Where to put a cotton candy vending machine?

Location is the most important aspect of a cotton candy vending machine. The most sophisticated and noticed machine can be very poor in a low volume of traffic, if the traffic volume is wrong for the audience. The key is finding places where families and kids frequent, and time to focus their attention and make spontaneous purchases of a sweet treat. These are the best pay-off areas to put your machine.

Shopping Malls

Shopping malls are ideal for a cotton candy stand because the high traffic and natural appeal of your main audience (family, children, teens) are ideal. Long dwell times and consistent traffic means good opportunities for impulse purchases.

Locate machines in family areas like food courts, children's play areas/cinemas close to entry points. One case study is the cotton candy dispenser in a malls in Kuala Lumpur, which recorded the average monthly income of $3,000, and the ROI was achieved within 2.5 months. It's very visually appealing, and impulse buyers will find it easy to sell, thanks to its visibility.

As you approach malls, approach the leasing department and be ready to discuss either a share of the revenue or short-term leasing. The look and flow of people is an issue at malls, and if the machines in question are consistent with the decor, and appealing to the family, they will be more likely to be approved.

Amusement Parks and Family Entertainment Centers

The first and most obvious and profitable location for a cotton candy stand is at an Amusement park. These places are enjoyable and for pleasure, the visitor – particularly a family with children – will expect some treats, and has already got a good appetite. This is a great time to sell cotton candy, as the celebration and longer waiting time in line and off the rides allows more time in this festive environment.

Locate machines at the end of the rides, kiddie play zones or at the park entrance where the families are likely to be. A machine placed at the main entrance had sales that were 35% greater than a machine placed at the door of a soft play area where sales exceeded $3500 per month. The important element is the placement at which parents are waiting, and the children are already excited.

Movie Theaters

Another great place to sell cotton candy at the movie theater is the concession stands. Movie-goers, especially families going out at midnight and teens on dates out on the weekend, are hungry and are more likely to show up at the movies early, queuing in the lobby before the film begins. Cotton candy is a lightweight snack and is easy to take with you to watch the movie.

Locate your machine in the vicinity of ticket booths or concession stand regions where potential customers are already in a buying mood. A machine between two entrance doors that displays a glowing "Fresh Cotton Candy – Made in 30 Seconds!" sign collected $2,400 a month in a Texas movie theater and beat out the popcorn booths for three months in a row. It is an appealing and fast manufacturing enhancement to the theatre's current food deals, and is also effective.

Zoos, Aquariums, and Tourist Attractions

Families go to zoos and aquariums and other tourist attractions for hours to view animals and they may look for quick grab-and-go foods for their kids. These places are surely a good choice to add cotton candy to their selection of low-mess treats that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Use machines in areas where there is likely to be a child's exhibit, play area, or exit gate. A case study of an oceanarium in the Philippines showed that the machines generated $2,000-$2,300 in monthly revenue and the wrap and sound effects enhanced the visitors' experience. When tourists are on vacation, they will tend to eat and drink what they would never order at home.

Festivals, Fairs, and Events

Events such as festivals, fairs and carnivals can produce very high daily sales as there is a large amount of people present and the carnival spirit. These are not forever, but the opportunity for revenue is worth a try.

An exciting and entertaining machine can be the snack, and the show, at tourist attractions such as night markets where people are buying. After the local social media celebrity went viral, sales went up by 2x and the results of a case study at Shilin Night Market in Taipei is over $4,800 per month using their single machine. When using a temporary placement ensure that you have a waterproof machine if outdoors, that it is portable and has cashless payment systems to maximize your conversions.

SUNZEE's automated cotton candy vending machines are designed for the heavily trafficked areas. SUNZEE vending machine is designed to withstand the rigors of operation without requiring any labor, both day and night. Contact us and discover how smart vending solutions can help you take these hot spots.