Vending Management
The Wilkinson Group, Inc. was founded in 1994 to assist client companies in making more efficient and effective decisions regarding the refreshment services, (vending, cafeteria, and coffee services), that they are utilizing to serve their employees and/or customers. And, to represent and protect the client’s interests throughout the term of service with any vendors to whom such refreshment services are contracted.
To serve this identified need within the business marketplace, The Wilkinson Group established the following internal qualifications and client resource services:
The Wilkinson Group’s initial consultation develops the client’s objectives for the refreshment services and includes a detailed analysis of current services to quantify any opportunities for improvement. If the analysis identifies a significant potential for improved performance against the client’s objectives and locally available service standards, a written report recommends a plan to capture the additional benefits identified. The recommended plan may include a re-negotiation with the current supplier(s); award to more qualified supplier(s); or a Request For Proposal that is competitive among the most qualified operators within the client’s market, (and may or may not include the current supplier(s)).
Service Re-Design
An analysis of current services enables The Wilkinson Group to design the ideal service and equipment configuration to serve the client’s objectives for each of their service sites, (i.e., relative to customer satisfaction, gross sales, logistical considerations, and any financial interests---whether income or cost). As consultants with over 30 years of specialized experience in the vending and food service industries, The Wilkinson Group, representing the client, can effect recommendations and designs that are free of the biases and concerns that typify the presentations and recommendations of vendors representing their companies.
Request for Proposal Process
In the event that a Request For Proposal is indicated by the analysis process, The Wilkinson Group will work with the client to create a comprehensive RFP that will include the new service and equipment designs. The bid specifications and RFP are then forwarded to the owners and/or top management of the service operators who have been pre-qualified as the best available in the client’s area. Participating service operators will also receive a "Vendor Response to RFP" form designed to standardize and simplify the information returned for evaluation.
Please note that this process typically bypasses the marketing departments of the competing operators.
Selection of Vendor(s)
After a thorough evaluation of the information submitted by the service operators participating in a Request For Proposal, (including a comparative analysis of the proposals returned, evaluation of accountability systems, reference checks, and site visitations of both the operators’ facilities and customer locations as appropriate), The Wilkinson Group will select or recommend the operator best qualified to perform to the operational and financial objectives of the client. The Wilkinson Group will then assist the client with the negotiation of the details of a service contract to represent the basis of the relationship established; ensuring that it will protect the interests of the client.
Transition Management
The Wilkinson Group coordinates with all parties for the implementation of service upgrades, (client’s facilities, outbound operator and inbound operator), to minimize any interruption of services and verify the compliance of the installation with the proposed and agreed upon equipment and service structure. The Wilkinson Group also initiates and follows all actions necessary to complete any outstanding details.
Services Management
After implementation of new service designs and upgrades, The Wilkinson Group converts its client representation to activities consistent with the on-going maintenance of the relationship with the operator. This includes:
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Monthly monitoring of the operator’s financial performance, (whether commission reporting and payment, cost control, or a combination).
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Periodic Performance Appraisals with Client to monitor the operator’s service performance; and, follow-up on any action reports for the operator that are generated therefrom.
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Continual monitoring of new equipment and product developments for their application to the needs of each client, with recommendations as appropriate.
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Continual availability to serve as the client’s advocate with regard to any service issues that may arise during the course of any operator’s contract term.
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Periodic analysis of the operator’s financial performance and trends.
Professional Fees
The Wilkinson Group only accepts projects where we can guarantee that the client’s financial interests will be improved as significantly as the operational improvements that will be experienced by the client’s employees or customers who are the end users of the services. Additionally, because of a cost mechanism similar to that of a travel agent, (in that the expense is charged to the service provider without adversely impacting the need for competitive service pricing and client commission/cost quotes), most Wilkinson Group services and benefits are provided to our clients with no direct cost.
Benefits
Improved morale by upgrading the real and perceived value of the services available to your employees.
Increased participation in the on-site refreshment services, (less time pursuing off-site alternatives).
More Consistent operator performance to improved standards.
Reduced management involvement to keep the services operating smoothly.
Improved financial position, (through increased earnings and/or reduced costs).
Protection of financial interests, (through The Wilkinson Group’s constant review).
Improved systems for evaluating the refreshment services, (through The Wilkinson Group’s periodic Performance Appraisals).
Improved communications, facilitated by The Wilkinson Group, between all parties: from end users to management and vendor; from management to end users and vendor; and, from vendor to end users and management.
Improved esthetics through better coordination of services with your existing décor.
The advantage of on-going evaluation and consultation by The Wilkinson Group to ensure that the benefits gained remain consistent; and, that they remain current with industry developments and your company’s evolving needs.
Improved clout with your service operator by making your company part of a much larger volume of business that is managed by The Wilkinson Group.
Any type of business or industry that utilizes refreshment services to serve their employees or customers can benefit from The Wilkinson Group’s representation of their interests.