Arcade machine sales, leasing and repair

Homeowners building game rooms, small venues, offices, breweries, family entertainment centers and other route operators.

Profit on each machine sold, monthly lease fees, and charges for repairs, parts and service visits.

• Electronics and mechanical repair
• Spotting good-value used machines
• Selling and customer service

• Check whether your state or city requires a seller's permit, sales tax registration or an amusement device license
• Avoid cash-payout or gambling-style machines. Rules differ a lot by state, so check before buying or leasing them out
• Working from a home garage may need a home occupation permit and must respect HOA or lease rules
• General liability insurance, plus product and electrical safety risk when delivering and installing machines
• Heavy lifting and delivery. You will need a van or trailer and a helper

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many machines you buy, your workshop setup and your vehicle. These are estimates. You will likely need a van or trailer and a helper for heavy lifting and delivery.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many machines you sell or lease and whether you add repair contracts. These are estimates. Expect to start at roughly 12 hours a week.

Check whether your state or city requires a seller's permit, sales tax registration or an amusement device license. Avoid cash-payout or gambling-style machines, as rules differ by state. Working from a home garage may need a home occupation permit and must respect HOA or lease rules.