Here’s the Ticket!

The key to making money in this industry is to have prizes that the public wants and have high perceived values. Choosing the right prizes (and displaying them properly) takes guidance from people who spend full time in this sector and enjoy staying on top of the latest trends. The other key is to purchase these top prizes at fair prices.

RHODE ISLAND NOVELTY

SB-RAINB; 6” Neon Rainbow Ball
100pcs/case: $68.00/case $.68 each

This ball is a must have, both for Cranes as well as for a redemption prize. The colors are BRIGHT, VIBRANT and EYE CATCHING, even from a distance!! Sprinkle in with other balls mix in cranes and see the difference. This item is super-impressive if you have “neon-colored plush”.

As an added surprise, this ball can reach heights of over 30’ when bounced on hard surfaces!!


GIRAFFE FAMILY PRESENTATION:

Remains a highly effective prize presentation on a back wall shelf. Use the 25” Plush Giraffe (Mommy) with the 11” Plush Giraffe – kiddies in tow. (Must use some pink giraffes in the presentation.)

Prizes that are not seen in other game rooms get selected as well as “talked about”!!

AP-GIR25: 25” Plush Giraffe (MOM)
AP-GPI25: 25” PINK Plush Giraffe (MOM)
AP-GIR11; 11” Plush Giraffe (KIDDIE)
AP-GPI11: 11” PINK Giraffe (KIDDIE)

GIRL SECTION OF PRIZES!!

Many of our customers like this idea. See the variety, various price points and all in one area. Makes a huge impact.

GAME ROOM SET UPS:

Rhode Island Novelty has been quite active completing both New Game Room Prize Centers as well as “Upgrade make overs” of existing displays. The staff has been averaging about 2 installations per month.

For more information go to www.rinovelty.com or click on Rhode Island Novelty’s ad.

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HMS Monaco Wholesale Distributors

One of the hottest items that we are selling this summer are Over the Ear Headphones. Just stand on any street corner, and you will see kids and adults walking by plugged into their music devices wearing these studio style headphones. Over the ear headphones provide a far superior listening experience than earbuds.

We offer a variety of styles in these headphones, and each style comes in 4 assorted colors. Some of the individual styles that we offer are “Fat Boy”, “Studio”, “Deep Bass”, “Retro High Performance”, etc. Given that the sound quality is excellent, they’re very attractively priced for all amusement needs.

Besides using Over the Ear Headphones in redemption counters, we strongly recommend using them in prize dispensing games such as cranes, Key Masters, Road Trips, Barber Cuts, Stackers, etc. For prize machines, we are offering them in an easy to use 16 piece assorted kit with loops attached for proper hanging and percentaging.

For more information, contact HMS Monaco at 800-777-0901 or visit our website at www.hmsmonaco.com

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Sureshot Redemption – New Licensed Products

Sureshot Redemption has exciting, new Hasbro licensed products including Transformers Prime, Battleship, My Little Pony, and Littlest Pet Shop.

Make a fashion statement with My Little Pony tattoos (#11363). The tattoos are 2-inch x 2-inch and assorted in three designs. Quench your thirst everywhere you go with a 16-ounce Battleship folding water bottle (#25225) and look cool doing so with a matching Battleship baseball cap (#25242).

“What’s Hot” For August – October

Back to School products
 – Stationery
 – Backpacks/Messenger Bags
 – Notebooks
 – Pen/Pencil Cases
NFL, NHL, and Collegiate items
 – Pennants
 – Plush
 – Drink Ware
Halloween themed products
Light-Up’s and Glow-In-The-Dark items

Take notes or sketch in one of our two memo pads – mini and jumbo size. The mini memo pad is 2.5-inch x 3.75-inch in assorted styles – My Little Pony (#11376); Transformers (#11378); and Battleship (#25227). The jumbo memo pad is 6.5-inch x 10-inch and has a design on the front and back cover – My Little Pony (#25250) and Transformers (#25230).

Play a game of Rummy or Go Fish with several different styles of playing cards.  My Little Pony cards are offered in two styles – standard size (#25244) and heart shaped (#25267).  Additional standard size playing cards include Transformers (#25271) and Battleship (#25226).

Satisfy any sweet tooth for days with a 5.5-inch jumbo lollipop – My Little Pony (#25221); Transformers (#25231); and Littlest Pet Shop (#25223).  Candy pinwheels are available in assorted colors – My Little Pony (#25222); Transformers (#25232); and Littlest Pet Shop (#25224). 

For more information go to www.sureshot-redemption.com or click on Sureshot Redemption’s ad.

   *Calculation Error
   **Game Down for Parts

LED Lights Increasing Revenue
We have known for over 100 years that flashing lights attract people. With the availability of low price bright and flashing multi-colored LED lights, there are many new opportunities for us to use this new technology to make our games more attractive.

Here are four of examples of games that Jason Franicevich, Laser Tag & Games, Metarie, LA, had added LED lights to (Cyclone, GalacTix, X-Prize, and Skeeball). Each game required a $16 power supply and the LED lights cost $20 for a strip 18 feet long or just a little more than $1/foot. Early results show an almost doubling of Cyclone and GalacTix revenues when first full week after upgrade was adjusted to compare with week before upgrade. X-Prize and Skeeballs results will be in the next TRR.

Mighty Mini Prizes
We are always on the lookout for popular prizes to put into the Might Mini Crane. Adding 100 bundles of tickets (in the shape shown) inside the game mixed in with the current toy mix has resulted in a revenue increase of the Mighty Mini from the lowest earning crane to consistently beating the 2 Toy Soldiers and Plush Bus cranes. This number and configuration of tickets results in a 25% win %. The idea came from Chris Martin, Alpha-Omega Technician.

Elaut Mega Crane 2 Pl – Prize Idea
Recently Alpha Tech Stave Camarota set up one bay with the number one new toy prize, ‘Despicable Me’ and added 500 strips and rolls of tickets plus great signage. See picture.

Monster Drop Problem Solved
Problem: The monster jackpot was displaying different figures. Then the regular jackpot began to show 9999. After speaking with the Alpha Techs and Benchmark service, we solved the mystery jackpot problems. But now the playfields were moving extremely slow. Benchmark thought this to be a Quad Stepper Board problem so one was ordered and received. After the Board was installed, the playfields were still moving very slow. All voltages from the power supply were checked and they were accurate. Power at the Quad Stepper Board had been checked also. Both dip switches are set to the OFF position.

Solution: There is a wheel speed adjustment. It goes from 0 to 5 with 5 being the quickest speed. This solved the problem and Monster Drop is now operating correctly. Now we have an extra Quad Stepper Board.

Flagship Carpet introduces their full line of glow or non-glow 2’ x 2’ carpet tile that can also be mixed and matched for some dramatic and unique looks. The price is $24.49/ sq. yd. Their regular full carpet is priced at $13.49 / sq. yd. for 30 oz and $11.99/sq. yd. for 26 oz. and comes with a free logo design. An attached under cushion can be added for $3.75/ sq yd. that also absorbs spills and any moisture. Many facilities are also using their ‘walk off mat’ that is used for the first 9 steps of a main entrance where regular carpet gets worn. The walk off mat area will last a lifetime and can even be hosed down for cleaning. Cost is $34.99/ sq. yd. For more information go to www.neoncarpet.com and www.apcmill.com or call Kristin Messick at 620-669-0174.
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American Changer’s AC6007 combination cash and credit card acceptance token dispensing machine now gives the customer the option to accumulate bills and even coins to reach a level where bonus tokens are awarded. For example two $5 bills or one $5 bill and five $1 bills can be inserted to accumulate to $10 or two $10 bills to accumulate to $20. This new feature can save the customer a lot of time in not having to ask your staff for a specific bill denomination.

For more information go to www.americanchanger.com or click on American Changer’s ad.
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Astrosystems’ (Microcoin) new GBA ST1-C offers another dimension in note acceptors, as a cost-effective, compact and stylish banknote stacker unit. It is designed for those compact applications that require minimal height clearance in either an upwards or downwards note stacking orientation and can be used with notes up to 70mm in width. The GBA ST1-C utilizes Astrosystems’ ‘Sense Technology’ note validation platform providing a high level acceptance of bills while maintaining security against counterfeit bills and fraud note attempts.

Astrosystems was presented the Amusement Expo’s Best Booth Award at the 2013 show in Las Vegas.

For more information go to www.microcoin.com or click on the GBA ST1-C ad.
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Amusement Products, best known for the ‘Spin Zone’ target where one rider using his car can bump the target on another car and send that car into an un-controlled spin for several seconds, continues to add new innovations to ‘Spin Zone’ bumper cars.

Below is a list of the newest innovations:

• Buddy Seat where small children (3-7 years old) can ride with mom or dad or sister or brother. The Buddy seat can be put in or removed in seconds, returning the car to a single rider format.
• CHAOS MODE where the ride controller takes control of ‘all’ the bumper cars (for a portion of the ride or even the entire ride) and makes them move forward, backward, and spin in rapid moves.The riders laugh and scream while they have a “roller coaster” like thrill ride.
• A Digital DJ that hypes up the ‘Spin Zone’ ride and announces all of the features like the CHAOS MODE.
• The ability to add a wireless “Swipe Card Reader” on each car for complete cash control, reduction in time between rides, and increased repeat riders.
• Solid state motor controller/receiver for decreased maintenance and ease of trouble shooting.
• Solid foam filled tires for no more tire airing.
• Extended battery life is now 16 hours of ride time between charge.

For more information to go www.amusementproducts.com or call 800-438-3558.
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Party Center Software, the leading online party booking software company, is planning the release of their latest feature–Online Waiver System with integrated RSVPs/Evites— that will be released in the next 60-90 days. 

PCS’s Armando ‘Mando’ Lanuti reports, ‘The largest sales driver is not just the online booking but the automation and ease of use we have built into the software including customized checklists to ensure things get ordered/done for parties, vendor reports, ability to access our software wherever you are, as well as increased revenue from bookings and add-ons. There are no additional fees for users, terminals, transactions, or reservations like what you find with many other companies. The customer can choose to pay however they wish based on their cash flow, monthly/quarterly/semi-annual/annual/etc. They can access the software from any browser, so it works on computers, phones, tablets, laptops, etc., and they can check on their center even while on vacation or at a tradeshow. In the center they can use any windows based machine between Windows XP and Windows 7. This allows them to utilize the hardware they already likely have or will be purchasing without the need for specialty hardware.’

TRR highly recommends that you go through the free on-line demo of the software. It takes approximately 60 minutes depending on the questions you may have. Once you see all of the features you will fully understand how this software can save hundreds of hours of your staff time and increase the number of parties/events.

For more information call Mando at 916-978-1111 or go to www.PartyCenterSoftware.com or click on Party Center Software’s ad.
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Apple Industries/Face Place operators can now order film, photo strips, and print media over the Internet. “Media purchase capability is the latest step in our steady expansion of operator tools and services at faceplacephoto.com,” said Apple CEO Allen Weisberg. “We’re launching this service as a simple way for operators to get started with online purchasing. More products and capabilities will be added to the Apple ecommerce portal in the coming months.”

After registering for an account on www.faceplacephoto.com, operators can purchase media through the portal. Available media include 4 x 6″ photo strips for nearly all Face Place booths and the oversized 6 x 8″ strips for the Magazine Me photo booth. Operators may purchase by media, by the roll, or by the case. The system automatically calculates the correct taxes and shipping fees for the operator’s destination address.

All online financial details and account details are secured via Apple’s SSL Certificate-bearing content management system, which validates all data prior to processing. Product will initially ship via UPS ground service. Additional options will be added in the coming weeks for faster shipping. Operators may continue to place media orders by phone 516-619-8000.

TRR highly recommends Face Place photo booths. Look at the Test Report List and see that the Sapphire Photo Booth continues to average more than $600/week in the test location. During peak weeks the Face Place photo booth exceeds $1000 in revenues.

For more information go to www.faceplacephoto.com or click on the Face Place Photo ad.

Here’s the Ticket!

– IATP Assists in Development of New ASTM Standard F2970-13 for Trampoline Courts
– California Bill is a Threat to the Trampoline Industry

The International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP) was founded in 2012 by a group of industry representatives who saw the need to have a unified voice for trampoline parks and courts nationwide. Since that time, they have been actively engaged in building a strong foundation for the industry based on education and safety.

IATP leaders have been collaborating with industry stakeholders, regulators, risk management professionals and consumer interest groups in order to complete and publish the new ASTM F2970-13 standard for trampoline courts. The new standard will significantly enhance consumer experience in both existing and new facilities, while promoting consistency and industry-wide practices. It provides owners of trampoline parks guidance for planning, operation, signage, and patron education, while establishing clear, responsible-conduct guidelines for the public.

California Senate Bill 256
Most recently, the leadership has been closely following the introduction of Senate Bill 256 in the California legislature that is intended to regulate trampoline parks in a similar fashion to that of permanent amusement rides. The current bill is closely patterned after the California permanent amusement ride statute. It creates an entirely new – and expensive – inspection and regulatory scheme that will be administered by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. There are 8 different layers of inspections or investigations. There are also mandatory insurance and accident-reporting requirements. In the event that a patron goes on for follow-up medical care, the bill would require you to shut down the entire trampoline court. DOSH will be free to develop regulations as it deems fit. Violations would carry a mandatory penalty of $25,000-$70,000 per infraction.

In its current form, it is fair to say that SB 256 will make it difficult to do business in California. DOSH has already estimated that it will cost $650,000 just to start the program. Park/FEC owners in California will be expected to absorb this cost in addition to expenses for private inspectors, mandated modifications, accident investigations and potenially lost revenue. Ongoing costs will vary for each park/FEC, but it is estimated between $25,000-$40,000 will be required per year for annual regulatory inspections.

The goal of the association is to engage state and federal regulators in discussions geared to assist them in creating effective policy for trampoline courts and to work together on legislation that mandates the ASTM standard and provides an option for third-party inspections. Although this bill has been introduced in California, they anticipate more bills being introduced nationwide.

Annual Meeting
The first Annual Meeting of the Membership is being held October 23-24, 2013 at the DoubleTree Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. Group room rates are only $135++ (Single/Double). This meeting provides a great opportunity to meet the IATP Board of Directors, interact with other IATP members, volunteer for a committee, and network with professional suppliers to the industry. If you are interested in attending or are a supplier to the industry and would like to sponsor an event, contact Tracy Sarris at [email protected].

The association is looking to expand its membership, which will allow them to provide a growing number of benefits that include :

• Access to the latest industry news.
• Continued representation on the ASTM F24.6 Subcommittee on Special Rides/Devices.
• Training videos, webinars, seminars, publications and other tools to learn practical strategies for meeting the challenges of running a safe and successful trampoline park.
• A variety of networking opportunities to connect trampoline court professionals and colleagues.

Membership is open to any individual, partnership, corporation or other entity, engaged in the business of leisure and entertainment that includes an indoor commercial trampoline court. Join before October 1, 2013 and be recognized as a ‘Founding Member’ of the association. For more information, visit www.indoortrampolineparks.org or downoad an application HERE.