2/1/2010 8:34 AM (PST)

For those who would like to review the previous question, here is the direct link: http://www.trustlink.org/ViewQuestion.aspx?QuestionID=344

5/20/2010 7:35 AM (PST)

Definitely not!! i am a vending operator with Planet Antares with a total of 14 machines out of which 5 of them are Office Deli. I started the vending business after attending a conference and was impressed by the presentation given by Planet Antares staff. I bought 2 machines initially and gradually my business grew and I added more. I have an independent business now. But most importantly i followed what Planet Antares support team guided me. I must say they have real insight of the business. I also believe I was successful as I always bought new vending machines. I never bought any refurbished or used vending machines. I have seen fellow operators suffering from buying old or refurbished vending machines. They are spending more time getting their machines repaired rather than working towards growing business. Also some of them lost their location contracts. So my advice is to buy new vending machines and i would always choose Planet Antares branded machines. Another thing is that people believe they will have to do nothing after buying a vending machine. This is not the case you have to constantly work to know what your customers demand and how to find new locations etc. Its a constant effort but returns are excellent. Wish you all the best

8/10/2010 5:08 AM (PST)

Its a big scam ... check out vendingscam.com they have blasted them off

10/28/2010 10:35 AM (PST)

This appeared in the Aug 15, 2010 Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Don't let down your guard because of impressive show: The Watchdog gets the boot By Dave Lieber watchdog@star-telegram.com Ours was a love that didn't go beyond a day. Planet Antares, a California company, mailed an invitation to my home urging me to attend a "Home-Based Business and Franchise Conference" at a Fort Worth hotel. I signed up by phone, even though I had no idea about the nature of the business involved. Received a ticket with my name on it, a conference badge with my name, and a business card with the word "Owner" next to my name and the company's logo. A day before the conference, Planet Antares sent flowers to my home ("Please accept this flower bouquet as my personal welcome"). Yes, indeed, I did feel welcome. The next day, in a conference room with 45 others at the Sheraton Fort Worth, I listened to a two-hour presentation. A half-hour into the presentation, I learned that the business opportunity involved buying a vending machine franchise and placing the machines -- "Office Deli Refreshment Centers" -- in office buildings. When the presenter unveiled the gleaming silver machine, I was impressed enough to take out my camera and snap a photo. The man assigned as my "financial consultant" rushed over and asked me who I was. When I told him I write for the Star-Telegram and had been invited, he said, "Get your things." He walked me out the hotel front door and told the valet parking attendant that I was not allowed back in. If he saw me again, he said he would call the police. Yes, our love was over before it began, especially after a lawyer sent me an e-mail with the subject line: "URGENT -- PUBLICATION WARNING!" For a long time, I've wanted to attend a hotel seminar where you get offered the business chance of a lifetime, but I wanted one where I was invited. Even though my stay ended prematurely, I learned about how we can research these businesses before investing. The presenter said that Planet Antares is the "largest, most successful provider of business opportunities" in the U.S., Canada and Latin America, with more than a half-billion dollars in sales. The company's offer, she said, is "the best business opportunity in the world today." She smiled and added, "It really is all about family." During her talk, the presenter gave fine-print clues that could point potential customers on where to research before making a final decision. At one point, for example, she read a disclosure statement that the company had once paid a "$1 million regulatory penalty payment." "We were quite upset about that," she said. Another clue: When giving us names and phone numbers to call for referrals from satisfied customers, she said the clients were getting paid to be helpful in the phone calls. She also disclosed that no one related to the company is allowed to make projections about potential income or earnings. Before making any investment, a first step is to car