Sunday, June 8, 2014

The Role Of Food Service Equipment Distributors

By Lila Bryant


If you are a manager or owner of a restaurant or other food outlet, you know how important it is to be able to find the right equipment for the business you are in charge of. Food service equipment distributors carry almost anything an outlet could possible require and can be contacted to assist you in your search for all of your restaurant needs.

Usually a salesman from the company will be assigned to your business to help you with all of your purchasing requirements. This position is usually long-term so the representative can really get to know the ins and outs of your outlet and become familiar with both your immediate and long-term needs. He will contact the right personnel such as a purchasing agent or kitchen manager in the business either in person or by phone at least once a week to ensure that all of the company's needs are met.

Sales reps would have to pay much more attention to a new or recently re-opened venue to make sure they have all the items they require for the first day. They would be only too happy to order exactly what is needed and to help make sure it is functioning properly. A helpful salesperson would have almost an automatic in if he made himself indispensable when an owner or manager needed them the most.

Outlets require a wide variety of items - some are one-time purchases while others are needed on a very regular basis. A good rep would keep records of all of these purchases as well as any warranties or rebates involved. He would also make sure owners and managers have pertinent information about specials and rebates.

Most companies carry heavy duty appliances vital to the day-to-day operations of food outlets. These can include refrigeration, prep tables, ovens, broilers, fryers, freezers and steamers. These items usually last for years but are high-dollar purchases that will need to be depreciated over time. A good salesperson will familiarize himself with these items as much as he can to provide the necessary information on pricing, warranties and options available.

Smaller equipment such as pitchers, glassware, pots, bowls, pans, utensils, sheet pans, chafing dishes, and mop buckets can usually be delivered to customers in one or two days. Special orders such as china, flatware and custom chargers may take four to six weeks to receive. These companies also carry bar equipment such as beer pumps, measured pourers, blenders and mats.

Everyday needs such as trash bags, tin foil, plastic wrap, and Styrofoam, paper and plastic supplies may become the main sales once the business gets off the ground. They can be purchased in bulk for even more savings.

Almost all food venues have a favorite salesperson but will still purchase from other suppliers to be sure that they can get the best quality for the very best price. Pitting companies against each other in a bidding process is what will keep costs down and quality up. It is always prudent for outlets to have accounts with several companies for just this reason.




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