EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET STARTED
Commercial-Grade Machines
Built for regular use in public locations.
Prizes and Fill Available
Find toys and prizes for different audiences and budgets.
Parts and Ongoing Support
Get help keeping your machine ready to earn.
Financing Available
Options are available for qualified buyers.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD FIRST LOCATION?
Claw machines can add entertainment to restaurants, retail stores, family entertainment centers and other high-traffic locations. Start with one well-placed machine, learn what your customers respond to and expand when you’re ready.
Steady Foot Traffic
Look for businesses that regularly attract families, groups or repeat customers.
Time to Stop and Play
Restaurants, laundromats, entertainment venues and waiting areas give customers time to engage.
A Supportive Location Partner
Agree on placement, access, responsibilities and any revenue-sharing terms before installing your machine.
5 STEPS TO START A CLAW MACHINE BUSINESS
Find the Right Location
Look for places with steady foot traffic and wait times, such as restaurants, malls, arcades, and family-focused businesses.
Handle the Business Basics
Check local requirements, decide how your business will be structured and create a clear agreement with the location owner.
Choose Your Machine
Consider your available space, audience, budget, prize size and preferred payment options.
Select Prizes & Set Pricing
Choose prizes that appeal to the location’s customers and set a play price that supports your operating costs.
Place, Maintain and Improve
Keep the machine clean, stocked and working properly. Track what performs well and make adjustments over time.
Business, licensing, insurance and amusement-device requirements vary by location. Check applicable local and state requirements before placing a machine.
FIRST CLAW BASICS
The machine is only one part of the plan. Before you launch, make sure you have the basic pieces in place.
✅ A location and written placement agreement
✅ A commercial claw machine that fits the space
✅ Prizes selected for the location’s audience
✅ Coin, bill or cashless payment setup
✅ Appropriate business licensing and liability coverage
✅ Basic cleaning, refill and maintenance supplies
TOP CLAW MACHINES
Hand-picked favorites that are suited for new operators with easy setup and plenty of support!
Mini Extreme
Best for small footprints or low-capacity locations
Standard Claw Machine
Best all-around option for new operators
Premium Claw Machine
Best for busy, high-visibility locations
REVIEWS FROM THE ROUTE
"This is my second of hopefully many Ducky Treasures. I’m happy with the look and music soundtrack.
The machine works well and looks great. Customer service is also great!"
"Great looking claw machine and even better operating one.
Candymachines did a great job with communication and shipping for me.
I appreciate all the help with getting me started in the business. The machine looks way better in person than in photos."
"I'm absolutely loving these mini claws. The LED Bar on the front is super attractive to biz owners and the folks who are playing the machine.
I don't think I'll ever not order these - they are an asset, not a cost, to my business."
YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR CLAW PRIZES
The right prize mix can make your machine more appealing and encourage repeat play. Match your prizes to the location’s audience, keep the display looking full and rotate in new options to maintain interest.
Your machine’s lighting, placement, play price and payment options also affect the customer experience. Matt can help you think through these decisions before you buy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does it cost to start a claw machine business?
How much does it cost to start a claw machine business?
Your startup cost will depend on the machine, payment system, prizes, freight and the requirements of your location. Matt can help you compare options based on your space and budget.
How much can a claw machine earn?
How much can a claw machine earn?
Performance varies based on foot traffic, placement, play price, operating costs and how well the prizes appeal to the location’s customers. No machine or location can guarantee a specific level of revenue.
Where can I place a claw machine?
Where can I place a claw machine?
Potential locations include restaurants, malls, arcades, bowling centers, laundromats and other businesses with steady traffic. You will need permission and an agreement with the location owner.
Do I need an LLC or business license?
Do I need an LLC or business license?
Requirements vary by state and municipality. Check local business and amusement-device regulations before placing your machine.
Should I accept cashless payments?
Should I accept cashless payments?
Cashless payment can make a machine more convenient for customers, particularly in locations where visitors may not carry cash. Available options will depend on the machine.
What prizes should I use?
What prizes should I use?
Choose prizes that fit the machine, appeal to the location’s audience and support your desired cost per play. CandyMachines.com offers plush, toys and other claw-machine fill.
How often will I need to service the machine?
How often will I need to service the machine?
Service frequency depends on traffic and sales. Plan to visit regularly to collect funds, refill prizes, clean the cabinet and confirm that the controls and payment systems are working properly.
Can CandyMachines.com find a location for me?
Can CandyMachines.com find a location for me?
You are responsible for securing your location and placement agreement. Our team can help you understand what to look for when evaluating a potential location.
FIND THE RIGHT MACHINE FOR YOUR LOCATION
Tell us about your location, available space, budget and goals. We’ll help you compare machines and determine what else you’ll need to get started.
Oeprator specialist available from 8am–8pm ET