Ordering commercial arcade equipment is more than choosing a machine from a product catalog.
Before production begins, buyers need to confirm that the equipment matches the venue, operating requirements, electrical conditions, payment system and business plan.
For international B2B orders, small misunderstandings about specifications or customization can become more difficult to correct after production and shipment.
A clear pre-order checklist can help both buyers and manufacturers work from the same requirements.
1. Confirm the Machine Model and Quantity
Start with the basics.
Before placing an order, confirm:
①Machine model;②Number of players;③Machine quantity;④Machine dimensions;⑤Configuration;⑥Cabinet color;⑦Main functions;⑧Accessories
For orders containing several models, make sure the quotation and purchase order clearly identify the quantity of each model.
This is particularly important for distributors or larger projects where multiple machine configurations may be included in one shipment.
2. Check the Machine Dimensions and Venue Space
A machine should fit the actual installation location, not just the floor plan on paper.
Measure:
①Available floor space;②Door width;③Entrance height;④Ceiling height;⑤Machine spacing;⑥Player standing area;⑦Maintenance access
Also consider how the machine will enter the building.
A machine may fit the final location but still be difficult to move through the entrance, corridor or elevator.
For arcade projects, equipment dimensions should therefore be checked together with the overall arcade layout and customer flow.
3. Confirm Electrical Requirements
Electrical specifications should be confirmed before production.
Check:
①Voltage;②Frequency;③Plug type;④Power requirements;⑤Local electrical requirements
Do not assume that a machine configured for one market will automatically be suitable for another.
For international orders, provide the manufacturer with the destination country and required electrical configuration before production starts. Industry procurement guidance also recommends confirming voltage, frequency and plug configuration as part of the order specification.
If specific certifications or compliance documents are required for your market, confirm the applicable requirements for the actual machine and destination rather than relying on a generic certification statement.
4. Confirm the Payment System
Payment configuration should be discussed before ordering.
Depending on the machine and market, payment options may include different types of coin, bill, card or cashless systems.
Before placing the order, confirm:
(1)Which payment system is included
(2)Whether it is installed or supplied separately
(3)Whether it can be changed later
(4)Local currency compatibility
(5)Payment-system configuration
Do not assume that every machine supports every payment method.
The final configuration should be clearly stated in the quotation or order specification.
5. Check Customization Requirements
If you are ordering customized machines, finalize the important details before production.
These may include:
(1)Logo
(2)Cabinet color
(3)Artwork
(4)Graphics
(5)Lighting
(6)Cabinet design
(7)Interface language
(8)Selected configuration
For branded projects, artwork should be reviewed and approved before production.
A clear specification helps avoid situations where the buyer and manufacturer have different interpretations of the final design.
This is particularly important for OEM and ODM projects, where customization can involve multiple design elements.
6. Confirm Prize and Gameplay Requirements
For claw machines and prize-based equipment, the machine should match the intended prizes.
Check:
(1)Prize size
(2)Prize weight
(3)Prize area dimensions
(4)Claw configuration
(5)Prize chute
(6)Relevant gameplay settings
A machine designed for small prizes may not be suitable for large plush toys.
The prize plan should therefore be considered together with the machine configuration rather than after the equipment has already been ordered.
7. Ask How the Equipment Is Tested
Before ordering, ask the manufacturer about the testing process.
Depending on the equipment, testing may cover:
(1)Power and startup
(2)Controls
(3)Claw movement
(4)Motors
(5)Sensors
(6)Lighting
(7)Payment system
(8)Display
(9)Gameplay
(10)General machine operation
For larger orders, buyers can also discuss pre-shipment inspection and determine what should be checked before the machines are packed.
A documented inspection against the agreed order specification can help identify discrepancies before shipment.
8. Confirm Spare Parts and Technical Support
Before placing an order, understand what happens if a component needs replacement.
Ask about:
(1)Recommended spare parts
(2)Common replacement components
(3)Spare-parts availability
(4)Technical documentation
(5)Troubleshooting support
(6)Warranty terms
(7)After-sales communication
For distributors and operators managing multiple machines, it can also be useful to ask whether certain components are shared across different models.
This may simplify future maintenance and spare-parts management.
9. Review Packaging and Shipping Requirements
The machine is not finished from the buyer's perspective when production ends.
It still needs to reach the destination safely.
Before ordering, confirm:
(1)Export packaging
(2)Machine protection
(3)Package dimensions
(4)Package weight
(5)Number of packages
(6)Shipping method
(7)Shipping destination
(8)Required shipping documents
For larger orders, packaging dimensions can also affect container planning and freight costs.
This is why shipping should be considered during the purchasing stage rather than after production is completed.
10. Confirm the Production and Delivery Schedule
Make sure both sides understand the project schedule.
A complete timeline may include:
Specification Confirmation → Artwork Approval → Production → Quality Inspection → Packaging → Shipping → Delivery
If the equipment is needed for a store opening or project launch, allow sufficient time for shipping and local delivery.
Do not plan only around the factory production stage. International projects also involve transportation and destination-side processes.
11. Put the Final Specifications in Writing
One of the simplest ways to reduce misunderstandings is to keep the final specifications in one written document.
The order specification can include:
(1)Model
(2)Quantity
(3)Dimensions
(4)Color
(5)Logo
(6)Artwork
(7)Payment system
(8)Electrical configuration
(9)Accessories
(10)Spare parts
(11)Packaging
(12)Shipping requirement
This document can then be used by the buyer, manufacturer and logistics team as a common reference.
Final Pre-Order Checklist
Before placing an order for commercial arcade equipment, review these questions:
| Item | Confirmed? |
| Machine model | |
| Quantity | |
| Machine dimensions | |
| Venue space | |
| Electrical requirements | |
| Payment system | |
| Customization | |
| Artwork approval | |
| Prize requirements | |
| Testing requirements | |
| Spare parts | |
| Warranty & support | |
| Packaging | |
| Shipping | |
| Production schedule | |
| Final specifications |
Final Thoughts
Before ordering commercial arcade equipment, take time to confirm the details that affect installation, operation, maintenance and delivery.
A good purchasing process should not stop at selecting a machine and agreeing on a price.
The important information should be clear before production begins:
Product → Specifications → Customization → Testing → Packaging → Shipping → Support
For international buyers, this step-by-step approach can help reduce avoidable misunderstandings and make the equipment purchasing process more organized.
