Cold calling is one of the most straightforward yet effective methods for growing a vending machine business. It requires a bit of planning, persistence, and a systematic approach, but it can yield great results if executed correctly. Here’s how I used the cold calling process to expand Big City Vending and secure more placement opportunities.
Step 1: Identifying Potential Business Leads
The first step in my process was identifying the right types of businesses to target. Using Google Maps, I searched for local businesses in my area with business types that typically benefit from vending services, such as:
- Apartment complexes
- Nursing homes
- Manufacturing companies
- Warehouses
After gathering this information, I created a list in an Excel spreadsheet. For each business, I noted the name, address, and contact number. By the end of this step, I had compiled a list of approximately 300 businesses.
Step 2: Drafting a Cold Call Script
Having a solid script was key to maintaining professionalism and ensuring I conveyed my message effectively. Here’s the basic script I used:
Cold Call Script for Vending Machine Placement
Introduction “Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m with Big City Vending. We specialize in providing vending machines for businesses to offer convenient snacks and drinks for employees and visitors.”
Purpose of Call “I’m calling to see if you currently have vending services in place or if this is something your business might be interested in.”
Decision Maker “May I speak with the office manager or the person responsible for facilities and employee services?”
Benefits “Our vending machines are stocked with a variety of snacks and beverages, and we handle all the stocking, maintenance, and service. There’s no cost to your business, and we ensure everything is tailored to your needs.”
Next Steps “Would it be okay if I sent you some more information about our services? Or, if you’re interested, we’d love to set up a time to discuss how we can meet your needs.”
Step 3: Hiring a Freelancer to Make the Calls
To save time and increase efficiency, I hired a freelancer to make the calls for me. The freelancer used my Excel spreadsheet and the script I provided to contact each business. This allowed me to focus on other aspects of the business while the calls were being made.
The turnaround time for each campaign was about a week. The freelancer’s work ethic and communication skills were crucial to ensuring the calls were professional and effective.
Step 4: Evaluating Results and Refining the Process
The results of each cold calling campaign varied. Some campaigns yielded great results, with 1 or 2 businesses out of 300 expressing interest and requesting more information about our services. In other cases, I encountered businesses that already had vending services in place or were not interested.
The key was consistency and persistence. Even when a campaign didn’t produce immediate leads, it helped me refine my approach, gather feedback, and build a stronger pipeline for future opportunities.
Tips for Success
- Be Organized: Maintain a clear and well-organized spreadsheet with accurate contact information.
- Stay Professional: Use a well-crafted script to keep conversations concise and professional.
- Follow Up: For businesses that express interest, follow up promptly with additional information or a meeting request.
- Adjust as Needed: Analyze the results of each campaign and tweak your script or target list as necessary.
Conclusion
Cold calling isn’t always easy, but it can be a powerful tool for growing a vending machine business. By identifying the right businesses, using an effective script, and hiring skilled freelancers to handle the calls, you can generate leads and build valuable relationships. Remember, persistence is key, and even small wins can lead to significant growth over time.
Ready to start your own vending machine business journey? Let’s connect and see how Big City Vending can help you get started!