Front Royal – Woodstock Virginia Route for Sale
This listing is for a Snyder’s-Lance snack distribution route with a price of $139,312. The owner distributes snack products from brands including Snyder’s, Lance, Cape Cod, Kettle and others to major grocery retailers. The accounts are primarily in the Front Royal, Strasburg and Woodstock, VA areas. The warehouse is located in Front Royal, VA.
This route has averaged $8,707 per week over the previous 52 weeks. The route generates approximately $1,349 per week in gross commissions based on the 15.5% commission rate.
The distribution rights and protected territory are purchased through the current route owner and contracted through the product manufacturer. This route has major retail accounts including two Walmarts, two Food Lions and a Giant Food.. This is a turnkey wholesale distribution route opportunity with consistent sales volume and support from a name brand food manufacturer. Full training will be provided.
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. The current owner works Monday-Saturday and typically starts around 5am. The work completed on Wednesday could be spread to other days so that you have Wednesday and Sunday off. There is some flexibility on specific hours as long as deliveries are made and accounts serviced on time. The current owner works 35-40 total hours per week.
GROSS EARNINGS/COMMISSIONS
This route is currently averaging approximately $8,707 in weekly sales volume. With an average commission rate of 15.5% the owner generates $1,349 per week in gross commissions. The sales volume can be confirmed through sales reports/invoices. Sales reports and other information can be provided once we receive an NDA submission.
OPERATING COSTS
Typical expenses include fuel/gas, vehicle insurance, vehicle maintenance, commercial liability insurance (often added on to vehicle policy) and handheld/printer/warehouse expenses. The current owner estimates $300 per week in route operating expenses. Operating costs will vary from owner to owner depending on a variety of factors.
GROWTH POTENTIAL
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, restaurants, schools, hospitals and other accounts could potentially be added to the business as well. The company sales managers do provide support with these growth efforts.
FINANCING
Financing is available for qualified buyers. Any funding would be provided by Snyder’s-Lance’s bank approval. Required down payment of 5-10% depending on credit review. Loans are generally 10 year/120 months loans.
VEHICLE AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
No equipment is included
TRAINING
The current owner has agreed to provide two weeks of 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
The route owner simply needs to make sure that their customers are taken care of, inventory is being managed properly, and sales are being maximized. The current owner typically works 35-40 hours per week.
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
