31.5.14

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.

A distributorship will usually assign a specific person to an account to ensure that this person will get to know your business needs in detail. A long-term relationship is best so ordering becomes a snap. A good salesperson will keep records of all purchases and will be able to find specific items needed quickly and reasonably. He will establish a strong communication link between himself and the purchasing agent or other individual in charge of ordering and buying.

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.

The varied companies carry a variety of goods but most will offer heavy kitchen appliances, lighter wares, and day-to-day usage items. Heavy kitchen needs such as steamers, broilers, coolers, fryers, prep tables, refrigeration, freezers and convection ovens may be purchased less often but they are high dollar items. A distributor salesman would have to be well versed on the qualities and capabilities of each piece offered for sale. They should have access to warranty and repair information as well as tiered levels of costs on various models.

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.

Day-to-day needs may include foil, plastic wrap, lemon wraps, potato wraps, paper and plastic supplies, as well as as Styrofoam containers and to-go cartons. When purchased in bulk, they can be found for very reasonable pricing through these companies.

Most businesses end up with a favored salesperson who knows what is needed before they do. It is still very important to have accounts with several companies to keep the bidding process in effect and pricing at a reasonable level. The company that is the most attentive, provides the highest quality and the best pricing will be the main account of choice.




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