Star Tech Journal

STAR*TECH Journal
Merchandise/Redemption:
Top Crane Items/AMOA Show
Picks
By
Frank "The Crank" Seninsky
Alpha-Qrega Amuserrents & Sales
F.dison, New Jersey
'PJ!Ci,,,.
RED™Pl'IOO W)IPMENI':
I am confident that this year's AMOA Show
shall provide a few great rrerchandising
and redenption machines. This colunn has
discussed cranes and rotories this past
year and several roore shall be introduced
at the show.
One in particular that I've noted is the
VOLCANO center hole rotory by Fortuna.
VOLCANO is good for the average operator
because it has a large capacity playfield
that holds about 100 prizes. I especially
like this type of playfield (like the old
center hole rotories from 50 years ago)
because no containers, cups or capsuls are
required. The prizes can be durrp-loaded
around the playfield. A three sided
adjustable foot is located on the end of
the sweep armature. '!be operator can
choose the long, short, or curved foot
side, depending on what type of item he
is using.
Several new pusher machines will be on
display and I'll go through each in the
upcoming articles. I've already seen a
2-player pusher (NEW YORK-NEW YORK) which
I'm hoping will be priced right for the
market. SILVER SPLASH, a 6-player hexagon
type pusher looks good for large arcades.
'PJ!Ci,,,. SEMINARS :
I hope that many of you had the chance to
attend the two seminars that I gave on
Friday rooming, Novenber 6 in Chicago.
'!be "Technical Crane Seminar" (8:00-9:00)
explored many of the crane adjustrrents
that can be used to maximize the different
types of iterrs that can be used in a
crane. Preventive maintenance and repair
tips to keep those cranes running was also
discussed.
A half hour question period was scheduled
at the end, where both Todd Erickson and
JT\YSelf were on hand to answer all your
November 1987 (Bl
questions to the best of our abilities.
The two of us together was a lot of fun!
Only manufacturers who can handle
"constructive criticism" needed to attend!
At 10:30-12:30 a "Merchandise/Redenption
Ask the Experts" panel discussed the
future of cranes and how to increase their
earnings. A major crane manufacturer and
designer, a large plush i.nporter and
seller, a crane distributor and pre-pack
specialist, a crane legal expert, and a
crane operator (rre) made up this exciting
team.
'IDP
CRANE ITEMS:
During the past three roonths there have
been a few crane prize items that I feel
have out-performed the rest:
1. "Cool Series": A 6" penguin, 5"
caterpillar, and 6" bear, each decked out
in cool sunglasses are my favorites. I get
them from the Rosette Doll Conpmy, Bala a
Cynwyd, PA ( 800/ 426-6665) and they are
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priced right!
2. "Super Mugs": Betras Plastics,
Spartanburg, SC (800/845-7027) have
assorted 20 oz. nugs that are very
appealing. 'Ibey corre with any of 35
different sayings that pertain to
truckers, cranes and kids. "I Conquered
the Crane" is one of the best items. They
cost $9/dz in 8 dz lots.
3. "Bankola Bear": This 7" bear corres in
four colors and is a rust for every crane
operator. They are sold by Acrre Premium
supply Corp., st. IDuis, fvK) (800/325-7888)
and cost about $1.25 each in dozen lots.
4. "'!he Crane Gang": This is a complete
series of over 25 different special item
ranging from 7" to 9". My favorites are
the "Sailor Bear" and the "Standing Dog."
'Ibey all sell for $13.80/dz in 6 dz lots
and are sold by Nancy Sales Conpmy,
Olelsea, MA (800/626-2947).
5. H.M.s. ftk>naco now has in cases:
Electronic stopwatches with lanyards and
flashy cigarette lighters, in addition to
their full line of jewelry item. H.M.S.
ftk>naco is in New York, NY at 212/691-9000.
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