Tips from a seasoned veteran in charity vending.

[BradMillner46]

Hello members of TVF - This is my first time posting on this forum but I just thought I would say hello and introduce myself. I've been doing honor box charity vending full-time for many years now, and have been  quite successful with it. I have one of the largest charity vending routes in the country.

 

I just wanted to offer a few pointers to those who are starting out in this amazing business -

 

1) Developing good, friendly relationships with people at your locations is very important. If you make friends with people, not only will they not steal from you but they will work to prevent other people from stealing from you. Always greet all people with a smile when you walk in through the door, be talkative and most importantly, be willing to truly listen and empathize with them if they tell you they are having a bad day. People will remember these types of things.

 

2) York peppermint Patties sell great but if you only keep using the Yorks, eventually sales will decline quite drastically because people get tired of eating the same things all the time. Instead, make sure to switch it up and use other types of product too. Some of the best sellers I have are Goetze's Caramel Creams and Tootsie Rolls.

 

I look forward to getting to know you all better. If anyone has any questions about this business, please don't be afraid to ask me. 

[Harvending]

Good information. This is exactly what I have been doing. Yorks mixing with caramel creams, and using caramel creams straight. Sometime mixing Chocolate creams and strawberry. I have used Toosie fruit rolls with mixed results. I have stayed with acrylic boxes because they look much better than card board in locations and helps keep the location. Would like to here more from your experience. Thanks, Harvey

[redfleet32]

Hello Honorboxcoach. I have been in bulk for about 20 years and started with the mint boxes about 6 months ago. It is going very well and I am just under 200 locations with the Sheridan pink boxes. I am interested in hearing a little more on the caramel creams. Can you tell us the average cost per candy and where you think the best price is? I have been adding some of the mini candy bars that run about 7-8 cents at Sams and it seems to be going well. 

 

Thank you

[Candyguy]

Hello Honorboxcoach. I have been in bulk for about 20 years and started with the mint boxes about 6 months ago. It is going very well and I am just under 200 locations with the Sheridan pink boxes. I am interested in hearing a little more on the caramel creams. Can you tell us the average cost per candy and where you think the best price is? I have been adding some of the mini candy bars that run about 7-8 cents at Sams and it seems to be going well.

Thank you

Interested in hearing about the best Carmel cream prices as well. Is there anywhere besides Sams that is cheaper to get the Yorks?

[BradMillner46]

It's good to hear that you all are finding your own niche with this business. 

 

To answer your all's question regarding the Goetze's candy, the cheapest way is to order it directly from the Goetze's candy company, that's what I do. In order to do this though you're going to need to do a few things

 

1. You're going to have to order in large bulk quantity from them. Normally when I place orders with the Goetze's company, it's for at least 1,000 pounds and I don't think they ship for anything less than half ton orders. 
2. Until you get established with them you'll have to pay for all orders up front with a check that you'll mail in to them.
3. Goetze contracts with the large freight trucking companies so you need to have an office in commercial real estate where they can deliver to. They're not going to try to bring an 18 wheeler rig into a residential area. If you do not have an office in commercial real estate then ask around with different people you might know who have a store location somewhere that would allow you to have this delivered to their store. There are a lot of meetup groups that you can join where you can make business contacts this way.

[Harvending]

quote name="honorboxcoach" post="221541" timestamp="1453891758"]It's good to hear that you all are finding your own niche with this business. 
 
To answer your all's question regarding the Goetze's candy, the cheapest way is to order it directly from the Goetze's candy company, that's what I do. In order to do this though you're going to need to do a few things
 

• You're going to have to order in large bulk quantity from them. Normally when I place orders with the Goetze's company, it's for at least 1,000 pounds and I don't think they ship for anything less than half ton orders. 
• Until you get established with them you'll have to pay for all orders up front with a check that you'll mail in to them.
• Goetze contracts with the large freight trucking companies so you need to have an office in commercial real estate where they can deliver to. They're not going to try to bring an 18 wheeler rig into a residential area. If you do not have an office in commercial real estate then ask around with different people you might know who have a store location somewhere that would allow you to have this delivered to their store. There are a lot of meetup groups that you can join where you can make business contacts this way.

. Also check with Goetze who carries their product locally. Make sure you ask for 30lb bulk, chocolate. And straw. come 10lb. This product is great for boxes.

[Lake Cities Vending]

I sold my bulk route a little over a year ago and went with mint boxes and drink machines. Recently I have been working on my mint boxes. I have around 150 locations now, about 80 more I need to place. I'm interested in the Carmel Creams. What is your cost each? I'm concerned about the shipping to Dallas. Also, where do you get your boxes? I've been buying from Sheridan. Started with the Acrylic boxes then bought 100 cardboard ones. I like the acrylic better but the cost is high compared to the cardboard. After using some cardboard I do think the profits are better with the acrylic boxes.

[Candyguy]

What do you price the Goetze Carmels at? .50 each or 3/$1?

[BradMillner46]

I sold my bulk route a little over a year ago and went with mint boxes and drink machines. Recently I have been working on my mint boxes. I have around 150 locations now, about 80 more I need to place. I'm interested in the Carmel Creams. What is your cost each? I'm concerned about the shipping to Dallas. Also, where do you get your boxes? I've been buying from Sheridan. Started with the Acrylic boxes then bought 100 cardboard ones. I like the acrylic better but the cost is high compared to the cardboard. After using some cardboard I do think the profits are better with the acrylic boxes.

Hello Lake Cities - I would have to check the records with Goetze's Candy Company but I think I buy the caramel creames for about 3 Cents each. I sell these 25 Cents each or 5 for a dollar. It's an excellent candy to use if your theft rate starts going up in a particular location and can actually save many, many locations for you without taking the last resort of pulling that box and thus burning up territory behind you.  

[Lake Cities Vending]

Hello Lake Cities - I would have to check the records with Goetze's Candy Company but I think I buy the caramel creames for about 3 Cents each. I sell these 25 Cents each or 5 for a dollar. It's an excellent candy to use if your theft rate starts going up in a particular location and can actually save many, many locations for you without taking the last resort of pulling that box and thus burning up territory behind you.  

 

I will be checking into them, thanks

[Lake Cities Vending]

Are the Goetze's Candy all you use now or do you still have York's peppermint. The reason I ask is because my York's are priced at .50 or 3/1.00. Changing prices would mean I would have to change all my labels or change out a few to try. You using Plastic or cardboard boxes?

[BradMillner46]

I use all different kinds of candy, not just 2 or 3 different types. My rule of thumb for those starting out in this business is any type of candy that you can buy for 8 Cents or less at Sam's Club or Costco should be tested. 

[eaglesfan1203]

I agree with mixing things up. I think people are more likely to do the 3/$1 if you have a nice mix. I currently use York's, pops, peanut chews, skittles & Starburst mix, and fun size candy bars. All of these range from .05 to .086 per pc. I might have to check into the the caramels.

Those of you using the caramels, are you putting them with mints? Or just by themselves? I'm curious cuz the pricing

[BradMillner46]

If the location is really h

 

I agree with mixing things up. I think people are more likely to do the 3/$1 if you have a nice mix. I currently use York's, pops, peanut chews, skittles & Starburst mix, and fun size candy bars. All of these range from .05 to .086 per pc. I might have to check into the the caramels.

Those of you using the caramels, are you putting them with mints? Or just by themselves? I'm curious cuz the pricing

If the location is really hurting due to theft, I will switch to only Goetze caramels. This is not a candy that normally attracts a lot of children who don't pay for the candy they take. Otherwise I will usually mix it up.

[Lake Cities Vending]

Do you do all types of locations or just resturants?

[Avi]

Hello members of TVF - This is my first time posting on this forum but I just thought I would say hello and introduce myself. I've been doing honor box charity vending full-time for many years now, and have been  quite successful with it. I have one of the largest charity vending routes in the country.

 

I just wanted to offer a few pointers to those who are starting out in this amazing business -

 

1) Developing good, friendly relationships with people at your locations is very important. If you make friends with people, not only will they not steal from you but they will work to prevent other people from stealing from you. Always greet all people with a smile when you walk in through the door, be talkative and most importantly, be willing to truly listen and empathize with them if they tell you they are having a bad day. People will remember these types of things.

 

2) York peppermint Patties sell great but if you only keep using the Yorks, eventually sales will decline quite drastically because people get tired of eating the same things all the time. Instead, make sure to switch it up and use other types of product too. Some of the best sellers I have are Goetze's Caramel Creams and Tootsie Rolls.

[BradMillner46]

Do you do all types of locations or just resturants?

I do all types of locations, anywhere where I can place a box.

[Candyguy]

If the location is really h

If the location is really hurting due to theft, I will switch to only Goetze caramels. This is not a candy that normally attracts a lot of children who don't pay for the candy they take. Otherwise I will usually mix it up.

Do you ever use Pearson Mints? The reason I ask is because if the theft rate rises, Pearson Mints are cheaper.

[Lake Cities Vending]

I do all types of locations, anywhere where I can place a box.

 

Sorry for asking so many questions but I want to learn all I can from somebody that’s doing this and being successful. I got laid off my job the first week on January. I have about 20 drink and snack machines out and probably about 130 mint boxes out. I started the mint boxes a little over a year ago. Trying to turn this into full time. Buying lots of boxes and locations right now. I have 2 locators working and a couple of local people working on locations. I'm putting out 20 to 30 boxes a week right now. Are you using the acrylic boxes or cardboard boxes. I started with acrylic boxes but on the last order I bought 100 cardboard ones because of price. I really like the acrylic boxes better but it really amounts to what makes more money. I think the acrylic boxes make more but it’s hard to tell. The cardboard ones take less time to clean but it’s a pain to cut and replace the zip ties on them.

[BradMillner46]

Lake Cities, 

 

Sorry for asking so many questions but I want to learn all I can from somebody that’s doing this and being successful. I got laid off my job the first week on January. I have about 20 drink and snack machines out and probably about 130 mint boxes out. I started the mint boxes a little over a year ago. Trying to turn this into full time. Buying lots of boxes and locations right now. I have 2 locators working and a couple of local people working on locations. I'm putting out 20 to 30 boxes a week right now. Are you using the acrylic boxes or cardboard boxes. I started with acrylic boxes but on the last order I bought 100 cardboard ones because of price. I really like the acrylic boxes better but it really amounts to what makes more money. I think the acrylic boxes make more but it’s hard to tell. The cardboard ones take less time to clean but it’s a pain to cut and replace the zip ties on them.

Lake Cities, it makes a HUGE difference which program you are in with the cardboard as to how well your business is going to do. In my experience, cardboard does much better than acrylic because they are cheaper, you don't have to worry about thieves (vs your investment with them) thus enabling you to gain a lot more locations and you don't have to worry about taking a big hit if you ever loose one which will happen sooner or later, especially if you're doing this full time. 

 

What very generally happens to the charity vendor is they start out with a bang but after a while their business starts collapsing due to eventual kick-outs from store locations. There's a little known reason for why this happens and a secret for how to keep this from happening and the non-profit organization that I've been running my charity honor box business with wanted me to spearhead my own charity honor box program where I teach select vendors how to run this business the best way possible.

 

If you don't mind me asking, since you said you are in a financial jam, why are you not out there locating your own boxes?   

[Lake Cities Vending]

Lake Cities, 

 

Lake Cities, it makes a HUGE difference which program you are in with the cardboard as to how well your business is going to do. In my experience, cardboard does much better than acrylic because they are cheaper, you don't have to worry about thieves (vs your investment with them) thus enabling you to gain a lot more locations and you don't have to worry about taking a big hit if you ever loose one which will happen sooner or later, especially if you're doing this full time. 

 

What very generally happens to the charity vendor is they start out with a bang but after a while their business starts collapsing due to eventual kick-outs from store locations. There's a little known reason for why this happens and a secret for how to keep this from happening and the non-profit organization that I've been running my charity honor box business with wanted me to spearhead my own charity honor box program where I teach select vendors how to run this business the best way possible.

 

If you don't mind me asking, since you said you are in a financial jam, why are you not out there locating your own boxes?

I was using locators in the past because I didn't have time after working full time. Now I have more time I'll be out locating on my own.

[BradMillner46]

Good for you Lake Cities, I'm sure you will discover how easy it is to do.

[CBLYDEN]

Hello everyone, I am what I guess you would call brand new in this concept. I have been researching the bulk vending market for several months now and recently came across the fact that honor boxes are apparently still profitable. I am truly excited about the idea of the mint honor boxes as I believe I happen to live in a great place for them. I have been reading all over this forum for the last few hours and I am ready to jump into the pool so to speak.

 

I will state that I found this forum after stumbling across Sheridan's website about the pink ribbon boxes. I was thinking about reaching out them first to get a human response before placing an order for hundreds of dollars and getting nothing in return. Now after reading how they seem to be the vendor of choice for the boxes and charity purpose, I am just waiting until payday! I hope that it is ok with all of you but I wanted to blurt out my plan as I have no one locally that could have a chance of understanding this concept to see if my projections appear realistic to you all.

 

I am looking at buying 50 pink ribbon boxes at $243.50 (not sure if that includes shipping or not). Also have a Sam's right next door so I will be ordering 25 boxed of the York mints 175/cs @ $13.48 each ($0.08 per mint). My initial upstart will be about $600 for stocked boxes for 40 locations (using 10 as transfer boxes for now) I am aware of the monthly royalty of $22.50 for the 90% of the 50 boxes they will bill my card for and the zip code fee for 5 zip codes (college town surrounded by rural areas, allowing room for uninterrupted expansion in the coming months) at $5 per month billed to my card. My goal is to place these first 40 boxes in college hangouts and local independent dining establishments, which I don't believe will be terribly hard to do in a couple days time of walking door to door and looking for manager or owners.

 

Being realistic, I am assuming up to a 25% vacancy from max revenues based on shrinkage and not fully selling every given location. Assuming the least revenue per mint at $0.33 each and a cost of $0.08 each, with average anticipated sales of 75 mints per box I am looking to net ~$10 per box x 40 boxes = $400 in profit per month. My goal is to monitor locations to where I can truly collect on 100 mints per month (even with more than one trip per month to restock) to raise that minimum expectation of net profit while scaling the business to more locations.

 

I will be marketing the honor boxes to area host locations by showing them an actual stocked box and explaining that we are partnered with a nation charity to find a cure for breast cancer. Did anyone clarify if SGK was in fact the end beneficiary to this charity? I don't want to use the name if that's not a fact.

 

Does my process seem logical and doable to anyone here? Any advice that you are willing to give, I am happy to receive!

 

Many thanks to you all for the input! 

[Lake Cities Vending]

Hello everyone, I am what I guess you would call brand new in this concept. I have been researching the bulk vending market for several months now and recently came across the fact that honor boxes are apparently still profitable. I am truly excited about the idea of the mint honor boxes as I believe I happen to live in a great place for them. I have been reading all over this forum for the last few hours and I am ready to jump into the pool so to speak.

 

I will state that I found this forum after stumbling across Sheridan's website about the pink ribbon boxes. I was thinking about reaching out them first to get a human response before placing an order for hundreds of dollars and getting nothing in return. Now after reading how they seem to be the vendor of choice for the boxes and charity purpose, I am just waiting until payday! I hope that it is ok with all of you but I wanted to blurt out my plan as I have no one locally that could have a chance of understanding this concept to see if my projections appear realistic to you all.

 

I am looking at buying 50 pink ribbon boxes at $243.50 (not sure if that includes shipping or not). Also have a Sam's right next door so I will be ordering 25 boxed of the York mints 175/cs @ $13.48 each ($0.08 per mint). My initial upstart will be about $600 for stocked boxes for 40 locations (using 10 as transfer boxes for now) I am aware of the monthly royalty of $22.50 for the 90% of the 50 boxes they will bill my card for and the zip code fee for 5 zip codes (college town surrounded by rural areas, allowing room for uninterrupted expansion in the coming months) at $5 per month billed to my card. My goal is to place these first 40 boxes in college hangouts and local independent dining establishments, which I don't believe will be terribly hard to do in a couple days time of walking door to door and looking for manager or owners.

 

Being realistic, I am assuming up to a 25% vacancy from max revenues based on shrinkage and not fully selling every given location. Assuming the least revenue per mint at $0.33 each and a cost of $0.08 each, with average anticipated sales of 75 mints per box I am looking to net ~$10 per box x 40 boxes = $400 in profit per month. My goal is to monitor locations to where I can truly collect on 100 mints per month (even with more than one trip per month to restock) to raise that minimum expectation of net profit while scaling the business to more locations.

 

I will be marketing the honor boxes to area host locations by showing them an actual stocked box and explaining that we are partnered with a nation charity to find a cure for breast cancer. Did anyone clarify if SGK was in fact the end beneficiary to this charity? I don't want to use the name if that's not a fact.

 

Does my process seem logical and doable to anyone here? Any advice that you are willing to give, I am happy to receive!

 

Many thanks to you all for the input! 

 

 

The $243.50 is plus shipping. I wouldn't do the zip code fee, to me it’s a waste of money. The Susan G Komen candy for a cause is legitimate through Sheridan Systems.

[CBLYDEN]

Thank you Lake Cities