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This column has often devoted itself to matters concerning
operators and manufacturing. There is no question these two -
areas of endea:vor play a vital role in the overall success of the
entire industry. However, there is another branch of the industry
whose devotion and dedication to success runs just as deep. In the
hustle ·a nd bustle of our day to day lives, we often tend to overlook
the importance of this industry's distributors. Distributors are,
in fact, the vital link between the manufacturers and operators :
Without them this industr·y would be in complete chaos.
Day in and day out, distributors all across this country do their
best to keep both the manufacturers and operators happy. And,
believe me, that's not an easy task. Today's distributor often finds
himself walking a very fine line in his efforts to effectively
represent the manufacturers while at the same time giving the
operators as much assistance as possible.
The distributor is indeed the middle man of this industry. In
other industries, middle men are often considered necessary
evils. In this industry, distributors are necessary-period. It
would be a complete disaster if there were no distributors, and
operators would have to buy everything direct from th.e yarious
manufacturers. And, with so much new equipment being produced
by so many different manufacturers, an operator would run
himself cr:azy trying to find out what to buy and where to get it.
With the help of a local distributor, all an operator has to do is
make one phone call or drop by for a visit. In no time at all, he
knows what is selling, what it will cost him, and when it will be
available.
We should also keep in mind that distributors do a whole lot
more than just ~ell new equipment. Distributors are problem
solvers as well. They prevent costly breakdowns with their timely
repair service. They are a source of disposing of used
equipment-and of buying used equipment when you need such
items to fill out your demands. They can arrange long-term
financing for large purchases. They can carry in hand an
abundance of spare parts and supplies. In all, the distributors do a
great deal of support for this industry. Operators would do well to
fully support their local distributor. Not only do they deserve the
support, they've earned it.
In this our annual Buyers Guide Issue, we salute our nation's
distributors and encourage manufacturers and operators alike to
appreciate their efforts in keeping this industry humming along.
Thanks to them, life is easier for all of us .
.o!
Ralph C. Lally II
Editor and Publisher
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PLAY METER, October, 1900