THE WAY I SEE IT
AUTOMATIC
Vendors and suppliers, MERCHANDISER
EDITORIAL
let’s fix this channel ADVISORY BOARD
Scott Guardino
By Elliot Maras, Editor Paramount Automated
Food Service
Pompano Beach, Fla.
E
Randy Parks
ProStar Services
veryone in business is to make a “case for vending.” ing, a single-serve channel, po-
West Carrollton, Texas
feeling stressed these The idea behind this series of ar- tentially represents one of their
days. For many of us, ticles that began in January is to most profitable businesses. Alan Plaisted
Southern
the only consolation is knowing remind readers why our industry They must resist a tendency to
Refreshment Services
that we’re not alone; we’re all in exists; what benefits it pro- retreat from the channel due to Tucker, Ga.
it together. This being the case, vides to operators, customers, the current situation. When the
Paul Shlossberg
it’s time for the different indus- manufacturers and consumers. channel comes back, they need
DFW Consulting
try segments to start thinking In the process of researching the to be positioned for growth. Goshen, N.Y.
collectively. series, it has become evident Many product manufacturers
Mike Nugent
Operators think consumer that there is a case to make for have treated the vending
FSE LLC
product manufacturers are vending, but so far, almost no channel as stepchild. This at- Knoxville, Tenn.
unconcerned about their well be- one is making it. titude is partially responsible
Brad Ellis
ing because of the recent price for the poor returns they are
Crane Merchandising
increases, which have been THE CASE FOR VENDING IS REAL getting; the recession has only Systems
St. Louis, Mo.
unprecedented. The case for vending is real. intensified it.
Product manufacturers Vending machines are reliable,
Tom Siciliano
are frustrated working with an easy to use, aesthetically pleas- OPERATORS MUS