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'U' keeps big contracts with vending machine owners

They're large, silent, occasionally dependable and, at times, quite expensive.

Behind each of the hundreds of vending machines located on campus is a history of negotiations and contracts between the University and those who stock the oft-eaten foodstuffs.

Philip Abruzzi, director of purchasing at the University, said hundreds of vending companies bid for spots at the University, so the competition to win a contract is fierce.

"Not every company can handle our volume," Abruzzi said. "We are a big place and there are high costs in providing service to a place this large. Vending machines are not cheap -- they are heavy capital investments. The companies that usually bid and are chosen are the major national and regional companies."

Abruzzi said that although the process of assigning and setting up vending machines is the same throughout the University, they are handled separately hin each department. Abruzzi oversees the machines within University buildings other than residence halls.

Larry Durst, administrative manager of residence operations, said sales for vending machines in residence halls are high.

"We gross about $700,000 a year from the vending machines -- that's a lot of Snickers Bars. There is always a large demand for the machines in the residence halls," Durst said.

He said part of the revenue from residence hall vending machines goes back to the halls.

"From the $700,000 of revenue a year, over $20,000 is put into residence hall governments. Every time a South Quad resident buys a can of pop, for example, he or she is contributing to the funds of the residence halls and that can help lower the rates for room and board."

LSA first-year student Julie Gottesman said she often uses the vending machines for late-night snacks.

"I use the pop machines a lot, but I think that the prices are too high and they are often out of cans."

Julie Hapkiewicz, a Business senior, said she does not often use University vending machines.

"I use the machines not more than once a month, but I actually used the pop machine last night -- I had a dollar and thought that was enough, but I found myself needing 10 more cents to buy a can of pop."

Durst said vending prices result from agreements between the companies and the University.

"In working out the price we have a lot of aspects to consider," Durst said. "we have to make sure that the price is going to cover all the costs involved in having a vending machine available."