Can A Toy Vending Machine Still Be Profitable During These Trying Times?
Many different vending machines have been supplying different types of items to consumers for decades. But few would argue that the kind that most appeals to children is the toy vending machine. Very common types include the type that sell small toys in plastic capsules. There is a wide selection of attractive options available to vendors when it comes to this type of machine. After all, selling to kids, while a competitive market, has always been profitable when the right toy is sold. But what are the choices that are available to vendors today?
Toy vending machine design plays an important role in generating sales. Bright colors and shiny parts always make for a winning combination, but the market is becoming so saturated with these, especially when they are positioned alongside other competing machines in places designed for children (e.g., miniature golf course parks, pizza establishments with many entertaining distractions). Vending experts are always looking for ways to vye for a kid's attention and they are doing it in creative ways.
You can choose from a regular version which dispenses small toys in capsules or choose a vending machine that utilizes a crane to be manipulated by the user to capture a toy of their choice. The types of items associated with regular machines are one- to two-inch capsules with fake insects, costume jewelry, glow-in-the-dark plastic trinkets, etc. You can also select a novelty machine which will involve a video game, DVDs, and other higher priced items, but with these, not only is the cost higher, but the challenge is greater, too.
A novelty toy vending machine requires a larger startup costs, but the return on investment will be strong with the sales it will generate. The best places to buy these machines online are gumball.com, brandvendingproducts.com, and Novelties-a-GoGo.com. These sites not only have used and new machines, but they also sell the toys, capsules, and other items that are associated with them.
Naturally, a reason why small novelty toy vending has been so successful is because of the relatively low cost associated with it, at least for the smaller variety. There are larger, more challenging machines that require the customer to perform some sort of act to win a prize, and usually means the prize being dispensed has greater value. For instance, using a joystick to control a crane in an enclosed plexiglas box to pick up a toy is a popular machine at family entertainment establishments and arcades. Because the prize is worth more, the challenge is little harder. The owner is at risk of buying more expensive toys, but the consumer also puts up more money for the chance to win the prize. Some machines even feature light and sound displays that increase the chances of attracting a consumer who would normally just walk by.
The prizes that are dispensed by the novelty machines usually include small toy trucks, costume jewelry, candy, plush toys, and any number of other like objects. To increase profits, vendors sometimes coordinate the prizes being offered with the theme of the establishment or its locale. There are many companies that provide toys for vending machines and you can find a number of them listed on vendingconnections.com.
The price of a novelty machine on the low end of the spectrum starts around $100, but can go up to $500. The next range up from that -- a moderate level -- will cost approximately $500 to $2,000. Many manufacturers and suppliers offer financing options while others will require an upfront investment. It is also recommended to check the terms and conditions of the warranty when you buy a novelty machine.
About the author:
It is important to stay current with the ever changing trends in the vending business to stay profitable. Right now, a DVD vending machine is where it's at. Mark Sierra invites you to visit Vending Equipment Online to find out more.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Sales Articles Via RSS!
