TheMageLives Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 Here is a spreadsheet my GF made for my one machine. Its still a work in progress but I would like to get your opinion on it. The file is needing approval so might not be available just yet. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZVendor Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 You're micromanaging one machine. This will work until you get a few machines out and then the data entry will kill you. You need to record sales by category, not item level. This is the kind of thing a data recorder will do for you easily but requires equipment and subscriptions. Don't worry, everyone tries to micromanage and reinvent vending but then they all relax into the simplistic methods of record keeping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngryChris Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 Yeah, I use vendsoft. I just have to put in all of the data but because of all of the data entry I do, and because of the prekitting I am able to do because of the data, I am able to stock machines pretty quick. I don't know where everyone else is at, but I have 15+ years experience as a route driver (with over 11 of those years working for myself as my own route driver) and I can collect $300 out of two machines in about 30-45 minutes. That includes all of the data entry I do in front of the machines as well. In vending, and most other industries, I don't think it's necessary or even worth your time to try to reinvent the wheel. It's a much better use of your time to just find out how to offer a better service than the competition. That's super easy right now because large companies usually struggle to find enough staff, including vending companies. Plus, a lot of drivers just don't care about their work. Just promise to listen to their requests and that should be enough to get your foot in some doors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMageLives Posted February 9, 2022 Author Share Posted February 9, 2022 7 hours ago, AngryChris said: Yeah, I use vendsoft. I just have to put in all of the data but because of all of the data entry I do, and because of the prekitting I am able to do because of the data, I am able to stock machines pretty quick. I don't know where everyone else is at, but I have 15+ years experience as a route driver (with over 11 of those years working for myself as my own route driver) and I can collect $300 out of two machines in about 30-45 minutes. That includes all of the data entry I do in front of the machines as well. In vending, and most other industries, I don't think it's necessary or even worth your time to try to reinvent the wheel. It's a much better use of your time to just find out how to offer a better service than the competition. That's super easy right now because large companies usually struggle to find enough staff, including vending companies. Plus, a lot of drivers just don't care about their work. Just promise to listen to their requests and that should be enough to get your foot in some doors. Ok. Yea my gf was really pushing the spreadsheet idea to track everything (She's an accountant). I was just going with the flow, when low just go to sams with cash out of the machine lol. Good news through they are building the first Bj's warehouse in Columbus atm so ill have another option to buy from since costco really doesn't carry pastries. I also agree that it is too much data entry, even with 1 machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngryChris Posted February 9, 2022 Share Posted February 9, 2022 You can make a planogram. Take a blank piece of paper and sketch a rectangle to represent the machine selections. Then put a plastic cover over it and you can use an erasable marker. This way, you can record what your count that's in the machine. You can also take pictures too. It's just a couple really simple ways to track sales from a few machines. Beyond that, you should consider vending software because it's really not that expensive if your locations are good moving forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYCandyMaN Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 anyone use vending essentials? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hangry Vendors Posted June 24 Share Posted June 24 On 2/9/2022 at 12:02 AM, AngryChris said: Yeah, I use vendsoft. I just have to put in all of the data but because of all of the data entry I do, and because of the prekitting I am able to do because of the data, I am able to stock machines pretty quick. I don't know where everyone else is at, but I have 15+ years experience as a route driver (with over 11 of those years working for myself as my own route driver) and I can collect $300 out of two machines in about 30-45 minutes. That includes all of the data entry I do in front of the machines as well. In vending, and most other industries, I don't think it's necessary or even worth your time to try to reinvent the wheel. It's a much better use of your time to just find out how to offer a better service than the competition. That's super easy right now because large companies usually struggle to find enough staff, including vending companies. Plus, a lot of drivers just don't care about their work. Just promise to listen to their requests and that should be enough to get your foot in some doors. Ever tried VendingOps? I'm curious as to how it compares. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tblake05 Posted June 25 Share Posted June 25 Uhhh, this post it from over two years ago, betting the OP’s 1 machine didn’t do so hot and he’s given up months ago…. Prob could ask his accountant (girlfriend), if they’re still together. As she seemed to be the one who did all the books. just like lots of guys in this industry lately, have high hopes, high ambitions, and realize that it’s not as “passive” as they hoped and they give up. Normal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngryChris Posted June 26 Share Posted June 26 On 6/24/2024 at 8:24 AM, Hangry Vendors said: Ever tried VendingOps? I'm curious as to how it compares. I have never heard of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now