Point-of-sale tape measure dispenser

The invention provides a method of selling tape measures. The tape measures are contained within a point-of-sale vending device (i.e., a vending machine), and are dispensed individually when purchased by a user. Several varieties of tape measure may be included within the vending device. The vending device may allow the user to purchase tape measures using cash, credit cards, debit cards, store credit cards and automated clearing house transactions. Additionally, the vending device may be networked to a central inventory control computer to assist a retail store with inventory control and revenue tracking. Within the vending device, the tape measures may be unpackaged, resulting in a cost savings for the manufacturer. Because the tape measures are dispensed only when purchased and are inaccessible until then, theft of tape measures may be reduced or eliminated.