Bill's Blog

The "Pull" vs. the "Push"

Here we are in 2010 - moving right along into the second half of January before we have really had enough time to take down the Christmas lights ..... time flies..... and 2010 is jumping right into the selling season.  This season is going to be the season of the "Salesman" - we can't rely on the networks to sell equipment for us with upgrades and compliance requirements (not this year anyway).  This is going to be the year of the "push".  We are going to have to put on our selling shoes to keep the pace of past seasons.  What will be the driving force this season - in my opinion - going back to basics.  Looking at the revenue stream of the ATM past the Surcharge and Interchange - maximizing the transaction volume - and providing good customer service.  The Tranax team is committed to having a positive sales attitude and a team support approach and we will be here for you to support you in any way possible.  Selling is fun - time to go out and have a ball!

2009 So long - farewell - been fun

What a year 2009 was.... Gas started out below $1.90 per gallon.... the Dow was 8175 - NASDAC was 1505 and heading into the new year was really scary.  Well - we made it through the year and gas is a respectable $245 a gallon.... During the year the Dow rose 29% NASDAC 47%.....and I became a grandfather.  And in 2009 Tranax had a great year - thanks to all of you that had faith in Tranax and participated in keeping Tranax in the game -

As we look the new decade in the face, it is exciting to be part of this great industry - yes we all have challenges and a lot of hills to climb - but 2010 is a year with promise and a lot of optimism. 

We at Tranax wish you all the best in 2010 -

'Tis the season

As we dive right on in to the holiday season it is great to be here and alive in the ATM market.  It is a very dynamic market - a lot of things could affect our future next year - things like sales tax legislation in some states (they need money - so watch out for the hungry monkey - he will steal all of your bananas).  We have to be aware of the compliance issues swirling around and make sure that we are on top of the items that benefit us as an industry - and make sure that we fight those issues which cost us money without giving us benefit.  Tranax is an involved manufacturer - and happy to do more than just be a supplier to the industry. 

The sleeping giant

The Government Relations committee of the ATMIA had a conference call this morning.  These are interesting times - fines for putting ATMs outside on the streets of New York - states thinking about sales tax on interchange - and once again the governmental bodies are heating up - looking for press - the sort of fame and fortune that puts them in their seats for yet another term.  The ATM industry is very high profile ------- it bothers me that there is such a lack of interest in these extremely critical issues.  I want to thank those of you that were there and hope that more of you will want to get involved. Tranax regularly attends and participates in these meetings - we care.

Smarter...... or more desperate

As August stares us in the face it is amazing to me that the ATM "family" is reaching out and looking into other means of survival - almost like making an episode of "Macgyver" about the industry and the necessity for using our inginuity and imagination to survive these challenging times.  People willing to come to Dallas in August to talk about bill pay, check cashing, money transfer and check imaging is a definate indication that the industry needs more than a mad scientist locked in a bank vaulkt to figure out how to not only exist but to prosper as we move forward in this high competitive environment.  

Good to Great

Over the past 12 years Tranax has been a good solid ATM company bringing new equipment to market, refining existing equipment, and developing a good distributor program through good support and communication.  As Tranax moves forward it is the dawning of a new day - not just an ATM company anymore - branching out into other areas such as check scanners, and giving suport to the areas that have been on the brink of becomming a reality - like bill pay and check cashing.  We are having a seminar in Dallas on the 19th of August - We invite you come and see what Tranax can do for you moving forward.  For information contact wdunn@tranax.com or call us at 972 373 8600 extension 402.  Come and find out how you can move your business from Good.....to Great........

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......