In North America, Open Source solutions has not had the same level of adoption as elsewhere in the world ... largely because of our narrow mindset of if I do not pay for it, it cannot be any good.Many programs have come and gone, but QuickBooks seem to stay forever.That, of itself, does not make it a good piece of software, or a globally usable piece of software.  

If you run out of oil, the heater will suck up sludge from the bottom of the tank and gum up the system.

In our era of globalization and internet, these types of things can be done for cheaper than most of you would think.

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?

[AND] You are caught off guard by this...There are owners in here who would not be at all caught off guard by this--because they understand their renters.Now you want to "Go Toe to Toe" with these people you seem to have very little understanding of as a front line Manager.That's all I have to say.Maybe other's can get more in to the meat and bones of the problems--I'm just addressing it globally. 

So what am I gumming my mouth about here?

I was looking for cashflow in the global financial crisis.

If they are, the slightest hiccup (like say a global pandemic) can ruin your finances. 

That's little consolation, though...As I read the first few posts, all I could think was, "this is MF Global.

Outside of some global meltdown...are you doubting the retail demand?