Price: $158,000 – Weekly Sales: $9,500
This listing is for a Bimbo bread distribution route with a price of $158,000 or $193,000 with the truck included. The owner distributes a variety of bread and bakery products from Bimbo Bakeries including the Sara Lee, Arnold, Ball Park, Freihofer, Beefsteak and Thomas brands. They sell the products to major grocery retailers including Shop Rite, Stop & Shop, Dollar General and Key Food. They also service several restaurants and a school. The warehouse facility for product pickup is located in Cromwell and the accounts are based in East Hartford.
The route is averaging $9,500 per week in gross sales and is trending upward in sales volume and average. The routes generate approximately $1,700 per week in gross commissions based on the 18% commission rate. This is a very high sales volume route with consistent sales volume and growth potential.
The distribution rights and protected territory are purchased through the current route owner and contracted through the product manufacturer. This is a turnkey wholesale distribution route opportunity with consistent sales volume and support from a number one selling food manufacturer. Full training will be provided by Bimbo Bakeries.
The owner has a great truck that is available for an additional $35,000 if the buyer is interested
WHAT ARE THE DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROUTE OWNER?
The route owner is responsible for servicing their customer base and ensuring that product is well stocked and maintained for the consumer. Route owners will order, deliver and stock product accordingly. This route is currently being operated four days per week but a fifth day could be added to increase sales volume and income. Most owners operate Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with Wednesdays and Sundays off. Merchandising/restocking may be necessary on busier weeks and that work can be outsourced if the owner is interested in doing that.
GROSS EARNINGS/COMMISSIONS
The route is averaging $9,500 per week in gross sales over the last 52 weeks. The routes generate approximately $1,700 per week in gross commissions based on the average commission rate. The sales volume can be confirmed through sales reports/invoices. Sales reports and other information can be provided once we receive an NDA submission. Sales can be increased by adding accounts or growing sales volume within the current accounts.
OPERATING COSTS
The current owner estimates $250 per week in operating costs which would include gas/fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance, computer/handheld costs, etc.
Expenses will vary from owner to owner depending on how far they are from the warehouse and territory, what type of vehicle they use, what rates they receive on insurance, etc. The current owner estimates per week in operating costs which includes gas, insurance, storage, maintenance, handheld computer/printer, and expired product expenses.
The current owner currently has about $250 in weekly expenses which leaves a weekly net of approximately $1,450. That figure does not include labor costs, loan payments, taxes, etc. as they are highly variable from owner to owner.
GROWTH POTENTIAL
There are display opportunities and the potential for more space in stores that is not being maximized with the current route operator. This is a terrific territory with new products being introduced and a great account base. A motivated owner should be able to increase sales quite easily if they put in the time and effort to grow the business.
Nearly every route has growth potential both within the current accounts or by adding new customers to the route. The route owner can work with current accounts and company managers to maximize sales volume. New accounts such as independent grocery stores could potentially be added to the business as well. The company sales managers do provide support with these growth efforts.
FINANCING
Approximately $100,000 of financing is available through the company. The remaining amount would be due at the closing.
VEHICLE AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
The current owner’s box truck is available for purchase at $35,000. The route by itself can be purchased at $158,000 or the route with truck can be purchased at $193,000.
TRAINING
The current owner has agreed to provide training to the buyer. In addition to training from the current route owner, the company will provide some assistance when possible and will always provide administrative/sales support. The manufacturer wants their route owners to be successful so you will have a solid support system behind you.
SCHEDULE
As currently operated the route requires four delivery days per week. A motivated owner could expand to five days if they wanted to shorten other days or add more accounts and deliveries to the business. The current owner starts at 5am each day.
Owning a route means that you are an independent owner/operator/contractor. You are ultimately responsible for the success of the route operation and you will need to find route coverage if you are sick or on vacation. Most route sellers and existing owners have a coverage person whose contact information they can share. Otherwise you are free to train someone to run your route while you are unavailable. It can require some effort and coordination to setup time off…but it does provide a lot of flexibility once you have a person or two that can cover your route operation when requested.
PURCHASING PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
Route buyers will have an opportunity to meet with both the current route owner and the management team at the company. You will need company approval to purchase the route. Credit checks and background checks may be necessary as well. Most companies are requiring that route owners have an LLC or corporation so that they are personally separated from the business. The incorporation process is relatively straightforward for most states and can typically be completed through your state’s secretary of state/business registration website.
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
Our route blog is a fantastic place to find more information on the distribution route business. There are a wide variety of articles including overviews on different types of routes (bread, snack, vending, etc) and others that discuss general route operating topics.
If you are interested in acquiring more information on this route please submit our non-disclosure agreement here. Please note the route number or route location on your NDA submission so that we can send over the correct information.
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us through this form or by email at Jay@TheRouteExchange.com