You may have heard A & A referring to “hybrid” products. Hybrid is a concept we developed that refers to a product that has been designed to fit in either a 1.1″ and 2″ capsule.
When designing a hybrid item, the product display must accommodate both a 1.1″ and 2″ vending machine. The displays are designed to be used at full size or to fold to fit in a smaller machine. One versatile product and display— 2 machines to accommodate.
Most of our 50¢ products are, in fact, hybrids. They’ve been around for many years and have become very popular because of their versatility. Hybrids can also include a two-sided printed card. You can give your machine a brand new look without changing out the product by simply turning the display to its other side. This is a fantastic tool to keep sales strong even with your frequent, returning customers looking for something new.
Hybrids were originally designed to help our vendors transition from their 50¢ vending items to 75¢ and eventually $1 vending items.
Today’s bulk vending world brings new challenges with rising prices and operating costs. Industry experts agree that in five years, products, prices and the entire bulk vending industry will have a completely different face. If you haven’t made the switch to higher priced vending items, now is the time to do it. Plan for the future by making sure that you, your machines and your business strategy are prepared for the challenges that await.
Hybrid Displays
Below are examples on how our hybrid displays are used to create maximum versatility.
There are other ways to minimize the cost, and maximize your profit. One of the benefits of working with A & A Global is that we can be a one-stop-shop for your bulk vending and amusement business.
We have free freight programs for plush and candy crane mixes as well as other freight allowances that can be used when combining your order with traditional bulk vending products. A & A also offers volume discounts on most products so you can order less frequently and better manage your freight costs.
Because freight charges depend on what is being shipped, where it’s being delivered and where it’s being shipped from, the easiest way to manage the process is to work closely with your account manager. Our Account Managers have the tools and experience
to make any adjustments to reduce cost.
There are many factors that affect business today that you have little control over. It’s reassuring to know that A & A is here to help you get more product and equipment with your spending dollar— ultimately maximizing your profit.
The most difficult job an operator has is knowing which products to buy and how much. While operators rely on the expertise of our sales staff, there are a few standard rules to follow when purchasing product. Buying the right mix of product and taking advantage of freight specials will make the operator’s job not only easier, but the business more successful. Here are some important tips to follow:
1. Need new product? Try something you’ve never bought before. If it’s new to you, it’s new to your customers.
2. Try everything. Buy at least a case of everything new. This way you won’t miss out on the next winner. In the end, everything sells.
3. Save on freight. Buy just as much, just order less often. You’ll be able to bundle your order to get the best freight rates possible.
4. Take advantage of specials. Specials are price incentives to get you to try an item. Advantage buys will help your bottom line.
5. Take advantage of volume discounts. Buy a case of superballs instead of a few bags (the same for toys). Work with your Account Manager to get the best volume discounts.
6. Check our website often. It’s updated with the latest and greatest products. Also, you’ll learn about our licenses and who the product is targeted for.
7. Establish a relationship with an Account Manager. Then they can be in a better position to suggest items that will work best for you.
8. Take advantage of freight discounts, especially when buying plush. The savings are impressive.
9. Plan your order in advance to save yourself time and money. This will avoid you having to call back and place an order for what you forgot and having to pay additional freight.
10. Don’t forget machine replacement parts like handles, globes and chute doors. Keep your machines looking sharp to get the most sales out of them.
Unless you are picking up your order from one of our locations, you’ll be paying freight — a necessary evil in the distribution process. While no one likes paying for it, it’s an important element of your business that, you do have some control over. If you’re unfamiliar with different methods of shipping, the three most common are listed below:
1. Small Shipping Package
This is the most common and the most expensive way to ship because there’s a base cost no matter the size or weight of the package. A & A uses techniques that will combine your packages together to make your freight dollar go further. Our team knows how to maximize every shipment, making sure that each box is completely full which will limit the number of packages being sent.
2. Hundred Weight
For most operators, this is the best way to ship. Instead of being charged per package, you’re charged per hundred pounds. Hundred Weight service can be used when you order 200-500 pounds. The quickest and most effective way to reach the required weight is to bundle orders by including machines, parts, stands, toys and candy. Superballs are also a great way to increase the weight of your order, allowing you to take advantage of the reduced cost.
3. LTL Service
LTL Service (Less Than Truck Load) is used when your order is palletized and sent via common carrier. It’s easy for the trucking company because they’re only moving pallets rather than numerous individual boxes.
The Best Thing to Happen to Your Business Since the Quarter!
A&A Global Industries is planning an open house event at their Baltimore, Maryland facility and inviting existing customers as well as other bulk vending operators from around the country to attend. This is the first-time ever event for the facility and A&A is pulling out all the stops to make this event an experience to remember.
“The event is designed to inform, educate and demonstrate how A&A supports our customers by giving them a unique never-before-offered behind the scenes how we operate.” said Brian Kovens, Executive Vice President and a principal of the company. Kovens added “We want to provide our customers with an understanding of where the bulk vending industry is going and how to prepare for success in the future”.
Company officials describe this event as a “mini tradeshow” including seminars, but will also provide tours of the company’s injection molding factory where capsules and other plastic parts are made, the powder coating factory and A&A’s state-of-the-art warehouse. In addition, each attendee will have the chance to have personal consultations with their Account Managers, individual instruction on mechanism conversion and repair with machinists, along with a host of show specials, door prizes, food and a gala event planned for that Thursday evening.
Ben Graham, National Sales Manager for the Bulk Vending Division has already instructed his team to book registrants, as the space may be limited. “If you’re in the bulk vending business, this is one event you do not want to miss’” said Graham. “We’re creating an event that is catered individually to each attendee so that they get the most – and what the specifically need- from the meetings and presentations.” concluded Graham.
Phil Brilliant, Vice President of A&A, along with his team, will be responsible for putting together the schedule, events, seminars and the Thursday night gala. “Aside from the cost of transportation and lodging, we’re providing this experience at no cost to our customers. What they spend will be a small investment that will payoff from the moment our doors open. In fact, what will be learned here will give the attendee an immediate competitive advantage,” said Phil.
Over the next few weeks the company will be advertising the event and setting up a web site where operators can learn more about the seminars, obtain hotel information with special rates and view an updated schedule. In addition, A&A’s Account Managers can keep their customers informed as the plans develop further.
A&A Global Industries has made changing a display easier than changing your mind. Introducing the new and innovative “QuikFlip™” display system with one blister and multiple presentations.
These amazing point-of-purchase displays are the first of their kind and will change the look of your vending machine right before your eyes.
The QuikFlip™ has been designed for both 8×9 and 5×7 blister displays. While the blister portion of the display remains the same, the card backing is reversible, providing two completely different looks.
The QuikFlip™ saves time and money and is the best thing to happen in vending since the capsule!
Yes, America seems to be in a Recession. Yes, costs have increased in just about all areas of business. Yes, times are tough and yes, your sales have dropped off. If you agree, what are YOU doing to help pick-up your sales? If you’re an Operator who has been around a while, you know that you can…
Move and/or swap items from one location to another.
Increase the amount of equipment in a location, to make it worth your trip.
Use “leader” items to help move out slower / older items.
And there’s many other things that you can do to increase your margins. But, are you doing them? And, have you asked your A&A Sales Rep what they suggest you do to increase your sales? I was a Sales Rep for more than 15 years for A&A and I know that the Sales Reps at A&A want to do more than just sell you product. They want to help you grow your business. Ask them about ways to increase your sales right now and they will give you great suggestions as well as stories of successful things that other Operators have done to increase their sales. And if you have some suggestions that you’d like to share with those reading this Blog, please leave a comment. Hey, we’re all in this together… and, together we can manage through these tough times.
No matter how big or small your vending route is, you always want to protect yourself. The best way to do that is to make sure that you have all your bases covered particularly with insurance, taxes and business licenses. Regulations vary from state to state, but did you know they can vary within the state? In most states even the sales tax is different in every county. Most states offer helpful guides and publication either online or at your local government facility. Get familiar with the laws so you won’t have any problems down the road.
If you need insurance, then check with your agent. Umbrella and liability policies are very common and not that expensive.
1) Know your customers. Have a basic idea of who is buying from your machines. Are small children buying from your machines or are the machines located in an area with more teenagers?
2) Talk with your sales rep. Let your sales rep know what you need in your product and ask questions. Are you buying for boys and girls? What else is in your location that may be competing with your products?
