Vending Machines

[Edward28]

So the other day I was browsing e-bay (what's new) and saw an ad for Japanese capsule toy vending machines:

cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=746294097


...and it got me thinking (dangerous).

Is it possible to sell these toys and make a descent profit? Does anyone here have experience in the field of vending?

I spoke with the seller and he said:

'The cost of the toy is $69.00 for 200 pcs (must purchase 4 box/1box is $79.00) and you vend $1.00 per toy. The Japanese capsuled toy usually update every month and you don't need any liscense.'

[shaxper]

It all depends. My dad owns a supermarket and has some vending machines outside. Really, you have to take two things into consideration:

1. Where will you put it? You have to put it somewhere where kids are going to be likely to beg their parents for a toy and the parents will give in. It works well at supermarkets cuz it keeps the kid distracted during long, tedious shops.

2. How are you going to protect it? You can't put it outside unless it's highly tamper resistant. People WILL try to break in. If it's fragile or easy to get into, it needs to be kept indoors in a place where someone can see it.

If you work those two things out, it can be profitable. Also keep in mind though what you'e going to pay for shipping when you order new toys. The way most vending companies do it is they own the machines and they come by and restock them but give you a percentage on what's sold. You just provide the place for them to put it.

[admin1 aka Ed]

Thanks for the info Shaxper.

Now should I assume that I could walk into about any store and cut a deal with the manager? You are saying that store managers get a cut, hence they allow the machines, right?

I just want to sell mini-robos for a living...... Revenge of the Rubber Baby Bubba Bots. ;D

-e

[shaxper]

heheheh.


Guess it would depend upon the store manager. They'd probably feel a lot more comfortable dealing with a big company, but you could always give it a try.