Perfume Vending Machine Business: The Next Big Thing?

Summary

In this episode, the hosts discuss intriguing business ideas related to vending machines. They explore two unique concepts: a perfume vending machine that dispenses cologne sprays for $1, and an unusual urinal leaderboard that ranks customers based on the strength and volume of their urine. The perfume machine, popular in Europe and the Middle East, has potential in the U.S., with high margins and opportunities for ad revenue. The hosts debate cultural differences in fragrance usage but agree there’s a market for these innovations in certain locations. The episode provides an engaging dive into the vending machine industry.

Takeaways

• 💼 The vending machine business can be profitable with high margins, such as perfume vending machines.
• 💰 Perfume vending machines cost around $2,000-$2,500 and can be mounted on a pedestal or wall.
• 💳 Customers swipe their card and pay $1 to receive a spray of cologne or perfume, which yields 90%+ margins.
• 📊 Each bottle can deliver up to 300 sprays, making the machines highly profitable with minimal product usage.
• 🌍 These perfume vending machines are currently popular in Europe, Dubai, and the Middle East, but not widely available in the US.
• 🔗 The machines can also include QR codes under each bottle, linking to an affiliate program where the owner earns money from perfume sales.
• 👃 The hosts discuss the cultural differences in deodorant use, highlighting that in certain regions, like the Middle East, there might be a higher demand for such machines.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Perfume vending machines could work in gyms, malls, or movie theaters in the US, where people may want a quick freshen-up.
• 🧮 The US leads in perfume and cologne sales, generating $8.7 billion in 2023, followed by Brazil and France.
• 🌟 The idea is discussed as a low-barrier, approachable business for entrepreneurs interested in the vending machine space.

Q & A

What is the main product idea discussed in the transcript?

The main product idea discussed is a perfume vending machine that dispenses one spray of cologne or perfume for a dollar. The machine has a credit card reader and buttons underneath each perfume bottle, with a glass display showcasing the bottles.

How much does the perfume vending machine cost to purchase?

The perfume vending machine costs around $2,000 to $2,500.

What are the profit margins for the perfume vending machine?

The perfume vending machine has a profit margin of over 90%, as each bottle can provide around 300 sprays.

In which regions are these perfume vending machines currently available?

These perfume vending machines are currently available in Europe, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East, but not yet in the United States.

What additional feature does the perfume vending machine offer besides perfume dispensing?

The perfume vending machine can also display ads and offer QR codes underneath each bottle, allowing customers to purchase the perfume through affiliate links.

Why does the speaker believe the machine could work in the U.S. despite cultural differences?

The speaker believes that the machine could work in the U.S. if placed in the right locations, such as gyms, malls, or movie theaters, where people might want a quick spray of cologne after a workout or while waiting in line.

What is a potential cultural challenge to the perfume vending machine's success in the U.S.?

A potential cultural challenge is that Americans typically wear deodorant and may not feel the need for perfume or cologne as frequently as people in other regions, such as the Middle East or parts of Europe.

What are some ideal locations suggested for placing the perfume vending machine?

Ideal locations for the perfume vending machine include gyms, busy malls, and movie theaters.

What did the speaker find surprising about perfume sales in the U.S.?

The speaker was surprised to learn that the U.S. is a major market for perfumes and colognes, with fragrance sales reaching $8.7 billion in 2023.

What is a unique vending concept discussed earlier in the transcript?

A unique vending concept discussed earlier is a urinal device that measures the strength and volume of a person's pee and ranks them against others, while also displaying ads.