.com
c.Call Scott Linton with CapCity Finance at 770-238-9674 or email scott.linton@capcityfinance.com. For general assistance, call 404-309-3616 or send an email to Felicia Damron@CapCityFinance com
FINANCING OPTIONS:
Making Sure You Qualify – Most lenders require a credit score of 550 - 600 or higher. Remember, in order to work with one of the above-listed companies, you must already have an existing business with established credit, as they only do commercial loans. Otherwise, your best bet is to go through a local bank and make a down payment, typically 20%.
Next Steps for Financing - If you own a business and are pursuing financing with one of the aforementioned Equipment Finance Companies, please contact them directly and involve your Regional Sales Manager for rough estimates or a firm quote. Otherwise, if you are going through a local bank, simply take a copy of the price list and a machine brochure with you. If you already have a location, your Regional Sales Manager can provide a firm quote. If you will be looking for sites, it helps to be pre-approved up to a general amount so you know what you have to work with and so you're ready to take action once you have a property owner ready to lease a spot to you
Tax Savings - Kooler Ice machines are a depreciable asset and qualify for the IRS Section 179 tax deduction, which now allows businesses to depreciate up to 100% of the purchase price against reported business profits in the first year. Depending on your tax situation, utilizing Section 179 commonly results in 25-35% out-of-pocket savings! For more information please visit Section179.org or speak to your CPA.
Learning about other financing options – The two financing options mentioned above constitute well over 90% of the loans for Kooler Ice Equipment. If you cannot qualify for one of these two types of loans, consider looking into a Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan. SBA loans take longer to process, and it is very important to work with a bank specializing in SBA loans so that the process is not prolonged. Kooler Ice, Inc. has a “franchise registry listing” with the SBA. For more information and bank recommendations in your area, visit www.sba.gov.
Investing in a Kooler Ice Machine can be a lucrative opportunity, and several financing options are available to make this investment more accessible.
Please contact us if you have any questions about financing.
UTILITY SETUP OVERVIEW
Once you have your location, you'll need utility access on the property, including electric supply, water supply, and water drain.
By design, Kooler Ice machines have simple setup requirements Each machine is portable with a forklift and a truck & trailer Utility requirements are basic and simple Additionally, unlike other manufacturers that simply drop ship your machine and expect you to handle the rest, Kooler Ice provides a turnkey delivery service that includes delivery, offloading into place, supervision of final connections, inspection, and on-site training. We are ready to assist you with site feedback and guidance and will provide drawings and specs to hand off to your contractors, as well as assist with any questions you or they have along the way.
Electricity:
Kooler Ice machines require a 4-wire, 208 - 240 volt, single-phase outlet. 100 amp electrical service is most common.
The IM600XL and IM1000 require 60 amps, and the IM1500 and IM2500 require 100 amps Our largest machine, the IM2500 may be upgraded with a 3rd and 4th icemaker, requiring 200 amps For sites where 200 amp may be optimal one day, a 2nd empty conduit is often installed when site prep is done so that the infrastructure for an electrical upgrade is there later if ever needed
Plumbing:
Kooler Ice machines require a water supply line and water drain.
Usually, a 2" drain line is required; occasionally a French drain is adequate We will provide guidance based on the machine build and where it will operate While the plumbing aspect of the machine is quite simple, we recommend that you check with a certified plumber from your area to get a quote for the hookup and to determine if special arrangements for drainage need to be made.
dsds
Sub-metering Utilities:
If you are locating the machine where electrical and plumbing supplies already exist, usually the existing utilities can be tapped into.
When you are leasing the spot, and utilities are not included in the rent, as an alternative a “sub-meter” can be attached to the existing electrical service and plumbing service to meter the electrical and/or water usage independently. Sub-metering is the most efficient way to access the utilities when leasing a site with existing utilities. If there is no existing electric service or water supply available and sub-metering is not an option, then a new service is required. It’s not uncommon for new utility services to be run on a machine.
Once you have found a location and placed your order for your Kooler Ice machine, there are some details that you will need to take care of.
PREPARING SITE & ACQUIRING PERMITS
Checking into State and Local Requirements Regarding Ice Vending:
Requirements for ice sales vary from state to state, but the agency you should make contact with first is usually the State Department of Agriculture.
They may require a food permit or request that you register the machine. You should allow 2-3 weeks for this process. Kooler Ice machines have the option also to vend water. Where vending water is utilized, the water will need to be independently tested every 3 months A local water testing company or online service can provide this service for a nominal fee Test results are kept in a protected laminated folder inside the machine for documentation should the unit be inspected
We will provide details about our certifications and site prep drawings to review with your contractors when you request site prep estimates Your Regional Sales Manager can provide more context and advice about permitting for your area
PREPARING SITE & ACQUIRING PERMITS
Preparing Your Site (Aesthetics):
It’s important that the site is aesthetically pleasing, and a concrete pad helps reduce dust around the machine and provides a place for your customers to stand off from the elements when making a purchase Having a concrete pad enables us to install concrete anchors when the machine is delivered, to certify the machine to 180 mph winds These hurricane tie-down anchors are normally required when the machine is placed near a coastline or in an area susceptible to high winds Additionally, a concrete pad enables us to install protective bollard posts that bolt into the concrete when the machine is installed
If there is existing asphalt, weight distribution plates that we provide may also be an option, if the wind-load certification is not required and concrete anchoring is not necessary In these situations, protective bollard posts are still an option if you need them, but you will need to use a different style of bollard and handle it yourself or have a local contractor handle it for you Occasionally, a customer will simply put concrete pavers under the four feet of the machine in a gravel lot. For many areas, it can be that simple; however, for the reasons stated above, a concrete pad is highly recommended.
Installation Day:
It is usually best to level your site and pour a concrete pad for the machine. Kooler Ice
Prior to delivery, you will need to have your pad ready and your water supply, power supply, and drain stubbed up and ready On the day of installation, you will need to have a forklift on site and your plumber and electrician on site for about one hour. Our goal is to deliver your machine the week after it’s ready at the factory if you are ready with your site. We will reach out to firm up delivery a week in advance, so you have time to coordinate the forklift, plumber, and electrician.
Our delivery technician will either have the machine in tow or be at the site to offload if hauled by a 3rd party. They will operate the forklift, put the machine into place, level it up, and maintain liability throughout this process. Once in place, they will supervise final utility connections and power up the machine. They will inspect the machine and line up a time to meet you back at the machine the next day for training. Typically, training is first thing the next morning and lasts about 2-3 hours
Bear in mind, that other companies may simply drop-ship to you. With the drop-ship method, you are responsible for receiving and inspecting the machine, managing the forklift, supervising final utility connections, addressing any issues, and training yourself. But not with Kooler Ice! We make the delivery process stress-free and enjoyable so you can focus on growing your new business!
UNDERSTANDING MAINTENANCE, LICENSING & RESPONSIBILITIES
This agreement states that every six months, you, as the owner, will do the maintenance on the machine and provide Kooler Ice with the required documentation, or you will allow an authorized Kooler Ice representative to perform the required six-month maintenance on the machine.
The maintenance takes 3-4 hours to complete and involves:
Taking the machine out of service and emptying the ice storage bin.
Thoroughly cleaning the machine, including the ice maker, filters, and bin.
Completing an operational checklist and inspecting all machine components
Recording the service in a Service Log, which will be kept inside the machine
Filling out appropriate paperwork documenting the maintenance was completed.
The work required is very basic, and we provide video instruction and written instruction and are available at our 12-hour daily support line to assist with any questions.
The purpose of this mandatory maintenance is:
To provide proper service and maintenance to ensure optimum working order, productivity, and cleanliness.
To ensure that all extended Ice maker warranties remain in effect.
To protect your investment and resale value by having a trackable service record on the machine.
To provide a record of maintenance for the Health Department and other enforcement agencies
To assure financing institutions that regular maintenance of the machine will be completed
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m Interested in building up a fleet of machines?
Kooler Ice is the ONLY company that buys back its equipment and accepts trade-ins. Site prep is nearly identical from one machine size to the next, and as you grow we can move your machines around as needed when we deliver your next machine A 12-hour everyday support hotline is available for when you need assistance The monitoring system has a simplified plug-and-play design, and our everyday support hotline provides you with an effective system that helps minimize downtime and maximize profits.
What makes Kooler
Ice
different?
Our values, integrity, and commitment to our owners. We see our owners as long term partners and are committed to helping them choose the right equipment for their locations, teaching them how to manage and operate their machines, providing extensive support before and after the sale, and listening to their suggestions on ways we can improve our designs, technology and service We offer our owners support in every area, including marketing, to ensure your success and to allow you to grow your business If you need us now or in the future, we will be there
Will I receive after-sale support?
Kooler Ice provides all owners with our 1-800 Service Support Hotline which is available 7 days a week from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
This hotline is your hotline Our machines were designed to be easy to operate and maintain, but whether you have a quick, simple question on the machine or a more technical question, the Kooler Ice Hotline is there to assist you and will be answered by one of our trained service representatives! Our service hotline is one of the reasons our customer satisfaction ratings rank so high. In addition to our service hotline, we have an online parts store so you can search our parts, maintenance, and promotional items online – when it is convenient for you!
