Token prices

[cherokee235]

I have been selling $1 tokens since 2001. I use IDX tokens just a bit larger than a quarter. I think it's 1". I have IDX X10 acceptors. Originally the high security token cost me .31 cents. The last batch was nearly .75 cents. It now cost me more if they lose it than it cost to run the equipment. Yea I know I make a quarter on the loss, but I'd make more if they drop it in the coin box and I get the coin back to recycle.

Considering the demise of arcades, I wonder if I need to pay for a high security coin. I've read where some of you guys are only paying .17 cents for your $1 value tokens.

What are the options out there?

David

 

[Randy]

David,
The token that is slightly larger than a Quarter would have to be a .984. Who are you buying these tokens from? I just looked at the 2010 IDX price book and didn’t see any tokens for .75. Is it a special token? Which token are you using? If you’ve been using the same token since 2001 I wouldn’t change now, you’ve got too many out in the field and believe me it is a nightmare to change tokens.

 

[Whale of a Wash]

Changing is a nightmare--Just going thru it.. I also didn't see them that expensive unless you got a hologram- and then it was .84$. If you have all IDX
acceptors though- adding another token is pretty easy to program in. I just bought 12K tokens from Vanbrook for .295 a piece. Your tokens are probably the best out there for security- I definitely thought about that when i bought the tokens, but figured the high security tokens would be enough, and the profit to be made from them would be alot higher. I would max out the credit card buying your tokens. I am not saying this would happen ,but i would rather get $500 a year in bad tokens than to pay that much for tokens, I am still having problems spending .30$ for a token, when i was used to the old days at .11$ for the traditional 85/15 carwash token.

 

[washnvac]

I have been using Van Brook for 10 years. I used a stock high security token. It is only 19.5 cents per on 10k plus order. The size is a .90; a bit smaller than a quarter. Why would you pay 75 cents for a token---that is crazy.

 

[mjc3333]

I have been using tokens for about 13 years. I started out with the 80/20 from the Roger Williams Mint back in 1997. The tokens were 10 cents each. I would vend them at $1.50 my startup price thinking the same about arcades; how many "other" tokens would I get 1 or 2 a week?

In the beginning it was great, I made $1.40 for all walk offs, and had no problem replenishing my stock over time. Everything was great.... or so I thought. Each passing month I was seeing more and more 70/30 and 85/15 tokens from other businesses. Most of all arcades, namely Chucky Cheese. I also started seeing tokens from parking lots, subway systems, some other car washes, even toy slot machines, etc. etc.

Once I took a long look at just how many I was getting, I got a sick feeling. Every week I would find between 30 to 40 "other" tokens. I lost between $20,000 and $30,000 worth of money over 10 years 1997 to 2007. I have buckets filled with "other" tokens.

That is when I took the plunge and switched to Van Brook's high security bi- metal tokens. They cost me 35 cents each and I now vend them at $1.00 each. Since the switch over 3 years ago, I now get 4 or 5 "other" tokens per year. Money well spent. Most, if not all electronic rejectors will accept this type of token. It was a real pain to switch, but in my opinion well worth it.

 

[Sequoia]

Tokens

I have been pretty well satisfied with Van Brook .984 nickle plated tokens. The nickle plating, for me, was key as the non-plated coins deteriorate rapidly and the nickle plated ones do not.

Just a note, I did not put my car wash name on the tokens.

My only difficulty with a .984 size is that NONE of my coin sorters perfectly sort the quarters and tokens. A quarter here or there always slips through, so I have to visually double-check the tokens before reloading the changer. I don't want to accidentally sell someone a quarter in exchange for their dollar.