Its nothing more then a Novelty and Gimmick. Like was said before...Why isnt the manufacturer setting up a second business to distribute and maintain these things? They could pay employees $10 an hour and keep ALL the profits for themselves. There wouldnt even be any competition between franchises because they would own it all.
I think its a bad idea. Its easy to get swept up into these things. It might make a bit of money for the first month or two, but after a couple months people stop using them.
Put it this way, If you went to a bar that had one, would you use it Every time? Or would you try the thing out once, have a laugh, then go spend your money on pull tabs..
So basically, all the regular customers might use it once at most. Then your relying on people who dont normally go to that bar or dont normally drink....and honestly....I dont think you can really rely on that crowd to fund your business, Especially this type of business.
Then theres all the other problems associated with them. People stealing the straws, the machines get dirty and gross over time (like any vending machine) so you have to constantly clean the units, or replace them every year because no one wants to blow on a dirty, greasy looking breathalyzer.
I dunno, I just think its a bad idea. And the lady who you have contacted, what exactly is her role in this whole franchise deal? Does she just sit on her ass signing up new people then act as a middleman and order the machines then send them to you at increased cost?
So what does that make you in the franchise deal? You have to be the frontline salesman, you have to be the maintenance person, and YOU have to deal with all the BS that may be associated with this type of business....like Vandalism, Im sure Mrs. Franchise lady wont have a problem charging you full price..or the "discount" as she calls it for a new machine.
If you want to do some research, you should find out who manufactures the machines, then go over her head and find out how much SHE is paying for them. You might be fairly surprised..
Another thought....Why dont you just order some machines from a manufacturer?? For 10k you could probably buy 4-5 of these things and run your own damn business, Same deal except no franchise fees, no boss, and no Debt.