Happy Thursday everybody. Today's E-Thought is going to be a kind of "rambling" on of a few things that are going on in my/our world lately.
First of all it seems that the Holiday season is finally coming to an end! I'm so excited because this now means that the "cash flow" should return! Believe me I use the term "SHOULD" very lightly. :)
Also now is the time when everybody should be getting signed up with the various "rebate" programs that the manufacturers are offering.This is kind of a sore subject for a lot of us it would seem because of the lackadaisical attitude or non willingness of the brokers and Manufacturers reps to get out into the field and meet up with all of you to get you signed up and find out how you are doing. The Northwest presents a unique situation in the vending world because of the sheer number of "smaller" vending companies that are out there. It is or would be difficult for one of the afore mentioned reps to get out and see everyone. Fortunately for all of you, you have us, who are willing to go the extra mile to make your company sustaining and profitable in this ever changing industry.
We are in constant communication with the Brokers and Manufacturer reps and are more than willing to pass onto or get you the required sign up forms and information that is needed to get you signed up on the various programs that are available to you. Next time you are in or the next time that you see Steve or myself just ask us what we can do to help get you started. It is just another "Value Added Service" that we love and enjoy providing to our customers, actually we have even helped the competitors customers get signed up on certain programs! :)
Let's see what else........oh...the wedding planning is coming along as scheduled, we will be registering at Sax 5Th Avenue, so feel free to go and get us something!! LOL........Just kidding, I think it will be Target actually. :)
I hope all of you survived the last couple months in the industry as they are typically the hardest to deal with for all of us, but as I said earlier it does seem to be getting back to a somewhat normal rhythm.
Always remember that we are just a phone call away and more than willing to help with any issue that may concern you!!!
REGARDS
Curt Wokal
Curt, as always thanks for watching out for us... the little guys. About the manufacturer reps and brokers, sure they are busy but getting out and pushing product lines is their job. Success is a reflection of how well you do that job. Sure with a few key accounts you will find more success sales wise than with several smaller accounts. Does that create brand identity, loyalty, or customer awareness? I guess it is a question of how successful you want to be. Don't make excuses for them as I'm sure they are compensated handsomely, especially for the work they do.
ReplyDeleteI may not manage the largest vending operation but I consider it to be very successful with very limited to no competition. This is the reason these people need to come out and meet with people like me. If they want to see their products in my vending machines I am the man to come see.
As you well know I could really care less if someone wants to come see me. But if they do, I am willing to do my best to push a product or manufacturer. You scratch my back and I will scratch yours! You don't want to come see me? I don't want to see you. But you can at least send me rebate info and any promo offers that are available. I don't care who you are, give me your money is the relationship we can have. Will I push your products the same way I would if we had a working relationship, probably not. Ahh loyalty is a funny thing. When somebody who has taken the initiative to form a relationship with me asks to take on a brand competing with yours, will I switch? Most likely.
I'm not saying everyone is bad but come on, the guy running the cash and carry shouldn't be doing your job all the time. I must give kudos where they are do....Steve Vargas with Atnip, you are the man! Monthly updates and an open line of communication, who could ask for more. Alright enough of my rant.
Thanks Curt for all you do and I wouldn't have nearly as much fun doing it without you.
Snow Valley, as a customer that has almost DOUBLED it's purchases in the last 5 months since transitioning from Vistar to Vend Northwest. I would say that your are fully aware of how valuable it is for these people to get out into the market and see THEIR customers. I'm glad that we were able to help facilitate the "hooking up" of you with the appropriate reps. Thanks for your support! Curt
ReplyDeleteI would also like to make a side note that there ARE some brokers that take their jobs very seriously and they do, do their homework. These are the ones that sales are thriving for them because they understand that with the way things are these days alls that you have to do is meet face to face with a customer and make that customer understand that they are there to help them to make their business succesful!!
ReplyDeleteIve been on the road all week traveled over 800 miles in the last 3 days. What a pleasant suprise to see Snow Valley mention my efforts :) Thanks so much but the real Thanks go out to you for supporting my lines. Without question Vend NorthWest has focused on customer service as I do every day. Thanks to Curt,Steve and Linda for supporting us Brokers. I value your partnership and your continued commitment with our vending operators to provide them with new ideas and products to overcome these economic times. Ive been in vending for 30 years now and always stood by VENDING IS MY LIFE but now my new direction CUSTOMERS ARE MY LIFE !!
ReplyDeleteThanks to all that support Team Atnip
Im always available if you have any questions feel free to call me anytime 253 303 1439