Adult Consumers

[sweetgypsy]

I have very few accounts that have kids as my main customers. Most are businesses, break rooms and a couple dive bars. I'm about to place some new NW 60's and want to know what product you feel are the best in a double head. I'm thinking PMM because they seem to be a perennial favorite and Runts because they have a good shelf life. I'm toying with the idea of gumballs on one side, but I'm hesitant because I view this as a kid item not something for the 35+ age group. My bar accounts are remaining unchanged and will have salty nuts and PMM.

Any thoughts, Beth

  

[grumpy]

The majority of my location are adults, and I use gumballs in some. They do sell, but like you I also use nuts in most. It really depends on the location, I have a friend > 40 years old who loves gumballs, but then most of my friends do not. If a location has a gumball addict then they will sell, just like any other product, some locations I can not sell PMM's even though they are my number one seller 1000lbs since November gumballs maybe 200lbs.

In the end trial and error is best, this is a lot easier if you have globe machines.

[Jax Snacks]

Beth,

Don't fall into the trap that gumballs are for kids only!  I used to think that as well but I have seen many adult oriented locations buy gumballs.  I had a charter air terminal once that had chickle gum, but when I added gumballs as a selection it almost sold out and the chickle gum hardly moved in this upscale adult location.  I always offer gumballs in every location that accepts them.  Of course, like any product, they may not sell at a particular location and you will need to find a substitute.  But the margin on gumballs is so good you really have to offer them everywhere.  I have many blue collar factories and office buildings that buy a decent amount of gumballs.  They also hold up well in many environments where candy will melt, crack or fade.  Give gumballs a shot - you may be pleasantly surprised (like I was)!

Jax

[davidsurvz]

I don't know who is buying all my gumballs (kids or adults) but I love selling them. The profit margin is great!

[markvend]

Beth,

I also agree it's a trap not to do gum.  Some of my adult customers are fanatics about gum and give me a play by play of who has bought the most since the last time there.  The profit margin is best on gumballs and runts (as best I can figure).  You can always change later if gum doesn't work.

Also there's a thread where we've been discussing the M&M Peanut dilemma and the cost to vend this product.  Its on the front page of the bulk vending forum.

Best of Luck,

Mark 

[rjpapageorgio]

Yep I agree. All you need is one gum addict and you could easily make $$$. I have a few accounts like these. Always test different items... you'd be surprised what sells.

RJ

[joebob051977]

I'm going to try gumballs at my factory site and see how they do. My skittles are hardly selling so I'm going to give the gumballs a try. From my calculations; if I'm only selling 12 vends of skittles per month, I only need about 3 gumball vends to do better than skittles.

[T BIRD]

Way to go with the NW 60s Beth! You have some good feedback here sista.