Here's a big thanks to George with Coin-Tech.
I spent another hour on the phone with him today going over some things.
Coin-Tech (mostly George) has been very patient with me. I have been an interested party for quite some time, and it says a lot that there is always someone willing to discuss things further.
I am seriously considering buying their redemption module soon as a stand alone product. The last few days I have been looking over computer specs and pricing components and have determined that the hardware costs will be negligible. I have some PCs already floating around that will do the jobs with slight tweaks, and I even found a great deal on some used barcode scanners.
(There are some out there that might be hesitant to buy used gear for a new project, but I have had mostly good luck with pre-owned equipment. Some of my best earning games were purchased used. My Super Rock'n'Bowl earns about the same as Big Rig Truckin' for instance, and sometimes more.)
Considering that much of the software purchase price would likely apply towards a full system expansion in the future, it is almost a no-brainer to bring in this product to streamline the prize counter activities.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Weekday blahs
Don't you just love weekdays?
I sure don't. Nothing is more fun than staring at the walls....
I don't know what happened today, but it was slooooow. It was cool and damp today, but not raining. Usually a dreary day makes for at least decent business. Might as well have been warm and sunny for the traffic I saw this evening. Bleh.
I called up some of my regulars and offered free games just to get another car in the parking lot. (People attract people.)
I strongly believe in the physcological aspects of crowds/parking/etc.
For instance, my walk-in business typically is busiest when I have parties in the store as well. Lots of cars in the lot and people coming and going makes the place look more attractive to people who happen to find themselves driving past.
I suspect an empty lot makes us look uninteresting or even 'closed'. It's a real downside to having pretty much our own parking out front.
When business is slow, I further encourage longer stays (and repeat visits hopefully) with freebies. I tell people that I appreciate them coming in on a weekday. I might offer a free soda, extra ticket points, a free game or a turn in the bounce house for the kids.
Lately I've also let some people play with the 4 Laser Tag sets we have. Sort of a preview to the upcoming attraction.
I randomly do some of the giveaways on busy days too, but most of the time it is to encourage the weekday visits. If someone specifically mentions it is their first visit, I am more likely to toss in something, regardless of the day too. "Really? Thanks for coming in! How'd you find out about us?"
I have GOT to come up with some weekday promotions.
We don't have pizza, but we resale it from a Papa John's next door. Tonight I came up with something that might work without costing me much besides time and effort:
Slice of pizza
20 oz. Soda and refill
10 tokens
all for $5.
It would have a slight proffit margin for us, and might even run at a slight loss once waste is factored in. The idea though is to get people in the door. Some might spend the $5 and be done with it, but others would probably spend more. And any cars would help attract more people and so on.
Looks like it could help. Only question is how long it would take to catch on. I'd initially advertise it in the arcade and at Papa John's. And I could add a crawler to our TV spot whenever we decide to run it again.
Maybe writing this down will give me more motivation to make a commitment to actually start something.
I sure don't. Nothing is more fun than staring at the walls....
I don't know what happened today, but it was slooooow. It was cool and damp today, but not raining. Usually a dreary day makes for at least decent business. Might as well have been warm and sunny for the traffic I saw this evening. Bleh.
I called up some of my regulars and offered free games just to get another car in the parking lot. (People attract people.)
I strongly believe in the physcological aspects of crowds/parking/etc.
For instance, my walk-in business typically is busiest when I have parties in the store as well. Lots of cars in the lot and people coming and going makes the place look more attractive to people who happen to find themselves driving past.
I suspect an empty lot makes us look uninteresting or even 'closed'. It's a real downside to having pretty much our own parking out front.
When business is slow, I further encourage longer stays (and repeat visits hopefully) with freebies. I tell people that I appreciate them coming in on a weekday. I might offer a free soda, extra ticket points, a free game or a turn in the bounce house for the kids.
Lately I've also let some people play with the 4 Laser Tag sets we have. Sort of a preview to the upcoming attraction.
I randomly do some of the giveaways on busy days too, but most of the time it is to encourage the weekday visits. If someone specifically mentions it is their first visit, I am more likely to toss in something, regardless of the day too. "Really? Thanks for coming in! How'd you find out about us?"
I have GOT to come up with some weekday promotions.
We don't have pizza, but we resale it from a Papa John's next door. Tonight I came up with something that might work without costing me much besides time and effort:
Slice of pizza
20 oz. Soda and refill
10 tokens
all for $5.
It would have a slight proffit margin for us, and might even run at a slight loss once waste is factored in. The idea though is to get people in the door. Some might spend the $5 and be done with it, but others would probably spend more. And any cars would help attract more people and so on.
Looks like it could help. Only question is how long it would take to catch on. I'd initially advertise it in the arcade and at Papa John's. And I could add a crawler to our TV spot whenever we decide to run it again.
Maybe writing this down will give me more motivation to make a commitment to actually start something.
More publicity!
I got a call from Replay yesterday. My blog got some attention there and I happen to be a perfect fit for the "40 under 40" series they are publising.
This will likely result in some more traffic here, and there was mention of a possible guest column in the magazine. (Oh, the possibilities....)
Since I have my own agenda as well as ideas that I think can benefit other operators, I think this could be a great opportunity all around.
Yay!
This will likely result in some more traffic here, and there was mention of a possible guest column in the magazine. (Oh, the possibilities....)
Since I have my own agenda as well as ideas that I think can benefit other operators, I think this could be a great opportunity all around.
Yay!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Free Publicity
Last night I sent a quick Hello and FYI to ArcadeHeroes.com and got a surprise tonight, finding out I got a link on their homepage.
Nice to be recognized!
So at this point, I can surmise I have had at least 4 readers, based on responses both here and privately by e-mail.
Might be wishful thinking, but I'd like to think that word might get around and I become part of the coin-op evolution. (As opposed to the coin-op devaluation around us.)
I also am about to get some free local newspaper coverage. Came out of nowhere I suppose. I got some pics taken yesterday, and my interview today got postponed, but apparently I am going to get some sort of story in a couple weeks. In the Sunday edition, which I think should add value to it.
I do hope that the information comes out OK, as my experience with newspapers has ranged from odd spin to downright erroneous quotes. I hope to get a chance to play up my substantial Bemani collection and the upcoming LaserTag addition, while also working to encourage more weekday business.
The fact that the interview has been postponed might very well work out in my favor, giving me more time to plan and a better chance to steer it in my favor.
Personally I have been in a little bit of a funk this week, having trouble getting a rhythm going to accomplish anything significant. But I did manage a little bit.
We just purchased a new laptop, mainly for accounting use. (My Powerbook and VirtualPC finally got too obsolete, and I need a newer version of (PC)QuickBooks for working with my accountant.) I found another good use for it last night....
I just installed Unreal Tournament on it!
Ah, but before you wonder why it matters that I put an admitedly old computer game on my new PC, hear me out.
I used the Unreal (map) Editor to design and lay out my expansion. (Laser Tag arena and new Ladies' Room.) Works well, and you can easily do a walk through of a new space design before you ever start construction/remodeling. In fact, I can let the 'bots loose in the virtual arena and check for gameplay issues. Looks cool too, I even managed to texture map the floor to perfectly match my blacklight carpet in the arcade.
I was expecting problems with 'Vista, but it works great. (Messed with it maybe an hour tonight.) The timing is great too, since last night one of my former employees and I were discussing some trimout options. Actually that is exactly why I dug up the software and transferred it all today.
I sure have some lofty ideas around the Laser Tag arena. Gotta set the bar high I think. I'll tell you this though, if I manage half of what I see in my head, it'll be knocking some socks off and I could even end up with some design or consulting work in the future. Here's hoping!
Nice to be recognized!
So at this point, I can surmise I have had at least 4 readers, based on responses both here and privately by e-mail.
Might be wishful thinking, but I'd like to think that word might get around and I become part of the coin-op evolution. (As opposed to the coin-op devaluation around us.)
I also am about to get some free local newspaper coverage. Came out of nowhere I suppose. I got some pics taken yesterday, and my interview today got postponed, but apparently I am going to get some sort of story in a couple weeks. In the Sunday edition, which I think should add value to it.
I do hope that the information comes out OK, as my experience with newspapers has ranged from odd spin to downright erroneous quotes. I hope to get a chance to play up my substantial Bemani collection and the upcoming LaserTag addition, while also working to encourage more weekday business.
The fact that the interview has been postponed might very well work out in my favor, giving me more time to plan and a better chance to steer it in my favor.
Personally I have been in a little bit of a funk this week, having trouble getting a rhythm going to accomplish anything significant. But I did manage a little bit.
We just purchased a new laptop, mainly for accounting use. (My Powerbook and VirtualPC finally got too obsolete, and I need a newer version of (PC)QuickBooks for working with my accountant.) I found another good use for it last night....
I just installed Unreal Tournament on it!
Ah, but before you wonder why it matters that I put an admitedly old computer game on my new PC, hear me out.
I used the Unreal (map) Editor to design and lay out my expansion. (Laser Tag arena and new Ladies' Room.) Works well, and you can easily do a walk through of a new space design before you ever start construction/remodeling. In fact, I can let the 'bots loose in the virtual arena and check for gameplay issues. Looks cool too, I even managed to texture map the floor to perfectly match my blacklight carpet in the arcade.
I was expecting problems with 'Vista, but it works great. (Messed with it maybe an hour tonight.) The timing is great too, since last night one of my former employees and I were discussing some trimout options. Actually that is exactly why I dug up the software and transferred it all today.
I sure have some lofty ideas around the Laser Tag arena. Gotta set the bar high I think. I'll tell you this though, if I manage half of what I see in my head, it'll be knocking some socks off and I could even end up with some design or consulting work in the future. Here's hoping!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Finding readers
Up until about now, I am sure my blog posts have been unread. (Unless someone just happened to land on one via a search engine, but I doubt that too. Let me check.....nope, doesn't look like it.)
I just decided to send out a quick FYI about it to most of the industry related people in my e-mail address book.
So chances are if you're reading this today, you have met me or at least talked to me on the phone or via e-mail.
Suggestions appreciated!
Thanks,
-eric
I just decided to send out a quick FYI about it to most of the industry related people in my e-mail address book.
So chances are if you're reading this today, you have met me or at least talked to me on the phone or via e-mail.
Suggestions appreciated!
Thanks,
-eric
Embed
It took a few attempts, but I finally got in touch with Merrik at Embed.
We discussed my options and he told me they would cost more than Intercard or Coin-tech but not without reason.
He did NOT express negatives of the others, but rather pointed out Embeds strong points and details of the installed user base, letting some of the facts speak for themselves.
Their system is somewhat more expensive than the other 2 mentioned. Their experience is valuable, but so far when thinking about pricing I find myself looking at one single feature as the main difference in my eyes...
It it worth that much more to have their hardware? The Color-glos are VERY nice, giving even more marketing options on top of what any of the systems can offer.
My discussion with Merrik was brief, with only ballpark numbers. I hope to get some more detailed pricing soon.
They are definitely more expensive, but I am not ruling it out yet. If I make the switch to cards soon, it will be a question of finding attractive financing, as I cannot simply write a check for ANY of them outright.
We discussed my options and he told me they would cost more than Intercard or Coin-tech but not without reason.
He did NOT express negatives of the others, but rather pointed out Embeds strong points and details of the installed user base, letting some of the facts speak for themselves.
Their system is somewhat more expensive than the other 2 mentioned. Their experience is valuable, but so far when thinking about pricing I find myself looking at one single feature as the main difference in my eyes...
It it worth that much more to have their hardware? The Color-glos are VERY nice, giving even more marketing options on top of what any of the systems can offer.
My discussion with Merrik was brief, with only ballpark numbers. I hope to get some more detailed pricing soon.
They are definitely more expensive, but I am not ruling it out yet. If I make the switch to cards soon, it will be a question of finding attractive financing, as I cannot simply write a check for ANY of them outright.
Coin-tech update
I had fired off a new e-mail to Coin-tech, and followed it up a couple of days later with a phone call.
I was told to expect an updated quote soon, with lower numbers. As in my new quote should be in the same ballpark as an earlier one with a 'show special' discount.
Well, a few days later I got the updated quote, and I must say it is very attractive.
There was a rather significant drop in the cost of the base software.
(I think it would be best NOT to disclose exact numbers here publicly, so I won't.)
This price is only slightly higher than that of Intercard, and I am not entirely sure how close the 2 systems are in funcionality and included options. I know that the Game System quote is all inclusive, but I have to follow up with intercard on a couple things.
Given the length of time I have been talking to Coin-tech, and the excellent communication and patience they have shown me, I definitely lean in their direction given a similar price point.
I was told to expect an updated quote soon, with lower numbers. As in my new quote should be in the same ballpark as an earlier one with a 'show special' discount.
Well, a few days later I got the updated quote, and I must say it is very attractive.
There was a rather significant drop in the cost of the base software.
(I think it would be best NOT to disclose exact numbers here publicly, so I won't.)
This price is only slightly higher than that of Intercard, and I am not entirely sure how close the 2 systems are in funcionality and included options. I know that the Game System quote is all inclusive, but I have to follow up with intercard on a couple things.
Given the length of time I have been talking to Coin-tech, and the excellent communication and patience they have shown me, I definitely lean in their direction given a similar price point.
Friday, March 14, 2008
New Ideas for Trade Shows (AMOA, ASI, etc.)
There has been a lot of commenting lately about declining attendance at the tradeshows, both by operators and exhibitors.
It occurred to me that some key points about our industry SHOWS seem to contradict our IDUSTRY itself.
Why do the shows center around weekends? Every one of them seems to involve Fridays, and most of them Saturdays as well.
Now I ask all of you, when is your business at its busiest? Same time I bet for almost all of you.
There are obviously some people in upper managment that can better afford to get away, but I think that most owners are pretty involved in their operations.
And weekends are more expensive too. Vegas is particular is a much better deal Sundays through Thursday, both for airfare and lodging.
If shows ran, say Mon-Wed, it would be MUCH easier for many of us to justify the trip, both from a cost standpoint and being able to be back at the helm for the peak weekend hours.
These shows should be about making more money and saving money, not lavishly spending it.
And don't even get me started on game prices going UP instead of down...
It occurred to me that some key points about our industry SHOWS seem to contradict our IDUSTRY itself.
Why do the shows center around weekends? Every one of them seems to involve Fridays, and most of them Saturdays as well.
Now I ask all of you, when is your business at its busiest? Same time I bet for almost all of you.
There are obviously some people in upper managment that can better afford to get away, but I think that most owners are pretty involved in their operations.
And weekends are more expensive too. Vegas is particular is a much better deal Sundays through Thursday, both for airfare and lodging.
If shows ran, say Mon-Wed, it would be MUCH easier for many of us to justify the trip, both from a cost standpoint and being able to be back at the helm for the peak weekend hours.
These shows should be about making more money and saving money, not lavishly spending it.
And don't even get me started on game prices going UP instead of down...
Card Quest 2008
Recently two auction advertisements got me in the hunt again for a card system. Or more specifically, more active in the process.
I found out about a Jillian's location being sold off. "Hmm. They probably had a Sacoa system or such. Maybe it'll be up for sale."
And then....
Sometime last week I came across a small ad in the back of Replay magazine that got the wheels turning again. A small bar/restaurant/gameroom was being auctioned off only a few hours drive from here. Where I used to live. And I vaguely recalled hearing that the place used gamecards. Better look into that one.
Turns out both places had ARI systems installed.
The former, well I didn't hear back from the auctioneer, but there wasn't enough time left before the auction to make the trip to remove the readers anyway. (Yes, a couple days before the auction, everything was still attached to the games. I imagine there are ARI Blinkies scattered all over the place now!)
The latter I found out was bought back by Core Cashless, the new incarnation of ARI.
Whilst searching for ARI or the company formerly known as ARI, I ended up talking to Ideal.
I got a ballpark quote from Ideal. TImes haven't changed much with them I think, because the ballpark price I got from them was as high as any from years ago.
Core Cashless at first sounded good, with a pay as you go type program, but further evaluation showed it wouldn't be a good choice for me. Their subscription service would only make sense if the equipment were provided, but guess what, you have to buy the hardware too. Not a particularly good value as I see it.
Time to get back in touch with some others I haven't talked to in a while. Coin-tech tossed me some good numbers before, and Intercard ballparked me a low price at FunExpo. Guess I should follow up with both of them and try to get some pricing from Embed too.
I found out about a Jillian's location being sold off. "Hmm. They probably had a Sacoa system or such. Maybe it'll be up for sale."
And then....
Sometime last week I came across a small ad in the back of Replay magazine that got the wheels turning again. A small bar/restaurant/gameroom was being auctioned off only a few hours drive from here. Where I used to live. And I vaguely recalled hearing that the place used gamecards. Better look into that one.
Turns out both places had ARI systems installed.
The former, well I didn't hear back from the auctioneer, but there wasn't enough time left before the auction to make the trip to remove the readers anyway. (Yes, a couple days before the auction, everything was still attached to the games. I imagine there are ARI Blinkies scattered all over the place now!)
The latter I found out was bought back by Core Cashless, the new incarnation of ARI.
Whilst searching for ARI or the company formerly known as ARI, I ended up talking to Ideal.
I got a ballpark quote from Ideal. TImes haven't changed much with them I think, because the ballpark price I got from them was as high as any from years ago.
Core Cashless at first sounded good, with a pay as you go type program, but further evaluation showed it wouldn't be a good choice for me. Their subscription service would only make sense if the equipment were provided, but guess what, you have to buy the hardware too. Not a particularly good value as I see it.
Time to get back in touch with some others I haven't talked to in a while. Coin-tech tossed me some good numbers before, and Intercard ballparked me a low price at FunExpo. Guess I should follow up with both of them and try to get some pricing from Embed too.
I want a debit card system for the arcade
Where to start? More like when I suppose. I don't remember. Seriously.
At some point back in my varied coin-op career, I encountered some arcades with debit card systems instead using tokens or quarters. What really got my attention was "time-play" specials during non-peak hours.
These were probably Gameworks locations. I KNOW I saw this available in Newport KY, and probably in Vegas and Schaumburg as well.
As long as I have been running game rooms, and especially since opening my own arcade, I have really wanted to implement one of these systems for myself.
My main idea for boosting sales with a system was to use an All You Can Play special with my music game (Bemani) collection. Both to encourage and maximize play with regulars as well as to encourage traveling players with a more attractive option.
Initial research a few years back suggested a system would cost over $100,000.
Umm, gotta pass on that one, thanks.
Costs have come down and more competition has come on the market since then too.
Those facts have kept me in the market, checking in with some of the makers from time to time over the past couple years.
At some point back in my varied coin-op career, I encountered some arcades with debit card systems instead using tokens or quarters. What really got my attention was "time-play" specials during non-peak hours.
These were probably Gameworks locations. I KNOW I saw this available in Newport KY, and probably in Vegas and Schaumburg as well.
As long as I have been running game rooms, and especially since opening my own arcade, I have really wanted to implement one of these systems for myself.
My main idea for boosting sales with a system was to use an All You Can Play special with my music game (Bemani) collection. Both to encourage and maximize play with regulars as well as to encourage traveling players with a more attractive option.
Initial research a few years back suggested a system would cost over $100,000.
Umm, gotta pass on that one, thanks.
Costs have come down and more competition has come on the market since then too.
Those facts have kept me in the market, checking in with some of the makers from time to time over the past couple years.
About Me
My name is Eric and I own an arcade.
I have decided to talk about it.
Hopefully it will help someone else as well as help my business.
That should make more sense later.
-eric
I have decided to talk about it.
Hopefully it will help someone else as well as help my business.
That should make more sense later.
-eric
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