One of the downsides of being the most creative, successful and largest vending company in the UK, is that you become a target for weaker competitors who envy our ideas and success but just cannot compete with us on equal terms.  The consequence of this situation is that they attempt to ride our coat tails by copying everything we do.  This in itself is of no concern to us, in fact it is a massive compliment, as the adage says "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".  Unfortunately, the problem is that knowing they cannot compete with our faultless reputation and 17 years experience in the industry, they resort to making claims that they cannot live up to in an attempt to lure the unwary – this not only damages individuals but also the industry.

Over the past 17 years we have experienced several "me too" competitors.  You see, it is relatively easy to copy an idea or concept that another company has created, but what cannot simply be replicated is the in-depth long term development, and most importantly, the business philosophy and "back office" expertise we possess that actually makes it work.  Eventually our imitators fail and disappear as quickly as they arrived, leaving a trail of countless vulnerable individuals who have been parted from their hard earned cash. Over the years we have attempted to assist many of those victims who approach us when it is too late.

Our latest "me to" competitor is a clever company that goes to great lengths to convince casual observers that they are the market leader. Over the past 18 months they have systematically set about copying every aspect of what we do, what we say and how we look – even our website has been copied in detail in an attempt to look as professional and established as our company.  We cannot stress to strongly how important it is for a prospective franchisee to research their short list of companies before they commit themselves.  Conduct searches at Companies House and check the "Operator only" business forums in persuit of the truth - the facts are out there - don't get caught!



Avoid being the next victim

Fortunately, the majority of prospective franchisees do their research and soon establish the truth. Unfortunately, a small proportion still get caught in their nets and become victims. Our objective is to ensure all prospective franchisees are made aware of these ruthless companies and their unethical practises.

A good starting point is our famous Whistle Blower section and its check list, here are some other specific points to watch out for:

1. Do they make excessive claims that they will not confirm in writing?
If they say their mini-can vendors take £20 per week, get it in writing – if you can!

2. Do they try to make out they are bigger than they are?
Is their claimed 12,000sq ft premises really just 3635sq ft ?

3. Do their profit claims stack up?
How can giving away 20% or 25% in site commission be more profitable than only giving 5%?

4. Do they give only the answers you want to hear?
Nothing is perfect – are they only telling you the best bits?

5. Do they have a large "sales" department?
Look for their team of "sales executives" when visiting – and listen

6. Do they constantly contact you after you have made an enquiry?
Have they started to pressure you with constant emails and phone calls?

7. Do they tell you one thing and then contradict it later?
Are they consistent with their answers when you question their claims?

8. Do they make boasts that don't add up?
If they claim to have invested £1/2million – can you see where they have spent it!

9. Does their website make them look bigger and more impressive than they are?
Visit them and observe the reality.

10. Do they claim to manufacture their own vending machines?
Or are they just a sales agent for a distribution company in Holland or buy-in cheap copies from China?

11. Do they claim to have been the FIRST to create and trial Snack-a-Can type products?
Get them to put the answer in writing – we will do the rest, and give you our awarded damages!

12. Do they ask for payment or a deposit up-front?
Why do they need YOUR money before you get the vendors?



The above twelve pointers are not a comprehensive list but gives you an idea of what to look for and ask to ensure you do not become the latest statistic. The best advice I can give is to use your common sense, instincts and observations and remember the adage... if it seems too good to be true – it normally is!

Don't get caught in their web

In these days of internet cyber business, even a small one man business working out of his spare bedroom can create an impressive professional website, so just imagine what a company spending a few thousand pounds can achieve to convince the visitor they are large sophisticated and successful organisation! Unfortunately, with poor policing and regulation of websites, they are free to mislead and misinform.

Therefore, do not be taken in by an impressive, expensive looking website – that is full of simple spelling and grammar mistakes! A professional looking site with "organisational charts" and "recruitment sections" may look impressive and Big Company in style, but the only test is to visit and fully check them out (and us!) Use your eyes and don't be afraid to ask direct questions and don't get fobbed off with fluffy imprecise answers, push for a factual, specific answer – if you don't get one, ask yourself why not?

It's not all bad

Do not let the above put you off the vending industry, or for that fact franchising in general. There are many reputable and honest vending companies out there, we just want to ensure you avoid the one or two that exist purely to exploit and ruin the reputation of an industry we are very proud of. So go ahead armed with our tips, experience and shared thoughts, and get yourself a really successful and enjoyable vending business that will change your life … for the better.

© Peter Fellowes
Managing Director
The Vending Revolution Ltd