Bill's Blog

Alive and well.....

It is amazing how much we have grown to depend on the computer in our business life - I really found out last week when I got a virus and had to work without the priveledge of the PC be there for me - to advise me - cosole me - and inform me.

For those of you that called me in the past 5 days asking for information on orders, shipping, avaialbility, and all of the other daily stuff - I apologize for not having it at my fingertips.... but - I am back - well the PC is back up and running and ready to serve.... so bring it on.

Pass the "Kaboom"

Well - with all of the famous people that have passed away in the past week or so no one will be missed by me more than Billy Mays - the ultimate "pitch man" that had to be the idol of every true salesman.  There was something about the voice and the delivery that yelled "carnival barker" and made you feel like you would be incomplete without the product he was selling.  He was the "Barkers" leader and inspiration. When salesmen strapped on a mic at the local fair and sold everything from car cleaners to extra sharp knives that would cut paper they were imitating Mr. Mays.  At 50 he was at the top of his game and at the top of his industry.  Billy - be sure to say hello to "Cat Rack Slim" for me.......

You just have to be nice to everybody.....

I attended the ATMIA meeting in Canada this past week and was really surprised at the turnout and the participation of the Canadian compaines. It was refreshing to see that so many people are interested and involved - and it was nice to see old faces that have been in the industry for years but just haven't made any of the recent trade shows.  With the continued consolidation in the industry it just underscores that you have to be nice to everyone - people change places - companies get bought out - and old "enemies" become new "friends".  You just have to love this industry. 

Time to start thinking about the future

It seems like we have been living day to day in this industry - concerning ourselves with only price and price....and oh yes price.... without keeping an eye out for the preservation of the industry.  This came to light today when I attended a meeting of the Government Relations committee of the ATMIA.  It was a lonely meeting to say the least.  No other manufacturer attended.  I don't think we had a processor on with us - and basically only a couple of the big names in the ISO market.    "So what?" you ask.... Think about this - What if the networks decide to impose new regulations that put your company's profitability at risk through added expendature and reduced income - There is a PCI committee and a skimming prevention committee that might be determining your future (fighting for your future - you hope...but are they?).    Tune in before you get squeezed out......    

Snake Eyes vs. Box Cars

A trip to Las Vegas for a trade show can be a touchy thing - mixed emotions - the feeling of going to "Vegas" and all of the glitz and glamor combined with the ugly economy and the threat of flu cancelations.  We didn't know what to expect at the Kiosk.com trade show - Will Las Vegas still have the super attraction power for a trade show - Or will the trade show be a bust?  Well I am happy to report that Las Vegas is alive and well and the trade show was even better that we could have imagined.  If this is any indication that the economy is indeed coming back - buy stock - good times are right around the corner.

Is the glass half full..... or half empty?

I had an interesting conversation with an investor this week - he was concerned because some of the people that he had called when he was researching the industry told him that the ATM market was vibrant and alive and ripe for the investment public.... then he talked to others that told him that the market was saturated and not worth pursuing... I wonder what the real story is.... are we at a point where there are no good locations left?  Or are we still in a market that is mature but still offering a lot of opportunity for the right marketing approcah.... I would love to hear from you on this.... shoot me an E mail - and I will post the results    bdunn@tranax.com  

The Canadian Market and the EMV

It is hard to believe that EMV is really becomming a reality and that before long the Canadian market is going to have 50% of their machines supporting EMV.  I am happy to report that Tranax is on top of EMV and that our EMV effort in other countries implimenting EMV is paying off.  We are learining a lot about the EMV2 software and look forward to implimenting it in Canada before the end of the year.  Tranax is also actively engaged in trying to find solutions to use dispensers from other models to ease the pain (and expense) of replacing machines where upgrading to EMV is not an option.   So - don't throw the old machine away just yet - there might be hope for reusing the CDU and saving some money in the process. 

The San Francisco Bay Bombers vs. the Texas Thunderbirds

The ATM industry is a lot like Roller Derby - In Roller Derby you can roll with the pack and conserve yourself - or you can block, hit, and make your presence known.  Roller Derby teaches us a lot - teamwork, focus, and the drive to never give up..... Roller Derby is a tough sport - the ATM industry is a tough business.  As we "roll" into the next quarter of 2009 Tranax won't get caught slacking back in the pack - we are making our presence known - and it is a good feeling.   

The Ides of March....

It was on March 15th that Julius Cesar went to the forum and was met with a "stabbing" reception - a date that he would prefer to forget.... but in the ATM industry March 15th is a date we want to remember - a date that we should celebrate as the birthday of the off premise retail market.... March 15, 1996 is the day that the major networks decided to allow surcharging in all states except the ones that had specific legislation prohibiting it .... so - in my mind - March 15 is a great day - a day of celebration and hey - why not take it off this year and celebrate (afterall it is Sunday) - go to a toga party (drink green beer if you are Irish) and use the ATM in the bar. If the bar doesn't have an ATM - now is the time to sell them one.....

The buying public

It was interesting to note in the Sunday "Dallas Morning News" business section that the sales of SUVs and Pickup trucks are back on the rise and the more fuel ecoonomical vehicles are now stacking up in the lots....awaiting higher fuel prices.  Funny how the buying tide shifts - and how quick it shifts.  We are in a "buying" ATM market where everything is price price price.... wonder if it will shift to selling more upsacle machines that deliver cash in a more upscale environment.... Does color catch the eye?  Does the more financial look create more transactions?  I can't remember the last time I watched TV on a Black and White TV.....maybe we are shifting.....