FAQ

How do I propose something for Distroboto?
Mail one sample of what you would like to sell to Distroboto: Arcmtl, C.P. 55052, CSP Fairmount, Montréal, Québec, CANADA H2T 3E2.

What is the maximum size of items sold in Distroboto?
Items cannot be larger than 4″ x 3-3/8″ x 5/8″ ( 10cm x 8,5 cm x 1,5 cm ).

Do you have to be from Montreal or Quebec to participate in the project?
No, Distroboto has accepted works from all over the world.

How much does the artist receive from sales?
Items are provided by the artist on a consignment basis (payable once they are all sold), with the project retaining only $0.25 per item sold for $2.00 and $0.50 for items sold for $4.00 .

How many items does the artist have to provide?
This depends on the submission, but is generally never less than 30 units if the project is accepted.

Does the artist have to package the items in cigarette packs or boxes?
No, the Distroboto team takes care of all the packaging.

How long does it take for something to sell out from Distroboto?
It depends on the item’s popularity and on how much the creator promotes it. Normally it would take between one and four months to sell about 50 items, though some items sell out much faster.

How can I make a miniature book?
We suggest finding an inexpensive photocopy shop or printer (4 or 5 cents per copy), printing on legal size paper and fitting four or more books per page. It is also best to make your copies at a copy centre that has a cutting blade or cutting board that you can use. Some of them also have staplers and other useful equipment. Some printers may even be able to print, fold and staple your miniature books for a reasonable price.

Can I sell an item for more than $2 or $4?
No. All items without exception sell for either $2 or $4.

Do we get to choose what we get from Distroboto, or does the machine randomly dispense items?
The customer has to select which item he wants, by looking at the descriptive icons on the display and pressing the button that corresponds with their selection.

I put in 2 dollars and the 2 dollars came right back out.
This usually means that your selection is out of stock. Try purchasing a different selection.

What do I do with the packaging?
Please remove your item from its packaging and place the packaging, including the wrapper, into the recycling box that is on top of the machine. We try to re-use all of the packaging many times before it gets thrown out.

What if I don’t like the item I purchased?
Please try to contact the artist who made the item by sending them an email, telling them what you think. You can also email the artists with any other comment regarding their work.

What is a mini-CD or a mini-DVD?
A mini-CD or DVD is the same as a regular CD or DVD, but smaller. They play in nearly all DVD or CD players and most computers.

For more information, contact us by email, distroboto@arcmtl.org .