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Hypothetically How Much To Start A Pinball Arcade?
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<blockquote data-quote="trash80" data-source="post: 286547" data-attributes="member: 7578"><p>As some other posts have mentioned, a pinball arcade without a successful anchor (cafe, coffee shop, brewpub, etc.) is never going to make any money. Also, you need to go into this realizing that the tables will be destroyed and/or need constant service to keep them at 100% operation. This is why a place that caters to (not drunk) adults is much preferred so as to lessen the wear and tear on the machines.</p><p></p><p>Once you have a location in mind, there is no reason to put more than a couple brand new Sterns in the place. Buy all of the other pins used and have a total of 10 to 15 pins with another 5 or so upright arcade games. Make sure to have drink tables located near each machine and contrary to popular belief, have the establishment well lit and fitted with generous acoustic treatment. Remember, the other part of your business is the part actually turning a profit so make sure the customers that will never pay to play a pin are always comfortable no matter how many people are playing in the arcade portion. You have a real business to run, and while the pinball is a really fun gimmick, it can also be quite annoying to patrons and employees alike.</p><p></p><p>JJP tables should only ever be considered for home use. I won't get into the specifics (think old e-machines level all-in-one computer) of the hardware, but they tend to break very quickly and I have seen some be down for ages while trying to source a no longer manufactured MSI motherboard due to the currently available models having various chipset and bios revisions causing the game to not operate properly. They are stunning games that can quite fun, but I don't see them standing up to the abuse of constant stranger plays.</p><p></p><p>Anyway... I'd suggest that you first purchase a handful of pins and find an already established location you can negotiate a placement for. After a few months, reevaluate where your heart is. Some passions and hobbies can become soul-crushing and wallet emptying businesses.</p><p></p><p>Whatever you choose to do, Good luck and extra credit.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="trash80, post: 286547, member: 7578"] As some other posts have mentioned, a pinball arcade without a successful anchor (cafe, coffee shop, brewpub, etc.) is never going to make any money. Also, you need to go into this realizing that the tables will be destroyed and/or need constant service to keep them at 100% operation. This is why a place that caters to (not drunk) adults is much preferred so as to lessen the wear and tear on the machines. Once you have a location in mind, there is no reason to put more than a couple brand new Sterns in the place. Buy all of the other pins used and have a total of 10 to 15 pins with another 5 or so upright arcade games. Make sure to have drink tables located near each machine and contrary to popular belief, have the establishment well lit and fitted with generous acoustic treatment. Remember, the other part of your business is the part actually turning a profit so make sure the customers that will never pay to play a pin are always comfortable no matter how many people are playing in the arcade portion. You have a real business to run, and while the pinball is a really fun gimmick, it can also be quite annoying to patrons and employees alike. JJP tables should only ever be considered for home use. I won't get into the specifics (think old e-machines level all-in-one computer) of the hardware, but they tend to break very quickly and I have seen some be down for ages while trying to source a no longer manufactured MSI motherboard due to the currently available models having various chipset and bios revisions causing the game to not operate properly. They are stunning games that can quite fun, but I don't see them standing up to the abuse of constant stranger plays. Anyway... I'd suggest that you first purchase a handful of pins and find an already established location you can negotiate a placement for. After a few months, reevaluate where your heart is. Some passions and hobbies can become soul-crushing and wallet emptying businesses. Whatever you choose to do, Good luck and extra credit. [/QUOTE]
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