Redemption Review

Top Toy Trends of 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:32:00 +0000

Trends come and go, some trying to rival timeless classics like Disney and SpongeBob, some disappearing before you can even figure out what a Zhu Zhu is. At Redemption Plus, we take the steps to stay on top of this, so you don't have to.

Join us on Thursday, Feb 23, when our VP of Product Solutions, Mark Hollywood, and our Director of Merchandise, Barb Suter, share their expertise on this ever-changing topic. They'll answer important questions like 'Are Angry Birds going to continue flying off the shelves?' and 'What in the world are Annoying Oranges?' They're at Toy Fair in NY at this very moment seeking out the latest and greatest.

You can register for this free webinar here.

Let the Mardi Gras Festivities Begin

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:32:00 +0000

Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 21 this year, which is less than 3 weeks away. Adults and children alike will be celebrating all over the country, and your facility should be no exception. This is a great chance to use the hype of the season to create excitement, and we're ready and waiting to help you do just that.

We have 7 different styles of party beads in various shapes and sizes, along with an assortment of glow masks, face art, and a bunch of other glow items. We suggest theming an area of your wall for maximum impact. You can even jazz it up with some festive purple, green and gold decor.

So visit RedemptionPlus.com and do a search for all things Mardi Gras, or make it easy and click here.

2012 Prize Catalog Coming Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:49:00 +0000

We've been hard at work on our 2012 Prize Catalog for the last 3 months, and are now a mere 4 days away from sending it off to the printer. Many of you have been asking about it, and we're super excited to say it should be in your hands before the busy month of March begins!

One of the trade-offs for pouring my heart and soul into the catalog for the better part of the last few months is getting the first look at our new items. There are some really cool LEGO toys like Batman and Catwoman, our new art deco twist to the 175mm spring, and the Tabletop Jukebox. Of course, this is only 4 out of almost 1000 items.

So don't forget - around the second part of February, look for the purple & green catalog featuring the adorable girl with the purple plush dragon on the front and then call Redemption Plus!

(I almost forgot, if you don't currently receive our catalog, you can sign up for it at here .)

Need Pool Tables?

noreply@blogger.com (George McAuliffe) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:35:00 +0000

Our client, Your Bowling Center in Douglasville, GA is selling their time play pool tables. They are previously woned but in great shape at a great price. See http://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/spo/2215166003.html for more info.

noreply@blogger.com (George McAuliffe) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:34:00 +0000

It looks like a good time to upgrade to high volume ticket dispensers at Benchmark. Courtesy of their latest newsletter, here are the details:

More HAPPY customers!!!
Now is an excellent time to look at adding Benchmark's Intelli series ticket dispenser to your non-Benchmark Games. Both the dual and triple models are currently on sale and are an excellent value for all of the features they offer.

The Intelli-Dual dispenser, normally $199.95, is now on sale for $114.00 (part # 85ELE014). It dispenses 12,000 standard thickness tickets (2 full bins )before you have to reload, which prevents downtime and lost revenue. A conversion kit is available to convert your non-Benchmark game to accept this new dispenser.
The Intelli-Triple dispenser, normally $249.95, is now on sale too for $164.00 (part#82ELE015). It dispenses 18,000 standard thickness tickets (3 full bins) and is also available with a conversion kit.
Some great features of the Intelli series include: •Intelli series dispensers run faster than any other dispenser on the market today. •Jams aren't a problem, because if a jam occurs in one ticket channel, the Intelli detects it, starts another ticket channel and continues dispensing tickets to your customer….. Happy customers equate to larger cash boxes.
Calculate the long term savings you’ll gain with these dispensers with our ROI calculator. Access it by clicking here: INTELLI-SERIES RETURN ON INVESTMENT CALCULATOR
Visit our website at http://www.benchmarkgames.com/ for complete details on these state-of-the-art ticket dispensers and the matching conversion kits.

Take the IAAPA FEC Survey Now! Get FREE Report

noreply@blogger.com (George McAuliffe) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:06:00 +0000

We highly recommend participating. The Industry Report that will result contains highly useful information.

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online.
Share This:

Dear George,

Time is Running Out to Get Your Copy of the 2010 State of the Family Entertainment Center Industry Report FREE!
(and a chance to WIN Cash too!)
Simply click here to begin the 2010 State of the FEC Industry Evaluation Survey.

The 2010 Report is the 16th annual State of the Industry survey and is considered by operators, banks, credit institutions and the investment community as being the finest source of statistical and benchmark data within the amusement industry.

Your participation helps the entire FEC community and through your IAAPA membership entitles you to receive a FREE copy of the report. IAAPA membership is not required to receive an Executive Summary of the report, but is required to receive the full report. If you are not an IAAPA member, I encourage you to participate and complete the evaluation survey and I invite you to learn more about the many tremendous benefits that come with an IAAPA membership, please visit: http://www.iaapa.org/membership/benefits/.
Everyone with an e-mail address who completes an evaluation will also be entered to WIN one of several cash awards. You must be a member of IAAPA to be eligible.
If you feel that someone else in your organization should receive this e-mail, use the "send this to a friend" link at the top of the email (or just forward it).

Thank you for taking the time to make our industry better!
Regards,

Tim Sorge
FEC Committee Chair

Please note: If you filled out this evaluation at Expo in November on the survey units, and provided your badge number, you have already been entered to win and do not need to complete it again. If you would prefer not to receive mailings of this type, please click the "manage" link or the "opt out"
1448 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 US
This email was sent to gmcauliffe@redemptionplus.com. To ensure that you continue receiving our emails, please add us to your address book or safe list. manage your preferences opt out using TrueRemove®.Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
email marketing by Your Perceptions

noreply@blogger.com (George McAuliffe) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 20:41:00 +0000

Pinnacle/Redemption Plus Team with Namco's Speedy's One Stop to Assist Customers

Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors by Redemption Plus works on game operations with many customers that own and operate their own games. “One of the greatest challenges our customers face is consistent, effective, and affordable technical support, parts and repair service,” said George McAuliffe, Pinnacle President. To help address this issue, we have created a relationship with NAMCO Cybertainment’s Speedy’s One Stop to offer its service and repair capabilities to our customers.Speedy’s provides game service and repair for many factories, distributors, and operators as well as their own nationwide operating system with nearly 20,000 games. If you have those hard to repair or hard to find items, Speedy’s can handle almost any situation you encounter. As the market changes and parts and service are harder to find, we think this is a great tool to offer our customers. After all, “down” games don’t make any money. Reducing downtime and getting repairs right the first time supports our mission to help our customers be more profitable and successful.Speedy’s is offering a 10% discount to all Redemption Plus customers and Pinnacle clients on their initial repair order. For this first order, the customer can send in as many boards, monitor chassis and other components (that others suppliers may have said could not be repaired) and get the 10% discount on the entire order! During a recent tour of Speedy’s repair facility, McAuliffe noted the wide array of test fixtures and work stations capable of repairing everything from gun harnesses to sophisticated board systems. They can fix items that even some factories say cannot be repaired or will have to be sent out of the country. In addition, Speedy obtains many hard to find parts or reproduces them in house. This creates additional savings and the turnaround time is, well, speedy.Speedy’s can be reached by phone at 630-238-2229 or email your repair request to repairs@sosrepairservice.com. Discount offer for Redemption Plus customers is good until January 31, 2011.

For more about Speedy’s visit http://www.sosrepairservice.com/Service.asp; For more about Redemption Plus & Pinnacle: www.redemptionplus.com www.grouppinnacle.com

Cotton Demand Drives Plush Toy Prices Up

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Kort) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:32:00 +0000

Redemption Plus Vice President of Product Solutions, Mark Hollywood, is quoted in a Vending Times article about rising plush toy costs.

According to the article, the price of plush toys is likely to rise due to dramatic price increases in cotton and other materials. Cotton prices are near historic highs and this has caused a ripple effect in all materials production.

Read the entire article

Look at all of the new LEGO toys we offer!

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:33:00 +0000

These things are sellin' like hotcakes! Here are my favorites:

LEGO Fumo Bike (pictured here)

LEGO Robo Champ

LEGO Small Car

View everything currently available here. We're going to be adding new ones, so you must come take another look in a month or so.

Stock Up for Labor Day Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:59:00 +0000

Ensure your prizes arrive before the busy holiday weekend.

View your order by deadline here.

New & Improved GroupPinnacle.com

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:29:00 +0000

Now it's even easier to see how Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors by Redemption Plus can help you attract and entertain your guests while maximizing your profitability.

- Learn about the 55+ years of experience the team brings to you
- View our customizable consulting packages
- Read what our diverse client list has to say
- Easily view our online library of core topics for the FEC industry

Whether you're planning, designing, or opening a facility, need executive-level support on a project basis, require assistance growing your business or fine-tuning your profitability, Pinnacle can help.

Learn more about Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors.

Clearance Sale has begun

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:05:00 +0000

We've marked select items down as much as 68%.

Tech Deck Sticker Pack #312851 Amazon $14.99 Us $4.28
Zhu Zhu #313748 Amazon $12.93 Us $6.95
Bin items, electronics, plush, and MORE
Plus, 6 different items for only $.99!

View all sale items here.

Mark Hollywood Joined the RPlus team!

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:59:00 +0000

We are very excited to announce the addition of Mark Hollywood to our team as VP of Product Solutions!

Mark will be responsible for managing the complete line of merchandise required to fulfill our multiple distribution channels.

His extensive industry expertise will prove to be a perfect match for us.

Read more about what he'll bring to the table here.

Pinnacle leads Games & Redemption Seminar at Bowl Expo

noreply@blogger.com (George McAuliffe) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:36:00 +0000

PINNACLE leads games & redemption seminar at bowl Expo

Pinnacle Entertainment Advisors by Redemption Plus (http://www.grouppinnacle.com/) helps FEC’s and Bowling Centers attract and entertain guests while maximizing their profitability. George McAuliffe, President, will be leading an informative and engaging games & redemption seminar at Bowl Expo (http://www.bowlexpo.com/), June 27 – July 1, 2010.
High Profit Game Rooms will outline the key components to establishing a redemption management system for today’s bowling centers. This seminar will cover all the bases – from redemption game selection and management to set up, merchandising, and redemption center throughput as well as hot products and superior customer service techniques. This seminar provides something for everyone from beginners to industry veterans. It will be held on Monday, June 28 from 2:45 to 4:00PM. George McAuliffe is a redemption and game room operating expert who has assisted dozens of bowling proprietors in adding or upgrading their game rooms. He will be joined by Kurt Harz, VP Capital Sales America for Brunswick Bowling & Billiards (http://www.brunswickbowling.com/), and George Smith, President of Family Entertainment Group (FEG) (http://www.familyentertainmentgroup.net/). Kurt will discuss his customer’s experiences with adding game rooms, while George Smith will contribute his expertise as a nationwide game operator whose client list includes Kalahari, CoCo Key, CiCi’s Pizza, Muvico Theatres, and Brunswick Bowling Centers.
“We are looking forward to the Bowl Expo seminar,” said George McAuliffe, “our team of Kurt, George Smith, and I are committed to providing honest observations on what is working and what is not in Bowling Center FEC’s. We’re also planning on sharing concrete ideas for maximizing sales.” About Pinnacle Entertainment AdvisorsPinnacle Entertainment Advisors by Redemption Plus possesses the widest development and operating experience in the family entertainment industry. They have conceived, developed, and operated family entertainment businesses in every size and budget, and integrated into many other businesses as corporate executives and entrepreneurs. The basis of their consulting approach is that they become teammates of their Clients with everything that entails: loyalty, dedication to the project, and strong advocacy of the client’s interests. They teach their proven systems for operations so that you are successful going forward. Think of retaining Pinnacle as “success insurance.” They know your business, help you save money on the front end and maximize sales going forward.9829 Commerce Parkway • Lenexa, KS 66219 • Phone 913-563-4370 • http://www.grouppinnacle.com/

Buy a Zhu Zhu, Win a Wii

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:50:00 +0000

For each Zhu Zhu Hamster #313748 and/or Zhu Zhu Fun House #314238 you purchase between now and June 30, your name will be entered into a drawing for a free Wii!

As if that offer's not sweet enough, we've also lowered the price on these two Zhu Zhu items.

The more you buy, the better your chance of winning!

View Zhu Zhu promo.

Buy One, Get One

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:22:00 +0000

We've overstocked our inventory on 46 different items, so now we're giving them away!

You can purchase as many of the select items as you want and then receive an equal quantity of the same item FREE! Merchandise includes everything from bin items to plush to electronics and licensed products.

Enter the quantity of the items you want to purchase and then an equal quantity of the free items will automatically be added to your cart. You don't have to do anything extra.

Promotion runs until June 25 or while supplies last.

View all Buy One, Get One items here.

FEC Auction - Thousands of items available

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:39:00 +0000

Don't miss this opportunity for super deals on 200+ amusement machines, redemption, cranes, pinballs, jukeboxes, changers, and more. There's over 65,000 sq ft and everything must be sold.

Where: Amazing Jakes Food & Fun

1400 S. Abilene Street

Aurora, CO 80012

When: Auction is this Sat, May 8 at 10AM

Preview is Fri, May 7 1-7PM and Sat, May 8 8-10AM

Click here to view detailed information, including specific games and attractions that are available.

Discounts up to 55% on select party goods

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:10:00 +0000

We've drastically reduced prices on our party horns, blow outs and deluxe kits for savings up to 55%.

Once we sell out, we will not be ordering more, so get 'em before they're gone!

You can view all of our sale items here.

BPAA Sees Increase in FECs at Bowling Centers

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Kort) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:53:00 +0000

According to the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), the industry saw a 4.6% Increase in consumer participation with nearly 70 million having bowled in 2009. This interested was powered by increased interest from women and younger bowlers and the rising popularity of entertainment bowling centers.

The rise of larger Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) and modern upgrades to existing centers has attracted corporate America. These large FECs are equipped with a wide array of amenities that include lounge areas and enhanced entertainment, technology and food/beverage offerings.

Click here to read the entire article.

Incredible Pizza Company Opens New Location

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Kort) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:27:00 +0000

Congrats to Incredible Pizza Company on opening it's latest location in Davenport, IA. Here is a good article on the location that appeared in the Quad Cities Business Journal.

We were excited to send our team to help set their redemption room. As you can see from the following photos, the room turned out great!

Can your Game Room be Successful without Tickets?

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:53:00 +0000

Our next free webinar, Can your Game Room be Successful without Tickets, will take place on Wednesday, April 7 from 3-4 PM CDT.

George Smith, President of Family Entertainment Group, will examine how debit cards are improving the operations of family entertainment centers and changing the way customers experience the game room.

Registration is free at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/533750978.

George is a 30-year veteran of the entertainment/amusement business, with experience in all facets of facilities operations and management. Family Entertainment Group operates in 10 states with clients including Kalahari Resorts, CoCo Resorts, CiCi's Pizza, Muvico Theatres, AMF Bowling Centers, and Bowl New England Centers.

Tip off March Madness with 4 regional kits!

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Hunter) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:53:00 +0000

These jumbo crane pre-packs feature 50 pieces of NCAA licensed 11-15 inch plush mascots, fan hands and hoodie bears, with a $3.98 average.

National #312543 (pictured)
Southeast #312978
TX, OK, LA, AR #312956
West Coast #312952

Quantities are limited, so act fast!

Amusement Expo next week in Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (George McAuliffe) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:46:00 +0000

I'll be speaking at the show in Las Vegas next week, at two seminars both Wednesday morning:
SEMINAR TITLE: Redemption 2010 for FEC and the Street
DATE: Wednesday March 10
TIME: 8 a.m.-9:15 a.m.
ROOM ASSIGNMENT: N261

SEMINAR TITLE: Card Swipe Systems: How to Get the Most out of ‘Em
DATE: Wednesday March 10
TIME: 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
ROOM ASSIGNMENT: N259

Stop by the seminars or the Redemption Plus booth #427 to say hello.

Air Hockey Pucks

noreply@blogger.com (George McAuliffe) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:40:00 +0000

Air Hockey safety has been an issue for years. Air Hocky is a terrific "staple" game for today's FEC's. We put it in our client's game lists wherever we have the space. However there is a real concern about pucks flying off the table (see below for an extreme but real case of what can happen when they do). There are two primary ways to minimize risk from flying pucks: 1) install and maintain in good repair the puck guards that are available from every majot manufacturer; 2) place the game with ends "pointed" away from traffic aisles.

Rats! Chuck E. Cheese Sued Over Air Hockey Puck
Alleged victim struck in head by air hockey puck
By MATT BARTOSIK
Updated 1:20 PM CST, Fri, Feb 19, 2010

WireImage
What lousy puck!
A woman is suing Chuck E. Cheese after allegedly being hit in the head with an air hockey puck at the children's entertainment joint.
Reyna Mason claims that a stray puck struck her in the head while she was sitting in a booth near the air hockey table on February 22, 2008, according to a lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.
The average commercial hockey puck is a little over 3-inches in diameter and weighs anywhere from 8 to 16 grams.

A Powerful Way to Promote Your Business

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Kort) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:14:00 +0000

We have been getting feedback from several family entertainment centers that the Groupon website has proven to be a very successful marketing tool.

For those of you not familiar with the concept, Groupon offers a deal of the day in 30 US cities and they are rapidly expanding. Retailers produce a daily 'deal' that must be purchased by a minimum amount of people before the 'group is on'.

The power of the concept is it relies on the power of referral marketing as customers seek out friends to go in on the deal. Here is video of Groupon that appeared on the Today Show.