Company Wants Some Machines Pulled

[Fermo Vending]

Hey all, 

Two of my locations were owned by the same company. I purchased machines for each location (2 snack and 3 drink so five total). Last week the two locations combined into one facility (which I knew was going to happen). When I spoke to my point of contact we discussed that the company should consider keeping all 5 machines to accommodate the same # of employees in one location, to which he adamantly agreed. I placed the machines last Saturday, and due to doorway sizings and a few other reasons the snack machines will not fit in the company's desired location for the machines. I did everything I could; removed the door of the machine and took out the top and bottom panels. I called my contact to let him know, and he told me to leave the machines where they could fit (which was in an agreed upon location between he and I). 

Well, this morning I received a call informing me that "they don't have the space" where the machines were left (even though my contact saw photos), so I have to pull two out (one drink & one snack machine). From what I understand this was not my contact's call, but someone above him. I may have no choice but I wanted to ask: does anyone have some advice on how to pitch the idea of leaving the machines on site? There are over 130 employees plus truck drivers that come in and out at all hours of the day. I'm looking to provide the necessary amount of snacks while also looking to avoid needing to go to this location once every three days. 

My point of contact is out today so I'll give him a ring in the morning. 

 

TIA

[Gizmo Vending]

Nothing you can really do especially if you don’t know who is making that decision.  Keep in mind that you are a guest on their property.   Alternatively you could see if there is somewhere else on the property to put the machines.  

[Fermo Vending]

That's what I'm hoping for, that there's somewhere else they'd be ok with the machines living but I'm skeptical. It's a transportation company and it's a rule they can't have the machines on the dock, so I'm limited to basically the back office space. I'm not going to press too hard as I definitely don't want to lose the account, but I do think they need two snack machines and not one. Part of me is expecting them to ask me to purchase another smaller snack machine. 

[Southeast Treats]

Commercial space is always at a premium, and vending is an afterthought at best (and some upper managers consider it to be a nuisance).  Give them what they want and service weekly; take the other set of machines and find a new location.   It's their space and they need it for their business, not yours.  It's tough but that's the reality of vending.  Be polite and professional, if/when they decide they need more you will get the call.

[AZVendor]

Having a location that you need to service every three days is a good thing.  Thank your lucky starts that you still have the location and make some money!

[Fermo Vending]

Do you think it's worth recommending they keep the additional machines? I'm slightly exaggerating when I say once every three days, but it will be often. 

[Fermo Vending]

19 minutes ago, Southeast Treats said:

Commercial space is always at a premium, and vending is an afterthought at best (and some upper managers consider it to be a nuisance).  Give them what they want and service weekly; take the other set of machines and find a new location.   It's their space and they need it for their business, not yours.  It's tough but that's the reality of vending.  Be polite and professional, if/when they decide they need more you will get the call.

That's the plan! Appreciate the perspective. 

[AZVendor]

I would still try to keep all machines there.

[Fermo Vending]

I'll see what I can do. I think my best angle is to let them know the current number of machines better matches the amount of volume they require, assuming the machines can be placed safely and appropriately without interrupting their day to day business.