Building a Successful Family Entertainment Center

Introduction

Creating a Family Entertainment Center (FEC) offers an exciting venture into the world of fun and entertainment. One of the key factors in building a successful FEC is the selection of quality, appealing, and safe equipment. Candymachines.com provides a plethora of vending and arcade game machines, which can add significant value to your FEC setup.

Planning

Before purchasing any equipment, a comprehensive business plan is crucial. Start with understanding your target audience. If it's for children, consider softer, easier games, with an emphasis on fun rather than skill. For teenagers or adults, select more challenging games, interactive machines, or even sports simulators.

Secondly, space planning is essential. Different machines come in various sizes, so you'll need to accurately map out your FEC to accommodate all equipment efficiently and allow for ample moving space for patrons.

Lastly, consider your business model. Will you charge per game, offer time-based passes, or a mix of both? This can influence the type and number of machines you purchase.

Selecting Equipment from Candymachines.com

Candymachines.com offers a diverse array of equipment suitable for various ages, skill levels, and interests. Here are some categories and their respective highlights:

Claw Machines and Merchandisers: Games that Give Back

At the heart of any thriving Family Entertainment Center lie the attractions that delight, engage, and reward. Claw machines and merchandisers take center stage in this realm, adding an enticing layer of fun with a promise of instant gratification. This 'game of chance' not only entertains but also fuels a sense of achievement by giving something back to the players.

Claw Machines

Claw machines, also known as crane games, are a perennial favorite. These machines come with a mechanical claw controlled by the player to capture prizes displayed inside a glass box. The suspense of the claw's descent, the near-misses, and the joy of capturing a prize create an addictive game loop that keeps players coming back for more.

Candymachines.com offers a variety of claw machines that cater to all age groups and interests. For instance, the Toy Taxi Crane Machine, a captivating addition to any FEC, entices players with its bright lights and plush toys. The Big Choice Crane Machine, with its transparent structure and dual-claw option, can hold larger or multiple items, increasing the prize-winning potential and drawing in a wider player demographic.

Merchandisers

Merchandisers are another excellent way of giving back to your customers. They're similar to claw machines but are typically more skill-based and often offer bigger or more valuable prizes, such as electronics or licensed merchandise.

Games like Stacker, where players must align moving blocks to reach the top, or Key Master, where a key must be maneuvered into a specific slot to win a prize, can be set up with tantalizing rewards that lure players of all ages. Having an attractive display of high-value prizes can quickly make these machines a featured attraction at your FEC.

Maximizing Claw Machines and Merchandisers

To maximize the potential of claw machines and merchandisers in your FEC, consider the following tips:

• Prize Selection: Regularly update and rotate the prizes to keep the interest high. Include popular items based on current trends, holidays, or seasons.
• Placement: Place these machines in high-traffic areas to attract more players. The sight of a patron winning a prize can be a powerful draw for other customers.
• Pricing: Pricing should reflect the value of the prizes. High-value prizes can justify higher play costs, but remember to balance this with lower-cost games to cater to all customer budgets.
• Promotions: Offer promotions like 'play till you win' for younger children or discounted play rates during off-peak hours to increase play rates.

By carefully selecting and placing claw machines and merchandisers in your FEC, you can provide an exciting and rewarding experience that keeps customers coming back. These games that give back are more than just a source of entertainment; they can become the heart of your FEC, driving engagement, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth.

 Vending Machines

An FEC wouldn't be complete without a range of vending machines dispensing candies, toys, or even temporary tattoos. They offer interactivity and an instant reward, which can be a hit especially for younger kids.

• Candy Vending Machines: These can dispense small candies or gumballs and are available in several sizes and designs. They are low-maintenance and can be a colorful addition to your FEC.
• Toy Vending Machines: A selection of toys can provide an element of surprise for kids. Machines such as Toy Taxi Crane Machine or Big Choice Crane Machine could be included.
• Novelty Vending Machines: Machines that vend stickers, tattoos, or novelty items offer more variety. Consider models like the Sticker and Tattoo Vending Machines.

 

Arcade Games

Candymachines.com offers a range of arcade machines from classic games to modern interactive games.

• Classic Arcade Machines: Games like the, Ms. Pacman, Galaga Arcade Machine or the Pinball Machines can cater to all age groups.
• Redemption Arcade Machines: These machines offer tickets or tokens as rewards that can be redeemed for prizes. Games like the Treasure Quest or Whac-A-Mole can provide an exciting challenge to your visitors.
• Interactive Games: Consider options like the Boxer Dynamic Boxing Machine or Dance Dance Revolution for interactive play and exercise.

3. Prize Redemption Counter

Investing in a redemption center where guests can trade tickets or tokens won from games for prizes is a great way to increase engagement and repeat visits. Stock this area with small toys, plush toys, novelties, or candies available at Candymachines.com.

4. Interactive Play Systems

Interactive play systems like soft play equipment or modular play systems can be beneficial if your target market includes younger children. These promote active play, help develop motor skills, and provide a safe and engaging environment.

Installation and Safety

Once you've selected your equipment, installation is the next step. Each machine will come with its own set of instructions and requirements. Ensure to follow these guidelines to maintain the safety and integrity of the machines.

Consider consulting with a professional to ensure all electrical and mechanical installations meet the safety standards. Regular inspections and maintenance are a must to keep the equipment running smoothly and safely.

Game Card Systems and Kiosks

Transitioning from traditional coin-operated machines to a game card system can revolutionize your FEC, offering more convenience for your customers and greater control and efficiency for your operations.

1. Tigapo: This cloud-based platform replaces the traditional coin operation with contactless payment solutions. Its AI-driven technology enables FEC owners to collect valuable data about players' behavior, which can help in creating personalized customer experiences. The system offers various upsell opportunities, such as package deals or bonus credits on larger purchases, to enhance your revenue stream.
2. Amusement Connect: This provides a complete cashless solution that is highly customizable. The system can be used for game cards, wristbands, or even mobile payments. Customers can use self-serve kiosks to reload their cards, minimizing waiting time. Its management software allows you to design and implement promotions easily, increasing upsell opportunities.
3. Kiosoft: This platform specializes in self-service kiosks, streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience. It provides opportunities to upsell and cross-sell through smart recommendations on the kiosk screens. Integration with popular payment gateways ensures seamless transactions.

Incorporating Game Card Systems and Kiosks

Installing game card systems and kiosks in your FEC involves several important considerations:

1. Location: Kiosks should be easily accessible, visible, and located near the entrance or high traffic areas for convenience.
2. User Experience: The kiosk interface should be user-friendly. Complex systems can frustrate customers and affect their overall experience.
3. Upsell Opportunities: Optimize the kiosk interface to include upselling options. Offer discounted game packages or provide bonus credits for larger card values to incentivize higher spending.
4. Staff Training: Ensure your staff is well-versed with the new system to assist customers who may be new to the concept.

Enhancing FEC Revenue with Upselling

With these systems, you can drive revenue growth through upselling strategies:

1. Promotions: Offer special deals during off-peak times to encourage more visits. For instance, 'Double credit Tuesdays' or discounted family packages can attract more customers.
2. Membership Programs: Encourage repeat visits by offering membership or loyalty programs. Customers can earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free games or prizes.
3. Holiday or Event Specials: Capitalize on holidays or special events with limited-time offers or exclusive games.
4. Combination Packages: Combine game credits with food and beverage discounts or merchandises to create attractive combo deals.

Conclusion

With the advent of digital technology, game card systems and kiosks have become a fundamental part of FECs, enhancing operational efficiency and revenue generation. Companies like Tigapo, Amusement Connect, and Kiosoft provide excellent platforms to leverage this technology and grow your FEC business. With careful planning and strategic upselling techniques, you can ensure your FEC remains a fun-filled, engaging, and profitable venture.