getting started ...
So, the responsibility for buying the vending has finally landed on your desk. It’s been around the office several times, put to the bottom of the pile, pulled out every now and again, but now the boss has decided its time to do something about it, and the person who is going to do something about it… is you! So where do we start?

I guess most people would either go through Yellow Pages or some other directory (perhaps even an on-line directory these days). Maybe you have a vending file in the office, containing information that has been sent into the company over the years. The next step I guess would be to call some of these companies to discuss your requirements. Some buyers phone round to three or four vending companies and say simply: “ I need a coffee machine for 25 people, send me a quote” Some companies will agree to do this and sure enough, a quote will usually arrive within a few days. It sounds too easy doesn’t it? Well it is!

Ask yourself whether this company really knows what it is you need. Compare it with your business. If someone phoned you with such a vague enquiry could you respond? Of course not. You need more information. The same is true of any reputable vending company. Whilst on the face of it, the company that gets its quote to you the next day may appear to be “switched on”, nothing could be further from the truth. By sending a quote with such little information to work on, they are making too many assumptions, and the sales rep is probably just recommending the machine on which he makes the most commission! This is a useful test to see whether it is a reputable company you are contacting. Tell them you have no time to see anyone and ask for a quote in the post. If the company agrees too readily, the chances are they’ll sell you anything, without consideration as to whether its really suitable.

How could they know?

A reputable company will explain this to you and will insist on sending a representative to see you. This meeting need not take any more than 15 minutes and, in view of all the problems you could create if you get it wrong, it could be the most useful 15 minutes you ever spend. If you really cannot find the time to see someone, explain this to the company and wait to see how many questions they ask in respect of your needs - the more the better. The more information you can provide, the clearer the picture. Just about every week, we encounter people who have bought solely on price, and have rued the day!

Take the time to do the job properly!

vendingabc is from cafe azzurro limited