F J Vending Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I recently purchased a small route of 50 machines. A typical location will have one candy, one gumball and up to 3 1" heads and maybe a 2" head. The previous owner had 12 different 1" products from 4 different vendors. I am placing my first order to refill and I have looked at 50+ different products and its numbing trying to decide what to buy and who to buy from. I am not aware of any special request and the demographics/patrons at each location are about the same. I think I need to drop down to 6-8 products to simplify the setups. My thinking is that at most in any one location I have 3-1" heads, so I might keep 6 different items. If something doesnt move at one location then switch it out for something else. I would have several other locations that I could put that item. Maybe systematically swap out items to keep up interest. Seems many locations have the same customers and this would produce more sales. It would simplify the order and service process. Slowly introduce new items and "retire" items, moving them to a mystery or variety machine. How do you stock your machines? Is it normal to try many items at one time or do you have your "go to" items and try a new one from time to time? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shepherdsflock Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I have two eight way racks, one has some sticker and 2" machines on top, the other has all 1". For the one that is all 1", I run gumballs in 1 head and mystery mix in two heads. That leaves six heads that I need to fill with toys. Once I identify the six products that I want to run in those heads, I order enough so that I can run the same products in my other locations; and then I identify six more products and order the same amount and rotate them periodically. One of the biggest challenges about bulk vending is product rotation. If you really want to maximize your revenue, you've got to rotate product pretty frequently. Simply filling your heads all the way to the top and waiting six months or a year (especially for 2" products that take a long time to sell) is poor way to make money. People get bored with the same old product. In fact, just last weekend I was servicing a rack and this kid comes up and starts looking at the machines. I asked him if I could help him with anything and he said he just wanted to see if there was anything new in the machines. Having new products in your machines drives sales more than just about anything else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tbuford Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I think it's best to deal with just a few suppliers. One big plus to this is you reduce your shipping costs. I generally always order enough so it will come on a pallet. I would run 27mm bounce balls in every location, also one head with chicle, and one head with 850 gum. On the 1" ask the supplier you trust what is hot and even then you just put the leftovers in a junk mix. I personally use A & A, but their are many good suppliers. You just need to look at their overall pricing and decide who to use. I would not get my gum from anyone except a gum company or from Sam's. If u buy from a gum company then free shipping if you order 85 cases. If you buy from Sam's no shipping cost. For tatts VSI has great product and best pricing. Free shipping and price break if you order 40 boxes at a time. Generally, don't buy close out tatts cause they will not sell. Only buy close out tatts if you really know the business good and even then be very selective. I put a 2 column tatt machine on almost every rack or a free standing 2 or 4 column tatt machine next to the rack. I could be wrong Tbuford If it is 50 racks my advice is good. If it is 50 machine heads then you probably won't move product fast enough to do pallet orders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mike Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 I don't really count the products I stock. You really need a good mix to keep the rotation going. If you have any interest in expanding at all it will eat up any on hand inventory quick. Just make sure to stay away from products that can go stale ( Stickers with movie themes etc). It seems like I am always low on 1" product so It shouldn't become an issue for you. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrCorey Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 With non food items it is good to follow the toy fads, thats what the big bulkers do. always have what is new in your machines. try to carry them all. stickers and toys and tattoos. the manufactors make what is popular. err, mostly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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