To operate a successful franchise you really need to know your local area well. If you are required to go out and convince people their space would benefit from a vending machine of some kind, then you need to know where to approach to get the best return.
This is particularly the case when you are doing your own marketing and finding your own clients but it is also important if the franchisor has a telesales department and places the machines for you - as Vend'or does - so you can point them in the right direction.
None of the franchisees we spoke to had to place adverts, preferring to meet with people to discuss whether they would benefit from a machine. Although there is an element of cold calling this is not a hard sell business. Again, being aware of public spaces and businesses in the area will help with this.
For beverages it is likely you will have to visit at least once a week to stock up the machine. And unless you are called out more regularly this is the time to make any repairs needed. All franchisors provide backup or send out a third party do more complicated repairs.
"In spring and summer routine visits take longer because more stocking up is needed," says Mandy Robinson of Vend'or in Norfolk. "But I'm still choosing my hours which works really well being a mum."
With SSL you won't have to visit as often - between four and 12 weeks will be sufficient. Although you are likely to have many more machines to service with it being fulltime - 15 a day is recommended although you can choose to do more and only go out three or four days a week instead of five.
None of the franchises are particularly physical although most of the work is outside the home. And while there is some administration with all of them you aren't really tied to a desk at any point because they are cash businesses - which means no chasing up payments.
"The thing I like best is getting out and about, meeting clients and doing demonstrations," says Derek Thomson of Drinkmaster in Somerset, "Keeping up with all your customer base is important."
