 | The Future Has Arrived: Now What?
Issue: Vol. 53, No. 5, May 2013
A question raised during a networking session I attended at the NAMA OneShow was "What trends do you anticipate in vending over the next five years?" Several people raised their hands and said, enthusiastically: "Micromarkets! Healthy vending! Technology. My comment to the group? We are trending! This is happening right now…" by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| First Rule Of Engagement: Engage!
Issue: Vol. 53, No. 4, April 2013
We've said it before, but it bears repeating: there's real value in an industry-specific exhibit, and the need for face-to-face interaction has never been more important. A trade show does not have to attract huge crowds to be worthwhile; what's needed is a solid core of substantial buyers... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Holding Out For A Hero
Issue: Vol. 53, No. 3, March 2013
Any operation that contracts with a location is in effect hired to do a specified job. Actually doing that job and seeing it through to the end with a strong work ethic is the reason it is in business... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Time To Stand Up For Common Sense
Issue: Vol. 53, No. 2, February 2013
Freedom of choice is paramount to consumer satisfaction, and free enterprise is vital to the future of the vending business. The location, not the operator, has the final say about what is sold through a vending machine... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| People, Get Ready!
Issue: Vol. 53, No. 1, January 2013
There's an old joke that if all the economists in the world were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion. Getting economists to agree on anything seems like an exercise in futility, but I think we can be sure of one thing: untangling the causes and assessing the results of the financial crisis could take years... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| A New Day And A New Year
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 12, December 2012
It's been fascinating to observe, and report on, the convergence of technologies impacting the vending industry over the past two decades. Let's take a look at vending's most prominent advancements of 2012... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Trading Ideas Can Enhance Profitability
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 11, November 2012
Developments in technology are calling new attention to the attractive value proposition offered to consumers (and suppliers) by our industry. But just because something is "trending" does not mean that everyone in the industry is taking full advantage of available tools... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Remembering Alan Kronenberg
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 10, October 2012
I've always been fascinated by the history of our industry and eager to learn more about how enterprising pioneers became so successful. The Kronenberg family's history in vending dates back to 1937, and Alan's life story is rich with examples of what makes our industry great... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Is It Time To Re-Think Commissions?
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 9, September 2012
With today's new service methods and the changing perception of vending among location owners and consumers alike, might some of the old rules regarding commissions be apt to change, too? by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Stir It Up! The Case For Vended Coffee
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 8, August 2012
Might Coinstar be targeting a segment that mainstream operators have abandoned? I find it interesting that both Seattle's Best and Marley's Coffee have worked with major machine manufacturers to develop full-size fresh-brew venders showcasing their premium brands... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| See Ourselves As Others See Us
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 6, June 2012
Many operators who started out of their garages went on to build operations running 15 routes or more. A longstanding concern for these companies was the unwillingness or inability of the founder and boss to develop "middle managers" who would take over responsibility for day-to-day operations... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Take Me Out To The New Ball Game!
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 5, May 2012
Technology is clearly working in vending’s favor. Today’s vending machines impose fewer limits on the customer’s options... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Join The Conversation
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 4, April 2012
Since I returned from the Amusement Expo, I've been thinking about where this industry has been and where it might be headed. The coin-op business as we know it today is on the trailing edge of... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Problems Are Opportunities
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 3, March 2012
It is important to be aware of possible complaints before your customers make them, and to have a plan in place when they do... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Let's Stick Together
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 2, February 2012
Members of the same team will have varying viewpoints. In working together, I would encourage every team member to hold and express his or her own opinions, but also to recognize that no one wins every battle... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Getting That First Impression To Last
Issue: Vol. 52, No. 1, January 2012
I was recently asked to provide suggestions on what works and what doesn't work when advertising to the vending industry. This got me thinking about how important it is to tailor your message... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Moving Ahead So Life Won't Pass Us By
Issue: Vol. 51, No. 12, December 2011
So many of us struggle with the issues of how our lives fit into the greater scheme of things. Some might think this a "spiritual" question. In the context of this column, spirituality means... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| What I Know For Sure
Issue: Vol. 51, No. 11, November 2011
If the business owner doesn't plan for profitability, nobody else will, either. Make expectations a reality... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Advancing To The New Normal
Issue: Vol. 51, No. 10, October 2011
I recently was asked to provide insights into the best practices contributing to success in selling to the vending industry. Of course, the companies with the best track records... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Be Ready, Not Get Ready
Issue: Vol. 51, No. 9, September 2011
Looking right into the storm, I hoped for the best but planned for the worst. Getting back to business after a disaster depends on preparedness planning done today...by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| What Advertising Can (And Cannot) Do
Issue: Vol. 51, No. 8, August 2011
Advertising can't compel people to buy, but it's an important resource for them when they're ready to make a purchase decision...by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| The Social Medium Is Not The Message
Issue: Vol. 51, No. 6, June 2011
Statistics show swift expansion of online social media, which show no signs of slowing down. But more discussion about how to pursue those opportunities in the real world is needed... Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| We're The Next Generation: It's Up To Us
Issue: Vol. 51, No. 5, May 2011
As time goes by, more and more of us have grown up watching things happen in this industry -- and it is now our turn to start making them happen... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| If There's Not An App For That, Just Wait
Issue: Vol. 51, No. 4, April 2011
The value of today's "smartphone" technology extends far beyond the cool entertainment and social networking capabilities that have tended to monopolize the conversation. They can help operators make more money... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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| Let's Not Get Lost In Let's Remember
Issue: Vol. 51, No. 3, March 2011
I found the mood upbeat at Amusement Expo, which replaced the annual trade shows long held by AMOA and AAMA. This year, for the first time, the NBVA staged its annual bulk vending confab in conjunction with the show. We all can benefit from shows that address the entire industry, which is undergoing many changes that also are provoking laments... by Alicia Lavay
Author: Alicia Lavay
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