I grew up in the industry. My dad owned a vending and gaming route until he retired a few years ago. The 5 machines that he gave me for my recroom (Leftover after he retired) are what gave me the bug. I didn't even consider getting into the hobby until I got those and my friends started saying, "Do you know what other game you should get?"
After 10 yeaers of working with books, I'm now working with video games (merchandising/marketing them). It's so much more fun than working with academic/medical books... I felt like a geeked out 12 year old for the first month or so getting to talk to the companies.
I would have loved to have had an arcade when I was in my twenties, in the early 80's. Maybe that's why I feel compelled to buy so many games and keep them running. Almost every machine I have bought has been broken when I bought it.
I started collecting after seeing a Street fighter 2 and Neo-geo machine at a flea market. When I asked about how much the guy wanted he said 500 each and said they hold value and people were still playing them every weekend. I started buying "projects" after (500 is expensive) and then a it progressed. I have a route now and own about 30 something games at least. I got a big moving truck to support moving them and I am always trying to fix machines. That's the only downside really. When they go down. I love playing the games I played as a kid. I makes me feel good.
I put up with that at my home arcade during parties when certain folks get drunk. And they aren't even paying to play!! I have tried to get some of the techs around here to teach me something or take me on as an apprentice, but they never return my phone calls. I may start working in the business if Randy Fromm ever comes thru MN
I am in the industry on a 2nd tier type level. I have a friend who has games on routes and ran out of money to buy new games for new accounts. I bought a bunch of new games and lease them to him. I get 75% of his share of the revenue until the game is paid for and then I get 50% after that. It is a pretty sweet deal. If a location gets bored with a game, I have him bring it to the house and play it for awhile before it heads to a different location.
Best of both worlds - income from the games without the headaches of managing the routes - and I get to enjoy them in my house.
None of the games on my VAPS entry are from this venture. I only list games/boards that are 100% in my possession.
Sounds like a sweet gig, how long does it take for the games to pay for themselves usually? Also by new games do you mean brand new just released games, or used games from auctions and such?