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
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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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