How to build a sustainable vending round

[dorsetvending]

Talk of large operators pushing existing operators out has been somewhat depressing. However the key to survival is diversity in machine range and most importantly ........getting independent sites....

Rather than having a moan here, (which i am guilty of) just get focussed on targetting independent sites. Need to snap out of feeling hacked off and turn it around. Not easy but I love the challenge. Keep your chins up.

[Big Chris]

Hi Dorset,

just a curious question, why would diversity of machines make a huge differance?? As i only really trade in 3 types of machine.

cheers
chris

[Rossi fan]

Hi Gavin & Chris,

This I believe is what happens in recession and also how big business succeeds- swallowing up little ones. take the big supermarkets as an example. Our town centres are struggling and small businesses are running on empty, but does anyone who could do something about it care. No.

Diversity of machines is good if the site warrants it and if it does not, then you just lose money because all machines dont sell as well as anticipated. I say this from experience, investing in toy machines and then looking back and realising that I was getting a broadly similar take, with just two towers. In a coastal area, multiple machines I would imagine is a good safe bet, but in other areas it may not be the case, so be careful.

Getting independant sites is definately the way to go. Managed houses in big pub chains are and will remain problem areas. However, in a marketplace where pubs are closing at an alarming rate, what do operators do. I have one landlord who has told perform where to go as he likes the service I have gven him for two years, but I bet they force their way back in via the company management.
Thats my view.

Thanks,

Paul

[dorsetvending]

Diversity gives u options when u are siting. Larger/smaller machines suit different spaces. Downside need more storage if they come back and more capital. More variety means more space for spares, stock, etc. So not for everyone. But Paul has right idea....independents are one of the better ways to insulate your round. Shops may close, but no multiples so u can catch your breath and resite.

[Rossi fan]

Hi Gavin,

I am sure it is down to area, but I do have genuine difficulties with finding sustainable sites for toy machines. I also have an issue moving them due to my back problems, so to be fair, this could hamper my view a little.

I really do think the actions of the larger companies will have minimal effect overall, as other sites are available. I also think that the economy will begin to recover in 2012, unless Euroupe fails and then, we will all pay a high price at this end of the money tree.

Thanks,

Paul

[sadler2886]

i find the more mcs i can get into a site the more money i take, dont seem to take the sales away from the other mcs. i try and wrk with my existing sites and always take my brochure in and say have a quick look at this, these are the other mcs that we do, would you take one on trial for a mnth and if it works out its extra comm for you and if it dosent wrk out i will remove it nothing to lose. for example i had a snooker club avg £25 a mnth with a tower in now ive put a mini bouly in the takings have doubled to £50.

[glennborthwick]

diversity can be other things to the same site. Deliver the sites scratchings, crisps, nuts. Go for riding stables, sports clubs.

[Vend And Glow]

A lot of big business are doing this at the moment it's called "buying turnover" makes the boss look good.

The trick as pointed out is having diverse machines, something unique that the big boys don't have.

A lot of big vending companies will have it written in a contract to say that no other operator can run machines in the same premesis, however the way round it is to get a machine in the site that they dont have, trust me it has worked for me in the likes of Butlins and Tenpin.

[FlintVending]

A lot of big business are doing this at the moment it's called "buying turnover" makes the boss look good.

The trick as pointed out is having diverse machines, something unique that the big boys don't have.

A lot of big vending companies will have it written in a contract to say that no other operator can run machines in the same premesis, however the way round it is to get a machine in the site that they dont have, trust me it has worked for me in the likes of Butlins and Tenpin.

good post!
as independants, these are our strengths- WoRk to Them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Forget about all that National contract with pubs B-u-l-l ****

[Rossi fan]

diversity can be other things to the same site. Deliver the sites scratchings, crisps, nuts. Go for riding stables, sports clubs.

I have tried scratchings and made nothing out of them. High turnover, low profit, big bulk in van.
Same for crisps I would imagine. Also, many suppliers of snacks to the pub trade already in most areas.
Thanks,

Paul