Choose Topi Express if you want the lower entry price and a site where riders already stop, and AI Printbox if you have a busy shopping location. Topi Express starts from S$1,800 and AI Printbox from S$5,000 (refurbished, warranty terms apply). AIVS does not publish earnings, so the location matters as much as the machine.
How do AI Printbox and Topi Express compare?
| AI Printbox | Topi Express | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Prints a customer's photo or a chosen design onto a phone case | Disinfects, deodorises and sterilises a motorcycle helmet |
| Machine price | From S$5,000 (refurbished) | From S$1,800 (refurbished) |
| Hardware warranty | 1 year (terms apply) | 6 months (terms apply) |
| Customer pays | S$15 a case | S$5 a clean |
| Time per customer | About 3 minutes | About 5 minutes |
| Payment | Cashless | QR code, no card terminal |
| Power | Ask AIVS | Standard 3-pin plug |
| Live in Singapore | 13 locations | 6 locations |
These are the figures AIVS publishes on its AI Printbox, Topi Express and prices pages. Ask AIVS on WhatsApp for the current price and what it includes.
Which machine suits a smaller budget?
Topi Express has the lower entry price, from S$1,800 against S$5,000 for AI Printbox. If your budget is under S$5,000, AIVS points to Topi Express. Keep money aside for the location's rent and electricity, the first stock and the optional support plan, which starts from S$99 a month for AI Printbox (ask for the Topi Express figure).
Which machine suits which location?
Match the machine to who walks past and how long they have. AIVS says AI Printbox does well at mall entrances, atriums, MRT linkways and the airport arrival hall, where people have a few minutes to spare. Topi Express belongs where riders stop: motorcycle workshops and accessory shops, petrol kiosks, detailing centres and even a laundromat.
- Do you already have a spot in a busy mall or linkway? Look at AI Printbox.
- Do you run or know a motorcycle shop, workshop or kiosk? Look at Topi Express.
- Neither? Read the best locations for a vending machine in Singapore first.
What do both machines have in common?
- You own the machine, keep the sales and pay 0% royalties. There is no franchise fee.
- Training is included, so you do not need vending experience.
- You choose and secure the location. AIVS can help with site sourcing.
- Stock comes from AIVS at cost price: phone cases for AI Printbox, disinfectant for Topi Express.
- An owner dashboard shows revenue, device status and inventory on your phone.
- You can run the AIVS brand or re-wrap the machine with your own branding at your own cost.
What should you ask AIVS before you decide?
- What real usage numbers do comparable sites show? AIVS does not publish earnings figures.
- Would my site suit AI Printbox, Topi Express or neither?
- What is the current price, is GST included, and what does it cover?
- What do the warranty terms say, and what does the support plan cover?
- Who restocks the machine, and how often will I need to visit?
For the wider checklist, read the risks of a vending machine business and how to start a vending machine business in Singapore. To see how ownership works, visit own a vending machine.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, AI Printbox or Topi Express?
Topi Express. A refurbished Topi Express starts from S$1,800 and a refurbished AI Printbox from S$5,000. Budget for rent, electricity, first stock and the optional support plan on top.
Can I run both machines?
AIVS sells both and you choose your own locations, so owning more than one is a question for AIVS. WhatsApp 8335 4865 and describe the sites you have in mind.
Does AIVS say which machine earns more?
No. AIVS does not publish earnings figures for either machine. Ask AIVS for real usage numbers from comparable sites before you buy.
Do both machines need staff?
No. Both are self-service and cashless. Someone still has to restock the machine and check it, but nobody needs to stand beside it.