adog Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 So I am sitting on 6 used machines which I don't mind at all. Got killer deals on all of them and I know eventually I will get them located. Anyways I received a location from LRU went in today and it was a family owned business. The place was packed and I got excited since it was my first location. I talked to the front girl and then the brother who said yes and said place it by the door! You had to walk pass these puppies ! I went and got the machine placed it by the door and asked if they had any questions real quick? Then the dad/owner came out and said sorry we don't want it which sucked! I was all dressed up and had the machine so I said what the Hell lets go and try to self locate! Short story short after about 15 no's ended up not placing one machine! Tried the charity thing with papers in hand... Didn't work. Tried ofering comission to some places, still nothing. Short story short.... what a horrible beginning. I know I will have better days though. It was funny because at first I was really nervous to go meet with the first guy but I was actually really calm talking! I figure locating is like going to a club and asking a girl to dance... You have some good days and some bad. Sometimes alot of yes'ssssss and sometimes some no's! Today was a total strikeout lol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shepherdsflock Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Lesson learned: when placing a machine, get in and get out as quickly as possible so that nobody has a chance to change their mind. When you stuck around to ask if they had any questions, that was your strike out. Once you get a "yes", get the machine in there and get out as quickly as possible. Most places won't put up a big objection once it's there and you're gone. If they do, they wait until you show up to service it, at which point you will have hopefully earned enough from the location to make up at least some of what you spent locating there. The same applies when servicing machines. Get in and get out as quickly as possible. If you can, service the machine out of sight of any important people. One of the locations I purchased with my route got booted over a year ago. The former owner of my route told the location that he wasn't prepared to move the machine that day and would move it on the next service. It's still there today. I'm not telling you to lie to anyone, but in bulk vending you have to learn to be an "artful dodger". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherlock Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 You never really fail until you stop trying to succeed....keeping plugging away and you will start to get some approvals mixed in with those "no's". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GagesVending Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Sorry to hear about that! I've had those days too, not everyday will be that bad. Like Sheperdsflock said, get in and out asap when installing machines. They are likely too afraid to call you and tell you to remove it, unless it's urgent so they will likely become accustomed to it being there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adog Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share Posted March 27, 2013 Yeah thanks guys! Seriously that's what I thought after. Once he said place it there I was thinking I should have just dropped it and booked it out of there! Lesson learned! And yeah not even close to quitting! Just would have loved to place the machine on the first day! Thanks for the input. Got some experience today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 If I knew this was a $40+/month location (and a BUSY, family-owned eatery with no competition usually is), I'd put this address and contact (the son's name apparently?) in my follow-up binder. In four weeks I'd go back the minute they open, throw a $20 on the table and say "I'll give you this for 15 minutes of your honest attention without interruption" and pitch the dad on 20% commission. How much is that empty floor space earning you every month right now? Sometimes a location owner just needs educated about what a no-brainer this really is. Even if he still says no, it's 20 bucks well spent. At least I don't run the risk of seeing an 8-way Terminator there a month later with MY 50 bucks in it. AND even if the dad said no, there's still the angle of trying to get the son on your side to pitch the idea to dad again a month or two later. Don't just accept that first no, work the angles and check back with the location from time to time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Action Vending Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 I would not try and sneak in and sneak out without anyone seeing me, whether it is for placement or service. I always try to make it known that I am there when servicing. That way they see me and know that I am taking care of them and their customers. When some one solicits my account I don't want them saying "ya we never really see anyone, why don't you put your machine in." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adog Posted March 28, 2013 Author Share Posted March 28, 2013 Well my day just turned around! Got a location at a big restaurant franchise and I walked in and saw who I thought was the manager and I approached him very professionally! LRU found me this location so when I went in I was not sure if there information was 100% accurate. We talked and he said he told LRU that they really didn't have room so I told the manage, "I'll tell you hat come out to my car real quick and check it out!" On the way I told him about the charity I am donating to! He loved the idea and and he put me right next to the do next to those huge spiral gum ball machines. He actually put me closer to the door. He then offered me a drink I said no in a respectful way. He said the big spiral is 2/3 empty in two weeks so lets see what my double eagles will do! These babies are clean and the black against the coin mech is just wowww! Let's see how mike and Ikes and Peanut M&M's d against the big spiral! First location ever!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GagesVending Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Hey, see that's awesome! I'm happy for ya! That sounds like it will be a great location! Sometimes it takes a little persistence and I think you went about the situation in the right way. Showing him the machine before just walking away to "We don't have room." was the right way to handle it. The little extra push and charity talk helped. Good job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adog Posted March 28, 2013 Author Share Posted March 28, 2013 Ha thanks bro! He said the "we don't have room" thing kind of iffy so I was just like what the hell! Let's give it a try! And it worked! He loved donating to a more local charity. It does feel absolutely amazing to get these things out of the garage on to the street! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GagesVending Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Indeed it does! Great job! Now use that "high" to get your second location! After so many no's we tend to lose hope and so once you get a yes, it makes up for it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adog Posted March 28, 2013 Author Share Posted March 28, 2013 Ha I am pumped now! Ready to go hit another 50 businesses now lol! It does reenergize you and give you hope that there are some businesses out there wiling to work with you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GagesVending Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Ha I am pumped now! Ready to go hit another 50 businesses now lol! It does reenergize you and give you hope that there are some businesses out there wiling to work with you! Exactly! It gives you a greater appreciation for their generosity when you get locations considering how hard it is to get one. Good luck on location two! Let us know what it ends up being! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shepherdsflock Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I would not try and sneak in and sneak out without anyone seeing me, whether it is for placement or service. I always try to make it known that I am there when servicing. That way they see me and know that I am taking care of them and their customers. When some one solicits my account I don't want them saying "ya we never really see anyone, why don't you put your machine in." My commission checks let them know that I've been servicing the machine. And the lack of complaints because I keep my machines stocked and maintained. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazenevenson Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Exactly, it definetly let's them know you've been by when they see a cheque on their desk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherlock Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Problem with not making yourself known when servicing is that you never really develop a solid relationship with the staff. Developing a good relationship with staff can save your equipment when some scumbag comes to steal your machines...the staff will recognize it's not his since you are the only one that services/owns it. Building a good relationship with staff will also help you in shared locations. I've had a handful of locations kick out all vendors but me. They may have had a variety of reasons for doing it...but my taking the time to let them know me as a PERSON didn't hurt I'm sure. Staff will also be more comfortable calling you if/when something goes wrong with your equipment if they know you better. If they don't know you they may just let you lose income by having a broken/damaged machine sit around until your next cycle. They won't feel so much like they're calling a stranger....instead, they are calling that guy they talk to on a regular basis about soccer or cooking or whatever else you find you all have in common by developing relationships. I've also learned that developing relationships with staff can lead to getting more locations. When talking to them, they'll mention other businesses they own or give me leads to friends they know who own businesses and refer me to them as someone they actually KNOW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GagesVending Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 Problem with not making yourself known when servicing is that you never really never develop a solid relationship with the staff. Developing a good relationship with staff can save your equipment when some scumbag comes to steal your machines...the staff will recognize it's not his since you are the only one that services/owns it. Building a good relationship with staff will also help you in shared locations. I've had a handful of locations kick out all vendors but me. They may have had a variety of reasons for doing it...but my taking the time to let them know me as a PERSON didn't hurt I'm sure. Staff will also be more comfortable calling you if/when something goes wrong with your equipment if they know you. If they don't know you they may just let you lose income by having a broken/damaged machine sit around until your next cycle. They won't feel so much like they're calling a stranger....instead, they are calling that guy they talk to on a regular basis about soccer or cooking or whatever else you find you all have in common by developing relationships. I've also learned that developing relationships with staff can lead to getting more locations. When talking to them, they'll mention other businesses they own or give me leads to friends they know who own businesses and refer me to them as someone they actually KNOW. I agree 100%. Relationships are critical to having those long lasting business relationships. When you create a connection with the people at the location, they are more likely to support you by putting quarters in your machines and if someone comes in offering a huge commission, it probably won't matter, because they like you. It's not all about the money to some people. Like Sherlock said, they will recognize who you are as "The Candy Guy" and won't allow someone to steal or bother your machines. Relationships just benefit everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shepherdsflock Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I do agree with Sherlock's post, but I still try to be as quick and unobtrusive as possible. I often have to service my machines during busy times of the day and it's important not to be a nuisance. Plus, you're not as likely to attract kids asking for free stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adog Posted March 28, 2013 Author Share Posted March 28, 2013 Yeah I agree it may help me to build a relationship with the manager at this place. Especially since it is a franchise to however I found out the owner is there only mondays and tuesdays so for one I am going to avoid those days when servicing my machine because I hope to skate under his radar and be able to keep my machine there. I hope I don't get, "Sorry Corporate Policy" crap. Secondly the manager is super nice and I said I might have to stop by and eat there sometime! Like I said he even offered me a free drink and put me right by the door! Super nice guy! And this place gets packed friday's and saturdays so I hope to get to stay. Any one ever have the manager say yes and then the Owner goes against the manager like a week later once the machine is already in? Especially if they see a lot of kids and adults using it making them happy? Just curious since the manager is there 6 days a week and onwer pretty much one! And the manager is super nice and really likes the idea? I guess corporate installs a huge gum ball machine at every location already so I am hoping it just blends in next to corporates huge spiral gum ball machine lol! Same colors and all! Almost a slamming technique lol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treadmill Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 When I had my route I always took the time to converse and service my route in a timely matter. Also gave away free samples to employees as well as customers if they were there. What's a dollar worth of candy per stop being handed out at service time. Now mind you I didn't do this at every location every month. It's just good PR to do it, you might just get some business from doing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 I always keep a bag of dum-dums with me while servicing my bulk route. At less than 2.5 cents a pop, it's a no-brainer. Those kids and employees hounding you for free samples, there's another word for them...customers. Keep them happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adog Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 I'm taking advice on that lol! Seems like a good idea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will.vend Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 I would not try and sneak in and sneak out without anyone seeing me, whether it is for placement or service. I always try to make it known that I am there when servicing. That way they see me and know that I am taking care of them and their customers. When some one solicits my account I don't want them saying "ya we never really see anyone, why don't you put your machine in." I was thinking the same thing action. I think the difference is charity vs commission. I can see a charity vendor wanting to ease in and out (Im seriously not knocking charity vendors) but a commission vendor needs to be seen, I am constantly playing "audibles" all day long while servicing/locating my routes. I might walk into a location with the mindset to do and say one thing but when I get a feel for what's going on there I might do something completely different. If all is calm in a location I will spend extra time chatting with the owner/manager but if it's busy I will make my presence known and go about my business. to the op I would say you did nothing wrong, being friendly and making sure your equipment is placed correctly is always a good thing, it just so happened to not work out in your favor. I like your attitude about trying to place it on your own after "dad" gave you the boot eventually you will get it placed. Locating is an art form of sales! the better you are at the gift of gab the better you will be at locating vending machines or anything else you might be selling. It's also a numbers game the more pitches you make the more machines you will place. I would focus on quanity calls and then after there placed in a month or two you can decide if the location is worth keeping. Hiring a locator is one way of getting in this business and I understand part time vendors dont have as much time to locate but until you are able to do all your own locating it will be a slow go at growing your business. I read that gale from lru say " we cant see the location we are telemarketers" this illustrates an excellent reason to locate yourself. I use my computer to search new locations and on paper they look promising but sometimes when I get there I immeadiately know it is a dud. I would hate to have just paid a locator money for a dud location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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