Power hit games have become increasingly popular over the past few years. These arcade-style games test your strength and reflexes by having you hit a button with a mallet as hard as you can to try to ring a bell or drive a puck up a tower. Power hit games are an fun way to see how strong you are and compete against friends. But these machines aren’t cheap – buying one requires a significant upfront investment. In this article, we’ll look at the different factors that go into the cost of owning and operating a power hit game.
Purchase Price
The upfront purchase price is one of the biggest expenses when buying a power hit game. New machines from leading manufacturers like Bay Tek and Benchmark typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000. The price varies based on the size and features of the machine. Standard games with simple designs and smaller footprints start around $3,000. Larger games with custom artwork, neon lights, and deluxe components can cost as much as $7,000 brand new. Premier models from Bay Tek like the Power Hits Live Wire sell for around $6,500.
You may be able to find a used power hit game for under $3,000, but you’ll miss out on warranties and technical support. When buying used, inspect the machine closely to check for any wear, damage, or needed repairs. Test the electronics thoroughly before purchasing.
When budgeting for a new power hit game, expect to spend between $4,000-$6,000 for a high-quality machine with good profit potential and durability. Going with a smaller, entry-level model can lower the purchase price, but it may not attract as much customer play.
Shipping Costs
In addition to the base price of the power hit game, you’ll need to factor in shipping costs to get the machine delivered. Shipping an arcade game generally costs a few hundred dollars within the contiguous US. If you’re located further from the distributor, plan on $500 or more for freight shipping. International shipping to places like Canada can easily cost over $1,000 when you factor in taxes, import duties, and other fees.
Look for a distributor located closest to where you’ll operate the game to minimize shipping expenses. You may be able to arrange to pick up the game directly from their warehouse if it’s within driving distance. This lets you avoid freight charges, but you’ll need a large vehicle or trailer to transport the machine safely.
Installation Costs
Once your power hit game arrives, you’ll need to have it properly installed. This usually involves placing the machine on a level surface, securing it safely, and plugging in any electrical connections. While you can handle this yourself if you’re handy, it’s often worth hiring an arcade game installation company to ensure it’s done right.
Professional installation typically costs $200 to $500 per game. Experienced installers have the right tools and knowledge to efficiently bolt machines to the floor, level them, and wire up any necessary power and internet connections. This helps minimize safety risks and operational issues down the road.
Wiring
If there are no existing power outlets conveniently located near where you want to set up your power hit game, you’ll likely need to hire an electrician to run a new circuit. Running a new 120V electrical line and outlet typically costs $300 to $800, depending on the distance, materials, and local electrician rates.
For the best performance, it’s advisable to place power hit games on a dedicated 20 amp circuit. Sharing power with other machines or appliances can cause voltage drops that may impact operation. Dedicating an outlet just for the power hit game avoids any electrical issues down the road.
Coin Mechanisms
Power hit games are usually monetized with coin mechanisms, so players insert quarters to start a game. New coin mechs that integrate with the machine’s electronics cost around $200. You’ll also need to stock up on quarters – plan on an initial investment of $50 to $100 in quarters to fill the coin bucket.
Instead of quarters, some operators switch their machines to use swipe card systems or even RFID wristbands. These cashless options allow customers to pay with credit cards or redeem value on reloadable cards. Cashless systems involve some upfront costs for new card readers and integration, but can increase revenue through higher per-game pricing.
Ongoing Operating Costs
In addition to the initial purchase and setup costs, operating a power hit game also involves some recurring monthly expenses.
Electricity
Keeping the machine powered on will add incrementally to your electric bill each month. A typical power hit game with fluorescent lighting consumes around 300-400 watts per hour when being actively played. At 12 cents per kWh average electricity rate, it would cost $26 to $35 per month to power a single machine 8 hours per day.
Internet
Many new power hit games come with online connectivity for tracking gameplay stats and remotely monitoring earnings. Adding a cellular modem or connecting the machine to your business’ Wi-Fi network provides visibility into how often the game is being played. Connectivity costs around $20 per month for a data plan.
Rent
If your power hit game is located in a commercial space like a bar, arcade, or other retail business, you’ll likely have to pay rent for the floor space. Rental fees typically range from $50 to $200 per month to place a game on premise. Be sure to negotiate this cost when making arrangements to install a power hit machine at an existing location.
Maintenance
Like any arcade game, power hit machines require periodic maintenance and repairs to keep them functioning properly. Basic tasks like cleaning and machine lubrication may cost $50 per month if hiring a technician. It’s also a good idea to budget another $50 per month for unforeseen repairs like replacing buttons, sensors, and other worn parts. Having a repair fund accumulated helps minimize unexpected expenses if major issues occur.
Insurance
Since power hit games are interactive machines used by customers, it’s highly recommended to get liability insurance coverage. This protects you in the unlikely event someone were to get injured somehow when using the game. Insurance for an arcade machine generally costs around $50 per month, though the exact rate depends on policy specifics like coverage limits and deductible amount.
Revenue Potential
The earning potential of a power hit game helps offset the initial purchase and ongoing operating costs. With the right pricing model and good location, popular power hit games can bring in $200 to $600 per week on average.
Pricing
A standard pricing model is $1 per play, with players inserting quarters to activate the machine. At $1 per game, a power hit machine would need about 300 plays per week to generate $300 in revenue, which is very achievable at a busy location.
Some operators programme their machines to charge more per play, such as $2 or even $5. A higher price can be warranted at premium venues where customers have more disposable income. Just be careful not to price higher than the perceived value of a single game.
Location
Your weekly revenue potential ultimately comes down to machine location. Busy bars, movie theater arcades, and family entertainment centers drive the most consistent play. Make sure to negotiate a reasonable revenue split with the location owner – deals around 50% of the earnings going to each party are common.
Apps
Another way to boost ongoing revenue is integrating a mobile app with the power hit game. Apps allow players to track their high scores and compete with other users across different locations. Operators can generate incremental income through in-app purchases and premium app features.
Conclusion
Purchasing and operating a power hit arcade game requires a meaningful upfront and ongoing investment. But the costs can be justified by the strong earning potential these popular games provide at the right locations. With careful planning and reasonable pricing, power hit games can deliver excellent returns thanks to their mass appeal and competitive nature that keeps customers coming back.
Here are the key takeaways on power hit game costs:
- Plan on spending $4,000 – $6,000 to purchase a high-quality power hit game plus a few hundred in freight shipping.
- Hiring professional installers to securely place and wire up the machine typically adds $200 – $500.
- Ongoing monthly expenses like electricity, internet, rent, maintenance, and insurance can total $200 or more.
- At good locations with $1 per play pricing, power hit games can generate $200 – $600 per week in revenue.
- Apps and premium pricing opportunities provide additional income streams.
With some smart business planning, power hit arcade games can provide entertainment for customers while also delivering strong returns on investment for operators willing to make the initial capital outlay.
| Cost Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Shipping | $200 – $500 |
| Installation | $200 – $500 |
| Monthly Electricity | $25 – $35 |
| Monthly Internet | $20 |
| Monthly Rent (location fee) | $50 – $200 |
| Monthly Maintenance | $50 – $100 |
| Monthly Insurance | $50 |
| Total Monthly Operating Costs | $200 – $400 |
As shown in the table above, while buying a power hit game requires an initial investment of around $5,000 – $7,000, the ongoing operating costs are very reasonable at $200 – $400 per month. With potential weekly revenue of $200 – $600 from customer gameplay, the earnings from a good location can cover these expenses and provide significant profit.
Factors That Increase Cost
There are a few scenarios where buying a power hit game could end up costing more than the typical amounts outlined so far:
Premium Game Upgrades
Spending extra on deluxe cabinet designs, larger displays, and bonus features will increase the base price. Top-of-the-line power hit games that incorporate the latest technology and high-end components can cost $8,000 or more.
Poor Shipping Logistics
If you need to ship the game a really long distance or internationally, expect much higher freight bills. Lack of planning and coordination with the freight company can also result in expensive issues.
Extensive Electrical Work
Having to run wiring through walls, in conduit, or long distances will drive up electrician installation fees. Special power needs for very large machines may also boost costs.
Low Customer Traffic Locations
Putting a power hit game in a spot with low foot traffic and few customers will naturally limit revenue potential. Arcades, bars, theaters, and other high-traffic venues justify the investment best.
Too Much Competition
If there are already multiple other power hit games in the immediate area, earnings will likely suffer from the saturated market. Carefully evaluate the competitive landscape before investing.
Tips for Saving Money
Here are some tips to help minimize costs when buying and operating a power hit game:
- Buy a quality used game instead of new to save on purchase price.
- Find a distributor located closest to your facility to reduce shipping fees.
- Hire experienced installers so it’s done right the first time.
- Place game near existing power outlets to avoid expensive wiring.
- Negotiate good revenue share deals to lower/eliminate rent costs.
- Learn basic repair skills to minimize maintenance costs.
- Buy replacement parts in bulk online instead of through vendors.
- Use apps and premium pricing to maximize per-game revenue.
- Take advantage of off-peak electricity rate discounts.
Following these tips will help you get the most value out of your power hit game investment and keep costs under control. Proper planning goes a long way!
The Bottom Line
Purchasing a power hit strength game requires an initial investment of approximately $5,000 – $7,000 when you factor in the machine cost, shipping, and professional installation. Ongoing monthly expenses like rent, maintenance, and utilities generally total a few hundred dollars.
With the ability to generate $200 – $600 per week in gameplay revenue at the right locations, a professionally run power hit game can deliver an impressive return on investment. The upfront purchase cost pays for itself in under a year in many cases.
By following smart business practices and taking steps to minimize expenses, operators can maximize profitability on these interactive and high-earning arcade machines.
