How to Import Arcade Machines from China: A Complete B2B Guide
China is one of the major manufacturing markets for commercial arcade machines and amusement equipment. Buyers from different countries can source a wide range of equipment for arcades, shopping malls, family entertainment centers, amusement venues, and other businesses.
For first-time buyers, however, importing arcade machines from China involves more than simply selecting products from a catalog.
Buyers need to consider equipment selection, supplier verification, customization, electrical requirements, quality control, packaging, shipping, and after-sales support.
This guide explains the main steps involved in importing arcade machines from China for commercial use.
1. Determine What Arcade Equipment You Need
Before contacting suppliers, determine what type of equipment your business requires.
Common arcade and amusement equipment categories include:
Claw machines
Prize machines
Gashapon machines
Coin pushers
Racing games
Shooting games
Basketball games
Boxing machines
Dance machines
Air hockey
Scissor machines
Other commercial arcade games
Your equipment selection should be based on your venue, available space, target customers, and business model.
If you are opening a complete arcade, you may need several different categories rather than only one type of machine.
2. Calculate Your Available Space
Space planning should be completed before purchasing equipment.
Measure:
Total floor area
Available machine area
Customer walking space
Entrance and exit areas
Maintenance space
Storage areas
For larger projects, prepare a simple floor plan showing where each machine will be installed.
This can help the supplier recommend suitable machine sizes and quantities.
3. Find a Professional Arcade Machine Manufacturer
One of the most important steps is finding a suitable arcade machine manufacturer.
You may encounter:
Manufacturers
Trading companies
Distributors
Local arcade equipment suppliers
If you are purchasing a large quantity or require customized equipment, communicating directly with a factory can make it easier to discuss production, specifications, OEM/ODM requirements, and quality control.
When evaluating a supplier, consider:
Product range
Manufacturing experience
Factory facilities
Quality control
Customization capabilities
Spare parts support
International shipping experience
Communication
4. Check the Supplier's Product Range
A supplier with a broad product range may be useful for buyers planning a complete entertainment project.
For example, a manufacturer may supply:
Claw Machines
1-player claw machines
2-player claw machines
4-player claw machines
8-player claw machines
Mini claw machines
Big claw machines
Screen claw machines
Other Arcade Equipment
Prize machines
Gashapon machines
Coin pushers
Racing machines
Shooting games
Basketball machines
Boxing machines
Air hockey
Dance games
Having multiple equipment categories available can simplify sourcing for a complete arcade project.
5. Request the Latest Catalog
After finding a potential supplier, request the latest product catalog.
A useful catalog should provide information such as:
Product photos
Machine dimensions
Machine weight
Power specifications
Available colors
Payment options
Product configurations
Packaging information
For large projects, you can also provide the supplier with your business plan and ask them to recommend suitable equipment.
6. Compare Product Specifications
Do not compare arcade machines only by price.
Compare important specifications such as:
Dimensions
Weight
Materials
Power consumption
Voltage
Payment system
Display
Lighting
Mechanical components
Prize capacity
Customization options
Two machines that look similar may have different configurations and specifications.
A detailed comparison can help you understand the differences between products.
7. Ask About OEM and ODM Customization
Many international arcade businesses want their equipment to match their own brand.
Depending on the manufacturer, OEM/ODM customization may include:
Logo
Cabinet color
Graphics
Branding
Lighting
Payment systems
Cabinet design
If you need customized machines, communicate your requirements before production starts.
The manufacturer can then confirm whether the requested customization is available and whether it affects production time or cost.
8. Confirm Electrical Requirements
Electrical compatibility is particularly important when importing equipment internationally.
Before placing an order, confirm:
Voltage
Frequency
Power consumption
Plug type
Payment system requirements
Different countries may have different electrical standards.
For example, depending on the machine and market, equipment may be configured for 110V / 220V.
Always provide the destination country to the manufacturer and confirm the electrical configuration before production.
9. Request a Quotation
After confirming the machines and specifications, request a detailed quotation.
The quotation may include:
Unit price
Quantity
Customization cost
Packaging cost
Spare parts
Shipping cost
Other applicable charges
If you are purchasing multiple machines, ask whether wholesale pricing is available.
It is also useful to confirm what is included in the quoted price.
10. Confirm Production Time
Production time can vary depending on:
Product type
Order quantity
Customization
Factory production schedule
Spare parts requirements
For standard machines, production may be faster than for highly customized equipment.
For example, a factory may have a typical bulk production period of around 15–20 days, while actual lead time should always be confirmed according to the specific order.
If you have a fixed opening date for your arcade, discuss the production schedule with the supplier before placing the order.
11. Discuss Payment Terms
International B2B orders require clear payment arrangements.
Before making payment, confirm:
Total order amount
Deposit requirements
Balance payment
Payment method
Production start conditions
Shipping conditions
All payment terms should be clearly confirmed with the supplier before production begins.
12. Confirm Quality Control
Quality control is an important part of importing arcade machines.
Before shipment, buyers can ask the manufacturer about:
Factory testing
Electrical testing
Mechanical testing
Lighting testing
Payment system testing
Appearance inspection
Packaging inspection
For larger orders, buyers may also arrange factory inspections or third-party inspections where appropriate.
13. Consider Ordering Spare Parts
If you are purchasing multiple machines, consider ordering commonly needed spare parts together with the equipment.
Depending on the machine category, spare parts may include:
Motors
Claw components
Buttons
Joysticks
LED components
Control boards
Wiring
Payment components
Having suitable spare parts available can make future maintenance easier.
14. Choose the Right Shipping Method
International arcade equipment can be shipped using different transportation methods depending on the destination, order size, and required delivery time.
For larger B2B orders, sea freight is commonly considered because arcade machines can be relatively large and heavy.
Shipping planning may involve:
Port of departure
Destination port
Container loading
Packaging
Freight cost
Transit time
Customs procedures
The exact shipping solution should be discussed with the supplier or freight forwarder based on your order.
15. Pay Attention to Packaging
Arcade machines can contain glass, acrylic panels, screens, lighting components, and other parts that require protection during transportation.
Ask the supplier about:
Export packaging
Wooden cases
Protective materials
Internal fixation
Glass protection
Moisture protection
Container loading
Good packaging can help reduce transportation-related damage.
16. Prepare for Customs and Import Requirements
When importing arcade machines into another country, buyers should understand the import requirements of the destination market.
Depending on the country, requirements may involve:
Commercial invoices
Packing lists
Shipping documents
Customs declarations
Product information
Electrical or certification requirements
Import requirements vary by country, so buyers should check the applicable local rules before ordering.
17. Check the Machines After Arrival
Once the machines arrive, inspect the shipment before installation.
Check:
Packaging condition
Cabinet condition
Glass or acrylic panels
Machine accessories
Payment systems
Power cables
Control components
Visible damage
If there is transportation damage, document it with photos and videos and contact the supplier promptly.
18. Install and Test the Equipment
After unpacking, install the machines according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Before opening the arcade to customers, test:
Power
Lighting
Controls
Motors
Payment systems
Screens
Game functions
Prize mechanisms
For a large arcade project, testing all machines before opening can help identify problems in advance.
19. Build a Long-Term Relationship with Your Factory
For businesses that plan to continue purchasing arcade equipment, developing a long-term relationship with a reliable manufacturer can be useful.
Future orders may include:
New machine models
Additional equipment
Replacement parts
Customized machines
Store expansion
OEM/ODM projects
A manufacturer familiar with your previous equipment and requirements may also make future communication more efficient.
20. Why Buy Arcade Machines Directly from a Factory?
Buying directly from a factory can provide access to:
Multiple product categories
Wholesale pricing
OEM/ODM customization
Product specifications
Factory quality control
Spare parts
Technical support
International shipping assistance
For distributors, arcade operators, and complete entertainment projects, direct factory communication can also simplify product selection and customization.
Arcade Machine Import Checklist
Before placing your order, check the following:
Product
Equipment categories confirmed
Machine models confirmed
Specifications confirmed
Quantity confirmed
Customization
Logo confirmed
Colors confirmed
Graphics confirmed
Payment system confirmed
Electrical
Voltage confirmed
Frequency confirmed
Plug type confirmed
Power requirements confirmed
Order
Quotation confirmed
Production time confirmed
Payment terms confirmed
Spare parts confirmed
Shipping
Packaging confirmed
Shipping method confirmed
Destination confirmed
Import requirements checked
Conclusion
Importing arcade machines from China can involve several stages, from choosing equipment and finding a manufacturer to customization, production, quality control, packaging, shipping, and installation.
The key is to communicate your requirements clearly and confirm the important details before production begins.
For buyers planning a complete arcade, it can also be useful to work with a manufacturer that offers multiple categories of commercial amusement equipment.
Looking for arcade machines directly from a factory? Contact us for catalogs, product specifications, OEM/ODM customization, wholesale pricing, and international shipping solutions.
