5 replies to this topic

[melissa]

hello....i am just starting out in the business with a few machines and am wondering where the best places are to buy bulk candy?

[N2TRUX]

A lot depends on what area you are in. Do a Google search and see what suppliers are in your area to keep shipping costs down. I use A&A Global- http://www.aaglobalind.com and Brand Imports- http://www.brandimports.com[/URL] for my bulk supplies. Here's a link page from Vending Times magazine that might be helpful....http://www.vendingti...26AD5514&tier=1

[CoolHand]

hello....i am just starting out in the business with a few machines and am wondering where the best places are to buy bulk candy?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, good luck:)

I'm pretty certain you aren't at this level yet, but you'd be surprised how little you have to buy in order to go direct to the manufacturer. Just Born (Mike & Ike's and Hot Tamales) only require 500lbs per order to get free shipping and prices in the mid $30's for 30lb. This gets the cost per ounce down to the 7c range. At a little over 1/3 of an Oz my vend cost on these is 3c. Awesome profit for a brand name candy.

Nestle's minimum order if you stick to Wonka products ( Runts, Nerds, Goobers etc) is also only 500lbs. Free shipping there also and a 2% discount for paying in under 10 days! They have another price break at 2000lbs which is fairly hefty. I buy only Nerds Gumballs because they sell better than ANYTHING. That takes care of several hundred pounds a month (I have 180 triples) so I hang on until I can place a 2000lb order (Yes that's a ton of gumballs ) If you also buy chocolate from them (not likely) the minimum order is 2000lbs.

Masterfoods (Mars M&M) have a 1000lb minimum which is quite high, on the plus side at manufacturer prices M&M's and Skittles are as profitable as the generics but sure do beat them in sales.

Hersheys are very hard to deal with, disorganized and frustrating. When you consider minimum purchases from these guys really is only made up of Reeses Pieces and Good and Plenty it isn't that attractive (unless you have lots of 50's kids in your area... they'll pay for the Good and Plenty)

Brach's out of Tennessee are also supposed to be helpful... they make the mint pearls that are great for restaurant locations. I havn't gone direct to them yet.


Other than that... I would still go with a reputable Online wholesaler rather than Sam's, the choice bites and everybody and their dog sells that Double Bubble. Put a machine with Nerds or Baseballs NEXT TO a machine with Double Bubble and you'll get 95%+ of the sales.

Good luck again,

Regards,

Cool Hand Luke

[CoolHand]

Dont have address book with me I'm afraid. Look up MASTERFOODS in Hershey PA for MARS (DO NOT LET THE OPERATOR SEND YOU TO THE VENDING DEPARTMENT). Ask for Customer Service and explain you wish to direct purchase. Just Born's number is on the 'Contact Us' page of their website (justborn.com). Nestle USA also has a web page with contact information. Ask for customer service also.

Good Luck!