Why an open configuration is better than a dome Most people think a dome is a good idea because it would prevent kids from grabbing the coins, it keeps trash out of the funnel, and it provides a "slot" for paper money. But these perceived benefits don't stand up under actual use. Our first models had an "open" configuration with no dome. Then we added a dome for the Two-Footer in 1990 (pictured here), planning on doing the same for the Three-Footer the following year. Although the cost of the molds was expensive, we had high hopes that it would improve the usage elements of our Wells. But five problems became quickly evident. First, children could no longer interact with the coins. They couldn't try to grab them and roll them again. When they are able to do that, they often knock the coins over and then drop in new coins which increases the income. Also, they couldn't attempt to throw the coins in without using the ramps, something we encourage on our " Test Your Skill " stickers. So the income dropped when we added the dome. |
 |
Secondly, the domes look great when they are new, but clear plastic gets scratched and dirty easily. Kids lean on them, scratch them with their belt buckles, and get their dirty hands and finger prints all over them. In no time at all, they looked horrible, and were a nuisance for the stores or the charity person assigned the task of cleaning them, something that should be very simple. Some did more damage while trying to clean them because they used caustic cleaning agents and a scratchy cloth. Even though we used PETG, a very durable plastic, it would dull and start to diminish the clear view of the funnel in a month or two. A harder plastic, such as acrylic, doesn't scratch as easily but it is more brittle and breaks more easily. Lexan is more durable but softer. It is "bullet proof" but it scratches easily. |
|
Thirdly, and related to the previous point, clear material is always less durable than opaque material. Since "kids will be kids" there is always a certain amount of damage they can do to any vending machine or public device. A clear dome or cover would become a vulnerable part, and very expensive to replace and ship at dimensional rates. Our goal is to provide a device to you that does not break so you can generate trouble-free income for many years.
Fourthly, any dome configuration requires a slot of some kind for the coins to enter into the funnel. Based on our experience and that of our customers who have added covers, children jam coin slots with paper, pencils, gum, or other trash which essentially closes down the Well. How often does this happen? Unfortunately, quite often. And that stops the flow of money into the Well.
Fifth, since coins are always dirty, and sometimes kids spill things (drinks, ice cream, candy...) that get into and through the coin slots, the surface of the funnel needs to be cleaned regularly. That is simple with an open-configuration using Windex and a paper towel, but challenging with a dome which has to be un-bolted. t is something that most service people (often volunteer ladies in the stores) can not do easily.
Any one of those five problems is enough to expose the fact that a dome is not as good an idea as it first seems. All five reasons together made it an easy decision for us to discontinue the dome and go back to the open configuration that has continued to this day.
While most people initially think a dome is a good idea (we did too), experience proves that it is not.
What about the benefit of a paper money slot? If there is one significant benefit of a dome or cover, it is that you can put a paper money slot in the middle and that will entice people to drop in bills. But this "enticement" can be accomplished with the open funnel by following our simple suggestion to tape a dollar or a color copy of one inside the sign frame with the words, "Thank you for dollars too!" such as the one shown here. Of course, we also encourage the enticement on our generic signs that offers a $5 discount on the toy wishing well if people drop a dollar into the Well. |
 |
Click here to go back to the pictures of our older models.
Order Form
How Many Per Store?
Rental Options
Prices
Assembly
What Is Included?
Colors
Promotions and Contests, Churches and Schools
Dimensions, Weights, Materials, Security
Parts
Shared-Revenue plan with stores that already have a preferred charity