Kids Light Up With a Toy Vending Machine
Posted: Saturday, June 20, 2009
by Mark Sierra
Many different vending machines have been providing different types of items to customers for decades. But it cannot be argued that the kind most appealing to children is the toy vending machine. The most common versions include the kind that sell small toys in plastic capsules. There is a large selection of attractive options available to vendors when it comes to this type of machine. After all, selling to kids, though a competitive market, has always been profitable when the right toy is sold. But what are the choices that are available to vendors today?
You can choose from a regular version which sells 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 products 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 level of difficulty is greater, too.
A novelty toy vending machine requires a larger startup costs, but will no doubt pay for itself in the long run with the sales it will generate. The best places to buy these machines online are gumball.com, brandvendingproducts.com, and Novelties-a-GoGo.com. In addition to these sites having new and used machines for sale, they also sell the toys, capsules, and other items that can go along with them.
Naturally, a reason why small novelty toy vending has been so successful is due to 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 machine commonly seen at family entertainment establishments and arcades. Because the prize is worth more, the challenge is little harder. The owner is at risk of investing in more expensive toys, but the customer 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 offered by the novelty machines usually include small toy trucks, costume jewelry, candy, plush toys, and any number of other similar objects. To increase profits, vendors sometimes gather the prizes being offered according to the establishment or its locale. There are many companies that provide toys for vending machines and you can find a good many of them listed on vendingconnections.com.
The cost of a bottom-of-the-line novelty machine starts around $100, but can work its way up to $500. The next step up from that -- a moderate level -- will run approximately $500 to $2,000. Many manufacturers and suppliers offer financing options while others will require an upfront payment. It is also suggested to check the terms and conditions of the warranty when you purchase a novelty unit.
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.
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