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February 2016

In This Section

New Products & Technologies

Ask Frank the Crank

Top Redemption & Merchandiser Prizes

 

 

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New Products & Technologies

 

Hands-Free Google App — “Google to Let People Pay Using Face” (Sky News, March 3, 2016)

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Google is currently testing a new digital wallet Bluetooth technology pilot app that does not require the user to take their Android smartphone out of their pocket or purse. Facial recognition is used to make an immediate hands-free payment. Cameras throughout the store track people’s movements and images. McDonald’s and Papa John’s are involved in the test.

 💡 What This Could Mean?New Products & Technologies google pay

At last month’s AMOA State Council Meeting, several sessions were presented on the current digital wallet payment systems in operation in the vending industry and just getting started in the amusement industry. These include among others USA Technologies, Pay Range, Visa & Master Card, and Google Wallet. Disney just spent something like $31 Million developing a new wristband technology only to discover that cell phone technology had advanced so fast that they scrapped their project.

 

That is the problem with introducing a new technology today that is independent of cell phone and huge companies like Google. AMOA has decided to take a ‘wait and see’ stance before it makes a recommendation to its members.  I am currently investigating new payment and loyalty technologies (no hardware-all cloud based) that could impact debit card systems within the next 5 years.  Just imagine a customer having a picture of an FEC’s debit card on their cell phone (complete with barcode) that has proximity technology.  The customer can just put their cell phone near a game and the game would deduct the player’s special loyalty price, add in any bonus credits earned, unlock any special codes the player has earned, and in a nano-second the game would be ready to play. And a 3rd party will receive a percentage of every transaction.

 

Of course the game would also have the capabilities of communicating with the player from that point in time forward and offer rewards for the player communicating with their family and friends.  Social media will soon be a critical part of all of our lives, whether we like it or not.

 

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Bob’s Space Racers ‘Water Gun Fun FEC’-Unattended Group Games are a New FEC Game Category

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Since 1970 Bob’s Space Racers has been the recognized world class leader in making quality and popular ‘group games’ for the amusement park and carnival industries. Their newly designed FEC group redemption and/or merchandise dispensing games are getting the attention of astute game operators.  ‘Water Gun Fun FEC’ is the game I was most impressed with:

  • No attendant is requiredNew Products & Technologies Water Gun Fun FEC
  • Competition is promoted among 2-5 people at one time.
  • Repeat play (rematch) is a natural occurrence.
  • The multi-player game is both an attraction and a revenue generator. Earnings are in the neighborhood of $2000/$5000/week.
  • Small footprint for 5-player game—10 feet wide x 9’-5” tall.
  • Purchase price is $50,000. That is an average of $10,000/player position.
  • Only 10 amps required at 110 V.
  • Optional ‘Tri-Target’ with neon.

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Apple’s Face Place Photo Studio Deluxe Photo Booth is Designed for FEC’s

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Here’s the Ticket!

Apple Industries is penetrating the FEC market and high-end retail locations with their beautifully designed Photo Studio Deluxe. Dimensions are 70” L x 65” W x 90” H.   At a vend price of $5, common revenues in excess of $1000/week are being generated at FEC’s across the country. [Note that the Redemption & FEC Report has been reporting on the Apple Face Place Saphire photo booth for 4 years and it has always ranked in the Top 25%-50% often earning $1000-$1500/week.]

Place Photo Studio Deluxe Photo Booth

Apple Industries Face Place Photo Studio Deluxe photo booth

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: Apple Industries founder and chief executive Allen Weisberg is pictured here with the Face Place Deluxe, the company’s signature photo booth. Designed to look like a giant camera, this model is Apple’s largest enclosed booth. Weisberg describes the photo booth as the “ultimate” vending machine: it furnishes a high-profit product from basic ingredients (paper) without any waste. Incremental upsell options continue to grow on the Face Place network.

What is even more amazing is that revenues of several thousand dollars per week are being seen at high-trafficked venues such as malls, movie theaters, tourist destinations, sports arenas, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, retail stores, and restaurants. Apple has opened these opportunity doors for game operators and for that the entire industry applauds Apple Industries.

 

Photo Studio Deluxe has a spectacular light show consisting of more than 5000 LED’s. There are currently 20+ video-guided interactive scenes, with future new ones able to be easily downloaded.

 💡 What this Could Mean?

The Apple photo booth is a sure way for our industry to attract Millenials and females, the major demographic that is attracted to photo booths.  Allen Weisberg states, “Millennials love novelty and the interactivity of the photo booth. They can add graphics, share their pictures, email them and upload to social media. The photo booth is an effective way for game and vending operators to reach this visually oriented demographic.”

 

Upsell opportunities contribute to a significant portion of the enhanced revenue pot of Face Place’s success in the merchandiser category. In fact, secondary purchases on Face Place account for at least 30% of the total weekly revenue. This includes options for the customer to purchase additional 4×6 quality prints, email their images to their Facebook page, video messaging and email to other social media platforms.  Each option can be set for free or for example, a $1 upcharge.

 

Including a photo booth activity as a part of every birthday party and group event is like having an additional small footprint attraction in your entertainment center that can generate up to 7 times its purchase price.  That is pretty good when you consider that a good rule of thumb is that an attraction should generate annual revenue that is equivalent to its purchase price.

 

Read more  The Redemption & Family Entertainment Center Report - June 2018 Section 2

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Ask Frank the Crank

Technicians Can Save Company Money on Parts (Rajesh Prasad, Alpha-Omega Amusements Technician, Southern Region)

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Here’s the Ticket!

I fit in completely with the Alpha-Omega Amusements ‘company culture’. Us technicians usually know how to and want to be more efficient and efficiency translates into saving the company money whenever possible. Here are some ways I do just that:

  • Buy supplies locally. This will save money on shipping charges.
  • Take the initiative and modify similar replacement products that cost far less.  Here are two examples.

#1 A few months ago the ballist went bad in our Wheel of Fortune Token Pusher. A new same size replacement ballist at Lowe’s cost $240. I noticed a similar size ballist priced at $30, but the shape was square and it was for LED lights.  When I saw that model I thought to myself, with a little modification it can be fitted in to the Wheel of Fortune Pusher.

#2 The large monitor went out in Harpoon Lagoon.  A new monitor costs $1000.  Ramon asked me If I can make an onsite modification to install a regular LG TV.  I said sure, send it to me and I will get it done.  This saved the Company over $300 and only took me less than 30 minutes.

How did I pay for these local parts purchases? I used my own credit card and the company reimburses me.  It would be much easier if I had a company credit card of course. I would recommend that the company put a $100 limit on the card to keep us technicians from getting carried away, as there are dozens more modifications I would like to make.

[Editor’s note:  I should point out that that government regulations often stand in the way of businesses trying to save money.  For example, for a game to be UL Approved, it must have the original parts that are on the manufacturer’s list when the game received its UL Approval certificate.  If just one part from that original list is substituted, there is a good chance that the game is no longer UL Approved.  That was the law the last time I researched it several year ago.] 

 

 

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Amusement Entertainment Management, LLC, we offer a full range of consulting services, including early-stage feasibility analysis, business plan development, funding assistance, and conceptual design and layout services.

 

Game Motors — Either Super Expensive or Not Available. A Simple Solution (Ramon Vivar, Master Technician, Alpha-Omega Amusements)

redemption tickets

Here’s the Ticket!

Replacing game motors used to be a stressful part of being a technician, not because of the work, but because the motors cost the company so much money. We know that the arm motors on the Knock It Off rotaries (and even older Maga model rotaries) are no longer available from Elaut. We found a suitable replacement from a supplier in China and we sent a few of them out as replacements to some of our locations. So far the retrofits were successful. The mounting holes are in different positions so we provided a stick-on template for the new holes.

Both older and new arm motors are rated at a no-load speed of 2 RPM, but in actual application, the new motor runs slightly faster. We remedied that by including a 220-ohm potentiometer in the circuit. That gives our technicians in the field a good range of speed reduction so they can properly adjust the arm swing speed as it relates to hit frequency and ticket payout %.

Previously, we temporarily repaired most of the older non-working arm motors by re-tightening the clutch built into the motor gearbox. The newer arm motors have no clutches. I believe we see more arm motor failures now, not only for the obvious reason of them getting old, but also because for the first time, we are using heavy rolled tickets as prizes for our rotary machines and this puts more stress on the arm motors.

The price I paid for these Chinese made motors is $12 each. This is a small fraction of what the original Elaut motor cost. Elaut still sells arm motors for their latest versions of Knock It Off 2’s for $200 each.

 

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Read more  Breaking News - The Redemption & Family Entertainment Center Report - August 2016

Happy Trails-Paper Trails Tips That Save Your Company Time & Money (Taryn Seminara, Assistant Controller & Efficiency Director)

  • When you send a bad circuit board or part to a manufacturer for repair, you need both a Purchase Order & a Packing Slip. Cross-reference the PO # on the packing slip & vice-versa.
  • Quote #s, backorder info, etc. can be added to the PO in Peachtree so anyone looking at that PO will see this information. This is a biggie for me since I don’t create the PO’s but I do follow up on them, and I do not want to waste my time and other employees time if I have to track down information and ask several people who might have the answers.
  • If you change the quantity of an item column on a PO, the original order quantity number is gone forever. You should add a line in the description field to give the original info so everyone involved will know.

For example: the PO is for 3 bulbs and 4 switches, but 2 of the 4 switches are on backorder. The invoice is generated for 3 bulbs and 2 switches, so the PO must now show 3 bulbs & 2 switches. Best practice is to add a note stating that 4 switches were ordered and 2 switches are on backorder.

  • When a manufacturer or distributor sends you an invoice for an advance replacement board or part, the freight charge usually comes to you on a separate invoice. The problem is that this freight bill doesn’t include the part number & description or the correct ship-to address. To make life simple, I handwrite all of this information onto the freight bill so when the two separately received invoices get separated in the Accounts Payable process, which they always seem to do, the info is there and the invoices are not held up while others waste time checking with everyone in the Office to figure which goes with what.
  • An important trail concerns tracking #s used for returning parts to our company or directly to a manufacturer from one of our revenue-share locations. This applies to our technicians & our sales customers, but is more important to the customers who are more likely to send returns without the proper paperwork. Very few customers will send me the tracking #s, although I ask every chance I get, and explain that without proof of return, the replacement cost can be considerable.

 


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Coastal Amusements

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Top Redemption & Merchandiser Prizes

A&A Global Industries Exclusives

A &A Global is uniquely positioned to offer FECs exclusive items through our successful relationships with licensors, such as Warner Bros. (DC Comics).  Their products can heighten a counter’s variety of prizes at each ticket level.  The original DC Comics bin toys (ranging from 9¢ to 29¢ each) will not disappoint kids when they approach a counter with a limited amount of tickets.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new DC Comics Superman/Batman Plasma Globes, which are A&A Global exclusives,” said Ann Krull, redemption sales manager. “These items set us apart and help our FECs grow their business and build customer loyalty.”

A&A Global Industries Exclusives

  • DC Comic Plasma Lights 7.5” featuring Batman (WAR33) and Superman (WAR34). The classic novelty lights feature the superheroes’ logos, while the electricity inside the 7.5” plasma sphere will follow your fingertips.  Simply move your finger along the surface and watch the electricity surge.  With three modes of operation, the lightening plasma ball can be off, on or set to a sound-active mode. $22.75 each
  • DC Comics Toyetic Cartoon Ball 5” (WAR27B) featuring 12 characters, including: Batman, Superman, Joker, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern & more! Case of 250 @ $100.00
  • Licensed Bin Toys: Between 13¢ to 29¢
  • DC Comics 45mm High Bounce Balls (WAR23B45) featuring Batman, Superman, Aquaman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Cyborg. 29¢ each (Bulk Bag of 50)
  • DC Comics Foam Balls (WAR17B): Squeeze, throw or roll DC Comics Foam Balls. Eight superhero portraits and action shots. 23¢ each (Bulk Bag of 50)
  • DC Comics Dog Tags (WAR16B): Series of 13 heroic emblems for comic fanatics of all ages. These dog tags feature DC idols, as well as their colorful crests. 6¢ each (Bulk Bag of 100)
  • DC Comics Backpack Clips (WAR36B): Series of DC Comics backpack clips featuring: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman and Robin. 13¢ each (Bulk Bag of 100)
  • DC Comics Power Rings (WAR22): Fighting for justice, goodness and power—why wouldn’t you want a superhero ring?! Eight power rings featuring logos of: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman and Robin. 8¢ each (Bulk Bag of 100)
  • DC Comics Buildables, Series 2 (WAR21B): “Open, Build and Play.” A&A Global original design—a 2” ball that transforms into a figurine.  Featuring classic DC Comics characters: Clark Kent, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Arrow, Aquaman and Cyborg. 25¢ each (Bulk Bag of 100)
  • DC Comics String Dolls (WAR19B). Super string dolls modeled after DC Comics superheroes:  Batman, Superman, Flash, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman. 27¢ each (Bulk Bag of 100)
  • DC Comics Batman String Dolls (WAR24) featuring 8 characters: Batman, Robin, Batgirl, The Joker, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, The Riddler and Poison Ivy. 27¢ each (Bulk Bag of 100)

Other Redemption Items

  • DC Comics Character Mix 9” (1LDCCARMIX). Because every kid (and kid at heart) needs a hero.  This plush mix includes Batman, Superman & Wonder Woman. $4.50 each (Case of 120)
  • DC Universe Blind Box Mini Series Asst. (DCBLNDBX): Unmask heroes and villains. Kidrobot and DC Comics come together to bring these 3” figurines in a mystery box!  Anticipation, surprise and an awesome toy for a lower ticket value—it’s a win! $3.00 each (DB 20 pcs/Case 40 pcs.)
  • DC Universe Labbits 7” There’s no Yin without Yang. A great hero requires a great enemy.  With the pair of Batman and Joker vinyl 7” Labbits, you too can act out the enteral struggle between madness and sanity. Batman (DCLABBATMAN). Joker (DCLABJOKER). Ghost Rider (DCLABGR). $25.00 each (sold separately)
  • Iron Man Mask 3D Light (MVIRONMAN): Chase the bad guys away with The Avengers 3D Wall Art Iron Man Face Nightlight. This awesome Iron Man night-light makes it look like Iron Man’s head is busting through your little guy’s wall. So cool! Iron Man’s eyes light up to cast a gentle glow. It has a battery-operated LED light and convenient on/off switch. This Avengers night-light is a must-have for any Marvel Comics fan. Uses 3 AA batteries (sold separately). $29.00 each
  • Captain America Shield: Light up your boy’s bedroom with this 3D Captain America wall nightlight. The cracked sticker behind this 3D deco lamp makes it look like the super heros shield has crashed through the wall. The Captain America night lamp is made of plastic. It uses a LED bulb. Powered by 3 AA alkaline batteries (not included). $29.00 each
  • Spiderman Face 3D Light (MVSPIDER): Chase the bad guys away with The Avengers 3D Wall Art Spider-Man Face Nightlight. This awesome Spider-Man night-light makes it look like Spider-Man’s head is busting through your little guy’s wall. So cool! Spider-Man’s eyes light up to cast a gentle glow. It has a battery-operated LED light and convenient on/off switch. This Avengers night-light is a must-have for any Marvel Comics fan. Uses 3 AA batteries (sold separately). $29.00 each
Read more  AAMA’s FEC Connect Event Miami coming to Xtreme Action Park Fort Lauderdale FL June 18, 2019

Erin E. Roach, Marketing Coordinator

A&A Global Industries | Koko’s Confectionery & Novelty

(o) 800-638-6000, ext. 322 | (m) 724-331-9243 | (e) [email protected]

17 Stenersen Lane, Cockeysville, MD  21030-2113

 

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The Toy Factory

The Batman vs. Superman movie will hit theaters on March 25th and is expected to be a blockbuster.  The Toy Factory’s new catalog is available for download on their website www.thetoyfactory.biz

The Toy Factory

Gerry Molina

Phone 210.304.7667

Cell       210.389.5706

1235 Gembler Road

San Antonio, TX 78219

Crane & Arcades Sales: 866-403-6555

Email contact:  [email protected]

Batman vs. Superman

Batman vs. Superman

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HMS Monaco

HMS is excited to announce their newly designed and updated website making viewing and shopping easier than ever.  Visit hmsmonaco.com to see their complete and updated merchandise line.

Spotlight at HMS:

1) Licensed Plush and Retail Plush Closeouts – HMS features a full line of retail plush closeouts and licensed plush.  Among the present offerings are TY high-end plush including NBA Team Beanie Ballz, Hello Kitty, Winnie the Pooh, and Monsters Inc.  Also available are original Pillow Pets at amazing prices, and Ganz plush animals.

2) Other licensed plush include Star Wars, Batman vs Superman plush (opening in theaters 3/25/16), and Major League Baseball.  HMS taking advance orders on Nintendo plush characters (Mario, Luigi, and Donkey Kong), as well as Angry Birds The Movie plush.

3)   Deadpool, a new superhero action/adventure movie starring Ryan Reynolds, continues to pull in record revenues at the box office.  HMS offers a line of licensed Deadpool novelties including buttons, key chains, lanyards, wristbands, zipper pulls, etc.

4)   Emoji plush and novelties – The hot-selling line of Emoji merchandise, continues to be very popular with tweens and teens and even adults.  HMS is now offering a $.99 Avg. Emoji regular claw crane plush pack and $1.65 Avg. Emoji jumbo plush pack, both included in the free freight program.

5)   Electronic items continue to be among the strongest sellers, #1 being the multi-function Smart Watch.  Next in line are new headphones, earbuds, and speakers featuring the latest Bluetooth technology that allows for cordless communication.  Operators are using these electronic items in their redemption counters as well as in prize dispensing games like Key Masters, Road Trips, Stackers, Winners Cubes, etc.

Sureshot Redemption

Item # Description
Stock up on Movie and Popular Licensed Items at Sureshot
26603 Batman Vs. Superman Mini Blind Pack
26630 Batman: Arkham Knight Bendable Figure 5.5″
33645 Monopoly – My Little Pony 16″
33993 Star Wars Monopoly 16″
34079 Rockem Sockem Batman Vs. Superman 16″
39316 Small Plush Kit (72 Count) – Shopkins Strawberry/Apple/Kookie 6.5″
26373 Star Wars Jumbo Pen in Canister 11″
26375 Star Wars Lightsaber Light Pen 6″
26255 Shopkins (5 Pk) 8.5″ Series 3 – Styles May Vary
26604 Batman Vs. Superman Figure Hot Wheel Action Pack
33775 Hot Wheel 1:64 Star Wars Character Car Asst.
34080 Star Wars 2 Pack Ships 3.5″
34078 Magic 8 Ball – Ironman 5″
Great New Items for 2016
26007 Hoberman Ball (3 Asst.) 6.75″
26431 Honeycomb Light Ball 2″
26478 Hoberman Ball (3 Asst.) – Neon 6.75″
39308 Jumbo Plush Kit (24 Count) –  Fiesta Pinata 11.5″
26310 Punch Hand 13″
26573 Pixel Flower (3 Asst.) 18″
26578 Pixel Sword (2 Asst.) 18″
33983 Soft Hand Puppet 6″ – Alligator
33984 Soft Hand Puppet 6″ – Shark
26627 Marvel Comic Books (4 Count) 10″
34083 Monopoly Token Car Bank 8″
26377 EVA Pirate Sword 20.75″
26476 Camouflage Ducks 2″
26504 Transparent Spring – Safari Animals 80MM

 

 

 

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