Choosing the right location can turn a good machine into a great investment.
The right spot means more foot traffic, more plays, and more revenue. The wrong spot? It can mean a slow drip of coins and disappointing returns. Here’s where the pros set up their claw machines:
- Shopping Malls: These are a goldmine for claw machines. Thousands of people, families with kids, and shoppers with time to kill make malls a top location. Target food courts or kid-focused stores for best results.
- Movie Theaters: People often arrive early for movies, leaving them with free time to play. Placing a machine in the lobby can lead to hundreds of plays on weekends alone.
- Family Entertainment Centers (FECs): Places like arcades, trampoline parks, and bowling alleys naturally attract kids and teens who love claw machines. Plus, the venues are often open to revenue-sharing deals.
- Restaurants: Family-style restaurants are often packed on weekends. Kids get restless waiting for food, making them prime players. Chains like Denny’s, IHOP, and Chuck E. Cheese are excellent options.
- Amusement Parks and Festivals: Seasonal, but when timed right, you can make a few thousand dollars in just a couple of weeks!
Pro Tip: Always scout a location during peak hours before committing. Look for “lingering” traffic, not just fast-moving crowds.