Refurbished arcade machines to sell and hire
Restore used arcade cabinets and pinball tables, then sell them to home buyers or hire them out to venues and events.
- £3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
What it is
You source second-hand arcade cabinets, pinball tables and similar machines, repair and refurbish them in a workshop or unit, then sell, lease or hire them out. You can also offer repair and maintenance for other owners.
Your first three steps
- Buy one or two machines you can repair, refurbish them and note true costs and time
- Set up listings on marketplaces and social media and get a few enquiries to test prices
- Contact local event companies, bars and party venues to offer short-term hire
Who pays
Home buyers and collectors, bars and cafés, event organisers, and businesses wanting a machine without a big upfront cost.
How it makes money
Profit on refurbished machine sales, monthly lease fees, event hire fees with delivery and set-up, and paid repair or servicing visits.
Skills that help
- Electronics and mechanical repair
- Spotting good-value machines to buy
- Online selling and photography of listings
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Storage space: cabinets are large and heavy, so check unit costs or whether your home or garage is suitable
- Public liability and stock or equipment insurance, including cover while machines are on hire
- Electrical safety testing for machines you sell or hire out
- Cash-payout or gambling machines need separate permissions, so stick to non-gambling machines unless you have checked the rules
- Moving heavy machines risks injury and damage, so use proper lifting kit and a suitable van
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: refurbished arcade machines to sell and hire
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: 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 machine refurbishing business in the UK?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many machines you buy, their condition, and whether you need a unit. Storage space and a suitable van are worth pricing up early.
How much can you earn selling and hiring out arcade machines?
Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many machines you sell or hire out and whether you also offer repairs. Treat this as a rough estimate rather than a guarantee.
What should I check before selling or hiring out arcade machines?
Check public liability and stock insurance, including cover while machines are on hire, and electrical safety testing for anything you sell or hire. Cash-payout or gambling machines need separate permissions, so check the rules before stocking them.
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