In the pandemic, he figured out how vending machines work. He earns them today
The following text was based on a conversation with Mik Nay, a specialist in toy vending machines and a stuffed animal seller. The statements were shortened and edited for transparency.
It all started with lockdown and a machine bought on the internet. Over time, the fun turned into an occupation, which has already brought me over 40,000. hole. (approx. PLN 149 thousand).
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I pull stuffed animals from machines in game salons, and then put them on sale online, by Mercari, Ebay and Poshmarek. I sell three to five toys a day, on average $ 20. (approx. PLN 75) per item. I managed to sell the most exclusive and collectible stuffed animals for up to $ 200. (approx. PLN 746).
Mike Nay with her prey
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How did it start and where is the money?
When I was the first time I was interested in toys vending machines, I didn't think about making money. I was just looking for entertainment for the lockdown time. I bought the first “paw” on Alibaba for around $ 800. (approx. PLN 3,000). I filled it with stuffed animals, which I previously won in the showrooms, and started learning technology.
Many people think that these machines are set or that winning is a pure coincidence, but it's not true. The strategy counts here. I always analyze how the toy is set, what a weight distribution is, what a claw type is. Each machine has different settings, and the owners can adjust the strength of the handle and how often the machine really catches something.
Ney bought his first pandemic machine
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When the game showrooms opened again, I returned to playing. I won dozens of stuffed animals that began to occupy the entire space on the shelves. Then I realized that some of them have considerable value on the secondary market.
I put up a few to Mercari to the test and they sold in a few hours. When I noticed that the demand is regular (especially for Japanese limited editions), I began to treat it more seriously.
To this day I have sold over 3,000 stuffed animals. Usually winning them costs me from $ 3 to 7. (approx. PLN 11-26). When I sell them later for $ 15-25. (approx. PLN 56–93), the return on investment is specificespecially when I can get several stuffed animals during one visit.
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One session in the living room: $ 200 and two bags full of toys
I usually spend from $ 150 to $ 200 for one trip to a game showroom. (approx. PLN 560–750). I usually come back with two large bags stuffed with toys. If the machines “give away” well, I can sell such a loot for $ 300-500. (approx. PLN 1120-1870).
On a really good day I can spend $ 400-500. (around PLN 1490-1870), and profits reach up to $ 1000-1500. (approx. PLN 3730–5600).
Over time, I learned to recognize machines that quickly release prizes. Thanks to this, I do not lose money on poorly set stuffed animals or difficult to catch configurations.
I do not approach machines where you need to try thirty times to win something. I am looking for those where I can pull something in five attempts or less.
I act like any online seller: I do research
Before I go to the living room, I always check what is currently selling well. I browse the completed auctions, watch other sellers on Tiktoku and Redditta. I follow forums where fans share new products from showrooms.
Some stuffed animals, such as exclusive editions or limited cooperation with anime brands, have collector's status. I also watch what is happening in pop culture. If an anime has the premiere of the film, and the heroes appear in the machines, I throw myself at it right away, because I know that he will sell quickly.
I treat stocks as a full -fledged warehouse
At home I have a separate room, which I call “AR-CAVE” (short for Arcade Cave, or automatic cave). There are about 500 stuffed animals sorted by the category: Pokémon, anime, holidays, games, squishmallows and others.
I give up excess toys for charity, especially during the holiday season. If I win 10 stuffed animals one day and only six sell, I give the rest. In total, I have already donated over a thousand toys. This is good for both the community and the space in the room.
In the future I want to open my own salon
This business has grown much more than I expected. In addition to selling, I also run a thicket called Arcadefriends, and salons are increasingly recognized by me. This is not only a hobby, but an important part of my life and income.
In the long run I dream of my own living room with machines that I will set up so that you can really win something. And of course I will fill them with stuffed animals that people love.
And until it happens, I will continue to operate in my plush business. A toy toy.
The above text is a translation with American Business Insider edition
