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Last year, I noted in this space that operators’ 2008 sales did not reflect the decline they suffered in 2009. I dreaded writing the State of the Vending Industry Report for fiscal 2009, knowing the impact the recession was having. I anticipated hearing operators say they regretted ever getting into the business.

What’s happened since then hasn’t been pretty, but attitudes have been much less pessimistic than expected.

As noted in this year’s report beginning on page 32, operators initiated profit saving measures in 2008 that resulted in a more profitable 2009.

The National Automatic Merchandising Association notes in its annual profit report that operators in 2009 were able to gain control of their businesses in a way that was not solely dependent upon sales growth. If this model can be maintained when sales recover, NAMA reports profits should be able to reach very strong levels.

There are also indications that the recession has caused more operators to take a closer look at technology, which many view as a very positive change.

Technology acceptance grows

Technology has always been a controversial subject among our readers. Many believe technology providers exaggerate potential benefits. But over time, this attitude has given way to greater acceptance among operators.

One reason is that over time, new products improve as a result of trial and error. Providers have more experience with their products and can instruct operators more effectively. In some cases, prices have also come down.

With the recession, many operators have taken more interest in products that improve sales and help them better manage their operations. Our State of the Industry Report documents rising acceptance of remote machine monitoring and cashless vending. Anecdotal input from operators over the past year confirms the same thing.

During the past three years, operator turnout at convention seminars on technology has been outstanding.