UP FRONT
Speak Up!
Commu n icate with Manufactu rers
There seems to be a ravine between operators and
manufacturers. Operators blame manufacturers for
many of the problems that plague the industry.
Blame may be too strong a word . But in talking to
operators, you get the impression that they think
manufacturers are at the root of their troubles .
Evidence of this is the fact that operators showed
up in droves to address the manufacturers at the Early
Bird Session of the AOE. Some of these operators were
visibly angry.
But before any blame is passed , let's examine the
industry. Things have changed dramatically over the
past several years, first changing for the good (unusually
good) and then moving in the opposite direction.
However, the state of the coin-op industry is not
really as bad as some complain. Many business oppor-
tunists entered the industry to make a fast buck (and
many did ). But, as many of you can attest, hard work is
needed in this industry. Hard work-the Wall Street
journal forgot to tell opportunists about this.
Ma ybe business was great for you the last few
years, but you thought it was terrible last year. Don't
compare your business only to the unusually good
years-compare it to business four years ago.
You ' re probably doing better even now.
Southwest Vending recently held its annual dis-
tributor showing in Dallas and featured a superb
representation of manufacturers . The showing was a
great opportunity for operators to voice their griev-
ances as well as their praises .
PLAY METER. June 1. 1983
Communication is vital. It's the only way problems
can be solved.
The manufacturers are in the same predicament as
this magazine-neither of us knows what you are
thinking . We can't read minds. Our purpose is to keep
operators abreast of what is happening in the industry,
and we encourage operators to make suggestions not
only to us but to the manufacturers and distributors as
well.
Manufacturers realize that if operators are dis-
pleased or discouraged, it affects them. Distributors are
in the middle. Their assessment of the industry is a
collage of what they hear from the manufacturers and
operators.
When your distributor has a show, take advantage
of it to talk with the manufacturers. Tell them how you
feel. Perhaps if they hear it enough, they will act.
This industry is not based on what the manufac-
turers want or do. It is a combination of operators,
distributors, and manufacturers, and none is more
important than the others.
Before passing any blame for your problems, be
sure to find or make an opportunity to discuss your
grievances with your distributor or a manufacturer.
Speak up! It's the only way you'll get an answer.
~~
Valerie Cognevich
Executive Editor
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