How to Start an Arcade Game Business

by Nati Roberts

Published on this site: April 10th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

You probably have been to arcade game establishments and saw how great an arcade game business can be. It is always filled with people who are interested to play. You will always hear the cash registers sound "ding" as indication of another customer's payment.

Arcade games are great businesses. It is always attracting people and always producing great income.

Arcade businesses provide entertainment for the whole family. Teenagers and young adults alike go to arcade game establishments simply just to hang out and play some arcade games to get their adrenaline pumping. Arcades are also a great way for people to make new friends.

Arcades can give you a stable and great income if you are looking for a profitable business establishment. However, there are things that you have to know before you go into this business. In businesses it is a natural fact that you need money to start making money.

Depending on the size of the arcade business you want to put up, it will cost you about $10,000 to $50,000 to start a profitable arcade business. You will also have to check the zoning laws in your area to know where in particular you can put up an arcade.

If you do not have enough money to start your arcade business, you can simply apply for a loan. Present your business plan to investors who might be interested to join your business and banks that can provide you with the money you need to start an arcade business.

You also have to market or advertise your business, without it, how can you attract people to even consider entering your establishment. Always remember that marketing is the key to all business success.

The first thing you have to consider when you are marketing an arcade business is that you have to keep in mind that the games you will be offering also have home versions.

So the question is, how to attract people to come to your arcade establishment rather than staying at home and playing the same games you offer?

The name of your establishment is one of the factors to attract customers. Think of something creative relating to arcades. You can also offer exciting prizes when someone wins on a particular game.

People tend to get attracted if there are prizes involved when winning, you probably betted on lottery, although you know that your chances of winning is rare.

There are many ways to advertise your arcade business. You can place ads in local newspapers, yellow pages, radio stations, flyers, andon internet websites. You can employ some advertising strategies in order to promote your business. If you do it right, you will attract many customers to enter your establishment.

Do not just limit your arcade to be just a room full of arcade games. Think of what customers need. What if the customers get hungry? What if your waiting customers get tired waiting for his or her turn on a particular game? Get some vending machines for food, candies and drinks in your establishments. It is also a great idea to set up a waiting room with tables and chairs where people can wait for their turn on a particular game.

Arcade games should also come in different types and varieties. People tend to get tired of playing the same game repeatedly.

Treat your customers as if they were your friends. The best form of advertising is by word of mouth. They will pass around a good word about your Arcade game business to their friends and family.

As a result, your establishment becomes more popular, not only because it has a variety of enjoyable games but also, because it is comfortable and accommodating. Train your staff to be very courteous to the customers.

Continue seeing your establishment grow. Even if the internet games dominate most people's interests already, there is still a place for arcade game parks!

Nati Roberts is the editor of Investors United. Learn everything on investing and on starting a new business. http://www.investorsunited.info