Want to Open an Arcade? A Step-by-Step Guide to a Profitable Store

Thinking of opening a Family Entertainment Center (FEC) or arcade? Here is a simple, hassle-free guide on location, budget, and machines. We handle everything for you!

Want to Open an Arcade? A Step-by-Step Guide to a Profitable Store (We Handle Everything So You Don't Have To!)

A lot of people are looking to open an arcade (also known as a Family Entertainment Center, or FEC). It is a highly profitable business and a massive hot spot in the leisure industry! But when it comes to transforming an empty room into a money-making arcade, many people get overwhelmed. You might worry about picking the wrong location, buying the wrong machines, or wasting money on things you don't need.

Whether you are an experienced business owner or a first-time investor, this plain-English guide will explain everything you need to know. More importantly, you don't have to figure it out alone—at Onesman Amusement, we provide a one-stop service to handle the heavy lifting for you!



1. First Things First: Who Will Play at Your Store? (Know Your Audience) Before you rent a space or buy any equipment, you need to know who your customers will be. Picking the right machines for the right people is the secret to keeping them in your store and making more money.

• Families with Kids: Parents want a bright, welcoming, and safe environment. Focus on kid-friendly machines and redemption games where they can win small prizes. If the kids are happy, the parents will bring them back.

• Teens & Young Adults: This crowd loves excitement and competition! You need basketball machines, air hockey tables, VR games, and immersive racing or shooting simulators. The more thrilling the experience, the more they are willing to spend.

• Couples & Casual Gamers: They are just looking for a fun time. Claw machines and gift prize machines are perfect for them. They love the thrill of catching a plush toy or winning a prize.

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2. Location & Store Size: The Right Spot is Half the Battle! Location can make or break your arcade. Never choose a place with low foot traffic. Always prioritize shopping malls, pedestrian streets, or spaces next to cinemas where a steady flow of people is guaranteed. As for the size of your store, base it on your budget. Bigger isn't always better:

• Small & Focused (100 - 300 sqm): Great if you have a smaller budget and want to test the waters. You can open a dedicated claw machine shop or a specific VR experience zone. It’s low-cost and very easy to manage.

• The Sweet Spot (500 - 1,500 sqm): This is the most popular and cost-effective size. You can fit a great mix of machines—basketball, claw machines, simulators—and add a prize redemption counter. It satisfies everyone and brings in steady profits.

• Mega Entertainment Center (1,500+ sqm): If you have a large budget and want to go big, this is it. Besides arcade machines, you can add indoor bowling or a kids' playground to draw massive crowds and earn bigger returns.

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3. How to Spend Your Budget (Saving is Earning!) Many owners worry about running out of budget or spending it in the wrong places. It’s actually very simple. Your budget is divided into three main parts: Rent/Renovation, Buying Machines, and Cash Flow (for staff and daily bills). Here is a massive money-saving tip: Don't buy your machines from local distributors! They always add a huge middleman markup. By buying directly from us at Onesman Amusement (a direct source factory in Guangzhou, China), you can save 30% to 50% on equipment costs. Every dollar you save goes straight into your own pocket as profit!



4. Machine Selection & Layout: We Do the Thinking for You! Some owners buy machines and just place them randomly. The result? Customers walk around, get confused, play once, and leave. Machine layout is a science! A good layout guides customers to stay longer and spend more. Don't worry about figuring this out—we will create a professional 3D store design for you. We know exactly where to put the loud racing simulators, where to place the quiet claw machines, and how to create the perfect walking path. We plan everything; you just review and approve.



The Best Part: You Open the Store, We Handle the Rest! Does the process of opening an arcade still sound complicated? Don't panic! Onesman Amusement is here to solve all your headaches. We offer a true A-to-Z, turnkey service.

We are a direct manufacturer in Guangzhou, not a middleman. Whether you just rented an empty space or you have a venue but don't know what to do next, we are here to help. We provide professional 3D layout designs, manufacture high-quality arcade machines, and handle global shipping straight to your door. You don't need to run around dealing with a dozen different suppliers.

Want to open a profitable arcade without the hassle and without wasting money? Contact us today! We offer free venue consultations and will send you our latest machine catalog to help you plan the perfect store.