SITB catches up with Franchisee David, who has been utilising the franchising opportunity since 2016. He has experience in our Snack boxes, Combo machines and Slimline vending machines too, through siting business premises across the Reading area.
We ask David about his own personal objectives, business in the earlier days as well as his future plans in business. So, very importantly – was he to reach those the important sales targets?
What makes franchise vending an attractive business opportunity?
“Snack in the box was a business that I looked at along with some other franchises, it was quickly obvious that the snack route was something that seemed easy to start, was a brand that was very recognised and allowed me to sell in a product with confidence with no preparation as such involved, .i.e kitchen/cooking.”
What sets SITB aside from other franchises?
“Choosing snack in the box came down to the package that was on offer. Along with the local territory that was large enough to grow into should I wish. Another factor was the service provided by the SITB Sales Director, Sean Cleveland. The relaxed approach, which didn’t put me under any, pressure and allowed me to decide for myself. The business plan and projections were important. The field day with a franchisee and the transparency of information was a telling factor too.”
How detailed was the SITB sales and selection process?
“The sales projections were actually shown in simple terms with a realistic visible net profit. The whole business was not oversold, but described as shown with realistic growth figures.”
What were your 3 key personal objectives when buying the franchise?
“My 3 objectives when buying this franchise were to gain a work life balance that I was in control of. A business that I could grow if I chose to and something that I could operate with ease and required no re-training.”
How have you found the franchisee support?
“The support to date has been very good. The franchise manager gives me a sounding board and a first point of contact in the event of any issues. There have been a few, none of which we haven’t managed to solve with minimal fuss. Having a franchise manager who has hands on knowledge of running a franchise is the perfect dynamic to give me a quick and accurate resolution. Engineering support is also very good and machine issues have been dealt with quickly. There are things that I think could help all franchisees and take some of the pressure off this department.”
What are the best things about running an SITB business?
“The 3 best things so far are not having to answer to anybody!. Managing my own day/week. And the total flexibility to run a business my way, albeit under the umbrella of a tried and tested business.”
Are you hitting your sales targets?
“So far the Sales based on my territory have in my mind been very consistent. It has taken some time to establish my week in terms of which accounts to visit and how often. In the beginning I was trying to see everybody every week, this was not unrealistic but unnecessary. As my thought process has evolved and as I have got to know my customers and gain their trust I now find it much easier to know my business. The short term plan now is to grow key areas within my territory as I have more time on my hands through working smarter not harder.”
What are your goals for your business?
“There are many options going forward. The easiest one is to utilise the sales expertise within the franchise to add accounts to my business. This will replace and refresh my customer base allowing some poorer performing accounts to be removed, which should benefit turnover. There are other possibilities which I haven’t scratched the surface of like expanding the area. Allowing somebody else to come on board who may be self-employed? To operate a part of my area, but these are things that I’m unsure of logistically but will discuss going forward.”
Becoming a Snack-in-the-Box representative means you will be joining a team of 80+ enthusiastic franchisees across the UK and Ireland. Franchisees are thrilled with the work they have been given, and we often check in with our franchisees via our case studies.
If you’d like to read more about our franchisee options please click here, or you can contact us via our contact form.