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A & A Global Industries has been the leader in the bulk industry for over 70 years. In that time, we’ve had the opportunity to watch growth in the quality of toys and changes in the equipment. Because A & A is family owned and operated, employees often stay in the company until retirement. As new employees come on board, they benefit by learning from industry professionals, enabling them to pass on valuable information to their customers.
Most customers have established a relationship with an account manager in order to make the ordering process easier. Our customers have found that not only does the ordering process run smoothly, but because of their Account Manager’s advice, suggestions and global experience, it helps their business grow.
Our entire staff develops a partnership with their customers, giving each personal attention. This is a special quality in our employees that we take pride in. We understand that this is a world that depends on modern technology to quickly get information. Sometimes, we’re too busy to speak with an account manager, which is why A & A provides everything you’ll want to know on the web. You have access to company information, vending FAQs, complete product catalogs, price points, blogs, special events and upcoming trade shows.
We hope that you visit our site often— as well as read our newsletters to stay updated on the latest and greatest from A & A.
We want your experience with A & A to be informative, fun and engaging. Whether you’re on the phone or on the web. We welcome any suggestions or comments you may have to make your experience the best it can be.
Follow us on Twitter:
A & A has a lot of plans in the future as we build our social network program. Twitter is a great way to get instant information to our customers and offer “quick specials” and announcements of new products. Follow us, here’s what you have to do:
- From the web:
Visit aaglobal.com and find links to “follow us on the left, under the side navigation or the very bottom/right of the homepage.
Simply click on either link, log in, and start following!
Don’t have an account? Now’s the perfect time to start tweeting. Create a free account and follow us!
- On a Smartphone:
Text “Follow A A_Bulk Vending”to 40404.
Follow the promps from the response message.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A & A launched a website to support collectibility and bring the bulk vending operator closer to customers. The website, www.openbuildplay.com, showcases all of the capsule buildable series developed by A & A to date.
The generic site, which does not offer any products for sale, gives the vending consumer the opportunity to see what collections have been released, and what is retired. The site directs consumers to vending machines and encourages them to contact their local operators so that they can buy and complete their collections of the capsule buildable line.
The brainchild of Brian Kovens, A & A Global Industries Executive Vice President and Company Principal, is dedicated to modernizing the vending industry while at the same time keeping intact the core fundamentals that have made this industry so successful.
“We have to keep open minds about how to make bulk vending a 21st century interactive experience. We have already seen huge successes in some of our other programs and the possibilites continue to grow. This undoubtedly ensures the longevity of the vending industry as we incorporate electronic components into the vending experience.” says Kovens.
Helping the vending consumer keep track of what to collect, and what to expect, will clearly expedite the collecting process and hopefully increase traffic to vending machines across the nation.
You can check out the new site by visiting openbuildplay.com or scanning the QR code found with buildable product on your smart phone. By scanning the code, you will be directly taken to the new site, www.openbuildplay.com
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This category is for bulk vending operators. You can exchange your ideas, offer suggestions and information right here.
