Project Outline

Project Overview:

Cotton Candy Vending Machine Business

Project Name:

Champlain Student Business Association

Opportunity or Problem:

There is a gap in the market for fun, impulse-buy items that appeal to both children and adults. A cotton candy vending machine presents an opportunity to introduce a novel, low-cost, high-margin product that can generate consistent sales.

Customer Pains and Gains:

● Pains: Current food options in the Cinemas are relatively expensive and lack novelty,

especially for families and younger customers who seek fun, memorable experiences.

● Gains: The cotton candy vending machine will offer an affordable, nostalgic treat that

can be purchased quickly, providing an instant gratification factor. Customers will also

enjoy the experience of watching their cotton candy being made, adding a visual and

interactive element to the purchase.

Value to the Organization:

● Introducing a low-overhead, high-revenue business model to benefit Stiller Students

● Engaging students in real-world business operations, providing them with

entrepreneurial and management experience.

● Establishing a unique brand presence in the Essex Cinemas, attracting both impulse buyers and

repeat customers.

Key Questions Driving Research:

● What are the most popular locations for snack?

● What are the peak traffic times, and how can we optimize machine placement to

maximize sales?

● What types of cotton candy flavors and customization options will generate the most

customer interest?

● What are the best practices for maintaining and servicing vending machines in a Cinema

setting?

Drivers of Change:

● The demand for quick, affordable snacks in busy environments.

● Increased interest in experiential shopping and novelty items.

● A shift towards automation in retail spaces, reducing the need for human staffing.

● Providing students with practical business experience, making this model adaptable to

future expansion or replication in other locations.

Scale and Scope:

● Initial Scope: Launching a single cotton candy vending machine in a high-traffic area in Essex, managed by a team of students responsible for operations, marketing, and

maintenance.

● Long-Term Scale: If successful, the business could expand to other high traffic

locations such as parks, theaters, and event venues. Additional product lines or flavors

could be introduced based on customer demand and feedback.

Conclusion: This is a unique opportunity to fill a gap in the market for fun, affordable snacks

while providing valuable entrepreneurial experience to students. By tapping into the growing trend of experiential retail and the need for quick, impulse-buy options, this business model has the potential to generate significant returns with minimal overhead.