5 replies to this topic

[paveitall]

We are a small operator and stock our machines on weekends, we have 6 soda machine, 7 snack machines and several Crane Media Combo machines.  One problem we run into is hauling product in and out of the locations, it takes several trips and eats up a lot of time and effort due to the variety of product we supply.  Does anyone have a suggestion for a cart or tote they use?   

[AZVendor]

I was typing as Orsd posted his answer...

 

You can use a folding hand truck that is a normal upright hand truck and then folds out to a flat four-wheel truck.  You can get steel versions from Home Depot but if you want a real good one get an aluminum Magliner.  They make a standard height model called the Gemini Jr. and a taller one called the Gemini Sr.  When I ran my company, all three routes used the Gemini Jr. and we could stack up to 20 cases of 24ct cans and three milk crates of snacks on top to roll into a location.  If you use an inventory card for each machine as we did, you go in and count what you need, then return to your truck and pull all the products you need to fill the machines for one more trip into the location.  You will use the inventory card (we used one per machine) to pull exactly what you need to fill the machine with. 

 

You're correct that more than one or two trips in will kill your time and productivity.  You can also use third party vending-specific software that uses your inventory numbers to, over time, predict what any given machine will need on the day of service allowing you to arrive, park, pull the product and go in to fill the machines.  The only drawback to that method is you will occasionally have incorrect product numbers and you have to fake a selection or two, but this prevents more than one trip in.  The most effective method is what Orsd mentioned and that is installing telemetry equipment that will track your product sales in real time.  This is expensive to implement but once you begin you won't want to track your inventory any other way.  Being a small operator, your initial telemetry investment will be much less now than if you decide to do it when you have 50 or 100 machines, so give it some thought and do some investigating to determine if this would be a good direction to go. 

[paveitall]

Very good info guys thanks, we do have the telemetry and CC on all of our Crane models.  Maybe I just need to play with the software a little more, thanks for the help

[RJT]

A good set of aluminum lay down hand truck is what you need. Do not buy cheap, you buy these and take care of them they will last you a lifetime. You can haul a ton of weight on these carts.

 

I found this auction as an example but Magline is quality and you might find it local or cheaper elsewhere on line. Also buy good quality totes but make sure they are not to big to go through doors.

 

 

http://www.ebay.com/...=item5d294171d3

[Canteen]

We currently use Vendmax in our handhelds, its takes a few visits to get a good average - but if your pars and capacities are accurate - it works out good.

If the estimates are off, it knows and adjusts for the next visit.  It shows your average daily sales for each item and tells you how many of each you left on your last visit.  So when you see your "last" numbers and new numbers - you can adjust your pars to go with what moves.  Eventually, you can run in and "Throw And Go"

 

In the old days with cards, I did a 9K/week route in 50 hours. Currently I do 13K/week in 45 hours.  Those one trips make a big difference at some stops, and not so much at the small stops.

 

It can save enough time where they will get rid of a driver, and split up his route with the other drivers to save a salary.  Which is what happened twice here, I'm still hangin on.