Successful Self-Promotion Can Be A
Powerful Tool to Increase Business

 

Many vendors know that vending is a personal business; the fact that face-to-face contact between you and management occurs often makes it so. Remember that you have a powerful business combination by blending friendliness and professionalism.

The high-quality self-promotion materials that your business provides go a long way toward impressing prospective locations, and often they're all that is needed to secure a new location.

An important element in business is your refreshment service proposal. Proposals are traditional business tools, often used when a prospective account wants to know more details before making a final decision. Some people think a request for a proposal is a brush-off; successful professionals know it means the location has nearly reached an agreement - once that account accepts the proposal, the installation is accepted.

So, why not include a proposal in your self-promotion materials? Obviously, if a location is out of the ordinary, you may wish to further custom-tailor a separate proposal that deals specifically with its needs; but once you know your other customer's likes and dislikes, your profit margin, and your inventory, it's fairly simple to prepare a standard format business proposal.

These are elements common to most business proposals, and you can include a well-constructed proposal along with your self-promotion materials. Here are key items:

. A brief description of your company, other happy clients, and so on. It's important to show that you are proud of your company, know your abilities, and are committed to maintaining your good reputation.

. Describe your equipment. Make sure you advise them that your Refreshment Center is never out of order, that it's actually four machines in one, only takes up 28" of space, etc.

. Describe how your service works. Remember that the very concept of a free refreshment service may seem strange to your prospective clients. You can describe the various services you offer, such as if you offer coffee, water, etc. Explain that you offer national name brand products, and the average pricing structure. If you offer any special pricing or promotions, describe them as well.

. Once the location's manager has agreed to place your equipment, it's a good idea to review a placement form with the manager. Make sure the manager has your phone number if there are any problems. Be sure to send a copy to your Business Builder Representative. Then congratulate yourself on a successful proposal.