The Redemption & Family Entertainment Center Report – October 2018 Section 1

October 2018

In This Section

• Breaking News
  • Recent Redemption & FEC Report Quote
  • Next Foundations Entertainment University 2.0 – EAG Expo ExCel Centre London January 17, 2019
  • Foundations University 2.0 Houston TX was a Sold-Out Success!
  • Credit Score Too Low?  Here are 5 Steps to Raise Your Credit Score and Get Better Loan Rates!!
  • Frank ‘the Crank’s October RePlay Article, ‘Cranes:  ‘How to Maximize Game Play and Revenues’
  • Virtuix Omniverse VR Arena Partners with Funovation
  • US Amusement Machine Market will be worth US$44.3 Billion by 2020
  • Virtual Rabbids has a Little Brother!
  • Adventure Sports HQ to Introduce Micro Play/Pay Arena at IAAPA
  • Barule Technology Group – Security Threats and IT Management
• Ask Frank ‘the Crank’ Technical Tips – For Games & For Life in General
  • Crane Tip
  • New! Mercy Tickets Automatically Added by EMBED
  • Virtual Rabbids Performance Tips
  • Prize Hub LIVE Launched by Bay Tek
  • Amusement Game Players Divided by 4 Types – Interesting!
• Top Redemption & Merchandiser Prizes
  • Fun Express Wearables – Perfect for Spreading Holiday Cheer
  • Rhode Island Novelty New Items for October
  • HMS Monaco – Marvel and Christmas Plush
• Industry Events November 2018 – March 2019

Breaking News

Recent Redemption & FEC Report Quote

“Hello Frank, this is Lonnie Sobel from Chinatown Fair, NYC, NY.

I just wanted you to know that your every other month Report is not only fantastic and spectacular, but it is also the number one place I always go to before I make any new purchases.

Although I read RePlay on a regular basis from cover to cover, your Report I consider to be the ‘Bible of this industry’. Not only do I print out and religiously study and analyze your revenue reports, without them, I would never be able to make all the important buying decisions I have to make each year. YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!!

Thanks again for doing what you do. To me, you are the champion of this industry.”

What this means to me – It means a lot!  This is one of the main reasons why I take a full week every other month to compile and write TRR-FEC.  Thanks, Lonnie!

Next Foundations Entertainment University 2.0 – EAG Expo ExCel Centre London January 17, 2019

Foundations University 2.0 Houston TX was a Sold-Out Success!

Foundations Entertainment University Class #46 took place October 16-18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Houston TX.  There were a total of 55 attendees (including sponsors and speakers) from 8 states and the UK.

Frank ‘the Crank’ Seninsky, Foundations University Owner:  ‘FEU #46 had the best financially prepared attendees. I predict that every one of them is going to open an FEC or expand a current FEC. I want to personally thank our sponsors for seeking out those who will be successful facility owners/GM’s and encouraging them to attend FEU. These special sponsors for FEU #46 are AMOA, Center Edge Software, Amusement Entertainment Management, Barule Group, Betson, EMBED, Galaxy Multi-Rides, and Birthday University.’

Quotes from Foundations University Class #46 Houston TX

• Lucinda Stanford, University Bowl, San Antonio TX: ‘Foundations taught me things that I did not know I need to know.  Excellent Course!’
• Stacey Norris, University Bowl, San Antonio TX:  ‘I am excited to have learned new concepts to take home.  Glad I spent my time here at Foundations.’
• Nil Patel, 8Five0, Tallahassee, FL:  ‘Must do!!!, It’s a no brainer.  Overall, you guys nailed it!!!’
• Thulena Nguyen, Monkey Joe’s, 3 Locations in Texas:  ‘This has been the most educational experience I have ever had.  And I actually can recall what I learned!  The positive attitude that everyone has is fantastic, especially since everyone wants others to succeed.’
• Scott Jensen, Wavetronix, Provo UT:  ‘FEU opened my eyes to the possibilities of creating amazing experiences for our guests through fairly intuitive methods.’
• Daniel Fonseca, Santikos Entertainment, San Antonio TX:  ‘I was pleased to find that there are a number of providers and resources out there that are like minded and want nothing more than to see you succeed.  Foundations helped me connect with people I may not have met otherwise.’
• Chase Wales, Ignite Adventure Parks, Cumming GA:  ‘I loved the non-bias information given to help us understand the industry instead of a company.’

 

Credit Score Too Low?  Here are 5 Steps to Raise Your Credit Score and Get Better Loan Rates!!

(Info from Robert Powell, USA Today)

How many understand fully how the scoring system actually works? The fact is that only 57% of US consumers have obtained at least one of their credit scores over the past year. Most falsely believe that there are only 3 factors that matter: missed or late payments, high credit-card balances, and bankruptcy. Many incorrectly think that marital status and age are used in the calculations.

Step #1. The first action step is to get a copy of your credit reports at annualcreditreports.com and download a copy from each of the three main credit bureaus.  Then review the reports looking for mistakes and incorrect information.  In most cases, you will be surprised to see how many mistakes there are!  The 3 bureaus do not share information or communicate with each other so you have to deal with each one separately in disputes.  The 3 are Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian Plus.

Factors that Affect Your Credit Score (FICO) – a 3 digit number ranging from 300-850

• Payment History counts for 35%
• Amounts Owed counts for 30% – lots of available credit not used indicates you know how to manage your credit and are a responsible individual.
• Age of your oldest credit account counts for 15%
• Credit mix of accounts count for 10% – retail, installment loans, finance companies (car loans), mortgages. Note that you do want to have a credit mix.
• New credit counts for 10% – opening too many new accounts in a short period of time is a ‘no-no’.

Steps 2-5

• Pay bills on time – always! Use automatic payment options.
• Keep all credit card and line of credit balances well below the credit limit. Use no more than 40% of your available credit – ever!
• Pay off all negative/collection balances. Avoid collection or legal actions as they check with the credit bureaus and the bureaus are counting each inquiry against you.
• Keep inquiries to a minimum. Do not open and close credit accounts unless really necessary. Each time you apply for new credit, the potential lender makes a ‘hard’ inquiry on your credit report, and this shaves several points off your score.

 

Frank ‘the Crank’s October RePlay article, ‘Cranes:  ‘How to Maximize Game Play and Revenues’

If you operate cranes this is an article you need to read. It had over 500 views on the first day it was posted on my Blog. Even my brother, Richard Seninsky who works for Elaut and Coast to Coast, gave it a ‘Like’.  I believe that is the first time he gave an article of mine a ‘Like’, so it must be pretty good.  Here is the link:

https://frank-thecrank.com/cranes-how-to-maximize-game-play-and-revenues/

Virtuix Omniverse VR Arena Partners with Funovation

Virtuix, the producers of a virtual reality treadmill, has partnered with small footprint attractions specialist Funovation, to create the new High Energy Esports Omniverse VR Arena (Up to 4 Players).

The four-player enclosed attraction has been designed for the location-based and family entertainment center market. Players can choose from 18 VR games with the chance to win in ongoing weekly and monthly prize contests.

“We’ve been organizing esports tournaments since 2016 and we’ve learned that competitive gaming boosts revenues,” explained Jan Goetgeluk, founder and CEO of Virtuix. “Ongoing prize contests result in repeat play by guests and build a community of frequent and loyal players. Our VR Arena attraction is exciting to both elite gamers and casual players. It’s incredibly fun to run around inside your favorite game and everyone has a chance to win.”

This unique ability for players to run inside VR games is made possible thanks to the brand-new Omni 2.0 motion platform. According to Virtuix, it has been radically improved and optimized specifically for out-of-home esports.

Suited to venues of all sizes, the attraction has a compact footprint of 375 sq. ft. and is highly automated to reduce staffing needs. It offers a built-in staging area for quick player setup, a 4:1 player-to-attendant ratio and a queuing app to improve customer relationships and eliminate revenue-losing wait lines.

Other benefits include social mini-games and post-game social media stations to share gameplay footage, which feature the venue’s logo.

“VR Arena combines the compact footprint of tethered VR attractions with the full immersion of free-roam VR while being a lot more affordable,” said Ryan Borton, CEO of Funovation.

ESPORTS INCREASES YOUR REVENUES

See it for the first time at IAAPA – Funovation Booth #2854

If you’re looking for the next big thing, esports for out-of-home is here. VR ARENA has all the benefits of multiplayer VR attractions while offering a lot more bang for your buck:

• Ongoing esports prize contests ($50,000 annual prize pool) boost repeat play (avg. 7x), increase visits of frequent players to your venue, and help you reach a new audience you didn’t have before. Everyone has a chance to win!
• VR ARENA is highly automated with a built-in staging area for quick player setup, minimal attendant labor (only 1 attendant needed), and a queuing application that eliminates revenue-losing wait lines.
• The attraction offers a complete guest experience for up to four players, including fun mini-games and social media sharing of gameplay footage with your logo and digital signage built-in.
• VR ARENA is powered by the Omniverse content platform with 18 highly optimized games across all popular game genres (7 more games in development). Don’t settle for just a shooting gallery!
• This is the only way to experience running in VR, featuring the brand-new and radically improved Omni 2.0 motion technology, designed for out-of-home esports. Do you really want to walk in a zombie apocalypse?

The best part? You can own VR ARENA for as little as $1,790/month! (if you qualify for financing).

VR ARENA is radically different than anything we’ve done before. We’d love to give you a VIP demo at IAAPA, and we believe you’ll be impressed. You can also win prize money in our IAAPA tournament ($5,000 in cash prizes). Click here to sign up and get a fast-pass. Skip the lines at IAAPA!

Virtual reality is already taking off out-of-home, and esports is the next big rage. Be the first to offer esports at your venue, and wow your customers. We hope to see you at IAAPA at Funovation Booth 2854.

US Amusement Machine Market will be worth US$44.3 Billion by 2020

October 1, 2018 – by (David Snook, InterGame/InterFun)

According to market surveys, the US amusement machine market will be ‘worth’ US$44.3bn by 2020.

The statistics by market research company Strategyr does not define ‘worth’ but could mean the turnover from amusement centers, FECs and theme parks.

Another survey, this time by Statista, suggests that the revenue from the operation of amusement arcades in the US will reach $2.13bn by 2021. Again, a great deal of foundation for the figures is missing, but the two widely varying statistics may be down to the possible criteria in the first one encompassing all forms of amusement ‘attractions.’

Virtual Rabbids has a Little Brother!

(AmusementRC)

LAI has answered the industry’s call for a shorter version of Virtual Rabbids (99.9” H) so facilities/locations with lower ceilings can have this great first attendant-free earning VR game.  The smaller version is 36 inches shorter than the standard version (136” H), with the only difference being a smaller video screen and the absence of the top marquee header and the side headers.  [Editor’s Note – I see that LAI has not named the short version so I shall take the liberty of calling it Virtual ‘Bunny’ Rabbids].

 

 

Adventure Sports HQ to Introduce Micro Play/Pay Arena at IAAPA

Booth #4427 (Inside) and Booth #8305 (Outside)

The Facts Please

• Arena Size – 20’ x 20’ = 400 sq. ft. (can range up to 10,000 sq. ft.)
• Uses Adventure Sports HQ high-quality laser tag equipment
• Integrates DMX lighting, sound, and tactical laser tag games
• Full real-time scoring displays, statistics, and endgame scores
• Micro play center offers fast, fun, and high paced video game style laser tag missions
• Fully built and operation in 2-3 days (we install at night to reduce Facility downtime
• 2-20 players depending on the size and configuration of the arena
• Designed for small footprint spaces where traditional laser tag cannot fit!
• The Micro arena is very visual with normal or lower level lighting
• The open play area that is social in nature
• Micro Play arenas start at $65,000.00 and can be operated indoors or outdoors

You can visit Tampa’s largest extreme gaming center and arcade and experience the Micro Arena, Tactical Laser Tag, Archery Tag, Bazooka Ball, Virtual Reality at the November 10^th Grand Opening of the 24,000 sq. ft. Laser Ops and VR Center in Tampa, Florida – www.laserops.com

For more information contact Derek R Petit, Founder
Adventure Sports HQ Laser Tag Equipment
Mobile: 214-681-1158
Email: [email protected]

Barule Technology Group – Security Threats and IT Management

If you do not know who the Barule Technology Group is, I thought it would be a good idea to feature them in TRR-FEC.  This past Year Barule has been a new sponsor at Foundations University so I got to know how important to our industry their security and IT management services are:

SECURITY

Threats are everywhere and can penetrate your business systems and data from many angles, including internal staff. Barule’s security advisory and implementation services can help protect you from threats and attacks, including ransomware attacks.

• Assessments & Testing
• Web Filtering & Monitoring
• Firewalls & Remote Access

IT MANAGEMENT

Management and advisory services to help keep your IT infrastructure running smoothly and ensure systems and software availability.

• Network, Server, Systems Monitoring
• Vendor & Project Management
• Data Backup & Recovery

For more info contact Tim Oaks at [email protected]

Ask Frank ‘the Crank’ Technical Tips – For Games & For Life in General

Crane Tip

(Chip O’Hara, Midwest Coin Concepts, Waite Park, MN)

Our best-earning cranes on our route and in FEC’s are candy cranes. Last month had a crane at an FEC do $3350 ($780/week avg.) and the payout was $358 (10.7 Win%).  We buy the Giant Charms from Rhode Island Novelty for $8 each. The Blow Pops are 70 cents per bundle of 5 (14 cents each) and several are put in standing up. The small candy offers a high win rate (hit frequency) but overall the cost of goods is low.

 

New! Mercy Tickets Automatically Added by EMBED

(The EMBED Insider)

Mercy tickets have been a marketing tool for our industry for more than 100 years. Savvy operators make sure that a player (especially in the case for young children) receives at least 1 ticket (1 point) for every game player so there are no losers.

EMBED’s new smartTouch feature (The Mercy Ticket(s) feature) allows you to reward your guests just for played your games, ensuring they have a positive experience every time. As stated by Embed:  ‘It’s especially useful for kiddie rides and games to keep your youngest guests entertained, happy, and able to bring a prize home with them!’
Watch this short video and learn more details about this new feature.

 

Virtual Rabbids Performance Tips

(LAI Games Insider) – TRR-FEC Condensed Version

#1 – KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CONSUMABLES

Check the head straps regularly and make sure the Velcro is still strong. We recommend changing out head straps every 1,500 plays [that is per player station]. There is nothing worse than having to hold onto the Vive headset while riding.

NEW & IMPROVED! – We have taken customer feedback and have designed a new head strap that lasts much longer between changes! Get your VR consumables now.

Face pads are a critical component for the headset. They provide a cushion and grip on the guest’s face so they can comfortably and securely enjoy the thrills of the game. Check the face padding regularly to make sure they are clean and in good condition.
It’s good practice to gently wipe down the Vive headsets daily using the products supplied with the game or at a minimum every couple of days. Dirty face pads and smudged lenses do not provide a great experience for players.

Before cleaning, remove the face pads from the headset and remember to use a damp soft cloth to gently wipe down the pads. Let them air dry completely before putting back.

Do not scrub, wring, or bleach. Do not dip or soak the pads in water.

Foam face pads will eventually wear out. Taking proper care of them can slow this process down but eventually, you will need to change them. We recommend replacing them every 1,500 plays [that is per player station].

Always make sure that there are enough disposable face masks available to maintain hygiene. Offer players a trash can to throw away used masks to avoid having them littered around the game. Both the mask and face pads keep the headset components clean & germ-free.

Don’t wait until you run out of a consumable to place an emergency order. You’ll save on delivery costs by ordering more… less frequently.

#2 – DISPLAY PLAYERS’ REACTIONS & GET THE AUDIENCE ENGAGED

People love to watch each other play Virtual Rabbids! Make sure to keep the area around the front of your cabinet clear so spectators can gather and watch the hilarious player reactions and overhead video during the ride while waiting for their turn.

Virtual Rabbids is an attention grabber, so make it a signature piece of your game room!

#3 – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MEDIA KIT AVAILABLE ONLINE

We’ve put together a completely FREE promotional kit of print and digital artwork that’s ready to use or customize with your logo to help you promote your new Virtual Rabbids attraction. Download the package which includes content for TV displays, social media, web banners, posters, and pop-up banners: Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride Media Kit

#4 – CHECK YOUR SAFETY SENSORS

Both the emergency stop button and the safety sensors have the power to stop all motion during gameplay. Ensure the area around the safety sensors is clear and the sensor windows and reflectors are clean and free of any obstruction. We suggest setting a regular schedule to check that the stop button and safety sensor inputs are operating correctly.

Check your Virtual Rabbids game manual on pages 34-35 for step by step instructions on checking and calibrating the safety sensors

#5 – GENERAL GAME MAINTENANCE

EXTERIOR

• Regularly dust and clean the external cabinet areas as required, using a soft water-damp cloth and mild soap
• Check for blown lamps and replace as required. Check all LED strips are functioning, and repair as required.
• Check that the monitor image is clear.
• Wipe the monitor clean with a soft damp cloth.
• Check the cables below the motion base and ensure there are no signs of wear and that all cables are intact and firmly secured.
• Check the blower fan intake openings and clean the filter, replacing the filter when required.
• Check that the cables connecting to the headset are secure and firmly seated. Verify the video image in the headset is clear and free of ‘noise’.
• Ensure all safety and warning labels are intact and legible. Replace where necessary.

INTERIOR

• Regularly dust and vacuum the interior of the cabinet, taking care to remove any objects that may have fallen.
• Check the PCs for dust accumulation. Open the cases and gently blow out any dust from ventilation and cooling fans.
• Check the keyboard operation and replace the batteries when needed (2 x AA).

Prize Hub LIVE Launched by Bay Tek

By Hannah Hart On Sep 17, 2018

Bay Tek Games has launched Prize Hub LIVE; an online portal allowing game room operators to analyze and manage their Prize Hub units from anywhere in real time via computer or mobile device.

Operators can check inventory, change ticket prices and upload prize images and quantities remotely, versus having to service the Prize Hub unit on-location. This added convenience works well for limited time promotions or updating missing or incorrect prize images and/or ticket values.

“One of the main appeals of Prize Hub is its ease of use. It’s a self-contained prize counter, meaning no attendant is necessary, so it should be easy to maintain. The Prize Hub LIVE software really brings that notion of convenience and simplicity to a whole new level.”

– Rick Hallet, product development manager at Bay Tek

Multiple users can be configured with LIVE to have different permissions based on functional needs or security purposes. Those users are able to learn about issues before they become bigger problems via text alerts or emails. Plus, they can test the printer, vend prizes and monitor status with the diagnostics feature, all remotely for ultimate convenience.  And the history feature logs data in real time and that data can be sorted to display prize vends and failures.

Amusement Game Players Divided by 4 Types – Interesting!

October 1, 2018 by (David Snook – InterGame/InterFun)

There are four categories of people who ‘play’ or ‘revel in a fun day at a park’, says Whitewater West, the water parks and attractions company, after a global survey that drew 1,100 responses from across the amusement industry.

The four distinct types of players are adventurers, socializers, dreamers, and challengers. The company distinguishes between them as:

• adventurers enjoy ‘discovery’ play and new experiences
• socializers are most engaged in play involving others
• dreamers are fueled by imaginative experiences
• challengers are daredevils’ that love speed, heights and pushing boundaries

‘Of them all, adventures’, says the company, has emerged the most popular and leading play type. These findings are useful tools to help create parks with rides and attractions that appeal to the various types of play that consumers prefer.”

The complete Play Report can be obtained from the Canadian company’s marketing director, [email protected]

Top Redemption & Merchandiser Prizes

Fun Express Wearables – Perfect for Spreading Holiday Cheer

Contact Fun Express 800-875-8494

1-800-875-8494

Christmas Apparel & Jewelry

Christmas Jewelry Christmas Props & Accessories

Shop Candy

Visit FunExpress.com to see our huge selection of products or contact your sales professional for ideas to help you increase your business!

Rhode Island Novelty New Items for October

Delcy Gauthier – [email protected] – tel: 800-435-3456 x379

11″ LED STAR TUNNEL LIGHT WAND EL-TUSTA 12PC/CASE $6.50PC	8″ LIGHT-UP RAINBOW DOUBLE MASK GL-MASRB 48PC/CASE 2.95PC	9″ WIRELESS TUBE SPEAKER W/FLASHLIGHT EC-BTFSP 12PC/CASE $9.00PC	18″ LIGHT-UP BALLOON GL-LEDBA 48PC/CASE $1.50 PC
24″ MYSTICAL FRIEND IN-MYS24 $6DZ/CASE $1.60PC	36″ TIE DYE ALIEN IN-ALT36 6DZ/CASE $1.30 PC	48″ JUMBO PONY INFLATE IN-JUMPO 6PC/CASE $10.80 PC	24″ NARWHAL INFLATE IN-NAR24 12DZ/CASE $1.00 PC
DINOSAUR EGG ROBOTS 4 ASST AM-DINOT 48PC/CASE $1.25 PC	TEAM 1 QUICK RESPONSE AV-QRTE1 36 PC/CASE $2.65PC	ELEPHANT ADVENTURE SET AS-ASELE 12 PC/CASE $5.75 PC	3.5″ MAGNETIC PUTTY SK-MAGNE6DZ/CASE $1.75 PC

HMS Monaco – Marvel and Christmas Plush

Steve Schulman PH  800-777-0901   [email protected]

	Introducing 3 New

	Remote Control Flying Figures

	* 2 Channel Remote Control Operation * Requires 6 Double A Batteries – Not Included * Watch Them Light-up And Speak Action Phrases   1 Piece       $30.00 Per Piece  6 Pieces     $28.50 Per Piece & Free Freight Program

	Spiderman (# RC-SPID-HEL) Box Dim: 12″ x 9.5″ x 5″

	Iron Man (# RC-IRON-HEL) Box Dim: 12″ x 9.5″ x 5″

	Captain America (# RC-CA-HEL) Box Dim: 12″ x 12″ x 5″

Christmas Plush

	Crane Plush Packs

$1.25 AVG. CHRISTMAS PLUSH PACK $180.00 Per Kit (144 Pcs.) $1.25 Avg./Pc. & Free Freight Program Size: 7 IN. – 9 IN. Styles may vary from image (Item# 125PP-XM)

	Licensed Christmas Minions Plush

	2 Sizes To Choose From:

CHRISTMAS MINIONS 7 IN. PLUSH $3.75 Per Piece Minimum: 144 Pcs. (No Free Freight Program) (Item# PP-XMMIN7)

CHRISTMAS MINIONS 10 IN. PLUSH $5.65 Per Piece Minimum: 48 Pcs. (No Free Freight Program) (Item# PP-XMMIN10)

Licensed Frosty Plush

	2 Sizes To Choose From:

FROSTY ASST. 7 IN. PLUSH $3.35 Per Piece Minimum: 144 Pcs. (No Free Freight Program) (Item# PP-FROST)

FROSTY ASST. 11 IN. PLUSH $4.90 Per Piece Minimum: 48 Pcs. (No Free Freight Program) (Item# PP-JFROST)

Licensed Rudolph Plush

2 Sizes To Choose From:

7 IN. – 9 IN. RUDOLPH ASST. PLUSH $3.75 Per Piece Minimum: 120 Pcs. (No Free Freight Program) (Item# PP-XMRUD)

10 IN. – 12 IN. JUMBO RUDOLPH ASST. PLUSH $5.85 Per Piece Minimum: 48 Pcs. (No Free Freight Program) (Item# PP-JXMRUD)

Industry Events November 2018 – March 2019

Dates	Name/Link	City/Country	Frank ‘the Crank’ Attending/Speaking
2018
November
12-16	IAAPA 2018	Orlando, FL	➡
2019
January
15-17	EAG International Expo 2019	London, UK	➡   💡
15-17	Visitor Attraction Expo 2019	London, UK	➡   💡
17	Foundations Entertainment University 2.0	London, UK	➡   💡
22-23	Birthday University	Orlando, FL
27-29	IAAPA FEC Summit 2019	Austin, TX
February
	AMOA State Council Meeting	San Antonio, TX	➡
March
13-15	RAAPA Expo Spring 2019	Moscow, Russia
25-27	DEAL 2019	Dubai, UAE
24-25	Foundations Entertainment University 2.0 Prior to Amusement Expo	Las Vegas, NV	➡   💡
26-28	Amusement Expo International 2019	Las Vegas, NV	➡   💡
26-28	Laser Tag Convention 2019	Las Vegas, NV	➡   💡