New arcade game business

knorythm

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Hi guys, I am new to the forum, I just wanted to get some input from guys in the business. A partner and I have purchased some older games, very cheap, some working, some not. We are contemplating what to do with the games as far as making some money on them. I am fairly good with electronics and already have switched a few monitors around and checked a few boards to get them up and working. I know the arcade scene isn't what it used to be, but we have went to a couple auctions and it still seems to be a pretty busy business. We are not looking to get rich or retire off money we make, just turn a little profit. What are the best ways in your experience that you've made money in todays economy from arcade games? Routes? Buy, fix n sell at auction? eBay? Parties? Rentals? We have some space that we could fix up games and make a retro arcade of sorts, would that work? Websites?

Thanks for any input, someone here might read this and find it useful besides myself. Thanks again and good luck to you all!

Jeff
 
Hi guys, I am new to the forum, I just wanted to get some input from guys in the business. A partner and I have purchased some older games, very cheap, some working, some not. We are contemplating what to do with the games as far as making some money on them. I am fairly good with electronics and already have switched a few monitors around and checked a few boards to get them up and working. I know the arcade scene isn't what it used to be, but we have went to a couple auctions and it still seems to be a pretty busy business. We are not looking to get rich or retire off money we make, just turn a little profit. What are the best ways in your experience that you've made money in todays economy from arcade games? Routes? Buy, fix n sell at auction? eBay? Parties? Rentals? We have some space that we could fix up games and make a retro arcade of sorts, would that work? Websites?

Thanks for any input, someone here might read this and find it useful besides myself. Thanks again and good luck to you all!

Jeff

Sell them now and find something else to do.
 
The very first thing you'll want to do (if you haven't already) is research your state laws regarding amusement devices. If you plan to put them in a public place for money, you'll probably need a license to do so.

Once you figure out how much it may cost for you to do so legally, that may determine how much you really want to go forward with your plans. Good luck!
 
If you're looking to make money, your best bet is to pick up some beaters for cheap and restore them to sell. The overhead costs associated with running an arcade business are just too high and profit margains are just too low. Unless you can get a location with a very high volume of traffic at a very low cost, it's going to be a losing proposition.
 
For the most part, arcade games are now a thing you have to love with your heart and not with your head.

There does seem to be a small resurgence of 80's style arcades like Richie Knucklez and the new one in Burlington, but there are also many that don't make it. Challenge Arcade is an 80's arcade located in a mall (!) near Reading PA. Its been going for a few years, but is now closing up.

If you love the games, fix them play them, sell and trade them. If you're looking for a business, there is probably lots of stuff easier and more likely to succeed.
 
If you're looking for a business, there is probably lots of stuff easier and more likely to succeed.

Get a little stand in the mall and take advantage of the quantum-retarded Silly Bandz craze. There's some damn good money to be made in that for the time it has left.
 
Get a little stand in the mall and take advantage of the quantum-retarded Silly Bandz craze. There's some damn good money to be made in that for the time it has left.

The problem is, mall space is wicked expensive, much more so then stand alone space. It's almost impossible to pull a profit in a mall setting you need to do a wicked high volume of business.
 
I'd hit the pavement and find locations. Then start putting games in there and see how much money you make. You will have to split the revenue 50/50 with the location.

I guess you have to define your definition of success. Some people don't think it's worth it to have a game that nets them $30 a month, but if you have 200 pieces out there it can add up. That's the key - volume.

I would try these kinds of locations:

Laundromats
Sit down pizza places
Movie theaters
Convenience stores
Burger joints

The games I would be placing:

Ms. Pac
Galaga
Neo Geo machines
fighting games (Marvel Vs. Capcom 1 and 2)
sit down driving games (Crusin' USA, Hyrdo Thunder)
Shooting game (Area 51)
 
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Get a little stand in the mall and take advantage of the quantum-retarded Silly Bandz craze. There's some damn good money to be made in that for the time it has left.

That is the best advise of the day that stand makes a tone of money and the rent is only 2000.00
 
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