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Sally Cohen

InterGame: On the flip side
InterGame: On the flip side 586 584 GAD Vending

InterGame is a magazine for pinball and arcade operators. If you are in the business as an operator or selling our games and pinball to operators, this is an interesting read.

In the February edition there is a really interesting article on pinball. “Flip or Tilt? A look at pinball’s enduring popularity.”

Where to Find Stern Pinball Code Updates
Where to Find Stern Pinball Code Updates 2048 1720 GAD Vending

Stern is continuously working to update and improve software for Stern’s pinball machines.  There are always code updates and bug fixes in various stages of development; they will release upon update completion.  If you would like to join our mailing list for code updates, please send an e-mail to [email protected].  If you do encounter any bugs please feel free to provide information to [email protected].

Get Connected and play! https://insider.sternpinball.com/

Code updates and read me files are available at https://sternpinball.com/support/game-code/

If you are having issues with your Stern pinball game you bought from GAD, call us for tech support. We can support both software and machine part issues.

If you bought your Stern pinball from someone else, we can still help. We may have a service charge. And, of course, we charge for pinball parts purchased and mailed from our warehouse.

Upcoming Stern Pro Circuit Events (AKA Road Trips)
Upcoming Stern Pro Circuit Events (AKA Road Trips) 2048 1363 GAD Vending

Already scheduled in 2023 are drivable (or otherwise) Stern Pro Circuit Events.

Keep an eye on Stern Pinball’s website. And the International Flipper Pinball Association Calendar of Events (IFPA).

Here’s a few to check out this weekend:

 

 

 

What’s Coming From Stern?
What’s Coming From Stern? 940 788 GAD Vending

Stern is constantly adding new games to their portfolio. But we don’t know what’s the next game quite yet.

We do have lots of Stern in inventory and more on the way.

Here’s just an idea of what we normally have in stock:

  • The Mandalorian Pro and Premium (just in time for Season 3)
  • James Bond Pro and Premium
  • Star Wars
    • Star Wars Premium
    • Star Wars Home Edition
  • TMNT Pro and Premium
  • Led Zeppelin Pro and Premium
  • Jurassic Park Home Edition
  • Godzilla Premium
  • Elvira House of Horrors

It’s an amazing list of Stern greatness. So, how do you choose the pinball game right for you and your family? Here’s a few things to consider.

Price. Always. Consider this…

  • Pinball games for home don’t have money acceptors. While this may not sound like much, it adds considerably to the price.
  • Some areas we deliver for free. If you aren’t in those areas, consider picking up yourself. We support phone set up.
  • Home editions are just that. Games designed for home use. Affordable options with innovative game play. Sized and set up to be easier for the home user. All the Stern commercial game quality with the home user in play.
    • Unboxed size: 70″ H x 28″W x 53″ D
  • Play the game before you buy the game. Some of the home edition games are available at our showrooms. Contact us to find out what games you can come play. All the Stern commercial games are available to play near you.
  • With Stern’s Insider Connected, you are always in the know. Code updates. Tournaments. Team competitions. And, so much more is coming.

Game Longevity

Stern has been creating games for decades. Gary Stern is still involved with the company but recently brought in a new CEO to be the active day-to-day head. And, we are already seeing great things. Stern is producing the best of its classic games – Elvira House of Horrors is a perfect example. GAD staff (talk about pinball wizards) is very impressed with the new Stern Connected Updates and upcoming features. Plus, we consistently have new code updates on games – that’s serious commitment. Now’s a great time to own your own Stern.

Variety

We’ve noticed that our home game owners are very picky. They shop and kick the tires on their first game for a long time. But once they have one, there is a rush to fill every square inch with games! We generally see home game users buy a pinball, then darts. Then the split – add a Multicade, Golden Tee PGA Home Edition or more pinball? Either way lots of fun for the family and friends.

GAD Knows Home Game Rooms

Safety, Quality, Profitability for Vending Operators
Safety, Quality, Profitability for Vending Operators 2048 1365 GAD Vending

GAD works with a variety of Vending Operators that service many types of end locations. Part of our job is to help our Vending Operators with their profitability, safety and operational streamlining.

Service at the End Location

Service is the pain point for many of the end location customers. This is especially important for independent operators. Tasked with overseeing everything to do with the equipment, payment and stock levels this can be a big lift for a single operator.

But GAD can help.

Rethinking Vending Management

It is critical to manage your time, your route efficiencies and your profitability. Crane Vending offers Simplifi new software apps to manage your entire business on your smart phone. Set up stock alerts. Machine malfunction. And other alerts to help you be aware of issues before your end location. This helps you stop reacting to being proactive.

Customization is Key

Know your customer. Customize your vending equipment to service the type of customer. You may want a mix use machine that delivers both liquids and snacks. Check out the vendors that deliver full meals. Place a vending machine that dispense products like PPE, cell phone accessories or other high need merchandise.

Use Quality Equipment Reduces Ongoing Costs

Maintenance is key to keeping a quality machine in its best working order. Crane vending machines partnered with GAD Vending parts department keep your machines working 24 hours delivering product.

Machine Placement is Key

Machine placement is key. High traffic areas. Low competition areas like breakrooms. Unique locations like apartment complexes, schools and even convenience stores.

Many customers are looking for self service, securing product and low employee interaction cost. This opens up all new positions for vending machines. High priced products can be secured without employee costs. Small items can be vended easily.

Vending machines aren’t just for candy any more! Vending is an answer for today’s growing demand of retail and consumer expectations.

How to set up a Pinball Tournament to Bring in Customers
How to set up a Pinball Tournament to Bring in Customers 850 545 GAD Vending

Hosting a pinball tournament is an excellent way to build foot traffic. This is the type of event that has become much easier with internet products like Stern’s Insider connected. This is something that will take planning but worth the effort.

Step 1 – When

Create an event calendar so you can plan what tournaments work best to promote traffic at the slowest times. And so that you can promote two or three events at one time. You may want to add a Golden Tee tournament, Trivia contests and a dart league in 2023.

This will help you determine the best time of year to add events to bring in consistent traffic.

Step 2 – How

Have you ever wanted to run your own pinball tournament, but not sure how? This is a great way to grow the pinball community at your location and the Stern Army is here to help! We’ll show you how easy it is.

Trivia contests are so easy with an AMI digital music system. GAD knows how to help you set up your own digital music.

Step 3 – Marketing

The key to any event is awareness marketing. Here’s a checklist:

  • Promote in your establishment.
  • Have nice flyers created to distribute –
    • In the shopping area around you.
    • Post on coffee shop bulletin boards.
    • Ask your staff to promote to their influence groups.
    • Hand out to your regulars.
  • Make sure you post your pinball tournament at the IFPA.
  • Promote on your social media.
  • Add to event calendars like EventVesta.com. 

If you are looking for more advice on games and tournaments, contact GAD.

Vending – Brand Extension and New Marketing Opportunities
Vending – Brand Extension and New Marketing Opportunities 1100 450 GAD Vending

Vending: Not Just for Vending

How Convenience Services is Expanding

Vending: it’s not just for vending anymore. As retailers and brands look for ways to extend their reach and distribute their products in new ways, they’re turning to vending for customized merchandising solutions. A trend driven by both retailers and end users seeking self-service, vending operators are presented with new market opportunities to deploy the equipment they’ve been using for years in a whole new way.

Brand Extension

How Custom Vending Can Play a Role

Auto Vending Specialists (AVS), an Australian equipment distributor, has successfully used vending for companies seeking to deploy and extend their brands in unique ways. Some of the world’s leading retailers, including Moet, Armani, Lancôme, and Yves Saint Laurent, have partnered with AVS to produce custom vending machines that both promote their brands and delight their customers.

Their most recognizable project supported wine producer Moet with a custom vending machine. Designed to dispense single-serving champagne bottles, the fully branded vending machines debuted at high-end events and venues. Vending gave Moet an interactive way to take their brand and their product directly to the end customer.

The custom machine program resulted in an uplift for AVS revenue and awareness. To support the custom requests, many of which are for pop-up or temporary events, the AVS model enables companies and brands to rent the machines. This allows them to use the same equipment from event to event, with custom wraps and graphics for each. AVS founder, Basil Hourmouzis, explained that while AVS works with multiple machine manufacturers, they lean on CPI machines for custom events. The flexibility and brand reach enabled by the custom machines’ graphics and digital media screens delivers extra value to retailers.

Big Branding Opportunities

Vending’s Custom Future

Hourmouzis believes that the trend towards non-traditional vending will continue to increase over the years, as retailers look for new ways to distribute and promote their products and brands. Both distributors and operators should accommodate these changing needs, increasing the flexibility of their offerings to support clientele beyond the traditional convenience services market.  Increased consumer reliance on self-service will mean increased demands from brands looking for new options to stay engaged with their customers.

Coming In! Stern’s 007 James Bond Pro Pinball
Coming In! Stern’s 007 James Bond Pro Pinball 940 788 GAD Vending

Stern’s 007 James Bond Pro Pinball is coming back in to GAD Pinball.

We’ve been luck enough to get in James Bond Premium Pinball and we are getting more Pro versions in.

James Bond 007 Pinball have been extremely popular – because they are great games! – and are really hard to get from limited production at Stern. Orders and pre-orders are being taken on these games now at GAD for home sales in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas and Missouri.

Take a look at the James Bond Pro features:

In Dr. No (1962) Sean Connery propelled 007 into the cultural zeitgeist, bringing the legendary literary figure to life through adrenalized action sequences, ground-breaking gadgets and effects, memorable characters, and timeless villains.

Stern’s James Bond 007 cornerstone pinball machine will highlight film footage and iconic music from the films that built the 007 legend: Dr. No, From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971).  Players are immersed into the world of espionage in this action-packed pinball experience, tackling assignments, teaming up with key allies, and stopping SPECTRE’s villainous schemes.

Gather gadgets from Q Branch as pinballs get ejected through the roof of a custom sculpted Aston Martin DB5.  Break through the Osato Chemicals drop targets to battle SPECTRE at the Bird One rocket base.

James Bond 007 pinball machines include Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in a variety of ways.  Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the player community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests.  Insider Connected also provides an operator-focused toolset to drive location play through Location Leaderboards, build player loyalty, analyze performance, make adjustments remotely, and maintain the machines.  Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/.

Limited to 1,000 machines globally, the highly collectible cornerstone Limited Edition includes an exclusive full-color mirrored backglass inspired by Thunderball, masterfully adapted cabinet artwork, custom high gloss and powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, exclusive inside art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Stern Chairman Gary Stern and President Seth Davis.

“James Bond is as timeless as pinball.  Partnering with EON Productions/Danjaq, MGM Studios and Aston Martin, we created a pinball adventure capturing the suspense, action, and humor from this beloved film series.” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO.  “Get connected today and become a legend.”

Stern’s Premium 007 Available!
Stern’s Premium 007 Available! 940 788 GAD Vending

Stern’s James Bond 007 Pinball Premium pinballs due to GAD next week! Call to order yours for pick up now!

Interested in James Bond 007 Pinball Pro? These are coming in as well but we don’t have an exact date – yet. If Pro is more your style, we do take pre-orders. And, as fast as James Bond Pinball is selling across the country, it’s a good idea to get yours on order.

Contact us at GAD to get pricing and more information. 

In Dr. No (1962) Sean Connery propelled 007 into the cultural zeitgeist, bringing the legendary literary figure to life through adrenalized action sequences, ground-breaking gadgets and effects, memorable characters, and timeless villains.

Stern’s James Bond 007 cornerstone pinball machine will highlight film footage and iconic music from the films that built the 007 legend: Dr. No, From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971).  Players are immersed into the world of espionage in this action-packed pinball experience, tackling assignments, teaming up with key allies, and stopping SPECTRE’s villainous schemes.

Gather gadgets from Q Branch as pinballs get ejected through the roof of a custom sculpted Aston Martin DB5.  Break through the Osato Chemicals drop targets to battle SPECTRE at the Bird One rocket base.  And hold your breath on the gravity defying, magnetic jetpack as it transports pinballs across the playfield.

James Bond 007 pinball machines include Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in a variety of ways.  Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the player community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests.  Insider Connected also provides an operator-focused toolset to drive location play through Location Leaderboards, build player loyalty, analyze performance, make adjustments remotely, and maintain the machines.  Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/.

Limited to 1,000 machines globally, the highly collectible cornerstone Limited Edition includes an exclusive full-color mirrored back glass inspired by Thunderball, masterfully adapted cabinet artwork, custom high gloss and powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, exclusive inside art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Stern Chairman Gary Stern and President Seth Davis.

“James Bond is as timeless as pinball.  Partnering with EON Productions/Danjaq, MGM Studios and Aston Martin, we created a pinball adventure capturing the suspense, action, and humor from this beloved film series.” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO.  “Get connected today and become a legend.”

A Little Cash Left From the Holidays?
A Little Cash Left From the Holidays? 940 788 GAD Vending

Cash in your stocking? Holiday bonus? Didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas?

Time to indulge a bit in yourself! Add a pinball, Golden Tee or darts to your home game room. Or create an ultimate break room at your office.

GAD in stock may include (stock changes daily with both sales and incoming inventory):

  • Golden Tee Home and Golden Tee PGA Home
  • Galaxy Darts
  • Pinball
    • The Mandalorian
    • Cactus Canyon
    • Led Zeppelin
    • TMNT
    • Star Wars Home Edition
    • Guns ‘n Roses
    • Legends of Valhalla
    • And the newest Stern’s James Bond with more due in soon!

Call us to get all the details. 

GAD Vending

Greater America Distributing (GAD Vending) is your premier marketer of vending equipment and amusement games in Mid America.  The company has been operating for over 30 years with offices in Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and Grimes, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines.

Omaha

6161 Grover Street, Omaha,
NE 68106

1-402-553-2812
[email protected]

1-402-553-2812
[email protected]

Kansas City

3230 Roanake Road, Kansas City,
MO 64111

1-816-531-4300
[email protected]

1-816-531-4300
[email protected]

Des Moines

2105 SE 37 Street, Grimes,
Iowa 50111

1-515-278-4455
[email protected]

1-515-278-4455
[email protected]

Greater America Distributing

© 2023 Gad Vending. All Rights Reserved.

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