Rent-to-Own

We would like to thank everyone that has completed APRO’s 2009 convention survey. Your feedback is extremely important as we prepare for next year’s event.

If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes and complete the appropriate survey.


Please follow this link to take the survey
if you were an attendee of APRO’s
2009 Convention and Buying Show.

 
Please follow this link to take the survey
if you were an exhibitor of APRO’s
2009 Convention and Buying Show.

We do not have an e-mail address for everyone that attended our show. 
Please forward this e-mail to all of your co-workers that attended.  Thank you!

Are you tech-savvy?

If not, it’s time to get up to speed!

At APRO’s 2009 Rental Roundtable in Las Vegas, we’ll be using text polling — right from your own cell phone — to gather audience responses to the burning questions of the RTO industry.

You’ll be able to see, in real time, what your peers are thinking, doing, and planning for the future. This invaluable information will be shared during the APRO Convention on Monday, August 31.

To help you get up to speed, text an answer to the following question right now:

Question:  Do you know how to send text messages?

To vote, text one of the following codes to 99503. Go to text messaging on your cell phone and dial 99503, then enter one of the following codes for your answer*.

Yes I’m tech-savvy guy/gal – Code 47709
I’m trying to learn – Code 4771
Forget about it! – Code 47708

Watch the results as they come in at http://www.polleverywhere.com/multiple_choice_polls/LTE1NDEzMDYxMjk

Keep an eye out for more text polling questions in future editions of APRO’s RTO Today online newsletter. If you’re not yet tech-savvy, you will be by the time you arrive in Las Vegas for APRO’s 2009 Convention & Buying Show, August 30-September 2 at Bally’s Paris.

For more information, contact Shelley Martinek at smartinek@rtohq.org. 

*Standard text messaging terms apply.

APRO Hot Show offers due TODAY!

Download form here.

The APRO 2009 Convention & Buying Show is offering rental dealers the opportunity to purchase discounted products at the first ever APRO Hot Show Auction event Aug. 31st.

For APRO exhibitors, this event will provide an opportunity to market to the rental dealers before they go onto the exhibit floor. For rental dealers, the APRO Hot Show Auction will provide an opportunity to purchase products at significant discounts. Vendors download form here.
 
Only the best of the submitted proposals will be selected for presentation at the APRO Hot Show Auction.

RULES:

1. You must be an APRO/AVB BrandSource exhibitor or APRO member to participate.

2. To be considered, your proposal must be received by the APRO office by July 31.

3. The discount from your company’s normal pricing must be deep & significant.

4. APRO staff and a special committee comprised of APRO members will choose the items to be offered. You will be notified by August 7 if your proposal has been accepted for APRO Hot Show Auction presentation.

5. If your offer is accepted, a sample may be requested for auction viewing. The Hot Show Auction is set for 5:30-7 p.m. Monday August 31 in  Skyview 5 and 6, Balley’s.

6. Orders must be billed and shipped to each individual member company.

7. APRO Hot Show orders cannot be cancelled.

8. Orders for the APRO Hot Show with special auction pricing cannot be written during regular exhibit hours. Any vendor who accepts an order for an auction item at the HOT SHOW prices at any other time will be PROHIBITED from participating in future APRO auctions.

Download and fill out PROPOSAL FORM NOW then fax or e-mail the completed form to the APRO office today!

APRO seminars add key insights into RTO business

Sometimes it takes an outsider looking in to help us see what we can do to improve our businesses. We need to know what’s going on legally that is affecting how we do business today, and may very well influence how we do business in the future. And don’t underestimate the power of online  training programs that help keep employees "in the know" and on top of their game.

These are a few of the dynamic seminars rental dealers can take advantage of at the APRO 2009 Convention & Buying Show in Las Vegas August 30-September 2. 
 

Inside-Out: An Outside Perspective of Rent-to-Own from a Former Insider
Michael J. Viveiros
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., September 1

Sometimes, the freshest business ideas come from those outside the business–such is the case with Michael Viveiros, an RTO veteran who left rent-to-own a few years ago but is now returning to the industry. He’ll examine the latest trends and opportunities regarding innovative technology, products, compensation, store design and store location. Viveiros also will discuss the rise and fall of his former company, Rainbow Rentals, and shed light on the growing pains that many companies experience.

Rental dealers who have been in the industry for a while will remember that computer rentals were considered experimental in the early 1990s, much like furniture rentals were deemed unorthodox in the 1980s. While at Rainbow Rentals, Viveiros urged the company to rent computers, now a significant product category for rent-to-own.

Viveiros started his career in rent-to-own in 1981 as an account manager for Crown Leasing in Orlando, Florida. He, along with three partners, founded Rainbow Rentals in 1986 with two stores. By 2004, the chain had reached 124 stores and had $100 million in annual revenue. The company was twice selected as one of Inc. magazine’s "Fastest Growing Companies." In May 2004, Rent-A-Center acquired Rainbow Rentals for $95 million. Since May 2004, Viveiros has pursued interests outside of rent-to-own. He’s had little or no contact with the rental business until this year, when he began to re-examine the state of industry.

RTO Legal Update
Ed Winn III, APRO Legal Counsel

11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., September 1
 
In this session, Ed Winn III will pick up where he left off at the previous day’s Rental Roundtable, elaborating on a wide variety of legal topics of interest to the rent-to-own industry. He’ll offer details on the new FTC “Red Flags” rule, the tort of bullying in the workplace, improvident extensions of rent-to-own agreements, pornography on rented iPods and gaming systems, taxation of rent-to-own transactions, the implications of Senator Charles Schumer’s legislative bill, an RTO litigation review, recent state legislative initiatives, RTO agreements that must be “terminable at any time,” issues regarding installations, how to manage in-house warranties legally and additional late-breaking rent-to-own legal topics.
 
Winn is APRO’s general counsel and a partner at the law firm of Martinec, Winn, Vickers and McElroy in Austin, Texas. He helped found the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations in 1980 and his knowledge of the rent-to-own industry is unsurpassed. Winn is a regular contributor to RTOHQ: The Magazine and offers legal advice to APRO members.

Keith Carrico, Imagery Marketing Group

Rental Training Online: Why You Can’t Afford Not to Train Your Employees
Larry Carrico, Rent One, and Keith Carrico, Imagery Marketing Group
10-11:15 a.m., September 1

Do you feel that you don’t have the time to train your employees? Would you train more frequently if you had a way to ensure that your resources were consistent, up to date, effective and easily accessible when your rent-to-own employees were ready to learn? If so, online training is the way to go. This seminar will address the benefits of using the Internet as a key resource for training your staff and how online training can help boost your profit margin. Also, you will discover how to avoid some of the pitfalls of online learning programs. Larry and Keith Carrico will demonstrate the latest rent-to-own employee training programs available and show you why can’t afford not to pursue the resources that will give your employees the learning tools they deserve.

Larry Carrico is the owner of the 42-store Rent One chain and is completing his term as APRO’s immediate past president, having served two terms prior to that as APRO’s president. An APRO member since 1990, Carrico has developed a reputation as one of the rent-to-own industry’s most innovative businessmen. In addition to Rent One, he co-owns Imagery Marketing Group, a full-service marketing and advertising firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, that offers, among other services, an online training program designed specifically for the rent-to-own. He also helped initiate APRO’s online training program and has been an integral part of its development.

As the director of Imagery Marketing Group’s Web Services, Keith Carrico helps ensure that the company delivers outstanding solutions to clients. Prior to joining Imagery, he was president of his own human resource consulting firm, as well as lead project manager and human resources director for Convergence Communications. Keith Carrico also served as human resources manager for SKC Enterprises, where he developed a corporate-assistance team that supported the company’s growth from 15 to more than 30 rental locations.

Full APRO 2009 Convention details here.

Educational seminars highlight APRO convention

Where can you find the most education focused entirely on helping you grow your rent-to-own business in one place? At the APRO 2009 Convention & Buying Show in Las Vegas August 30-September 2.

The APRO educational program includes individual sessions on topics such as marketing to a diverse population, evaluating and improving your RTO operation, skip-tracing through cyberspace and more.

Here are just a few of the sessions offered:
 

Relating, Not Translating: How to Market to U.S. Hispanics
Kelly McDonald, McDonald Marketing
10-11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., September 1

The U.S. Census indicates that there are more than 47 million Hispanics living in the United States and that Latinos are now the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the country. By 2020, Hispanics will account for one in five U.S. residents. Virtually every major  provider of products and services is scrambling to learn how to tap into this large, lucrative and growing consumer base.

Attracting the Hispanic consumer can help you expand your business, but it requires more than just translating your promotional messages into Spanish; you’ll need to know which is the right Latino rent-to-own customer and how to connect with him or her emotionally, rationally and culturally. Attendees of this session will leave with specific strategies for developing effective marketing messages targeted specifically to the Hispanic market.

What does a blond-haired, blue-eyed Irish girl know about Hispanic marketing? Plenty! Kelly McDonald is a marketing and advertising expert with more than 20 years of global advertising agency experience in both the general market and Latino market.Her company, McDonald Marketing, works with clients such as Toyota, Harley-Davidson, Ace Hardware, Sherwin-Williams and Miller/Coors. McDonald has been named number-one on the list of "26 Hot Speakers" by Successful Meetings magazine.

Advertising Age has twice designated her company as one of the top Hispanic ad agencies in the U.S. and Inc. magazine named McDonald Marketing one of the fastest-growing privately owned companies in the country. McDonald has also been featured in BusinessWeek magazine and on CNNMoney.com and XM Radio.

Man in the Glass: Evaluating Your Company to Improve Your Operation

Mike Tissot, Countryside Rentals
10-11:15 a.m., September 1

In this thought-provoking session, Mike Tissot will guide you through your business practices from the customer’s point of view–offering candid observations on how a business performs vs. how it should perform. He’ll share the results of surveys that reveal how actual customers feel about rent-to-own and he’ll show you methods to encourage customers to become RTO advocates.

In addition to enhancing your revenues by attracting new customers, Tissot will offer tips on stopping the loss of the customers you have. You will learn ways to raise your store standards, attract new customers and fine-tune the business.

Mike Tissot is one of the rent-to-own industry’s most popular and knowledgeable speakers. He grew up in the rental business; his father is former APRO President Darrell Tissot. Mike Tissot brings invaluable marketing insight and cutting-edge ideas to his presentations. After receiving a BA in economics from Denison University, Tissot spent five years at one of the largest marketing agencies in the country. Currently, he owns and operates 24 Rent-2-Own stores in Ohio and Kentucky. Tissot is past president of the Ohio Rental Dealers Association and a current TRIB Group board member. He is the recipient of APRO’s 2008 Presidents Award, presented for his outstanding service to the rent-to-own industry.

Cybertracking: A Skip Tracer’s Tool
Ron L. Brown, CSI Group
10-11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., September 1

Using Internet-based skip trace technology–or cybertracking–is the rental dealer’s most efficient way to track delinquent accounts. In this session, you’ll learn how you can cut your skip-tracing costs by 75 percent using the latest online tools and techniques. Brown will demonstrate where data on 940 billion American citizens is stored and how you can access it. Discover the secrets of one of the most comprehensive and successful skip-and-recovery programs in the country, including systems, sources, techniques and psychological approaches.

Ron L. Brown is the president and general manager of CSI Group based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, one of the oldest and largest asset investigation and recovery agencies in the Central Plains. A state-licensed private investigator and member of the National Association of Fraud Investigators, he has more than 35 years experience in locating and recovering lost and missing people and assets.

Brown has assisted many law-enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety. He has written numerous articles and books on tracing, highlighting the use of neurolinguistics and the psychology of motivation in the collection process.

Complete convention details here.

Social Events Rock APRO Convention

Tom Kitchens/Joe Eason Golf Tournament
1–5 p.m., Sunday, August 30
Sponsored by Whirlpool
 
Whether you take golfing seriously or just like to play a round for the fun of it, APRO’s annual golf tournament is a popular and enjoyable way to spend time with fellow rent-to-own professionals. Soak in the desert air, sun and scenic beauty of the Palm Course at the Angel Park Golf Club — one of Nevada’s most famous courses. Trophies will be awarded to the top five teams.

Golf tournament space is limited, so register early. Registration deadline August 14.

APRO President’s Reception
4–5:30 p.m., Monday, August 31
Sponsored by Serta

Join APRO President Tiger John Cleek Sr. in honoring those who have gone the extra mile to protect and promote the rent-to-own industry’s legislative process at the state and federal level. Attendees will be updated on the status of the industry’s federal bill.

Live Music and Cocktail Party
8:30–10:30 p.m., Monday, August 31

APRO Convention and Buying Show attendees will dance the night away with a star studded lineup featuring members from some of the hottest rock acts of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Monday evening, following the APRO Hot Show auction, APRO Convention Attendees are invited to a private concert featuring Dennis De Young and the music of Styx at the Bally’s Event Center.

In addition to Styx, Martha Davis of the Motels will sing her hits: Only the Lonely, Suddenly Last Summer and Take the "L" out of Lover and It’s Over. Also, John Waite (Bad English, The Babys) will perform his solo hits Missing You, When I See You Smile and Back on My Feet Again.

APRO 2009 Awards Banquet
8–10 p.m., Tuesday, September 1
Sponsored by High Touch

Enjoy a lovely dinner with fellow rent-to-own professionals as APRO acknowledges those who have done an exceptional job for the rent-to-own industry over the past year. Known as "Oscar Night" of the rent-to-own industry APRO will name recipients of the Rental Dealer of the Year Award, President’s Award of Excellence, Lifetime Achievement Award, Heritage Award, Vendor of the Year Award and more. Semi-formal evening attire.

See full convention registration details here.

Contest Nomination Deadline Today 5 p.m.!

Today is the nomination deadline for APRO’s annual contests and awards. Check out the links below and make sure your employees, customers and companies are entered to win!

RTO Employee and Customer of the Year Award:

APRO’s annual award set aside for those customers and employees who inspire, help or sacrifice for the betterment of others. See complete contest details and nomination instructions!

APRO’s 2009 Educational Scholarship Award:

This $2,000 scholarship is available to any RTO employee, or child of any RTO employee, of an APRO member company in good standing who has been accepted to an accredited college for the 2009 Fall Semester. See full qualification and nomination details here!

APRO’s 2009 RAE Awards:

Now in it’s 20th year, The Rental Advertising Excellence Awards (RAE) represent the best of the rent-to-own advertising world from print, TV and radio to specialty, Web-based, banners, price tags and community relations programs. Enter your ad today!

APRO Hot Show auction call for offers! 

In keeping with the spirit of newer, bigger, better, the APRO 2009 Convention & Buying Show is offering attendees the opportunity to purchase discounted product at the Hot Show Auction event Aug. 31st.
 
Many of you are familiar with the advantages of this high energy event already. For those who are not, the APRO Hot Show Auction will feature products offered at SUBSTANTIAL discounts if purchased during this event. These deep discounts are available during the auction hour only.

Hot Show Proposal Deadline July 31

For APRO exhibitors, this event will provide an opportunity to market to the rental dealers before they go onto the exhibit floor. For rental dealers, the APRO Hot Show Auction will provide an opportunity to purchase products at significant discounts. Download form here.
 
Only the best of the submitted proposals will be selected for presentation at the APRO Hot Show Auction.

RULES:

1. You must be an APRO/AVB BrandSource exhibitor or APRO member to participate.

2. To be considered, your proposal must be received by the APRO office by July 31.

3. The discount from your company’s normal pricing must be deep & significant.

4. APRO staff and a special committee comprised of APRO members will choose the items to be offered. You will be notified by August 7 if your proposal has been accepted for APRO Hot Show Auction presentation.

5. If your offer is accepted, a sample may be requested for auction viewing. The Hot Show Auction is set for 5:30-7 p.m. Monday August 31 in  Skyview 5 and 6, Balley’s.

6. Orders must be billed and shipped to each individual member company.

7. APRO Hot Show orders cannot be cancelled.

8. Orders for the APRO Hot Show with special auction pricing cannot be written during regular exhibit hours. Any vendor who accepts an order for an auction item at the HOT SHOW prices at any other time will be PROHIBITED from participating in future APRO auctions.

Download the proposal form here. Fill it out and fax or e-mail the completed form to the APRO office. Don’t forget the deadline to submit your proposal is July 31. NO EXCEPTIONS!
 

APRO’s Employee and Customer of the Year Contest is On!

Watch video.

Deadline This Friday!

The search is on for the rent-to-own customer and employee who best personify the spirit of the industry through their work on behalf of others.

Nominations can be made online here, but the deadline is Friday July 24!

APRO’s Employee and Customer of the Year are those customers and employees who inspire, help or sacrifice for the betterment of their families and/or communities. Winners will be honored at the 2009 APRO Convention and Buying Show General Session Aug. 31.

If one of your employees represents rent-to-own with such honor and character then be sure to submit their name’s for APRO’s 2009 Employee and Customer of the Year contest.

Find full details on the application process and judging criteria here.

mevans@rtohq.org

Early Registration Deadline Today!

 The Rent-To-Own Industry Event of the Year Is Here

 Register Today – Save $100!

Register Now: Dealers   Exhibitors

Today is the deadline for early registration and the last opportunity to qualify for a $100 registration discount. Convention packages are $1,195 for Bally’s and $1,295 for Paris, with discount, and include a four night hotel stay and complete registration for two people.

For a full convention schedule, visit APRO’s Convention page.

Dealers register for APRO’s 2009 Convention and Buying Show now!

Exhibitors register for APRO’s 2009 Convention and Buying Show now!