Jump to content

Serving the cities finest


lurtsman

Recommended Posts

Anyone else feeding the police? I recently purchased a couple locations from midwest and one of them is a local police office. I haven't talked to that city to find out if they wanted special permits for bulk vending machines, as ignorance seemed blissful. Going into a government building (police department no less) I wondered if any vendors had such locations, do you look into getting any city permits to slap on the back of the machines? My personal feelings about how tacky it is go by the wayside compared to not getting into hot water.

Thanks :)

I'm very excited to take these out. Also, anyone ever heard of Roston Beans? Requested by a location -- I suspect they meant "Boston Beans".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

lurtsman,

Usually the police have better things to do than hassel you over vending machines. I think they'd look the other way even if they knew you had no license, etc.. The problem would come from a jealous vendor that saw your machine and pointed out that you had no license, sticker or whatever and then would feel they had to follow up on that complaint.

I've been stopped by local police out working and know someone called them. Once that happens you could be in trouble. I've actually had them escort me to their local city offices to make sure I paid for and got a local city license. It's always someone else calling on you. My best suggestion would be to get a license and not have to worry about it. Walk in there with your head held high not nervous and sweaty!   :)

I have some Boston Baked Beans.  My local Sams Club stocks them.  I was there today and the only thing they didn't have was Runts.  Anyway, these are candy coated with a hard shell over a peanut.  Used to be very popular a long time ago.  Would likely sell well were you had a good number of older customers.  Some might just buy them as they haven't seen them in so long.  lol

The best part if they sell is they are only $3.78 for like a 3lb bag and they should last a long time with the hard coating.

nam

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had picked a few up earlier. Ironically it was a retail store requesting the beans--and I'd expect younger customers.

How much was it going to cost you for the city license? When I called one city during the research phase of my business it sounded like they wanted to verify every address and charge me annually for every head while telling me if I had a right to place a machine there. I couldn't fathom paying someone else to tell me not to do business, so I never called them again and didn't talk to any other cities. I'm really very honored to be serving our officers. I hope runts are in stock next time I'm up there, since they were requested also. (I was a little surprised that their management requested 4 things in a 4 way machine, but I've been wanting to get into that store so I won't complain and will just swap after two months if something flops.

Thanks Nam. I am so excited to take these out placing. Need to set up times for next week. Also anyone have a name badge from NCCS they wear, or any other vending apparel to help give yourself an official charity look?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have laminated the ID tag from NCCS and use it with a special little clip to attach to my shirt.

Giving more thought to totally doing away with candy and charities anyway. There are advantages and disadvantages to charity vending but thinking in the long run maybe straight commission is better. I like feeling like I have the right to be in the location and knowing no one is gonna kick me out by telling the owner how the charity system works.

nam

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have to agree with you again nam. Now you're not asking for a hand out either(the commiss route)...The charity isn't bad depending which one you pick...Some folks love NCCS and other prefer some community one or church based op. Money talks today, not asking for a free hand out...

I too am guilty of showing an owner the charity system and had the other vendor booted...I was there 1st and figured I went in-person to pitch and close this account, how dare this idiot poach me. Like being married, this is my home buddy you better pack your crap and leave or as jax said feel some glue fool! Some will argue over this and rock out with your bad self...This is a competition and you need to be the last man standing!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In the long run, commission vending will probably be my focus. For now I'll be working with whatever I can find for sale. Good to know other people are printing the name tag too. Is the one they send out colored? The "sample" in the brochure did not look very impressive. I had considered using it, but it seemed like I could make something a little nicer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The ID from NCCS is colored as far as the pic of the kids and their logo. It looks better and more offical laminated. You can buy the special name tag holders with the clips on them - that's what I used. I didn't print mine - it came from NCCS.

Really glad I laminated my stickers that came from NCCS so they will be quick and easy to pull out of my machines and return. Haven't quite made the decision to end charity vending but close. Changing might be a bit of a problem explaining but I'd rather do it than have a competitor.

nam

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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 account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...