Outgoing vendor advisory committee member Bob Saunders (l) receives a plaque from APRO Executive Director Bill Keese for his service to the industry in 2009.

Veteran furniture dealer, Bob Saunders of United Furniture, died Tuesday night of a massive heart attack.

Saunders spent 28 years serving the rent to own industry and was an active member of APRO’s Vendor Advisory Committee where he served for many years before stepping down in 2009.

He was named APRO’s Vendor of the Year in 2000.

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

A recent study of underbanked Millennials – 18-34 year-olds who utilize non-traditional financial services such as prepaid debit cards or RTO  – challenges the notion of alternative financial service users as exclusively low-income consumers forced to turn to alternative products as a last resort.

The survey by Think Finance — a developer of next generation financial products for the underbanked — found that underbanked Millennials with mid to  high level incomes use alternative financial services at rates similar to, and in some cases higher than, their lower-income peers.

The study, which surveyed 640 Millennials who have used some type of alternative financial services product within the last year and earn less than $75,000 in annual income, also found that the majority were satisfied with the experience and consider the services an important financial tool.

The report found around 15 percent of respondents making less than $25,000 and 17 percent of those who earn $50-$75,000 reported using rent-to-own stores.

"These findings really highlight the need for innovation,"  said Think Finance CEO Ken Rees. "Younger Americans are not being well-served by traditional financial products be it checking accounts or credit cards. Alternative financial products are now part of the mainstream so we need to continue working to develop better, more responsible products which is what we are doing at Think Finance."

Think Finance in 2011 introduced Presta, an online lease-purchase resource for consumer electronics and computers. The company has 11 years of online experience serving underbanked consumers. Since 2001 the company has served more than 1 million customers providing more than $3 billion in service products.

The survey found that Millennials used several alternative financial products at similar rates regardless of income level.

Products and services used at similar rates by Millennials include:

    •    Prepaid debit cards – 51 percent of those making less than $25,000 in annual income reported using prepaid debit cards within the last year. The percentage was the same for those who earned $50,000-$74,999.

    •    Check cashing services – 34 percent of respondents who earn less than $25,000 reported using check cashing services, while almost as many in the $50,000 – $74,999 range (29 percent) turned to check cashers.

    •    Rent-to-own stores – 15 percent of respondents making less than $25,000 and 17 percent of those who earn $50,000-$74,999 reported using rent-to-own stores.

    •    Overdraft protection – 58 percent of respondents making $50,000-$74,999 reported using overdraft protection compared with 31 percent making less than $25,000.

    •    Bank direct deposit advance – 37 percent of respondents who earn $50,000-$74,999 reported using bank direct deposit advance compared with 22 percent of respondents who earn less than $25,000.

    •    Money transfer service – 39 percent of respondents who earn $50,000-$74,999 used money transfer services within the last year compared with 29 percent of those who earn less than $25,000.

"It struck me as odd those would be thought of as alternative financing at all," said Preston Swincher from the Center for Generational Kinetics, who is also a Millennial. "Those just seem normal to me.  It seems to me it shows rent to own is something very much ready to be positioned as a mainstream option. Convenience is king. It’s not just the ability to deliver a service but it’s how it’s delivered and we don’t mind paying a little extra if it saves time and is easier to use."

According to some reports, by 2017 Millennials will have more spending power than Baby Boomers.

Swincher will speak at APRO’s 2012 Convention and Trade Show July 24-26 in Memphis on "Crossing the Generational Divide" — how to understand and reach new customers across different generations. He is one of several expert marketing speakers slated for APRO’s 2012 Convention this year in Memphis.

"Stereotypes that paint users of alternative financial products as poor and uninformed are simply not accurate," Rees said. "This study confirms that young people across the spectrum have a need for the convenience, utility and flexibility that alternative financial services provide."

Presta officials say the site and the business model has real appeal for CE early adopters under 40 years of age, those looking for today’s hottest consumer electronics without having to pay the premium price upfront. The look of the Web site was also a key concern for the company. A transparent transaction coupled with a clean non-cluttered web presence is a must for Millennial-appeal.

"The model allows customers to own products outright after making fixed payments for a year, or they may choose to pay products off early at a discount," said Presta Director Brad Ellison. "The lease-purchase agreement also offers the flexibility to return products any time after three months with no penalty, which is particularly appealing for the early adopter who wants to continuously upgrade. Millennials are drawn to sites that have a clean look and feel so we designed Presta’s web presence with that in mind."

Grand opening of Cheyenne Premier

Jesse Hunt was a successful store manager for a rent to own business.  He and his team grew the store throughout the nine years that Jesse was store manager. Eventually the store became the most profitable store in the company. Finding his success, Jesse knew that he preferred to own his own business rather than work for someone else. 

A year and a half ago, Jesse reached out to Trooper Earle, President & CEO of The Premier Companies, to explore franchise ownership with the Premier Rental-Purchase brand.  Jesse had also known several Premier dealers. They recommended Premier to him as well.  Jesse decided that his future was going to be as a Premier Rental-Purchase dealer. He wanted the freedom as a business owner and the support that Premier offers its franchisees.

Jesse recently opened the doors to his own store. The Grand Opening of Premier Rental-Purchase in Cheyenne, Wyoming was this past weekend.  Their grand opening celebration began with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the local Chamber of Commerce followed by a weekend of festivities.

Local  radio station, The Boss 92.9, provided a live broadcast from the store. With a large Hispanic population in Cheyenne, Jesse served burritos, had Mexican dancers performing throughout the parking lot and a Hispanic radio station broadcasted live.

“Our Grand Opening was just great!” said Jesse.   “I’m very excited to now have my own business where I can treat customers the way they should be treated – like family.”  Also during the grand opening weekend, they gave away a 50” television, barbeque grill, surround sound system and a Wii game system.

Premier Rental-Purchase offers a better way for their customers to buy name brand furniture, appliances, computers, and electronics at affordable prices.  They offer flexible payment options for their customers who do not wish to tie up their credit or for those who have not yet established credit.   They’re the people you know and trust.

The national office of The Premier Companies is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Premier Brands consist of Premier Rental-Purchase, Premier Home Furnishings, Premier Wheel Workz, and Premier Auto by Rent. All Premier stores are independently owned and operated. Visit Premier’s website at www.premierrents.net or call 800/2-Premier and ask for Trooper Earle.
 

Each year APRO recognizes the exceptional within the rent to own industry from the best advertising to exceptional customer service to customers who have chosen to make the world a better place beginning with their own communities.

From the student seeking to improve themselves through higher education, to the ‘Superstar’ employee going above and beyond routine customer service, APRO is searching far and wide for the most creative, industrious and promising the industry has to offer.

Enter and nominate today!

NEW: APRO’s ‘Superstar’ Customer Service Award
Entry Deadline: May 31

Yes, the APRO Employee of the Year contest is now the SUPERSTAR CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD.

Recognizing outstanding community service has been our focus in past years and community service is still an important goal. But the changing environment in all customer focused industries, including rent-to-own, underscores the critical need to recognize and reward those individuals who consistently demonstrate over-the-top customer service. After all, this has always been the foundation of our industry and we are looking for the very best in the nation!

It’s easy to nominate a co-worker. You know who they are – superstars always stand out from the crowd.

Go here for full contest details and to nominate your Superstar online!
  

Rental Advertising Excellence Awards
Early Entry Deadline: Friday, May 25

It’s time to flex your company’s creative muscle and go toe-to-toe with the best ads in the business with APRO’s 2012 RAE Awards competition.

APRO is looking for the best print, TV, radio, specialty, web-based, campaigns, banners, price tags and community relations. If you think your company’s advertising has what it takes, enter today!

See full contest details and entry information here.

2011 Customer of the Year Vivian Saunders. Watch video.

Customer of the Year
Entry Deadline: June 1

APRO’s Customer of the Year Contest is for members of the RTO family who lead by example through their inspiration, dedication and sacrifice on behalf of their families and communities.

If one of your rent to own customers represents their community with such honor and character, then be sure to submit their names for APRO’s 2012 Employee and Customer of the Year contest.

Make online nominations here.

The APRO 2012 Customer of the Year winner receives a $1,000 cash prize. And the employee who nominates the customer of the year winner receives a cash prize of $500 for discovering the rent-to-own customer that best exemplifies the humanity and giving spirit within the industry.

The customer winner will be featured with a video during APRO’s General Session and in APRO’s national publications. Many recipients have been featured in their local newspapers and television news programs.

APRO Education Foundation Scholarships: 16 Awards; $50,000
Entry Deadline: June 1

The Association of Progressive Rental Organizations is looking to award thousands in scholarships to members of the rent to own industry this spring as part of the organization’s fifth annual contest.

From awarding one $2,000 scholarship in 2008 and awarding 17 scholarships worth $30,000 last year, the APRO Education Foundation and its annual contest continues to thrive thanks to the generous contributions of APRO members, associate members and foundation cheerleaders.

See APRO Education Scholarship Fund Page for full details and to download the application.

 REGISTER TODAY!

The industry’s longest running regional trade show kicks off with extra flair this year as it also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association — one of the most active, influential and consistently recognized state associations.

Dealers from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Missouri will head to the scenic Lodge of Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark, Missouri June 13-14 to mix business and pleasure with vendor meet and greets, product trainings, four man scramble a bass fishing tournament.

Download the brochure with schedule and registration info.

"This is a very exciting year for MRDA and Heartland this year," said MRDA Executive Director Ken Steiner, "Any dealer who has not been to the show in the past two years but is a member of any other state RTO association gets one night’s lodging on us. It’s a heck of a deal. Plus any vendor who brings in a new dealer to the show gets $100 per new registrant."

Steiner also noted four state association presidents are expected to attend the event.

This year’s show will feature up to 70 booths and a bit of a schedule change with the golf and bass tournament, product training, vendor showcase reception and dinner/awards banquet all taking place Wednesday, June 13.

The trade show opens in earnest Thursday, June 14 and runs 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

An additional benefit of attending the show is specials offered by exhibiting vendors  will be available on orders placed at the trade show ONLY.

Dealers will also have access to “Hot Specials” that can only be purchased in the vendor’s booth. These specials have a greater discount and may be limited. Be certain to look for the signage in the booths of the vendors offering these “specials”. Check out the sign that will be posted during events for the sponsors of those events and go by their booth to thank them.

Product Trainings:

This year’s show features four (4) product trainings on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.

Each dealer will attend all four sessions and each product training.

Presenting companies include:

(1) Pioneer Music Company: This training will mainly focus on building profit through audio add on sales. We will train your salespeople properly so they are comfortable with demonstrating the products to your customers. We will also focus on why our products, Yamaha, Boston and our Stereo Rack Systems can set you apart because of your flexibility in ordering and being able to offer your customer more desirable products. We will be demonstrating the product so you can see and hear how it can not only increase your sales in audio, but in video as well.

(2) O’Rourke Sales – LG Electronics: This training will focus on the features and benefits of LED, Plasma and LCD TV. The new technologies to be discussed are SMART TV and 3D TV. We will also demonstrate new Sound Bars, Home Theater Systems and Blue Ray Players with SMART TV and 3D features built in.

(3) Simmons Company: This training will consist of discussing the new Living Life Fully Charged National ad campaign. Just like you plug in and must recharge different items around your home, The Simmons Beautyrest is the item that Recharges the Human Battery——you! This training will also consist of the features, benefits and advantages of a Simmons Beautyrest mattress and how to get the consumer to understand the Better Sleep of a Beautyrest.

(4) Whirlpool: This session will consist of sales tips and information on how to present value when leasing a bottom freezer refrigerator vs a top-mount or a self-clean range vs a manual clean option. In addition, information regarding warranties and service contacts will be presented. New HE laundry product will be on display in the Whirlpool booth on the show floor.

Four Man Scramble Golf Tournament:

Register now for the 4-man golf scramble to be played at “The Cove” golf course at the Lodge of Four Seasons Resort on Wednes- day, June 13, 2012. Starting time is 8:00 a.m. Cost is $73 per player which includes cart. We thank the Whirlpool Corporation for sponsoring the trophies and Imagery Marketing Group for helping to sponsor the continental breakfast. A lunch ticket will be given to each golfer to be used at the golf course.

Bass Fishing Tournament:

Interested in catching that big bass? Then consider entering the bass fishing tournament at 7:00 a.m. on June 13, 2012 at the Resort Boat Dock. The only requirements are having a fishing license and access to a boat. If you don’t have a boat, consider hiring a fishing guide. To hire a guide, contact Hawg Stump Guide Service at 573-216-6567, if no answer, leave a message. You will receive a call back within one day. The cost is $250.00 per boat, whether it is one or two anglers. Two anglers is the maximum per boat.

It is recommended that if you are interested in hiring a fishing guide, that you should do it as soon as possible as fishing guides are very limited. You can cancel later if necessary. Information will be sent later to those who sign up for the fishing tournament. We thank Ad Pro Advertising for sponsoring the trophies.

Registration and Fee:

At only $35 with a pre-May 25 registration, allowing one free member dealer per organization, MRDA is once again offering state dealers the most bang for their buck.

However, advance registration is requested and suggested. This will help avoid unnecessary delays upon arrival. Fees may be paid by check or by using your VISA, MASTER CARD, DISCOVER or AMERICAN EXPRESS. If paying by check, make check payable to MISSOURI RENTAL DEALERS ASSOCIATION.

You may also register by calling 573/442-2963 or (573) 489- 0622 (cell) and charging the registration fee to any of the above-mentioned credit cards. Each dealer member company of their state’s RTO Association will be given a free registration for one (1) dealer.

Dealers must be a member of their state’s RTO Association to also receive the registration discount fee.

Those dealers that just want to attend the Vendor Showcase on Thursday, may do so for FREE. Meal tickets for the other functions may be purchased individually. You may also indicate and pay for a specific number of dealers and guests, but submit their names by June 5, 2012. In addition, the MRDA is offering to first time member companies and/or member companies that have not been in attendance at the MRDA trade show within the past 2 years, one (1) free hotel room night per company.

Lodging:

Participants should make their own hotel arrangements. The Lodge of Four Seasons Resort (888/265-5500 or 573/365-3000) is holding a limited block of rooms for the Heartland of America Regional Trade Show and Seminar until May 14, 2011.

After May 14, 2011, rooms will be reserved on a space available basis only. The room rate is $107 per night, plus tax for one to two persons per room. You can make your reservations on line by using the online link & attendee code as follows: https://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/g_reservation.cfm?groupID=73 2419&hotelID=17336

Attendee Code: 24040.

(Attendees: Please disregard group coordinator box & request for group code when registering on line)

For full brochure, schedule and registration details click here.

Buddy’s Home Furnishings is proud to announce the addition of a new franchise partnership with Resource Ready LLC, which has opened their first location in Danville, Virginia under the direction of Evan Lennon and industry veteran Chris Moran. 

“Buddy’s culture and business philosophy has been the perfect fit for our team and goals.  We are excited about our future expansion throughout the state of Virginia,” said Lennon. 

“We knew that Virginia was going to be a key state for Buddy’s, and offer a lot of future synergy as we continue to build up the eastern seaboard,” said Jamie Slatton, owner of Buddy’s.  Once again, we know we’ve found a great partner that is excited to grow with us. 

Buddy’s Home Furnishing’s corporate and franchise brand operates the fourth most rental purchase locations in the country behind Rent-A-Center, Aarons, and Colortyme.  

Today, there are over 125 store fronts in multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, North Carolina, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Virginia.  Future openings are being planned through a combination of corporate expansion, franchising, and acquisitions with new scheduled openings scheduled in the near future.   
 
Buddy’s carries the top lines in home furnishings, electronics and appliances, including Ashley Furniture, Sony, LG, Toshiba, Whirlpool, Dell and many others. Buddy’s offers flexible payment options to fit the needs of its customers, including  convenient weekly and bi-weekly rental purchase programs, semi-monthly or monthly lease ownership programs, and up to 6 months same as cash programs, all with no credit needed and free delivery. 
 

Another  over-the-top "Club O" experience was had by O’Rourke Sales Company’s ‘2012 Club O Champions’ April 26 – 30.

This year’s event was held at the Five Diamond Grand Velas Spa and Resort in Puerto Vallarta; whose extraordinary service has garnered numerous accolades, including Condé Nast’s "Most Excellent Spa Hotel" award and TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award for "Best Luxury Hotel in the World."

Club "O" dealers were welcomed in style with an exclusive check-in and a delicious buffet overlooking the stunning ocean vista.  Dell Computers rounded out the evening by providing all attending dealers with a DELL laptop computer. 

The 10th annual Club O Golf Tournament was held at the Vista Vallarta Golf Course, a Signature Design by Jack Nicklaus.  Golfers were treated not only to world class golf, but enjoyed breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta, the marina and Banderas Bay as well.

Grassy hillsides, dense forest of Palma and giant Ficas tress, natural creeks and arroyos provided tournament attendee’s with the perfect setting on a world class course by the world’s greatest player.  Meanwhile, a troupe of shoppers visited Puerto Vallarta, taking in the unique scenery and diverse products offered by this historic ocean-side setting.

That evening, dealers delighted in the fusion of flavors offered by the four gourmet restaurants of this prestigious all-inclusive resort.

Club O dealers were pampered in a “Leading Spa of the World” which offered them a tranquil Zen refuge with lavish hydrotherapy facilities.  A menu of over 60 healing spa treatments provided a luxurious experience complimented with fresh flower petal mandalas floating in water, a special Transformation Ritual honoring their visit, refreshing Spa edibles and luxurious relaxation areas.

There’s nothing like a little competition to stir up an afternoon.

Ten teams cooked up something special at the Club O Iron Chef event. Held at the Garden Terrace overlooking the ocean, almost a hundred participants chopped, stirred and grilled their way to a final three course presentation judged by Grand Velas’ world class chef’s. Dessert was topped off with all of our attending dealers being fitted with Maui Jim sunglasses, compliments of LG Electronics.

Another day in paradise was following by a “Night of Romance” evening at the closing gala. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and delicious gourmet meal was capped off with a joyful recap of our time together; celebrating past accomplishments while looking towards our future. Thank you to all our valued rental dealers; O’Rourke Sales Company looks forward to serving you in 2012 and beyond.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (center) with members of the IRDA during their legislative day Wednesday.

The Illinois Rental Dealers team hit Springfield running Wednesday, meeting with 32 Illinois Senators and Representatives, including the Governor Pat Quinn and Senate President John Cullerton, during the annual IRDA Legislative Day.

Association members were able to educate and share the importance of the RTO Industry within the State of Illinois and it’s economic impact which includes over 240 stores, the employment of 1,428, $50,000,000 in annual wages and $7.6 million in annual payroll taxes and annual revenue of over $176 million.
 
It was a jam packed day as the legislature was in session and members were  extremely busy.

The nine member Rent One team led by President Trent Agin, National Rental Team led by National Owner Dan Cole, Past IRDA President Steve Braning, IRDA Secretary Dave Stephens and District Manager Stan Davis, along with Aaron’s/Action Development Team led by APRO Director/Action Owner Gopal Reddy and IRDA Past President Kevin Milliron hit the Capitol running.

The Rent One Team went one direction, and both the National Team and Action Team went another. Sometimes we were together, but most of the times we were separate, meeting with various Legislators.
 
The Senate and House were so busy, dealers had to pull legislators off both the Senate and House floor.
 
"We successfully met with Legislators from Cairo to Chicago," said IRDA President David Keen. "They definitely know about the IRDA and the RTO Industry and if needed, they are well educated on our Industry and can be called on, should the need arise.
 
Several Legislators stated they wanted to visit some of the dealers’ stores and it our hope to set up visits.

Senator James Clayborne (3rd from left) and members of the IRDA legislative team Wednesday.

Both Senator Clayborne and Governor Quinn are extremely interested in APRO’s new “Bet on a Vet” initiative and the Governor directed his aide to contact his Director of Veterans Affairs, Erica Borggren and arrange a meeting for her assistance and to also keep him updated and informed.

"It is my hope that the IRDA Leadership Team, along with APRO Director Bill Keese can meet with both her and the Governor in the near future," Keen said. "Overall, I am extremely proud that a large showing from our Illinois’ IRDA Team took the time away from their busy schedules to personally meet with our Legislators and share the importance of the RTO Industry within the State of Illinois."
 
 

We’re Changing More Than Just The Name!

Yes, the APRO Employee of the Year contest is now the SUPERSTAR CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD.

Recognizing outstanding community service has been our focus in past years and community service is still an important goal.  But the changing environment in all customer focused industries, including rent-to-own underscores the critical need to recognize and reward those individuals who consistently demonstrate over-the-top customer service. After all, this has always been the foundation of our industry and we are looking for the very best in the nation!

It’s easy to nominate a co-worker. You know who they are – superstars always stand out from the crowd.

How Do You Participate?

1.  Identify that SUPERSTAR in your store or in your company.

2.  Write a short (300 word) essay detailing one or more examples of superstar customer service exhibited by your SUPERSTAR.

3.  E-mail your essay to the APRO office no later than May 31, 2012.

4.  From the hundreds of entries submitted, we will select the top finalists.

5.  Then, we will notify each finalist and ask them to provide a short video of no more than 3 minutes in length. We need them by June 15, 2012.

NOW THE FUN BEGINS!

6.  The top SUPERSTAR videos will be posted on APRO’s YouTube channel the week of June 18, 2012.

7.  EVERYONE will be able to “vote” for their favorite SUPERSTAR with a “Like” on the YouTube channel.

8.  The top SUPERSTAR wins an all-expense paid trip to the 2012 APRO Convention in Memphis, Tennessee July 24- 26th PLUS recognition at B. B. King’s Club as the top SUPERSTAR with a special presentation!

E-MAIL ENTRIES TO:

APRO

C/O Richard May
rmay@rtohq.org
512.225.1051

Register for APRO 2012 Here!

For hotel reservations at the Memphis Marriott Downtown, click here, or call 800/266-9432 and mention APRO.

The Xbox 360 scored its 16th month in a row as the best-selling console in the United States.

With a 47 percent share of all current console sales, Microsoft sold 236,000 gaming units last month, according to the latest stats from NPD Group as reported by CNET.

Total consumer spending on the Xbox 360 (hardware, software, and accessories) hit $261 million, more than what was spent on Nintendo’s Wii and Sony’s PlayStation 3 combined.

The Xbox also grabbed seven of the top 10 game titles in April. Kinect Star Wars took the No. 1 spot, with The Witcher Two: Assassin of Kings Enhanced ED, Prototype 2, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13, Mass Effect 3, NBA 2K12, and Major League Baseball 2K12 also on the list.

But the rest of the video game industry remains down in the dumps.

Sales for video game hardware dropped by 32 percent from a year ago, while software sales nosedived by 42 percent. Only sales of hardware accessories showed any growth, inching up 1 percent from last April.

The industry has been on a downward spiral for a while. But some of the sluggish sales seen last month could actually be blamed on Easter.

"This year, Easter fell very early in April, which means most Easter-related purchases may have fallen into March this year, whereas last year, Easter fell late in April causing most sales to fall in that month," NPD analyst Anita Frazier said in a statement. "We usually find that Easter-related purchases generate an extra 10 percent in revenue in the month they occur, so some of the softness compared to last April could be attributed to the shift in Easter timing."
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The industry could also be in store for an uptick in sales this year as new products hit the stage, according to an analyst with Wedbush Securities.

"We expect a return to sales growth in 2012 due to new hardware introductions (PS Vita and Wii U) and many high-profile releases (likely including Take-Two’s Grand Theft Auto V)," analyst Michael Pachter said in report released earlier this week.

Pachter also believes a weak string of software titles will crimp sales until the launch of such new games as Activision Blizzard’s Diablo III, Take-Two’s Max Payne 3, and Ubisoft’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier.