What would you do?

[Vendition Ltd]

Here is the situation I am

Went to a fish and chip shop on Tuesday to re-fill a Help for Heroes vending machine. Machine was not there so asked the guys behind the counter where it was and they said they don't have one. After raising my voice reminding them that they do and they saw me 2 months ago filling the machine up they said they did have one but it must have been stolen.

They knew exactly what had happened and they had obviously stolen the machine and sold it on. I started dialling the number for the police and one of them panicked and told me to wait while he phoned the boss. Spoke to the boss on the phone and came up with a ******** story saying that they had a re-furb and the machine was left around the back and must have been stolen.

i then went off on one and millked the charity aspect of it a bit saying that their are people dying for us out there and in return people steal from them

I think they realised they fucked up and the boss said I could put another in to recoup the losses.

Not sure if I should just walk away or risk putting in another machine - maybe a crappy old black one i have hanging around?

what do you think people? Such a shame was a brand new machine aswell

Regards

Ross

[Rossi fan]

Hi Ross,
Firstly, if you havent been to it for two months, its either a very poor performing site, or it needed your attention sooner. An empty machine is cash rich and an easy target for a thief. If its a poor performing site, leave it alone & If you feel they have nicked it, then give them a wide berth.

I hope this helps,

Paul

[kris@tubzbrandsltd]

Ross mate,

I would have made them cover the cost it by making them pay for the machine

[Snackmore]

Go back and order large fish and chips for 50 people and walk off with it without paying! Seriously though I wouldn't risk it again, write it off

[Eatsweets]

If it is a good site then there is no point cutting your nose off......, take a second hand machine there arrange to meet the owner on site and get him to sign for it.

If it goes missing again the carry out snackmore's idea.

[PGBrew]

As per Robs reply above, if it's a good site keep hold of it and get your fish & chips for two!

[Vendingwarehouse]

Report it to the police as well . This will stop them from stealing the next one you put in. Put in another one but remove it from H4H and give no commission until you have recouped your loses. Then put it back in with your other H4H campaign. I know it isn't the H4H fault but you are in business and can't sustain such a loss. I'm sure you are giving them plenty as it is and you will only be able t keep doing so if you stay in business. And you won't be able to stay in business if you keep getting losses like that.

[Ade]

definatley do what noel suggests, great idea, also, chain it

Ade

[choice vending]

Not sure if i would put one back in again but i cant see them stealing it twice. For what its worth i find 20p bulks and bouleys sell better in chippys toys making up 70% of the takings and sweets 30%. I have always seen an increase in takings after i have swapped from £1 vend selling tubs to the other machines. And yes i have to agree with Noel on his point

[Vendition Ltd]

cheers guys for the replies, I think I will do what Noel has suggested. I will phone the police tomorrow and report it stolen

I would love to **** them over and order 50 cod and chips and walk out but I can't be bothered and don't have the time to get my own back.

Paul yea its not an amazing site but £80 every 8 weeks isnt too bad

Cheers

Ross