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 a wide variety of inventory items. These would include large kitchen appliances, lighter equipment, and items used every day. Appliances for a restaurant or food service outlet would include such necessities as ovens, mixers, refrigeration units, freezers, prep tables, carts, broilers, steamers and fryers. A well-educated rep would make himself knowledgeable about the different brands and models available. They should also be familiar with warranties and quick repair information as well as the costs of the various sizes and price levels.

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 food outlets will have a favorite distributor but will also get pricing from a wide variety of companies to assure the best quality for the most reasonable cost. Taking bids is standard in this industry and the outlet with the best reputation, quality and pricing is sure to outshine the others.




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