Pop-Up arcade for events and parties
Bring arcade machines and pinball to parties, school fairs and corporate events for a set hire fee.
- A$8k-30k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small collection of arcade cabinets and pinball tables that you transport, set up and run at private parties, school fetes, community events and workplace functions.
Your first three steps
- Buy two or three reliable second-hand free-play machines and test them thoroughly
- Set a hire price by checking what local party and event hire businesses charge
- Contact local schools, party venues and event planners with photos and a simple package list
Who pays
Party hosts, schools and P&Cs, councils and community groups, event organisers and businesses planning staff events.
How it makes money
A flat hire fee per event or per half day, with extras for delivery distance, more machines and attendant time.
Skills that help
- Basic machine maintenance
- Loading and driving a van or trailer
- Organising bookings and logistics
- Friendly customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance that covers equipment hire and events, plus cover for the machines themselves
- Electrical safety, testing and tagging of all machines and leads
- Some venues and councils ask for a certificate of currency before you can set up
- Keep machines free-play, and check your state's rules before offering prizes or anything like gambling
- A van, ute or trailer, and safe lifting of heavy machines, so plan for help with loading
- Demand is often concentrated on weekends and school holidays
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: pop-up arcade for events and parties
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an arcade hire business?
Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on how many machines you buy and the vehicle or trailer you need. Treat this as an estimate and price your own collection before you buy.
How much can a pop-up arcade hire business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many events you book and your hire fees. Demand is often concentrated on weekends and school holidays, so you can start with about 8 hours a week.
What insurance and rules should I check for event arcade hire?
Check public liability insurance that covers equipment hire and events, plus cover for the machines. Check electrical testing and tagging, whether venues or councils ask for a certificate of currency, and your state's rules before offering prizes.
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