Coin Machine Review (& Pacific ...)

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LAST MINUTE REPORTS-PREDICTIONS-FORECASTS and GOOD OLD
FASHIONED RUMORS COMPRISE THIS NEW REPORTING SERVICE OF
liTHE REVIEW." THIS PAGE IS WRITTEN AS THE FINAL FORMS GO TO
PRESS ON THE 20th.
NEW EQUIPMENT DELIVERIES continue slow, and will for some time.
In
addition to help shortages, materials just aren't available. Our
newsmen are close to the picture and it's the same chant in every
manufacturing establishment. It's unfair to say, at this moment,
just when adequate supplies of new equipment will be available. Some
responsible sources tell us that June will be early. Others say that
unless the supply and labor picture changes, it may be even longer.
Limited amounts of games and vendors will roll within the next few
weeks but big-scale production just isn't in the cards at this time.
PHONOGRAPHS: There will be a lot of order taking from 'samples in
January, February and March and factories will be reluctant to guar-
antee any delivery dates. Most of the majors have set up terrific
production schedules, eclipsing any pre-war year. But supplies from
other sources pertinent to manufacturing will throw a monkey-wrench
into the best planned schedules, unless the labor picture clears.
Trends: As reported last month, new phonographs will be smaller,
compact, and easier to service and transport because smaller models will
fit any particular type of location decor. Price Structure holds around
$650-$850 as reported last month, with the possible exception of two
units that will break this figure and sell for less. Watch this pre-
diction. Suppliers: Add to last month's nine starters in the 1946 Phono
Derby the name of Williams Manufacturing Co., Chicago. Harry Williams
has tossed his hat in the ring and will have a new automatic phonograph
during 1946. This names teQ positive manufacturers, plus a rumored
three who have yet to make a formal entry announcement.
VENDING: A lot of new manufacturers are eyeing this Industry and are
only interested in the automatic vending end. In the Cigarette end
Mack Postel relates, in this issue, that more than ten new manufactur-
ers will be manufacturing vendors. One manufacturer of an all-electric
vendor is represented in thi~ issue, and more are to follow. Rowe
will start deliveries in January - the rest are reluctant to set dates.
First all-electric vendor is in production with deliveries promised for
February.
CANDY OPERATORS: Don't plan on a continuance of any bar supply relief
you have had recently. Present deliveries have been upped due to Gov-
ernm"e nt cancellation of candy buying contracts. A quick change is
coming. Sugar is still short and adequate supplies will not be avail-
able "until 1947 and candy vending operators cannot expect an adequate
supply of quality merchandise for vending devices much before that
time. 1946 Cuban crop will be larger by far than 1945, but will not
be big enough to care for all requirements. Candy manufacturers are
planning for the long pull to '47. You plan accordingly, too!
COIN-OPERATED RADIOS: General Electric, Zenith, Philco and Galvin are
reported to have such a job "in the works." There is a big field here
and it will pay to watch developments. This is a prime field for
coin-controlled units. Articles on such operations will be in forth-
coming issues of THE REVIEW.