In the bustling Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, the husband-and-wife duo Jeffrey Deng and Ivon Tio have carved out a remarkable niche in the vending industry over the past decade. As franchisees of Provender since 2012, they have successfully navigated the highs and lows of being franchise owners, growing their business to encompass a fleet of vending machines and three thriving Micro Markets. Fostering a family-centric approach to their business, their story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of community, highlighting a passion for bringing people together in the face of challenges.

From Humble Beginnings

Jeffrey’s journey into the vending business began with a simple observation. As a student at Melbourne University, he spotted an empty vending machine on campus, which ignited a spark of inspiration. At first, he would take his Toyota Camry from the shared house he lived in with his university friends and fill his three vending machines weekly. This modest start marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial adventure, as he gradually built his business from the ground up.

Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19

Joining Provender was a strategic move for Ivon and Jeffrey, as they aimed to scale their business quickly with the franchise’s support. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, significantly impacting sales and site viability. However, their resilience shone through as they adapted by closely monitoring costs, leveraging government support, and making necessary adjustments to their operations. This experience reinforced their readiness to tackle future challenges head-on.

Embracing Innovation with Micro Markets

One of the most transformative aspects of Ivon and Jeffrey’s business has been their involvement with Micro Markets. As early adopters of this innovative concept, they faced a steep learning curve when setting up their first site at Eastlink—a tollway network in Victoria. With guidance from Provender and fellow franchisees, they honed their approach, learning the importance of product sourcing, activations, and sampling to boost sales. Ivon believes that infusing fun into their operations—through celebrations and charity fundraisers—has not only enhanced customer experience but also strengthened their community ties, bringing customers back to shop with them.

Community Engagement and Networking

Ivon’s commitment to fostering connections within the franchise community is evident in her role as a delegate on Provender’s Franchise Advisory Council (FAC). She actively encourages collaboration among franchisees, organising regular meetings and social events to share insights and support one another. This sense of community is vital for both individual and collective success, as Ivon believes that sharing knowledge can lead to greater innovation and growth.

For Jeffrey, getting into the vending business was a great way to build a successful company while staying true to his introverted side. It shows that you don’t have to fit the typical business mould to succeed.

Lessons for Aspiring Franchisees

Reflecting on their journey, Ivon and Jeffrey offer valuable advice for those considering a venture in franchising:

1. Connect with Current Franchisees: Building relationships with existing franchisees can provide invaluable insights and support.

2. Prepare for Hard Work: The vending industry requires dedication, especially during the initial setup phase. Success doesn’t come easy.

3. Be Savvy with Suppliers: Regularly review product sources and pricing to ensure you’re getting the best deals and not becoming complacent.