Sticker vending machines, also known as tattoo vending machines, fall under the bulk vending machine category. A bulk vending machine business is a lot easier to start and maintain than snacks and drinks vending machines, which have become the face of the vending industry given their ubiquity. In this post, I will take you through the world of temporary tattoos that you see sticking from a metal construction and sticker machines and whether or not they are profitable.

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What Is A Sticker Vending Machine?

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A sticker vending machine, often called a tattoo vending machine, dispenses individual stickers or full sticker packs. These machines come in various designs, including tabletop dispensers or turn-style machines mounted on a stand. Adding a sticker vending machine to your business can bring a touch of flair and fun, as well as allow for a wider range of customization for the types of stickers being dispensed. 

Stickers are personable products that appeal to both kids and adults, often serving as collectible items for many customers.

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Are Sticker Vending Machines Profitable?

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Sticker vending machines, also known as tattoo vending machines, often have higher profit margins than traditional snack and drink machines. However, these machines typically move fewer units per month compared to snack or drink vending machines, so you will need significantly more locations to earn a livable income from a tattoo vending machine. Be sure to check our profit calculator for detailed insights.

Here are some reasons why the profit margins for tattoo vending machines are higher:

• Easy to Transport Products: Temporary tattoos and stickers take up very little space, making transportation from the store, home, or warehouse to the machine simple and cost-effective. Additionally, moving the machines themselves is easier compared to heavier snack or soda vending machines.
• Minimal Maintenance Costs: Sticker vending machines have few moving parts and typically lack electrical components, which results in easier and cheaper maintenance.
• Low Cost of Goods Sold: Vendors can source stickers in bulk at a low cost and sell them at a high markup per piece. For example, a pack of 300 stickers might cost $9.99, which breaks down to about $0.03 per sticker. You can sell each sticker in a vending machine for as much as $1, resulting in a $0.97 profit per sticker—a gross profit margin of 97%. Temporary tattoo vending machines and other bulk vending machines, like gumball machines, can achieve similar profit margins.

Sticker vending machines can be a highly profitable venture if placed in the right locations and managed effectively.

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What Is The Best Sticker Vending Machine To Buy?

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When it comes to sticker dispensing, several types of vending machines can be used in various locations. The most popular style is the column sticker and tattoo machine, which is compact enough to fit in spaces like office areas, waiting rooms, and laundromats while accommodating a large amount of product.

The Titan 3-Column Sticker & Tattoo Machine is an excellent choice for those looking to add a new machine to their location. It's designed to handle high volumes and fits seamlessly into different environments, making it a versatile and efficient option for vending operators.

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Titan 3 Column Bulk Sticker Vending Machine

The Titan 3 Column Bulk Sticker / Tattoo Vending Machine is a specialty commercial machine designed for easy operation and maintenance, vending stickers or temporary tattoos from three columns. Each column holds up to 300 flat vending cardboard folders, totaling 900 products. Featuring a streamlined look, all-steel construction, and a secure locking system, it also includes an ESD vertical coin mechanism adjustable for 1 to 5 coins and pull-out cash boxes secured by individual locks and keys.

$469.97 →

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How Do You Load a Tattoo Machine?

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A tattoo vending machine includes a key, the actual machine cabin head, a coin tray, and dispensers (three in number for a three-column sticker vending machine). To load the tattoo machine, open the cabin with the provided key. Once the key is in the unlock position, pull the front panel out to reveal the interior components/mechanisms. 

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Tattoo vending machine features columns in which you are supposed to put the sticker tattoo. When loading the stickers, ensure the hinged sides of the cards/stickers are facing the front of the machine so that they can be ejected easily. Otherwise, they may get stuck. Sticker vending machines come with a gravity pin for every column to lock the mechanism when a column runs out of stickers so customers don’t put any more coins in the said column. Put the gravity pin on top of the stickers.

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See the video below for reference:

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How Many Stickers Does a Tattoo Machine Hold?

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Each column in a tattoo machine can typically carry 300 stickers. In a three-column tattoo machine, you will have a capacity of 900 stickers (300 X 3). You can buy stickers in packs of 300 (or more) for efficiency and to reduce the cost per unit of sticker sold.