Arcade Machine Buying Checklist for B2B Buyers
An arcade machine buying checklist helps B2B buyers confirm the most important details before placing an order. It covers machine type, specifications, supplier verification, customization, payment system, voltage, packaging, shipping, spare parts, and after-sales support. Using a checklist reduces the risk of ordering the wrong configuration or missing an important cost item.
This guide provides a practical checklist from a manufacturer's perspective for claw machines, prize machines, and other commercial arcade equipment.
Why Use an Arcade Machine Buying Checklist?
Arcade equipment purchases involve many details. A checklist helps buyers:
Compare suppliers fairly
Confirm machine specifications
Avoid electrical and payment mistakes
Plan packaging and shipping
Include spare parts in the order
Confirm after-sales support
Reduce total project risk
A written checklist also helps communication between the buyer, supplier, and freight forwarder.
Section 1: Business and Venue Planning
Before choosing machines, confirm the business and venue plan.
Checklist:
Business model defined
Target customers identified
Venue size measured
Floor plan prepared
Customer flow planned
Electrical capacity reviewed
Budget estimated
Opening timeline planned
Venue planning should be completed before machine specifications are finalized.
Section 2: Machine Type and Quantity
Confirm the equipment mix and quantity.
Checklist:
Machine categories selected
Machine models selected
Player capacity confirmed
Quantity confirmed
Space required for each machine
Prize type confirmed
Game style confirmed
Machine mix balanced for target customers
| Machine Category | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Claw machines | ||
| Prize machines | ||
| Gashapon machines | ||
| Video games | ||
| Racing games | ||
| Basketball machines | ||
| Air hockey | ||
| Other |
Section 3: Machine Specifications
Confirm detailed specifications for each machine.
Checklist:
Dimensions confirmed
Weight confirmed
Cabinet material confirmed
Glass or acrylic panels confirmed
Display size and type confirmed
Lighting type confirmed
Mechanical components confirmed
Prize capacity confirmed
Game settings confirmed
Spare parts compatibility confirmed
Specifications should be provided in writing before the order is confirmed.
Section 4: Supplier Verification
Verify the supplier before placing a large order.
Checklist:
Factory or trading company confirmed
Factory location confirmed
Factory photos or videos reviewed
Product range reviewed
Production capacity confirmed
Quality control process confirmed
Export experience confirmed
Customer visits allowed
Communication responsiveness checked
For large projects, a factory visit or third-party inspection can provide additional information.
Section 5: Customization
Confirm customization details before production.
Checklist:
Logo file provided
Logo placement confirmed
Cabinet colors confirmed
Artwork and graphics confirmed
Lighting customization confirmed
Screen content confirmed
Payment system customization confirmed
Cabinet design changes confirmed
Packaging customization confirmed
Minimum order quantity confirmed
Mockup or proof reviewed
Customization should be approved in writing before production begins.
Section 6: Payment System
Confirm the payment system matches the target market.
Checklist:
Payment method selected
Coin or bill compatibility confirmed
Card or QR system availability confirmed
Control board compatibility confirmed
Payment settings confirmed
Refund or credit functions confirmed
Spare payment components planned
Payment system and voltage should be confirmed together.
Section 7: Voltage and Electrical Configuration
Confirm electrical requirements before production.
Checklist:
Destination country provided
Voltage confirmed
Frequency confirmed
Plug type confirmed
Power consumption confirmed
Circuit capacity planned
Transformer or adapter needs confirmed
Payment system voltage confirmed
Electrical documentation requested
Incorrect voltage is a common cause of installation problems.
Section 8: Quotation and Cost
Confirm what is included in the quotation.
Checklist:
Unit price confirmed
Quantity confirmed
Customization cost confirmed
Payment system cost confirmed
Packaging cost confirmed
Spare parts cost confirmed
Shipping cost confirmed
Taxes and duties reviewed
Installation cost reviewed
Total project budget confirmed
A detailed quotation helps avoid unexpected costs.
Section 9: Production and Quality Control
Confirm production and quality control details.
Checklist:
Production time confirmed
Production schedule confirmed
Testing process confirmed
Testing videos requested
Production photos requested
Pre-shipment inspection arranged
Third-party inspection considered
Quality standards confirmed
Testing before shipment helps identify problems before the equipment leaves the factory.
Section 10: Packaging
Confirm packaging details before shipment.
Checklist:
Export packaging confirmed
Wooden crate or carton confirmed
Foam and corner protection confirmed
Glass and acrylic protection confirmed
Screen and lighting protection confirmed
Moisture protection confirmed
Internal fixation confirmed
Packaging labels confirmed
Packaging should match the machine type and shipping method.
Section 11: Shipping and Documentation
Confirm shipping arrangements and documents.
Checklist:
Shipping method confirmed
Port of departure confirmed
Destination port confirmed
Container loading plan confirmed
Freight cost confirmed
Transit time confirmed
Shipping insurance reviewed
Commercial invoice prepared
Packing list prepared
Bill of lading prepared
Customs documents prepared
Import requirements checked
Shipping should be planned together with production.
Section 12: Spare Parts
Confirm spare parts availability.
Checklist:
Common spare parts identified
Spare parts included in the order
Compatibility confirmed
Delivery time confirmed
Technical documentation requested
Future spare parts ordering process confirmed
Common spare parts include motors, claws, buttons, joysticks, LED lights, control boards, and payment components.
