One location with 15 pins, changing that down to 13 in another month or so. A couple of other locations on the horizon, just not sure I want to commit to that yet.
Okay, I don't have much experience as a hobby operator, just starting my 4th year at this point. In that time, here are some things that I have learned:
--Pins are going to break, all of them. Newer games break just as often, some more often, than older ones
--Some older games can earn just as well as newer ones
--50/50 split doesn't really work anymore with the rising costs of maintenance, insurance--just went up another 15%, and transportation
--Imonex coin mechs don't jam near as often as any other
--Destination locations should have a change machine or DBAs on the games, a change machine will increase revenue
--LE pins won't earn any more than a pro model after the first few months, though it looks like WOZ may be an exception to that rule
--Destination locations still need a pull, be it leagues, tournaments, something to draw people in to play
--Foot traffic in a location is one of, and may be the biggest driver to more revenue, beating out game selection and game condition.
--There are those players that will complain, but dollar per play pinball is necessary for new games, especially at a 50/50 split
--Accepting a location 40 minutes from the house is a bad idea, even if it is family
I have seen revenue continue to increase year after year. That said, the revenue is nothing to shout about after taking all costs and taxes into consideration. By all means, if you want to be a hobby operator, go ahead and do it because you enjoy pinball and bringing pinball to the public. Just do so with your eyes wide open.