Would this club (sub-forum?) be private just to operators? That would encourage more discussion (I set my match percentages to 1%! d, but might not encourage more folks to become ops. Assuming Robin would go for something like that, how would you confirm a poster actually is an op? Many of us can vouch for each other, but what about the guys out in the boonies? Pics of a game in a location with the coin door open? If it's going to be a private forum, I'd like to know for sure that it's only ops there (and maybe a moderator or two).

Yep. All you need is fun working games. Newer games help (earnings), but aren't required. I have a nice 35 year old Genie at a pizza parlor right now. 5 balls for 75 cents (it will house you one or two, no ballsaver). Folks love it.

Many cities are also reducing fees. A lot of these laws were written in the 80's when video games were proliferating. Cities are recognizing that the machines don't earn as much as they used to. Here's an example:

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/dyer/dyer-still-considering-decrease-in-pinball-machine-license-fee/article_3ca92a0a-8fb0-5245-8f74-19ddccd04510.html

Most big cities (and counties) have everything listed online. For instance, by looking online, I found out that if you want to open a location in my town with more than 10 games, a police background check is needed. That one may be from the 70's.

That may work, but I won't do it. To me, saying that would imply that the flippers were crap before the rebuild. Keeping the flippers working properly is part of regular maintenance. Not something that should be advertised. A potential customer should assume the flippers are working properly. Not need a sign to tell them, IMO.

What kind of place is this? Is it just the arcade? Also, you mention kids. Are most all your customers kids (casual players)? Need more details. From what you've said so far, your arcade sounds ridiculously cheap. Are there any apartments nearby for rent? d

As others have mentioned, I wouldn't price OZ under $1 a play. I won't price any of my pins under 75 cents a play. They're worth it.

Every location is different. Laundry mats directly across the street from each other can have very different earnings. When you get a new location, never promise or predict earnings. Too many variables. Do promise great maintenance.

protip: if the location doesn't serve drinks (or bleach), a missing beer seal will earn you a few extra quarters a week. If they do serve bleach and drinks, by all means, check your beer seal. (and your drink! d

Before you solicit a location, you need to do your homework first. How long has the business been open? Is it in its original location, or has it moved more than once. Has the business ever changed ownership? Is this the first business the owner has started? Is the business in a 50 year old strip mall that could be demolished for remodeling any day, or is it in a newer building?

You can get a lot of these answers online. Yelp will tell you a lot. Once you do your homework and approach the business owner, it's perfectly acceptable to ask about his lease during negotiations. Most importantly, you need to be able to trust the owner 100%. I know the status of both businesses I have games in and I trust both owners. One location I have really is in a 50 year old strip mall that could be torn down soon. The lease runs out at the end of this year. Because I've built a good relationship with the owner, he's told me he'd welcome my games in any new location he may move to. He's also made it clear than he wants to keep his business in the same area.

Bottom line, whether you have a written agreement or not, you have to be able to trust the owner. If you can't trust the owner, walk away.

Bars have a much quicker turnover rate than restaurants, but you still need the trust. The business owner should call you before they change the locks.

Sure. Check you pm's for instructions on the secret handshake. d

Cool lineup. I'd hit that if I was closer. Congrats on the new location.

You can probably get bigger bill magazines for them. Clearance can be an issue, but I have 500 bill magazines on many of my games.

Better still, why not have a friend check on them in a month and give them a cleaning? The audits will keep everyone honest.