Shop Vending Machine Toys for Tiny Prizes, Big Smiles, and Huge Profits!
A toy vending machine is a powerful way to generate passive income. Whether placed in malls, arcades, grocery stores, or anywhere kids (or nostalgic adults) hang out, they turn spare change into steady profits.
They’re a great alternative to the traditional candy machine or gumball machine when you want to offer a sugar-free product that you don’t have to worry about going stale.
But aside from the location you install your machine in, the toy capsules you offer customers are the biggest factor that makes or breaks your success. The right vending machine toys can hook users in and keep them coming back for more.
That’s where we come in. Gumball.com is the ultimate destination for all your vending essentials, from the machines themselves to the toys you fill them with. We carry:
- 1-inch, 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch toy capsules in acorn, round, and egg shapes.
- Licensed characters, trending fidgets, and classic vending prizes.
- Bulk deals and wholesale pricing to maximize profits.
- Guaranteed quality and safety compliance on all products.
Whether you’re looking for pre-filled capsules or empty shells to customize your own selection, we’re here to help. Shop now or get in touch for one-on-one support!
What Types of Toy Capsules Should I Put in My Vending Machine?
We mean it when we say this is the best selection of toy capsules available online. No matter the type of machine you have, your customer base, or your budget, we’ve got something for you:
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1-inch toy capsules: The most common size, fits standard gumball machines with minor adjustments.
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2-inch toy capsules: Bigger prizes attract more attention and allow for more variety.
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3-inch and 4-inch toy capsules: Used in crane machines or high-end vending machines for plush toys and novelty items.
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Acorn capsules: The classic vending capsule with a clear plastic bowl and flat lid.
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Round and egg capsules: Unique shapes that work in specific machines and make vending more exciting.
Tomy Gacha machines need Tomy Gacha-specific capsules, as not all vending capsules will work interchangeably. Meanwhile, empty toy capsules give you complete creative freedom to stock your machine with custom prizes, whether that’s small electronics, branded merchandise, or niche items that fit your business.
From claw machine toys to bulk vending machine toys, bulk plush toys, and more - we’ve got it all. Don’t play the guessing game about what vending machine toys work best. Let our expert customer service team with more than 30 years of experience guide you through the process!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Toy Vending Machines Called?
Just toy vending machines most of the time - there’s no secret fancy name you need to know. We’ve seen them referred to as capsule vending machines or bulk vending machines as well.
What is the History of Toy Capsules?
These can be traced back to Japan in the 1960s with Gashapon (Gacha) machines, which became wildly popular for dispensing collectible mini figures. The concept spread globally, and by the 1980s, toy capsule vending was a staple in arcades and retail stores worldwide.
What is the Smallest Toy Capsule?
The smallest standard toy capsule is 1 inch (25mm). This fits most gumball machines with a minor adjustment. Larger vending machines typically use 2-inch capsules, while specialty setups like crane machines use 3-inch or 4-inch capsules.
Are Toy Vending Machines Profitable?
Yes! A single well-placed toy vending machine can generate $50 to $300 per month, depending on location and pricing. Capsules cost $0.10 to $0.50 each, while the average vend price is $0.50 to $1.00, so you’ll enjoy profit margins of 300% or more.
How Do I Set Prices On Vending Machine Toys?
The pricing on the coin mechanism is typically fixed at 1-4 quarters, so you'll need to match the cost of the toys with the type of coin mechanism you have. The most common pricing for toys is 50 cents. Toy capsules are typically sold in bulk in quantities of 250 per bag. If your machine accepts two-quarters (50 cents), then you'll generate $125 in revenue by selling just one case of capsules (250 X .50 = $125.00). Most vending operators prefer to make a 40%-60% profit on sales.
In this example, you'd want to make sure that your cost of product does not exceed $50-$75. Premium products are often sold at higher price points. For 75 cent mechs, the product cost range is $75-$113 and for one-dollar mechs, the cost range is $100-$150. If your machine is preset at 50 cents but you want to vend premium toys in your location, then you'll need to swap out the coin mechanism on your machine with one that accepts 3 or 4 quarters.
How to Start a Toy Vending Machine Business?
The low startup costs and ease of entry make this one of the best ways to strat generating passive income. Here are some tips to get started:
- Choose high-traffic locations (malls, grocery stores, arcades).
- Select the right machine (single-head, double-head, or multi-unit).
- Stock it with trending, high-quality toy capsules.
- Set your price per vend (typically $0.50 to $1.00).
- Maintain and restock regularly to keep profits flowing.
How Long Does it Take for a Vending Machine to Pay For Itself?
Most vending machines pay for themselves in 3-6 months, but again, it depends on foot traffic and pricing. Keep your eyes on the long-term prize. These machines generate passive income for decades after that initial return!
How Do I Advertise The Toys In My Bulk Machine?
We include an eye-catching display card with almost every case of toy capsules that we sell so customers know what’s in the capsules. They’re designed to fit in the front window of most machines. Tomy Gacha displays are a different size and are made specifically for the Tomy Gacha machines.
How To Find Locations For My Toy Vending Machine?
Bowling alleys, candy stores, car washes, malls, comic book stores, arcades, pizza parlors, skating rinks, laser tag facilities, and convenience stores all work great. The more traffic that your machines receive, the more revenue you generate.
You can also tailor the types of prizes your machine dispenses according to your particular location. For instance, vend animal toys or capsules that have small pet accessories at a pet store. Get creative with your machine and where it’s placed for best results.
