90-Day ROI Playbook for Foodservice Reps
Introduction:
Let’s be real—foodservice sales isn’t a 9–5 gig.
You’re bouncing between factory calls, spec check-ins, dealer meetings, site visits, and quote requests that “need it yesterday.” Add in admin chaos and unstructured time… and suddenly you're working nights just to catch up.
But what if the next 90 days could change that?
What if you could reclaim 8–12 hours every week—not by working harder, but by working smarter—with automation, buffers, and a proven follow-up system?
That’s what this playbook is for.
Here’s a real-world plan, broken into three 30-day sprints, to give you time back, without sacrificing sales or relationships. Let’s go. 👇
1. Calendar Clean-Up
Start by setting up a digital calendar (Google Calendar or Outlook). Block off your:
Deep work time (quote building, CRM updates)
Meetings (with buffers)
Personal time (non-negotiable)
Start by setting up a digital calendar (Google Calendar or Outlook). Block off your:
2. Calendly = Your Assistant
Set up Calendly for all rep meetings, dealer calls, or spec consults.
Pre-load it with availability that respects your blocked time
Use question forms to gather info upfront (so you’re always prepared)
Auto-send meeting reminders and reschedule links
This single move saves back-and-forth emails and protects your flow.
3. Smart Inbox Labels
Quotes Needed
Orders In Progress
Factory Requests
Follow-Ups Needed
Then set up filters so emails land in the right place automatically. Bonus: Use “Snooze” to resurface action items at the right time.
4. Auto-Track Quotes with Airtable
Log each request (Rep, SKU, Status)
Auto-tag “Needs Follow-Up” after 3 days
Generate a weekly report to track progress
Pair this with Make or Zapier to auto-log data from email or form fills.
5. One-Click Spec Sheets
All models and cut sheets
Dealer pricing (if needed)
Download links
Reps or clients select what they need, click a button, and get a branded PDF emailed to them. No digging. No delays.
6. One-Click Spec Sheet Send-Outs
Spec requests can kill your momentum if you're digging through Dropbox or old emails.
With the right setup, you can send a spec sheet (or entire cut sheet package) in 10 seconds via a dropdown menu. Reps select a model number in Airtable or Notion, and automation emails a preloaded PDF file to the client or dealer.
Branding, speed, and accuracy—all wrapped up in one move.
7. Factory Notifications on Autopilot
Send the request to the right factory contact
Log it in your tracker
Notify you only if it’s flagged as “urgent”
No more playing dispatcher.
8. The Respectful Follow-Up Ladder
Day 2 → “Just checking if this hit your inbox.”
Day 5 → “Let me know if you’d like help choosing the right model.”
Day 10 → “Happy to close the loop on this if you’ve gone another direction.”
Day 14 → Log as “cold,” move to nurture sequence.
You don’t have to build all this yourself. These automations have been implemented for dozens of reps, dealers, and manufacturers—and every single time, the result is the same: more time, more sales, less chaos.
💡 Want help setting up these automations in your business?
Book a free discovery call and let’s show you what’s possible—with tools you already use.
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8. Weekly Recap Emails
“Here’s what moved this week”
“Open quotes”
“New products/releases”
“Upcoming lead times”
Automate this via Airtable + Make, and include links to book time via Calendly.
You’ll look like a pro—and stay top of mind.
8. Personal Outreach, Scaled
Old reps you haven’t heard from
Dealers who haven’t ordered lately
New leads from recent events
Use a short Loom or email template. Don’t pitch—just reconnect.
These micro-moments compound into long-term relationships.
The Results: What You’ll Gain in 90 Days
✅ 8–12 hours/week saved
✅ Fewer dropped balls
✅ A cleaner calendar and inbox
✅ Better follow-through and faster closes
✅ More respect from reps, dealers, and factories
✅ Mental clarity and breathing room
