I would suggest anyone wanting to sell mini donuts should call around before investing money in a mini donut machine. The event is going to be for a date in the future so if you do line up something you'll have time to get a machine.
Another thing to think about before buying a Lil Orbits mini donut machine: Is there a 20 amp outlet available? Lil Orbits mini donut machines have 20 amp plugs that can't be plug into a regular outlet. The outlet will need to accept a prong that's perpendicular to the other prong.
My husband is an electrician. He installed a 20 amp outlet for me. Now I can run my donut machine and get some experience before selling to the public.
I got a bag of Lil Orbits donut mix and I don't like it at all. It's easy to mix and is very smooth but the overwhelming smell of imitation vanilla is nauseating. Maybe that's a little harsh but it's just my opinion and that's what I thought when I first opened the bag.
We mixed up a batch of Lil Orbits donut mix and put them though the machine. It makes nice looking donuts but I didn't like them. My husband thought they were good but not fabulous. He said that anyone that likes McDonald's would probably like them. That's not meant as a slag, so don't take it that way.
I'm not interested in making a passable donut. I want to make a delicious donut. I want people that buy my donuts to love them and be glad they bought them.
Luckily for me my kids are wonderful cooks. My daughter took a mini donut recipe I found online and adjusted it until we had a donut that was delicious plain. It's delicious warm and covered with cinnamon and sugar and it's still delicious after it's cooled. Not so with the Lil Orbits donuts from the mix (eat'em hot or throw them out).
There's a few other things I didn't like about doing business with Lil Orbits. The first thing that put me off was the kindergarten style certificate they sent me. It had my name on it and announced I was a member of the Lil Orbits family or something similar. Apparently family members still pay full retail price and get no other benefits, because now that I'm a member of the Lil Orbits family I still don't get any discounts that I would expect family members to get.
I don't like the Donut Dollars program. If I agree Lil Orbits will give my name and phone number to potential buyers that want to talk to someone that is already in business. I get 25 donut dollars if and when I talk to someone. These "dollars" are good toward buying stuff from Lil Orbits. So they get you to sell there product and you get "rewarded" into buying more of their products. You can get $250 donut dollars if you get someone to buy a donut machine. It can't be the person you just talked to on the phone it has to be someone that you send to Lil Orbits. And you can still can only redeem them by buying Lil Orbits products.
The instructional DVD doesn't explain how to install the plunger into the hopper. And it's very unprofessionally done.
Lil Orbits isn't a franchise (which would advertise and offer other services to help the business owner succeed ) but they want you to use the Lil Orbits name when you sell donuts which further promotes Lil Orbits and not your business. Why would anyone that is using a Lil Orbits mini donut machine to sell to the public want someone in the area to buy a Lil Orbits machine? The market is already getting saturated and who wants competition? Do you think sellers on Ebay tell everyone where they get the products they sell? NO!
Every company needs to make a profit but Lil Orbits strikes me as miserly and underhanded. Belshaw doesn't do any of the stuff Lil Orbits does.
If I do succeed in the mini donut business I'll buy a Belshaw when I need to replace my machine.
Wish me luck in find a place to sell!
PS search the web for negative postings about Lil Orbits. I found it odd that no one has anything bad to say about them.
Thanks for the warning ..... I've been looking online and have seen some mini donut machines from China that are about half the price of 'lil Orbits, but I'd need a decent recipe. How's about you post your 'modified' recipe for others (?).
ReplyDeleteGet the Belshaw donut extra bucks but the Best
DeleteI can tell you that the Belshaw mini donut makers are the best from my own experience. There are some very good mixes that can be bought from food wholesalers don't go cheep and don't cheep out on the oil. I used to do farmers markets and special events and always had a line up and lots of returns customers week after week. Never had any complaints mine were the best. I sold the system and the folks that bought it were out of business within a couple months. Lots of luck.
ReplyDeleteHi Rod, can you please share why you think the folks you sold your set up to went belly up, when you yourself had been successful? What did they do differently? What was the secret to your success?
DeleteThanks!
Can you share the recipe you came up with please
DeleteI am interested in buying a Lil Orbits ss1200 machine. Belshaw is more expensive. As stated in the article, I have never read a negative review on Lil Orbits.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that someone has the same feeling about lil orbits as me. I bought their machine in Belgium, and then I realised that all the european mini-donut machine makers sell you a brand new machine at 2000 euros, not the nearly 6000euros as lil'orbits (it's called Orbie in Europe).
Same comments about the mix, I don't like it I don't understand how my customers can eat it. And this is not a good feeling in a business.
Otherwise, very negative feeling about the sellers, they have some kind of permission for Europe, and they are not helpful at all, to promote your business, they sold me material that I could not use at all at the markets. the hopper cover and mixer that are normal equipment INCLUDED IN THE PRICE with other machine constructors, are apart, and very expensive (50 euros for a plastic hopper cover)!
I deeply regret to get involved with these people more so because the mini-donut making is so very fun and you get to know a lot of new people.
Currently I try to develop my own mix but it is hard, as I would like to have yeast ones that need keeping in refrigerator before putting it in the machine. I would be very happy for any comments or experiences.
wow a bunch of BS if you ask me... Perhaps you are in the Belshaw family now and are trying to get the Belshaw bucks by turning away people from lil orbits.
ReplyDeleteI have ran a very successful lil orbs business for 15 years and we experience increased profits year after year. if you want a mommy to hold your hand find a franchise. The vending business is not a "easy business" it requires lots of phone time, and it takes people years to develop a profitable route. this is a extremely competitive business and its not for the light hearted. I don't think this business is for you sell your machine and get yourself some knitting needles. I squash lil people like you every year.
I agree... i have two machines each with over a million donuts on the counter... and lil orbits mix is the best.. my customers are addicted. I also use their solid shortening...
DeleteThinking about buying this next in a few months mind if I grab your contact information?
DeleteThinking about buying this next in a few months mind if I grab your contact information?
DeleteReally appreciate you comments and having the guts to just tell the truth. I also had the same impression on Lil Orbits just from their advertising and chose not to go with them.
ReplyDeleteSo far, we are in the same boat as you and looking for a venue to "set up shop". ...And why is it so hard just to find someone to sell you a donut mix? All these institutional suppliers make it so hard just to place an order! Frustrating!
I also would like to know more about your donut recipe.
Keep us informed on your progress.
Very interesting blog. And I don't think she works for Belshaw's. She is just speaking her mind.. If selling donuts is so profitable and successful, then why are there always many second hand machines and donut trailers available on ebay and such sites! If you still want to be a vendor, consider making Chimney cakes, these are baked and not fried and more festival and market organisers will let you in...To see what i am talking about, check out: www.kurtos-kalacs.com
ReplyDeleteHello everyone, just to share an experience, I tried the Middleton's food cake donut mix and it was very good. Our ckients were pleased with the change. I got it from England but look for mixes that got a mix of flours in it. I am waiting for a machine to be delivered this week from Ireland that drops six donuts at a time. I will keep you informed...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience with others that are looking to get into this business but are not considering all the facts such as you mentioned. "Counting the cost" of running this type of business.
ReplyDeleteDanielle
DeleteCheck out my post..actually making good donuts is easy..you have to learn the business like anything else.
can you share the recipes plz?
DeleteKenneth Koppi - where can we find your post? I clicked your profile but it says deleted. Do you have it somewhere else? Thanks!
Deletethank you for sharing your experience im ghalia almutawa from kuwait i have smellier problem with the recipe i will be glad if you help out with the recipe
ReplyDeleteWell I have a donut robot I just got. I'm using dawn mix and love it. Have no problems getting into events. Most places love a vendor that is selling a item that's different. I just wish I could do mini donuts. But I'm stuck doing full size.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteDeleted my comment above - meant to say - I think you can do mini donuts with a lil Orbits - it might just be a matter of changing out a part.
DeleteWell I have a donut robot I just got. I'm using dawn mix and love it. Have no problems getting into events. Most places love a vendor that is selling a item that's different. I just wish I could do mini donuts. But I'm stuck doing full size.
ReplyDelete3:58 AM
DeleteWhich Dawn mix are you using? I understand there are several donut mixes. Thanks!
I don't think the naysayers on this site know what they are doing. We have been doing this since 2012 and I have former festival and market managers calling me back for return events. Chamber of Commerce people contact me, road managers for blue grass and national country acts love lilorbits..have been invited to Nashville for fanfare. This isNOT cost effective..some events are not...you have to know the business. I have physical handicaps, am a senior, and can't get around like I use to. I thought about quitting but my customers won't let me! What could you possibly be doing wrong?
ReplyDeleteContent and thriving in Florida
I too thought about purchasing a Lil Orbits donut machine,but now reading your blog,just might look elsewhere.About selling your donuts to the public,you should go to Harley Davidson events.They welcome all venders.I sell my cookies&brownies at their events.I make good money.I live in Missouri.Go www.feelthepower.com Check out their website.Thanks Paul
ReplyDeleteI'm the VP of Marketing for State Fair Mini Donuts. I think you'll find what you need at our company. www.statefairminidonuts.com
DeleteCheck out State Fair Mini Donuts. No deep fat frying. plugs into a simple outlet.
ReplyDeleteHello I just purchased a concession trailer and wanting to make donuts . I went on your site but was comparing your price for what you will have in making a dozen donuts is quiet bit higher that the price at lil orbits ..can u explain to me what it will cost to make a dozen donuts .. The cost of lil orbits is 24 cents a dozen .. Love your set up though
DeleteWhat is the name of her site? I can't find any info on it. Did I miss something in her blog?
DeleteThanks
Thank you for your post. I have checked out the operation of both machine's, I seem tolike the Belshaw best of the two.As far some of the comments on this sight,I feel that people can be alitle harsh. However with that said you really have to put a lot of time into this. I have been doing different food vending for 30 years, it come's in time. I will be happy to give u some pointer's feel free to contact me. after all we all had to start somewhere. David
ReplyDeleteI also would love some pointers too .. Oodierichards@gmail.com
DeleteHey David, i would love to hear your pointers as i am just starting out. Thanks a lot.
Deletesimonsalomon5@hotmail.com
DeleteThinking about buying this next in a few months mind if I grab your contact information?
Deletesevenstreamllc@gmail.com
Has anyone received a reply from David?
DeleteThanks!
Hi David, I would love to hear your pointers. If you could email me @ gheninger@gmail.com I would appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteHi David, can you send me your pointers?
DeleteDavid, I would also love your pointers - we're just starting out with mini-donuts. Thanks! I'm at katiela@Mac.com
ReplyDeleteDid David get back to you? I haven't heard anything. I just posted to him again.
ReplyDeleteI've been selling mini donuts for almost a year. And have had good experience. I've also landed a national contract selling at army and airforce bases if anyone is close by one.
ReplyDeleteYou can also use any donut mix u want. Dawn foods has the mix for the lil orbits. Plus other cake donut mixes.
ReplyDeleteGlad if you could let me know your donut mix.
DeleteRegards,
Ola
oadejoro@gmail.com
Glad if you could let me know your donut mix.
DeleteRegards,
Ola
oadejoro@gmail.com
Dawn Foods has a Majestic Donut Mix that makes great mini donuts.
DeleteThinking about buying this next in a few months mind if I grab your contact information?
Deletehow were you able to get on an air force base?
ReplyDeletehow are sales at the flea markets in Fl? For winter months? Anyone in Florida selling???
ReplyDeleteAnyone selling mini donuts in the state of Florida? How is the business overall doing? Summer is slow, winter months good for you? How about flea markets.
ReplyDeleteWhere about in FL are you looking?
DeleteCheck out The Mini Donut Factory in Tampa. They've been pretty succesful with their business model. Their donuts are glazed, topped, dipped to order.
DeleteI don't do donuts commercially, but I love to make them at home and for employee events. I had a Belshaw DR42 a few years ago and decided to sell it. Bad idea! Donuts is apparently in my blood and I can't NOT have one. I bought a new Chinese made Lil' Orbits clone - not a good idea. Right now I'm once again looking for another machine - I loved my Belshaw and I will pay a lot extra to get another one. I use ADM Golden Tex donut mix. That's Archer Daniels Midland. It may only be in the West, it seems to be made at their Spokane, WA mill. It's great, I add some cinnamon to the mix and do EXACTLY what the instructions say and get some wonderful donuts out. It costs me about $40 for a 50lb bag. http://www.spokanebakerysupply.com/default.aspx?page=item%20detail&itemcode=1142 Best of Luck!
ReplyDeleteMal, thanks for the tips! :)
DeleteAWESOME THE PROMOTION OF GIRL BEAUTIFUL SALES KLIK HERE PISAU SABUNG AYAM
ReplyDeleteGOOD PRICE AND CHEAP
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PLEASE PRICE DIRECTLY
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Let me know if you want to sell the machine.
ReplyDeleteThanks
You are writing some Amazing tips. This article really helped me a lot. Thanks for sharing this blog.
ReplyDeleteBest Donut Makers In India
Hi, me again. I posted up aways and mentioned I was looking for a Belshaw. Well, I found a Mark I machine which is very small and slow compared to the other machines, but it's perfect for me and will run on a standard 110 outlet. I did get my Chinese machine to work and I made a tiny short video about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHQZooVseQ0
ReplyDeleteThanks for this fantastic thread. Learning a lot. So happy to see you are still at it! Thank you also for keeping us up to date.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and everyone here the bestoof success! <3
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm referring to the spam posts by - "Gulia Ayam Marketing", "George Jones" and "Ashton Kutcher".
DeleteWe had our first Lil 'Orbits mini donuts at a music festival in WV and the smell alone attracted a large crowd! We waited on line for these delicious treats! We foolishly bought a bag and turned around and got on line again for a bucket! This was very late and they ran out of mix so we got a half bucket for a deal!
ReplyDeleteWe love Lil' Orbits so much we just purchased a 1200 and are looking forward to our plan "b" after both of us being owner/operator of a Custom tile business for the last 20 years! Freedom to travel and continue to work into later life!
We are stroked!
Sounds exciting. Thanks for sharing! Did you get a propane unit? Will you be setting up in a tent or using a trailer?
DeletePlease keep us updated and let us know where we can find your donuts. :)
Hi im thinking of grabbibg a machine some time soon. Do you mind if I call you for more information?
DeleteIn 1977 my father saw an advertisement in amusement business for lil' orbits donut equipment. The inventor of the machine, Ed Anderson, flew my father to Minneapolis when he was making the machines in his garage. Our first venture was at the Alabama Spring fair where we sold 2000 dozen. before we closed out our business about 10 years ago, we had purchased 3 machines, often times running 2 simultaneously at big events such as the World of Wheels at the Birmingham jefferson civic center in order to meet the long lines. Customers for decades told us the smell and taste of this product attracted them along with seeing them made before their eyes.Donuts don't sell well in hot climates and we had the best sales during the fall and winter.To quote my father: "these are money making machines".
ReplyDeleteNice information on here, I would like to share with you all my experience trying to get a loan to expand my Clothing Business here in Malaysia. It was really hard on my business going down due to my little short time illness then when I got heal I needed a fund to set it up again for me to begin so I came across Mr Benjamin a loan consultant officer at Le_Meridian Funding Service He asked me of my business project and I told him i already owned One and i just needed loan of 200,000.00 USD he gave me form to fill and I did also he asked me of my Valid ID in few days They did the transfer and my loan was granted. I really want to appreciate there effort also try to get this to anyone looking for business loan or other financial issues to Contact Le_Meridian Funding Service On Email: lfdsloans@lemeridianfds.com / lfdsloans@outlook.com He also available on WhatsApp Contact:+1-9893943740.
ReplyDeleteI sold lil orbits donuts for 3 years. Paid for all equipment in first 4 months. I'll agree county health departments can be hard to navigate, but if you look outside the box and market yourself, you can make money
ReplyDeleteHi im looking to buy the machine in a few months. Could I call you for insider tips?
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Anyone have any homemade recipes from scratch they'd like to share? Im getting tired of the same ol bagged mix
ReplyDeleteNice post, thank for sharing this information. It's really makes me understand about that topic. Xtra PC Review
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have any info on the best place to buy a used machine or a quality machine that isn’t a belshaw?
ReplyDeleteBruce at minidonuts.com
ReplyDeleteHi all
ReplyDeleteHow much is the lil orbit 1200 and/vs the more expensive Belshaw?
Thank You kindly
This is very intresting post and I can see the effort you have put to write this quality post. Thank you so much for sharing this article with us.
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Been operating a lil' Orbits 1200 for 15 years. Machines are temperamental but work fine with experience. The Orbits company is kinda gross. The marketing is dated and the whole "family" concept is insulting. I've never tried their mix - find a local Dawn Foods distributor and experiment with their mixes. You can get a plug adapter to run the machines off of 110 outlets, just make sure they have a big 20amp breaker. Remember that you'll need an air filtration and fire suppression system for any indoor event you attend and obviously rain and hot oil are not compatible. And finally, plan for efficient ways to melt, drain, and transport shortening. In my opinion is the hardest part of working at temporary locations and I guarantee you'll have a spill or two before it's over. Good luck.
ReplyDelete