Damaged delivery again

[valiant016]

I'm a independent operator and buy where I find the best prices.
Consequently at one time or another I've bought from all the suppliers.
I have had damaged pots from time to time, usually on the top layer.
Occasionally I've had boxes damaged at the base and a pot or two squashed!
Overall I agree with the earlier post, it is far more cost effective and secure to buy a pallet or half pallet.

Had no specific problem on this issue that would make me point the finger at any particular supplier.
Looks like you just had a bad run.

Valiant

[glennborthwick]

there all the same!! sometimes its thieving drivers. sometimes its the hubs, often the stock goes through four or five couriers.

[Snackmore]

I appreciate the 'buy a half pallet' comments but when you only have a few machines (I have only been trading since June) little cash to invest and an uncertainty of how quick you are going to move stock, this is not an option. I would still argue the point that stock should be boxed to withstand the journey. All of my pots were smashed in the bottom of the box, I will try and find a photo.

It is impossible to open each box and check every pot in front of the courier and as stated I have never been around to accept the delivery. I did feel that the 'oh thats unusual its never happened before' comment from Hurleys to be unbelieveable. Clearly the post above proves this. I would still be interested to know if anyone else has had a problem.

Incidentally I did phone Hurleys this morning to complain to be told that the guy was on the other line and he would ring me back......................................................................Still waiting, to me that is poor customer service whether the stock left there perfect or not. Added to that they employ the courier not me and should follow complaints up or if its too much hassle sort out replacement stock for the customer. As stated at the first post they did say that they would credit me a half box but given that I am still waiting for an invoice I do not know if this has been done yet???

[Snackmore]

The photo of the last damaged post, properly smashed!

[valiant016]

With regard to Hurley's, frankly they are not the most organized company but I would not read to much into them not ringing you back.
When they have cocked up in the past, they have always made it good.
On one occasion they sent me stock with a very short sell by date, and they simply gave me a free box with my next order.
The important thing is to remember what they owe you and email them confirmation of this, then they tend to be okay.

Just a last point on this pallet issue.
I started 7 years ago with about a dozen machines. initially I did the same as you, my orders were between 3 to 9 boxes. Eventually I realized that vending is all down to how much profit you make on your sales. So I took the plunge and bought a half pallet. The first outlay will hit your cash flow, but after that you have more profit and hence more cash flow, so it really becomes better for you the vendor.

Good luck either way!

Valiant

[Snackmore]

How many boxes is 1/2 a pallet?

[glennborthwick]

40 roughly, nice bowl of fruit !!! very healthy

[glennborthwick]

by the way, they really have been thrown about. Takes a lot to actually shatter a pot. More often lids pop off etc.

[valiant016]

A half pallet can be as little as 25 boxes!
Obviously as the Pallet price is fixed the more boxes the more profit!

[Snackmore]

Yes the fruit is a bit like the sweets from Hurley's - we buy a load and throw half of it away!!!!!!!!!!!