I’ve just returned from visiting several vending and amusement manufacturers and suppliers. It was a trip I had wanted to make for a while, but like most of us, work kept getting in the way! Afterward it occurred to me that I really should make time to visit my customers more often. There is so much we can learn from each other ...by Alicia Lavay-Kertes

On a recent visit to the shopping outlets, my husband and I went looking for a place to have a quick lunch. There were a variety of food and drink options at this outdoor mall, but the lines in the food court were very long. After searching for a more convenient option, we ended up waiting 30 minutes to be seated at a local chain restaurant ...by Alicia Lavay-Kertes

At the recent NAMA show, I had dinner with a manufacturer who expressed concern about the future of the vending industry. He explained that advances in technology made it necessary to charge more for his company’s equipment. “Operators need more sophisticated vending machines, but they’re not willing to pay more for it. What they really need to do is raise their prices. Vending operators and the way they merchandise  have not kept pace with modern technology.” ...by Alicia Lavay-Kertes

Whether you are an operator, a manufacturer, distributor, supplier – or publisher, as the industry continues to consolidate it has become more difficult to secure existing accounts and generate new sources of revenue. In a fiercely competitive environment, how do we gain market share and keep our companies healthy while retaining our integrity, not burning our bridges behind us, and preserving a business environment in which we all can thrive? ...by Alicia Lavay-Kertes