This is a common question for anyone encountering a colorful claw machine at an arcade, carnival, or restaurant. The direct answer is: Yes, the prizes are inside the machine and are included in the cost of your play. You do not buy the prizes separately. When you insert coins or credits and operate the crane, you are attempting to win a prize that is already displayed in the cabinet.

The business model is based on you paying for the *chance* to win. The operator stocks the machine with a variety of items like plush toys, electronics, capsules with smaller toys, or other novelties. Your payment grants you control of the claw for an attempt to grab and retrieve one of these pre-loaded prizes. You are not purchasing a specific item; you are purchasing gameplay with the hope of securing a prize.

However, there's a related scenario. Some locations, especially family entertainment centers, might have "redemption" arcades. Here, you play various games (including crane machines) to win tickets or tokens. You then take these tickets to a separate counter or "redemption store" *within the venue* to exchange them for prizes from a larger selection. In this case, you are not winning the physical prize directly from the crane; you are earning currency to buy it separately later with your tickets.

To summarize clearly:

* Standard Toy Crane Machine: Prizes are inside. Pay per play to try to win them directly. No separate purchase.

* Ticket Redemption Crane Machine: You win tickets from the machine. You then use accumulated tickets to buy a prize from a separate prize counter.

Understanding this can enhance your arcade experience. The thrill comes from the skill and luck involved in capturing a prize that's already waiting for you inside the glass case.