Arcade machines do not last forever in your lineup. Tastes change, technology advances, and machines that earned well five years ago may now sit idle. When it is time to upgrade, what do you do with the old units? Selling, trading in, or repurposing aging equipment recovers value and frees up floor space for higher-earning replacements. Here are your options.
Selling to Other Operators or Startups
A well-maintained machine from a known brand has value to a new arcade operator with a smaller budget. List machines on industry-specific marketplaces, amusement equipment forums, and local business classifieds. Provide clear photos, a video of the machine powered on, and a maintenance history. Pricing should reflect the machine's age, condition, and current new-equivalent cost. We can advise on realistic resale values for machines originally purchased from us based on current market conditions.
Trading In with Your Original Supplier
Some manufacturers offer trade-in programs where you receive credit toward new purchases when you return old machines. This simplifies the process — one transaction covers both disposal and acquisition. The trade-in value is often lower than a private sale, but the convenience and reduced downtime can justify the difference. Ask your supplier if trade-in options exist. We work with clients on case-by-case trade-in arrangements, especially for multi-unit upgrades.
Refurbishing and Rotating to a Different Location
If you operate multiple venues, a machine that underperforms in one location might thrive in another with a different demographic. Before selling, consider rotating it to a secondary site. A claw machine that struggles in a teen-focused arcade might perform well in a family-oriented location. Our CAD layouts can model different machine configurations across your venues to test placement scenarios.
Donating for Tax Benefits
Donating working arcade machines to qualified charities, youth centers, or community organizations can generate a tax deduction. The deduction is typically based on the machine's fair market value. This option removes the machine quickly, benefits the community, and generates goodwill. Consult your tax advisor on eligibility and documentation requirements.
Responsible Recycling as a Last Resort
If a machine is too old, damaged, or obsolete to sell or donate, responsible electronic recycling is the final option. Arcade cabinets contain metals, circuit boards, and wiring that should not go to landfill. Work with a certified e-waste recycler. We design our machines with recyclable materials where possible, making end-of-life disposal more environmentally responsible.
An upgrade plan that includes a disposition strategy for old machines maximizes your return on the original investment. If you are planning a lineup refresh, share your current machine list and floor plan with us. We will recommend upgrades and create a free updated CAD floor plan showing your new configuration. Phone: +86 19124246331. Email: joyplayexport@gmail.com.
