I tried to set up a group buying group on a wholesale forum once with a few long time members but when push came to shove, no one had the money to invest - The other problem was shipping because if all the items are shipped to one address and then that person has to split/re-package and re ship, the cost can escilate and in some cases (depending on the original discountt hat was being offered to the "group" - it can eat into your savings to a point where it is hardly worth it.
I tried it a second time with GameFox (A video games website I run) thinking that because it was a members only site and we all had a similar interest that it would work better but again the same happened - a lot of people would say they were interested but never actually put there money where their mouth was.
I would be interested in doing something like this if it happended and it was a product I was interested in but I am not holding my breath...
I also like the idea of the franchine/nation wide operation idea. It can be as easy/complicated as people want to make it I guess. It could work well if made simple but as mentioned, it could be a headache for all concerned depending on the terms of the agreement.
Also if it helps, here is what I have on one of my trade sites (not vending related but it may help) if you are looking for ideas;
I have a forum (check lol) - this is going to be made free soon
Supplier directories/profiles/reviews
Price checks (Wholesale supplier)
Industry news
Articles on how to make money in the industry - mostly written by me but some by guest writers - Also articles on business basics such as registering as self employed, creating sales invoices, claiming via small claims courts etc.
A blog - A day in the life of....Diary of an Entrepreneur (basically something that is written in real time by a trader (or in this case an operator) that gives readers a real insight into how the industry works.
On line resourses - Links to various on line resources (kind of like a directory but explaining why it is useful) - Everything from postage calculators, import tax calculators and price guides to trade magazines and Expo directories.
Downloadable resources (Profit calculators/Shipping directories/invoice temples/Claim form templates/eBooks/Supplier directory etc.)
Podcast (well not at this moment but I am recording them now so they will be coming soon)
Good luck with the new forum/site - looking forward to seeing it up and running - deffo looking forward to the fruit/quiz machine aspect as this is an area I am looking to get into again.
[quote="Coin Operated Group"]Yeh, Gavs right but a group of vending operators more like a franchise where you have your own area etc to cover. there are a few already with the big vendors that work and its what I would like to try and set up (for snack cold & hot drinks etc) national name, national website, national advertising and group buying power which would make a massive difference to pricing and negotiating.[/quote
Hi,
Gavin does have a valid point. You would need to have a legal contract with each person covering a particular patch which had cost implications if they failed through lack of comittment etc. I do however think that it is worth trying with a few well financed operators and then if it is successful, you have a platform to encourage others on board.
