ADC Dryer Advertising

[CanCanCase]

http://www.planetlaundry.com/news/2010/adc-introduces-new-video-billboard-dryers

So I was reading about ADC's new video display built into the double-pane dryer door glass (http://www.planetlaundry.com/news/2010/adc-introduces-new-video-billboard-dryers), and it got me thinking (that's expensive sometimes!)

Instead of a further hijack of Suzy's WDF thread, I figured I'd fire this discussion up here.

Discuss...

-Case

[CanCanCase]

It's been pointed out that:
The ADC dryer has the double paned glass doors in which they sandwich the screen between. Something that could be done if anyone wanted to silicone a second layer of glass into their existing dryer door, run the wire through the door and hook it up to a central computer. The only issue I see is the screen would need to be somewhat vibration proof from people slamming the door and also be able to stand higher then normal temperatures.

I agree, except the beauty of the WiFi enabled picture frames is that they wouldn't need any cabling run back to the 'puter in the office. They would need a 12v power source, however. I've also been playing with enough of the screens to know that a customer slamming a door that's now a pound or two heavier WILL break the things quickly. ADC must be using a "ruggedized" version similar to a military field-use laptop.

Because of the wear & tear issues, and because I have 44 brand new single-pane dryer doors, I won't be going this route any time soon. The ADC article did give me the renewed idea for vid-screen advertising in the stores, however.

Back in Alaska I used to build a 20-minute PowerPoint slide show featuring jokes, trivia, advertisements for various products, etc. In the winter, when business is scarce, the TVs were tuned to sports, news, etc. But in the summer, with over 1,000,000 visitors in 100 days, we didn't want people lingering to watch the game. My PowerPoint was piped via closed-circuit (video splitter with an amp) and the cable boxes were disconnected and replaced with the feed from my "Red Dog TV".

Now with WiFi enabled picture frames, there's no need to run PowerPoint... the frames do their own slideshow magic internally. All a guy would need is a laptop or PC (or network attached storage device if you really want to geek out!) that's on the same WiFi network as the picture frames. Drop 10 or 20 "slides" (probably just jpeg images exported from Photoshop, InDesign, etc.) into whatever file directory you're using on the PC or NAS, and point the picture frames at that directory.

Airports have been doing similar info feeds (arrivals/departures) since the birth of the industry. Hotels, malls, restaurants, stadiums, etc. are all now jumping on the vid screen bandwagon. If I could find a dozen or so WiFi enabled screens that measured 24"x36" I could replace just about every piece of signage (that customers don't read anyway) in my stores. Just set one to cycle through a loop of "the rules," one for jokes and service or product promotions, one for instructional bits about the machines, etc... then get the word out to other (non-competetive area businesses) that you'll sell ads in your rotation if you wanted to monetize the things...

Sorry to ramble in Geekville. Haven't had my afternoon Red Bull! Maybe I oughta just get back to the pool table instead.

-Case

[laundryboy2]

ADC should stick to dryers....

I had nothing but trouble from their Solaris line. Very expensive mistake on my part. There won't be ADC's in any of my stores .. except the 285's, awsome stack!

[Super Clean]

Case, they also make software for in store advertising, pricing and such...this is just an example;

http://www.displays2go.com/digital_signage_examples.html

[Adamski]

Guys,

In the old days (1960s), dryers had 12" windows. Then they started putting in the "picture" window that today's dryers have. We all felt that was such a great improvement as the tumbling clothes looked so much nicer through the larger window. Some of us even converted the small window to the large window on our old 50 lb dryers. Now ADC wants to block maybe 40% of our nice large dryer window with a video screen no less.

I'm not in favor of slamming my customers with advertising at every turn. The networks on TV do enough of that already. I want my place to be an oasis of tranquility, not an eye-straining, action-packed arcade look-alike.

Again, I did not get into laundromats to market advertising for others. If I wanted to do that, I would have applied for a job at the local newspaper. I didn't get into laundromats to process commercial laundry. If I wanted to do that, I would have bought a commercial laundry. I got into laundromats simply because I like running laundromats.

[MrMachine]

Guys,

In the old days (1960s), dryers had 12" windows. Then they started putting in the "picture" window that today's dryers have. We all felt that was such a great improvement as the tumbling clothes looked so much nicer through the larger window. Some of us even converted the small window to the large window on our old 50 lb dryers. Now ADC wants to block maybe 40% of our nice large dryer window with a video screen no less.

I'm not in favor of slamming my customers with advertising at every turn. The networks on TV do enough of that already. I want my place to be an oasis of tranquility, not an eye-straining, action-packed arcade look-alike.

Again, I did not get into laundromats to market advertising for others. If I wanted to do that, I would have applied for a job at the local newspaper. I didn't get into laundromats to process commercial laundry. If I wanted to do that, I would have bought a commercial laundry. I got into laundromats simply because I like running laundromats.

I agree 100% Larry!

[Super Clean]

Larger dryer and washer door glass give the impression to the customer the machines are larger. Case in point, I have Maytag Neptunes, when you open the door, it's the size of the drum itself. You open the same sized Maytag or Electrolux hardmount and the drum is larger then the opening. I have customers regularly tell me how the Neptunes are a larger machine when at the end of the day, the size difference is negligable.

As far as advertising in the stores, I don't see it as a revenue stream for brining in outside advertisers but I see it as useful for promoting the store itself.

[CanCanCase]

...As far as advertising in the stores, I don't see it as a revenue stream for brining in outside advertisers but I see it as useful for promoting the store itself.

From the article, I couldn't determine, but I suspect there is an "ad service" being sold or administered by ADC. Megatouch video games are a good example. First they were standalone machines, then you could link a machine to the internet for tournament play (scoring challenges against other bars or other machines, etc.) Now, you can stream music through one (jukebox), or link it to the tournament network, or even let the advertising company pipe advertising to the screens when not in use - similar to Google's scheme, if I'm buying an ad, I'm charged per impression.

From the name of it, I'm guessing ADC will be linking these things (at mat owners' request) to a pool of locally or nationally sold advertising to be rotated on screen. I would assume that the owner could turn this off, and/or inject their own ads, signs, etc. into the mix as well.

I don't see it as a big revenue stream for a laundromat either, but I would sure explore the system (or something similar) as a means of informing my customers (don't sit on tables, plus-cycles enabled on all machines, WDF winter promo, instructional videos, etc) and possibly advertising friendly, non-competitive businesses... ie: the carwash next door (which maybe I happen to own too?!) Promoting other locations to the few who don't know we have other stores too...

I've looked at the video advertising display screens (TV-based) that Jeff cited above. It seems they're still stuck in the video production age, both with expense and technology. Most that is out there is priced high like upper end video equipment should be. It's also wired to a central computer, etc. I'm thinking of a simple solution... a 22" wireless digital picture frame runs about $450 (as opposed to $2500+ for a "commercial HDTV") and can simply run pre-formatted ads loaded either via WiFi from your office, or via memory stick (USB, CF, SD card, etc.) We all know people don't read signs, but in my bar it sure attracted attention - informing people where the restrooms were and selling a TON of shrimp cocktails every time that ad came up.

Random new thought: Might P&G or J&J be piped into a national ad distribution network to splash ads for Tide or Shout all over ADC dryer doors?

-Case

Gawd... I'm writing as much about video display screens in laundromats as Larry writes about dollar coins. Perhaps this semi-new technology being applied in unique new ways to the laundromat industry is of interest to me, ya think? ;-)

[Super Clean]

awd... I'm writing as much about video display screens in laundromats as Larry writes about dollar coins. Perhaps this semi-new technology being applied in unique new ways to the laundromat industry is of interest to me, ya think? ;-)

All hale the mighty dollar coin!

[Adamski]

All hale the mighty dollar coin!

Jeff,

The golden dollar coin makes more sense with each passing month. No electronic card system that fails of its own accord (Smart Cards) or is gradually replaced with newer technology like touchless systems, bank card systems, etc. No more playing the worthless quarter game. No need to depend upon a computer controlled system to start my equipment. Each washer and dryer is totally independent from each other.

I know you card guys think I'm too old and set in my ways to try new technology but, believe me, I've tried more new things over the past 40+ years then you guys ever even thought of trying. Some of those new things were complete failures too. If I didn't learn anything else, I learned that it is not wise to be among the first to buy new technology. There is a time to buy new technology and there is a time to wait and see. I love you guys for buying some of this new technology while I just sit back and wait and see what will happen with it.

In the mean time, I'll continue to use my newly minted, solid state, extremely durable, government backed, golden dollar coins that my customers like so well.

[Super Clean]

Larry,

The American Government being what it is, do you think they'll ever fail to properly circulate the dollar coin (leaving dollar bill in circulation) and get rid of the dollar coin, rendering the dollar coin drops useless?

I'm playing Devil's Advocate since us Canadians love our loonies and toonies.

[Adamski]

Larry,

The American Government being what it is, do you think they'll ever fail to properly circulate the dollar coin (leaving dollar bill in circulation) and get rid of the dollar coin, rendering the dollar coin drops useless?

I'm playing Devil's Advocate since us Canadians love our loonies and toonies.

Jeff,

No, the American government will not drop the dollar coin no more than they will drop the quarter. It's here to stay. I'm 100% sure of that. However, even if that did happen; I could easily convert my dollar coin only drops back to quarters. Once the Americans get used to carrying dollar coins in their pockets, it will become a non issue just like it is in Canada; which, by the way, is my favorite country outside the United States.

Part of the reason the US has not yet discontinued printing dollar bills is because the paper company that sells that special paper to the Bureau of Engraving & Printing (where they print our bills) has had a contract for something like 100 years. I'm sure that company influences our government, through political contributions and lobbyists, to continue printing billions of dollar bills each year. If the dollar bill were eliminated, that company would lose perhaps 75% of its paper sales to our government. Our politicians care more about supporting that single company than they care about the millions of citizens they represent.

A sollution may come when the Bureau of Engraving & Printing begins printing bills for other countries throughout the world. When that happens, the dollar bill could be eliminated with little or no reduction in paper purchases from their supplier.

[Super Clean]

You have to love the Government.

All of our coins are minted by the Royal Canadian Mint which is a Crown Corporation (Goverment owned). I know the Canadian Mint currently produces both domestic and foreign coins.

Our bills are printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company, a private firm not owned by the government.

Interesting side not and not sure how this is in the States but the Bank of Canada is a private Bank but it's board of directors are appointed by the Government.

[Howard]

I know Larry likes dollar coins, but they really are a total failure. I see maybe four or five of them in a year. The general public hates them.

[Adamski]

...The general public hates them.

Howard,

Not my general public.:)

[epic02]

I know Larry likes dollar coins, but they really are a total failure. I see maybe four or five of them in a year. The general public hates them.


Five Coins in year??? You most be talking about silver dollars.
Just before I read this post someone brought in 12 of them to change for quarters
even though IM quarter only I see them all the time specially in the vending machines.

[Howard]

Howard,

Not my general public.:)



Well your area must be very different than the NY/NJ area. I never see them in the cash registers of stores I go to, never get them in change, and almost never see them in the store. People just don't like them because they are heavy, most people like paper money and many never carry any coins. I know my wife just throws change in a jar each day and never carries any around.

[Howard]

Five Coins in year??? You most be talking about silver dollars.
Just before I read this post someone brought in 12 of them to change for quarters
even though IM quarter only I see them all the time specially in the vending machines.


No not silver dollars, those "sack of gawea" things and their never counter parts. They just are not used around here.

[Duane]

I never see them in my area. I asked a teller at my bank about them and they don't even have them in their drawers any more. Whenever they tried to hand them out the customer always asked for paper bills.

[canon]

Jeff,

No, the American government will not drop the dollar coin no more than they will drop the quarter. It's here to stay. I'm 100% sure of that. However, even if that did happen; I could easily convert my dollar coin only drops back to quarters. Once the Americans get used to carrying dollar coins in their pockets, it will become a non issue just like it is in Canada; which, by the way, is my favorite country outside the United States.

Part of the reason the US has not yet discontinued printing dollar bills is because the paper company that sells that special paper to the Bureau of Engraving & Printing (where they print our bills) has had a contract for something like 100 years. I'm sure that company influences our government, through political contributions and lobbyists, to continue printing billions of dollar bills each year. If the dollar bill were eliminated, that company would lose perhaps 75% of its paper sales to our government. Our politicians care more about supporting that single company than they care about the millions of citizens they represent.

A sollution may come when the Bureau of Engraving & Printing begins printing bills for other countries throughout the world. When that happens, the dollar bill could be eliminated with little or no reduction in paper purchases from their supplier.

Convert your store to quarters? your store would become worthless! Sorry, your quote.

[mjwalsh]

Howard,

Not my general public.:)

Howard, Duane, CanCan, & other card people, ---- you all deserve credit for making those cards be the best fit for your situation!

Larry & Coin people,

Not in my general public world either!

Since we been testing our American Dryer Airpax replacements with dollar - quarter coin single slot mechs & giving out more dollar coins --- I can honestly say that the majority of my customers have a pleasant reaction to the dollar coins that we are providing for them. Most of them are not putting the dollar coins back in our Standard Changers to get quarters. They are more likely to get a dollar coin for 4 quarters at this stage. That is happening with only about one fifth of our washers in the testing process. The dryer coin mechs with the bonus for using the dollar coins are testing successfully. Even though it was a little premature I did show a few folks pictures at the CLA regional show in Minneapolis back in September when they met me personally.

Larry,

I think you do go along with TV sets as a low key amenity --- its seems like a 60 inch would be even more likely to help the atmosphere --- especially if the sound could be easily controlled around the whole perimeter at strategic spots. I am thinking that the people may even stick a dollar in my Internet Kiosk (over 10 years now) to be able to select over the non paying customers for the TV - Internet Content 60 inch screen! I can see how too small of a screen or several different small screens running at once would have some issues too! Not having the ability to tailor the sound to specific areas as needed seems like would be an issue also!

CanCan,

The tailered to our specific business & facility info looping ---- done properly & in good taste --- hopefully will also do some good like you suggest!

MJ

[Adamski]

Convert your store to quarters? your store would become worthless! Sorry, your quote.

Cannon,

Today, I counted and bagged my entire multi-day collection of golden dollar coins in just 16 minutes flat. I have no intention of using quarter drops again ... ever. Dollar coins are very user friendly for my customers and me too.