12 replies to this topic

[fourcityvending]

Can someone give me an idea of what to say over the phone when calling to get locations?

I Just started this buisness and i paid a locator to find me some locations and charged me 50 Bucks but i have 60 more machines so i cant afford to do it anymore i have to do it myself but i dont know what to say? can anyone give me an idea of what to say when calling? and i am using a charity NCCA any replies would be very appreciated.

[Gabe .Z.]

"Hello, my name is _______. I'm working w/ the ____________ to get candy and gumball machines placed throughout my town. I was wondering if you would like to donate some space for this worthy cause?"

Mix it up, and just be yourself. Whatever comes easiest to you.

Good Luck!

[danl]

The fact that you've signed up with a charity is a smart move on your part. Gabe.Z. gives you a great way of starting out. You might want to consider adding in how much charity vendor programs contribute to the overall finances of your charity just after the sentence "I'm working w/ the ____________ to get candy and gumball machines placed throughout my town..." For example, "Currently _________ recieves X dollars from vendors like myself to help fund their work." (Just recently I read a long article about vendors and charities in one of the national newspapers and I was really impressed by just how much charities take in from vendors. It's not pocket change!) Be sure to mention that the business has no responsiblities or obligations for the machine on site. Also, consider what benefits the business will get from having the machine on site. For example, convenience to employees and customers. Finally, mention who will be servicing the machines, how often and how you can be contacted in the event of problems. So, here's Gabe.Z. script with some modifications:

"Hello, my name is _______. I'm working w/ the ____________ to get candy and gumball machines placed throughout my town. Currently __________ receives X dollars yearly from vendors like myself. As a sponsoring business, there are no obligations or responsibilities to you for the machine which is a convenience for your employees and customers. I will be the one servicing the machine on a regular basis. I'll have my contact information on the machine if you should need me for anything. Would you would like to donate some space for this worthy cause?"

Cold calling is a tough way to go and you might want to consider personal visits to potential sites. I can gurantee you that your success rate will go up if you do but you really should have what you want to say planned out. So cold calling will give you plenty of practice with getting your script tightened so that you feel comfortable with your delivery.

Dan

[wjt]

The fact that you've signed up with a charity is a smart move on your part. Gabe.Z. gives you a great way of starting out. You might want to consider adding in how much charity vendor programs contribute to the overall finances of your charity just after the sentence "I'm working w/ the ____________ to get candy and gumball machines placed throughout my town..." For example, "Currently _________ recieves X dollars from vendors like myself to help fund their work." (Just recently I read a long article about vendors and charities in one of the national newspapers and I was really impressed by just how much charities take in from vendors. It's not pocket change!) Be sure to mention that the business has no responsiblities or obligations for the machine on site. Also, consider what benefits the business will get from having the machine on site. For example, convenience to employees and customers. Finally, mention who will be servicing the machines, how often and how you can be contacted in the event of problems. So, here's Gabe.Z. script with some modifications:

"Hello, my name is _______. I'm working w/ the ____________ to get candy and gumball machines placed throughout my town. Currently __________ receives X dollars yearly from vendors like myself. As a sponsoring business, there are no obligations or responsibilities to you for the machine which is a convenience for your employees and customers. I will be the one servicing the machine on a regular basis. I'll have my contact information on the machine if you should need me for anything. Would you would like to donate some space for this worthy cause?"

Cold calling is a tough way to go and you might want to consider personal visits to potential sites. I can gurantee you that your success rate will go up if you do but you really should have what you want to say planned out. So cold calling will give you plenty of practice with getting your script tightened so that you feel comfortable with your delivery.

Dan

I was doing door to door but with gas going up,up,up,up and up. I'm think about cold calling or a service to placing machines for me. Later WJT

[danl]

You're right, wjt. Gas prices are really putting a damper on the door to door thing. It's probably not in my best interest to say this ('cause I very recently started my own a locating company) but even with gas prices as high as they are, the extra gas expenditure (at least for now) is probably more economical than the expense of hiring a locating company. Last August I had 50 bulk candy machines that needed placing. The cost for locating the machines was included in the purchase price of the machines. It wasn't cheap. Even though it took the locating company forever to get to me, I lucked out with the person who they sent to do the locating. It took her two days to get all 50 machines placed. I went with her to each and every site to see how it was done and I never would have believed it had I not seen it with my own eyes. I was thinking that she might get 50 machines placed in 4 days. I live in a densely poplulated city so the areas we canvassed were heavy with businesses that we wanted to concentrate on. I guess the geography counts for a lot but you make a good point.

[Gabe .Z.]

Nice addition to the script Danl. I agree, cold calling is tough. I always cary some cards w/ me so if I happern to be out, I'll stop at a place or two and give my schpeel. Another fun thing that I have yet to try (but will soon) is giving gift cards as an incentive to place a machine. It's cheaper than hiring a locator, and makes the person feel like you appreciate what they're doing.

Danl, 50 machines in 2 days !?!? Very impresive.

[fourcityvending]

"Hello, my name is _______. I'm working w/ the ____________ to get candy and gumball machines placed throughout my town. I was wondering if you would like to donate some space for this worthy cause?"

Mix it up, and just be yourself. Whatever comes easiest to you.

Good Luck!

theats kind of what i was saying
would you like to donate a space for a candy machine some of the proceeds go to the_________ thank you soo much

[fourcityvending]

theats kind of what i was saying
would you like to donate a space for a candy machine some of the proceeds go to the_________ thank you soo much

Thanks for the advice

[hildy]

Even though it took the locating company forever to get to me, I lucked out with the person who they sent to do the locating. It took her two days to get all 50 machines placed. I went with her to each and every site to see how it was done and I never would have believed it had I not seen it with my own eyes. I was thinking that she might get 50 machines placed in 4 days. I live in a densely poplulated city so the areas we canvassed were heavy with businesses that we wanted to concentrate on. I guess the geography counts for a lot but you make a good point.

Dan , who placed your 50 machines?!!!? I am actually just starting on this business. I purchased a couple of machines for now. I am thinking of hiring a locator (or even cold calling)

[danl]

hildy, I used a company in Florida. They were recommended to me by the company that sold me the machines. At the time I was just getting started in the business and knew nothing! As I say I was luck with the person who I got. I can't guarantee that you'll get the same person. Also, they were on the expensive side. I think I paid something like $50 per machine. Anyway, the name of the company is Cotton Candy Vending in DeLand Florida. Phone is 850-562-8697. The owner's name is Bob Cotton and his web site is www.candyvendinglocating.com. I can't remember the name of the woman who did the locating for me but she was a tall blonde. If she's still there, Bob will know who you're talking about. Now, it did take forever (maybe a couple of months) for her to come to my place. I had 50 machines to place and thought that they would have gotten to me sooner. If you have only a couple machines, that might be problematic. Anyway, I just wanted to give you the information since you asked. I just wish that I was finished writing my ebook which is about how to locate yourself. I'm hoping to get it finished by mid to late June. It's something I plan to offer without charge because even though I run a locating company, I feel strongly that folks should really try to locate their own machines - if not all of them at least some. The learning experience is invaluable.

[hildy]

[quote name='danl' date='May 17 2008, 05:30 PM' post='3880']
Thanks, Dan. I did not realize you are a locator yourself and in Dallas. I am in the area as well. Hmmm...might try you out. What's your minim requirments for the machine?

[danl]

No minimums. In fact, my suggestion to any vendor trying out a locator company for the first time is to start out small, e.g., don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Take some time to see how it goes for you.

Just want to point out that we only secure locations by phone - not in person locating. That way I can keep prices a little lower.

If you want to know more, you might want to send me a PM. I don't want to do any blatant advertising here. Not sure if it's suitable in the forum or not.

[Aussie vendor]

I have found the idea of a charity attached works well. I also have had great success knocking doors.
I bring along with me an A4 page size colour photo copy picture of myself standing next to my machine, instead of a standard business card that store owners have seen hundreds of times before. Anyway, if I can't speak with the decision maker (shop owner/manager) right then, I leave the counter person a copy to pass on for me. The picture is at the top half of the sheet and my message is on the bottom half.
My message says- Hi my name is Allen, I own a reliable vending business, I work hard to feed my family like everyone else. The reason you have my picture is because I visited your store the other day and sadly I missed you. I was looking forward to meeting you in person. To make a long story short because your time is valued. I would like to place my small mechanical vending machine somewhere in your shop, this is how I earn my income, from other peoples pocket change. I locate & service my machines myself because I can't afford to pay business locators to do it for me, they charge at least $50. per machine to locate. What I am about to say to you now is not a bribe, I am going to pay you $25. so I can place my machine in your shop, have a meal and a drink on me. I save $25. bucks and every bodies happy. I am serious. What do you say? Give me a call, this is my number 555-5555.