FRANCHISEE DIARY
Alex Aggett, Milton Keynes

I have been with Snack-in-the-Box (SITB) since July last year and my business is flourishing. At the moment it is a one-man operation with my partner Victoria doing the administration side of the business. I have 84 sites and 85 vending machines in operation throughout my territory covering Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, which generates on average £1,900 per week.

I decided to invest in a franchise after the prospect of England's smoking ban forced me to rethink my career as an Area Manager for a cigarette vending company. I liked the idea of running my own business but, at 40 and with a family to support, I needed to hit the ground running and have money coming in from day one so investing in SITB vending franchise was an ideal solution. I found SITB in The Franchise Magazine - it appealed because I can utilise my prior knowledge of the vending industry, the franchise has excellent recommendations and the Cadbury products are quality. The support and training package is excellent - the initial one-week training programme prepares you for all aspects of running the business and includes a day shadowing an existing franchisee. SITB ensures you are happy at every stage and help is only a phone call away.

What I like about running my own business is the variety - every day is different - plus the independence and opportunity to build solid customer relationships.

Interview: Jess Sturman

Snack in the box offers a simple yet solid concept

FRANCHISEE DIARY
Brian Russell, Belfast

I was looking for a business opportunity and, to be honest, it was purely by chance that I came across Snack-in-the-Box (SITB). I saw one of their adverts running in the paper and it was exactly the type of business I was looking for. I'd worked in distribution before and I wanted a business that ran along similar lines. It's a simple yet solid concept for a business I could see that SITB would provide me with a good opportunity in this industry.

The business I bought was an existing franchise so I was lucky enough to inherit a number of customers. Before the launch I was provided with a week's training at head office which was followed by a period of shadowing a franchisee on the actual job. This all combined to let me have a good understanding of the workings of the business.

Since I launched 12 months ago I have built the business up to about 200 calls per week. I've found winning new business relatively easy - everyone likes chocolate, it's a product that doesn't require a hard sell. As the boxes are placed on a contract-free basis, customers feel that they haven't got anything to lose - and of course this is all helped with the addition of the Cadbury brand name.

Throughout this development, I've found SITB to be very supportive and helpful when I've needed them. One thing I consider to be a big positive is that they do leave you alone to run the business as your own business - but if you need the help, it will always be there.

You have to be a positive person and naturally very motivated. SITB provides a good opportunity and I'm currently aiming to build a solid customer base. If you're hungry enough, there's the potential for further investment and expansion.

Interview: The Franchise Magazine

OPTION 1

FRANCHISE PACKAGE

• Your first 150 customers
• 265 Self Service Boxes + stock (pre-packed)
• Corporate clothing & stationery pack
• Vehicle livery and racking
• Simple, proven formula
• Successful 10 year track record
• Comprehensive support services
• Easy to learn and manage
• Weekly repeat Cash business
• Guaranteed income
• Customer base in month one
• PDA plus software

Total Package £21,750 + VAT (Reclaimable)

OPTION 2

Typical starter packages & equipment are heavily subsidised by Cadbury and could include:

• 75 Battery powered vending machines
• 4 week on-site launch programme
• Minimum of 50 machines sited and installed
• Corporate clothing & stationery pack
• Vehicle livery and racking

Total Package £37,840 +VAT (Reclaimable)