Do you want to hire a locator, or a locating company?
Attend a Vendor Convention
Are all locating companies in business just to keep half the locating fee and not provide you a quality service?
No, but almost all are.
If you don't believe me, attend a vending convention and ask other vendors about their experience with locating companies.
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Consult a Vendor Expert
Or write, email or call the trade magazine, Vending Times ( http://www.vendingtimes.com/ )
Ask their advertising department why they will not accept one ad from a locating company.
If locating companies found good locations, as they sell you, this would be the perfect media for them to advertise in. (Why doesn't a locator advertise in Vending Times?
Because this is a national magazine, and a professional locator is just an individual. They couldn't handle the volume of calls.)
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A warning sign for you (of the quality of a locating company you call) is to see if they use any of the "tricks" discussed above. (Reports they require, tours with the locator or sign off sheets with small print above your signature.)
If they do, avoid them. These are just ways to avoid fulfilling the promises they make you. Regardless of what they tell you, know these salespeople may have "slick" answers that have worked with other new vendors to get their money.
You will know they are an honest locating company if they do not use any of the tricks discussed above.
And remember . . if they referred quality locators they trusted, they would not use tricks. They would back and take responsibility for the work of the person they sent to you. - As any legitimate company would.
Why contact me? Or another locator?
Because it makes business sense to meet someone before you hire them.
If you live in the New Jersey to Northern Virginia corridor, we would first meet. Your office, my office or a restaurant.
If you live in a different part of the country, interview me by telephone. Or fly into BWI and we'll meet at the airport to talk. (Yes, vendors really do this. They know the value of a good location.)
You would have a chance to interview me and get answers to your concerns in person, before deciding whether to hire me. If you decide not to hire me, then interview another locator.
Again, it makes business sense to sign an agreement and write a check to the person who will do your job. Not with a locating company who will not let you meet or talk with your locator until you send them half of the total locating fee.
Email Me at:
VEND @VendorLocators.com
