Joe Engle ⋅ Indianapolis, IN Electrical/Software Eng. + MBA ⋅ 30 years experience

Hello Shanell. I will give you some ideas for a business proposal for installing vending machines at a car dealership.
It should not be very long, maybe two to four pages, with a few pictures. The goal is to
introduce yourself and further communications, as they will probably want more discussions with you. You can think of it as a ''glossy sales brochure". So have a more detailed version, maybe 6-10 pages also available for later communications.

Start with an introductory section about your business. This should define your business, goals, location, size, recent growth, significant customers, etc.

The body should contain your introductory proposal, a paragraph or two.

You should define how you will benefit THEIR business. What needs of THEIR's that you will help with, like providing lunch, snacks, etc. Very important to them will be what you will reimburse/pay for using THEIR space. Discuss how you are very competitive, and have recommendations from other businesses.

Alleviate any concerns they might have about your machines, and your business. For example, you might discuss how you clean the machines once a week, and disinfect the controls for covid. Also, they will want to know schedules for re-stocking the machines and servicing, as they will not want those kind of complaints!

Give them no reason to say NO.

Finish with an invitation to doing business with them, and follow up contact info.

Follow up with a phone call a week later. Be prepared with the detailed presentation, presuming they are interested.

The above is a general outline, mainly targeted at a car dealer. If a proposal is to be made to an interstate corporate dealer, then there would obviously need to be changes. For example, are you interested in servicing multiple states, are you able to do that, etc.

I hope these ideas help.
Joe

ACP AdvisorNet Staff ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Shanell,

In addition to the great advice already offered, I came across a similar question another veteran had asked here a while back. I'll link the question and responses below. It may be helpful as well.

https://acp-advisornet.org/questions/897

Best,
Deb

ACP AdvisorNet Staff ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi again Shanell,

I did some additional research and found these sites that may be helpful for you:

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find?type=Women%27s%20Business%20Center&pageNumber=1

https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/start-up/v-wise/?redirect

https://www.justbusiness.com/starting-a-small-business/veterans-starting-a-business

https://www.justbusiness.com/starting-a-small-business/writing-a-business-plan

I hope this helps, and I encourage you to search for Advisors on here with experience, who could help you with specific questions!

All the best,
Maria

ACP AdvisorNet Staff ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Shanell,

Thanks so much for posting your question to ACP AdvisorNet!

I recommend that you head to the Community Feature: https://acp-advisornet.org/community/advisors.

There, you can search for advisors with small business experience and private message them. You may be able to find someone who can further assist you in how to write a successful business proposal!

I found an article written by one of our Advisors that might be of assistance:

https://acp-advisornet.org/articles/1009/6-tips-start-business-after-serving

You may also want to check out an organization called SCORE. They offer free business mentoring and education services. Here is the website: https://www.score.org/

I hope this helps!

All the best and have a wonderful weekend,
Maria