Restaurants and Institutions

Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (0)

earth2table: $1,200 Microwave and a Naked Blonde
December 12, 2006

Stu Stein

December 12, 2006
The first version of the equipment budget from the restaurant supply-and-design company was in my inbox this morning. Good thing I took a look at it before I had breakfast! The number was a bit—to say the least—larger than I was expecting.

The budget was detailed but not complete. There were some duplicate items, some incorrect specifications and most shockingly, a 1,200-watt microwave with 10 programmable memory pads; three power levels; a see-through, side-hinged door; stainless-steel cabinet and cavity; digital display and more—for $1,200. Yes, $1,200!

First, I will not need a microwave at the restaurant and second, this illustrates an important point. According to a 2003 study about operators’ views on the foodservice equipment-and-supplies purchasing process, the biggest gripes were lack of information, the difficulty of comparing products and long lead times. Don’t let these problems deter you from shopping for the best deal, comparing apples and apples, and deciding on your priorities before you begin the process. Know in your mind what is non-negotiable, where you have some flexibility and what equipment you can live with being reconditioned or used.

To the manufacturers, distributors and sales reps out there, my advice is to become an extension of the customer. Know their needs, wants and desires. Understand their problems and bring integrated solutions to solve those problems. I must admit that other than the $1,200 microwave, my equipment rep has listened to my needs and posed appropriate alternatives. Just remember that your reps are there to make money. I’ll have a revised budget within a week or so, and in the meantime, I have meetings set up with several leasing companies to see what kind of deals we can make on equipment financing.

And what about that naked blonde? Yes, it was there to get your attention, but I was asked to do some food styling for a photo shoot for a friend who is a photographer. He recently got a contract to do the photography for a national energy drink company that happens to have its own set of “girls.” He asked me to help refine his ideas related to the juxtaposition of several pieces of hard, Pacific Northwest shellfish and a buxom, curvaceous blonde.

Sometimes I love my job.

And the journey continues.

Cheers!

Stu

Posted by Stu Stein on December 12, 2006 | Comments (0)