How Much Does a Claw Machine Cost? Factors & Price Analysis

Claw machines&#;those captivating arcade fixtures that draw in both kids and adults&#;can be a fantastic investment. If you&#;re thinking about setting up a claw machine business, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, How much does a claw machine cost? Whether you&#;re setting one up in a mall, an arcade, or even using it for business purposes, the price of a claw machine can vary based on several factors. Let&#;s break down what contributes to the cost of a claw machine and explore the price range you can expect.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Unique Anime.

How Much Does a Claw Machine Cost?

There are different types of claw machines in the market, and the cost varies depending on the type. The following is the table based on claw machines types:

Mini Claw Machine

Medium Size Claw Machine

Big Claw Machine

Giant or Human Claw Machine

Mini Gashapon Machine

7 Factors Affecting Claw Machine Costs

The price of a claw machine can vary greatly depending on several key factors. If you&#;re thinking about purchasing one or diving into the business, it&#;s essential to understand what influences the cost. Let&#;s break it down:

#1: Types and Size of Claw Machines 

Not all claw machines are created equal. There are different models, each with its own specifications and appeal. The main types of machines on the market are divided into the following categories according to different playing methods:

1. Claw Machine: Players use the claw to grab a prize. The win rate can be set to a 100% guarantee, and players operate the buttons to eventually win their desired gift, which brings great joy.
2. Gashapon Machine: Also known as a capsule vending machine, players turn the control knob, and a capsule is dispensed. This method ensures a 100% win rate, with every player receiving a capsule. This is particularly appealing to children and students.
3. Card Dispensing Machine: Also referred to as a card vending machine, players turn the control knob to randomly receive a pack of cards.
4. Scissor Machine: This machine simulates the action of scissors. Players control the machine&#;s buttons to cut the string holding the prize and win.
5. Clip Machine: Prizes are hung on clips inside the machine. After winning, the player operates the buttons, the clip opens, and the prize drops, allowing the player to claim their reward.
6. UFO Claw Machine: This type of claw machine first gained popularity in Japan. The machine has a two-pronged claw resembling a UFO, offering diverse gameplay. Players can either grab the prize with the claw or push the prize to make it drop, which makes this a trendy and new type of machine on the market.
7. Ten-Claw/Six-Claw Machine: This is a new type of machine on the market, featuring ten or six claws. Players control the buttons, and all claws grab the prizes simultaneously. The win rate for each claw can be set independently, and the multiple claws grabbing at the same time creates an exciting experience for the player.

The types of machines can be categorized by size into:

1. Mini claw machines
2. Medium-sized claw machines
3. Large claw machines
4. Giant and huaman claw machines

#2: Claw Machine Manufacturer and Brand

One of the main factors affecting the price of claw machines is the choice of manufacturer and brand. Different brands and manufacturers show significant price differences, which directly impact the final purchase cost.

International Brands

Firstly, internationally renowned brands usually have a strong market reputation and offer technical reliability. For example, some Japanese and American brands (like SEGA from Japan) hold considerable influence in the claw machine market. These brands excel in design and craftsmanship, and naturally, their prices are quite high. Although expensive, their superior quality and longer lifespan often make them the preferred choice for long-term investments.

Chinese Brands

Secondly, Chinese claw machines manufacturer or brands are widely known for their high cost-performance ratio, offering both quality and reliable service. However, it&#;s important to carefully evaluate and compare options when choosing. There are claw machines on the market that are attractively priced, but the quality may be compromised. When purchasing, it&#;s essential to understand the manufacturer&#;s capabilities, service track record, and the materials used in the machines. This way, you can find machines that offer high value, quality, and assured after-sales support.

Claw Machine Manufacturers with Custom Solutions

Lastly, emerging brands and customizable options are also making a mark, such as Guangzhou Tongru. These brands often attract consumers with unique designs and flexible customization services. Their innovation and personalized service are especially appealing to buyers with specific needs. Additionally, custom claw machine solutions allow buyers to adjust the machine&#;s features and appearance to meet specific business scenarios, with the price varying according to the degree of customization.

In summary, the choice of manufacturer and brand has a direct and significant impact on the price of claw machines. Consumers need to carefully compare well-known international brands, Chinese-made brands, and emerging brands with customization options based on their own needs and budget to make the wisest decision.

#3: Internal Components and Technical Configuration: Quality vs. Price

When considering the purchase of a claw machine, the internal components and technical configuration are key factors that influence the price. From basic grabbing mechanisms to advanced sensing and control systems, different configurations directly affect the machine&#;s overall performance and cost.

Internal Components

The internal components of a claw machine play a significant role in determining its price. High-quality motors, stable claw mechanisms, and durable transmission systems are all costly parts, but they ensure long-term use and efficient operation. For example, some high-end claw machines are equipped with precision motors that offer more accurate control of the claw&#;s movement, while lower-end machines might use simple DC motors, which are cheaper but less effective. The primary internal components of a claw machine include:

• Cabinet frame
• Motor
• Power box
• Mainboard
• Wiring
• LED light strips
• Claw mechanism
• Buttons

When purchasing, consumers should fully research and compare the parameters and quality of these components to find a machine that meets their expectations.

Technical Configuration

In addition to components, the choice of technical configuration significantly impacts the price. Modern claw machines often integrate various technologies such as touchscreens, LED lighting effects, sound feedback, and smart control systems. These advanced features not only enhance user experience but also offer more engaging gameplay, which inevitably increases the machine&#;s cost. A claw machine equipped with these high-tech features will naturally be priced much higher than a basic model.

There is always a trade-off between quality and price. Opting for high-quality components and advanced technical configurations will significantly raise the end cost of the claw machine. However, this also leads to a better user experience and longer lifespan. For businesses, this becomes a well-thought-out investment decision.

#4: Hands-on Experience: The Importance of Personal Testing

When purchasing a claw machine, hands-on experience is an essential factor that should not be overlooked. By personally testing the machine&#;s operation and performance, you can better assess its quality and usability. While many machines may appear similar on the surface, their actual configurations, materials, and technologies can vary greatly.

Hands-on experience is not just about operating the machine a few times. It&#;s a comprehensive test of the machine&#;s overall performance, including factors such as:

• The claw&#;s gripping strength
• The joystick sensitivity
• The smoothness of the coin mechanism

For first-time buyers, visiting a claw machine manufacturer&#;s local client store to try the machine is the simplest option. Alternatively, if time and arrangements permit, you can visit the claw machine manufacturer directly for a more thorough experience.

During the hands-on trial, you can also engage with the seller to learn more about machine maintenance and after-sales services. After all, the cost of a claw machine isn&#;t just the initial purchase price&#;it also includes ongoing maintenance and potential repair costs. A thorough hands-on experience allows you to better evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the machine, enabling you to make a more informed purchase decision.

#5: Technical Specifications and Product Certification

Technical specifications and product certification are key factors that influence the price of claw machines, directly affecting their quality and reliability.

Technical Specifications

Firstly, in terms of technical specifications, different types of claw machines require various hardware and software components. For instance, some high-end claw machines are equipped with precision claws that allow segmented grip control, high-definition display screens, and complex program control systems, all of which enhance the user experience. These advanced technologies naturally increase the machine&#;s cost.

In summary, technical specifications and product certifications are not only guarantees of quality but also crucial factors influencing the price of claw machines. Consumers should consider these factors when purchasing to ensure they get a product that offers good value for money.

#6: After-Sales Service and Warranty Policies

A high-quality claw machine is not only about the price of the equipment itself but also the ongoing service support it comes with.

After-sales Services

Buyers need to consider whether the product offers comprehensive after-sales services, including technical support, replacement of parts, and maintenance of the equipment. A well-rounded after-sales service can help businesses minimize issues during use, ensuring the machine runs smoothly over a long period.

Warranty Policies

Warranty policies are equally important. Many manufacturers offer different warranty periods for various types of machines, such as one-year or two-year warranties. The coverage of these warranties can also vary&#;some might only cover major components, while others provide comprehensive coverage. Understanding these details can help buyers better assess the total cost and avoid being caught off guard in case of issues.

After-sales service and warranty policies not only affect the immediate purchasing decision but also directly impact long-term costs and risks during use. Therefore, when choosing a claw machine, buyers should thoroughly research and compare the after-sales and warranty conditions across different brands and models to ensure they are well-protected in the future.

#7: Purchase Channels

The choice of supply channel plays a significant role in the price of a claw machine. The main purchasing channels include direct purchases, buying from distributors, and online platform purchases.

Direct Purchase

Direct purchasing typically involves buying the claw machines directly from the manufacturer or factory. One of the main advantages of this method is the ability to bypass the markup added by middlemen, often resulting in a lower price. Additionally, direct purchasing allows buyers to gain more detailed information about the product and after-sales service. However, it requires more time for comparisons and communication. It&#;s also important to note that direct purchases may involve logistics and customs clearance challenges.

Purchasing from Distributors

Buying from distributors means purchasing through specific channels or agents. Distributors often have extensive market experience and product knowledge, offering comprehensive consultation services and quick after-sales support. While buying from a distributor may result in a slightly higher price, this option reduces the purchasing risk and provides a better buying experience, especially for first-time buyers or small-scale business operators.

Online Platform Purchase

The convenience of online platform purchases cannot be ignored. Nowadays, many claw machines are sold on major e-commerce platforms, offering significant market transparency and comparison opportunities. Online shopping allows buyers to easily browse different models and prices. However, there are certain risks associated with online purchases, such as machines that appear similar in appearance but differ greatly in technical specifications and quality. Issues like product quality inconsistency, lack of after-sales support, or even fraud may arise. To mitigate these risks, it&#;s advisable to choose reputable sellers on trusted platforms and pay close attention to product reviews and the seller&#;s credentials.

Whether opting for direct purchases, distributor procurement, or buying through online platforms, understanding the distinct characteristics, conveniences, and risks of each supply channel is essential for ensuring a reasonable budget and a successful purchase.

Additional reading:
My Dino Growing Animatronic Dinosaur Eggs for Sale

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Conclusion

Navigating the cost of a claw machine involves understanding a variety of influencing factors, from manufacturer and brand choices to technical specifications, product certifications, and after-sales support. By carefully evaluating these aspects and considering your own needs and budget, you can make an informed decision that balances cost with value. Whether you opt for a high-end international brand, a cost-effective Chinese model, or a customized machine, thorough research and hands-on experience will ensure you invest in a claw machine that meets your expectations and delivers long-term satisfaction.

Crane games, also known as claw machines or UFO catchers in Japan, are arcade games where you maneuver the claw to try and win a prize, usually either by grabbing it or knocking it off a ledge. A mix of skill and chance, often the thrill of getting the prize beats the prize itself (at least for me).

To be honest, for the longest time I never really bothered to play these machines, thinking they were rigged and just ate money. But I was proven wrong last summer, when I played one on a whim and actually won a prize! Since then I have been on a mission to master them, and here is what I have garnered so far.

Play crane games remotely for free

To avoid blowing too much money, I recommend first practicing remotely using the Taito Crane app. While nothing beats playing in real life at an arcade, it really helps you get a feel of how the claws move and grip.

The Taito Crane app has practice machines you can play for free, as well as machines you can actually win a prize and they will ship it to you (within Japan). While you need tickets or Taito Coins to play the prize machines, you can get three free play tickets if you install the app through the link below and register your number:

Main types of crane games

Three-arm claw

The most fundamental crane game of all, known as 3&#;&#; in Japanese. You move a three-arm claw to grab the prize and drop it into the opening. There are two main types of claws: The UFO Catcher Triple (shown below) and the Deka-Kure (&#;&#;&#;&#;), which is a thinner, twisty type claw. There are also various setups for the &#;get zone.&#; Some only have an square opening in the corner, while the smaller (easier) ones can have the entire front section as an opening.

Strategy: The first thing to know about these machines is that are almost all &#;&#;&#;[kakuritsu-ki]. This means that the claw is designed to be weak/let go until a certain &#;payout&#; value, when it will grip tightly until the opening. Nobody knows what value that is, it could be 20 plays or 60 plays, depending on the arcade and machine.

Since you will likely go bankrupt if you rely on the payout all the time, the key to these machines is either to 1) wedge the claw in a gap or tag or, 2) study how the claw drops the prize, so that you can grip it in such a way that it falls, or moves gradually, toward the opening. The smaller crane machines may be easier than the big ones, as the distance from the claw to the prize is less and therefore easier to estimate. The prize is also much smaller and lighter, improving your chances of getting a good grip.

However, the larger ones often allow you to make use of a &#;stop&#; function by pressing the button again while it is descending. This essentially tells to claw to stop its descent and grasp at that point. Many pro crane gamers utilise this function extensively to move the prize as desired or grab its tag.

There are also some variations, where the claw has two pincer-like arms rather than three prongs. These are even simpler to position as there is no twisting, just an open and shut grip. However, their arm power tends to be rather weak, and if the prize is heavy it may fail to move it much.

Forward drop

In &#;&#;&#;&#;&#; machines, the prize is resting at a forward front angle on bars or a ledge, and the aim is to push it off.

Strategy: These are not meant to won in one play, but rather over a few calculated movements. Rather than attempting to lift the prize:

• Position the claw near the middle-front and off to a side to gradually turn it diagonally.
• Keep turning until front edge hangs off enough diagonally                  
• Use claw to push down the corner protruding off the bar in the front

Drop through bars

The aim of &#;&#;&#;&#;&#; machines is to drop the prize through the bars it is resting on. The prize is commonly in the shape of a rectangular box (figurine), a cylinder, or a plushie.

Strategy: The strategy differs slightly depending on the shape of the prize. Like the forward drop, these are not meant to won in one play but over a few movements. If the prize is rectangular, the general strategy is:

• Grab at the prize from its middle and off slightly either left or right
• (if the prize is resting flat) Grab at bottom edge leaning parallel on bar. Start from high up as claw may slide.                       
• (flat) Once the bottom edge is leading delicately on bar, use the claw to push down OR go to the top and grab at it from off centre (the crane head should help to push it down)
• (if the prize is on its side) Grab off centre multiple times until it turns almost flat or only a corner rests on bar. Then use same strategy as when it is flat.

For cylinders, you need to first create an angle, otherwise it will just keep rolling back and forth across the bars.

For plushies, the strategy is to grab at it off center to twist it into a position until the centre of mass is through the bars. You can also try to lift the entire thing and hope it drops in a favourable position. Once there, you use the claw to push it down.

Hanging prize&#;

There are few variations to this type (&#;&#;&#;&#;) of crane game. The most common are a box suspended by two rings on its side with two other rings on the top (four ring box), or a prize dangling from a double ring configuration.

Strategy: For the four ring box, lift from the two top rings, with claw slightly toward the back and toward the direction of the wider bars (i.e. the claw&#;s home position). Then grab at a side ring until it moves into a delicate angle on the bar. Once there, use claw to push down the box, positioning it as close as possible to the delicately leaning side.

Ring

As its name suggests, this type of crane game involves using the claw to grab at a ring attached to the prize in order to pull it into the opening. I have never played this type of machine because the prize is usually some jumbo snack or figurine I have no interest in.

Corner balance drop&#;

The prize in &#;&#;&#;&#; crane games is usually a plushie or soft object resting in the corner of a L-shaped ledge. The aim is to push it over the ledge. Sometimes there is also a bar diagonally across the opening.

Strategy: First, use the claw to the roll the plushie off the platform. You can achieve this by grabbing the skinniest part (or the fattest part the claw can successfully extend around) of the plushie to turn it at angle so it hangs more and more off edge. Once the prize is resting delicately enough on the ledge/bar, use the claw to push it down (and away) from the platform repeatedly until it falls.

Takoyaki balls

In this machine you have a round tray full of ping pong ball sized-holes resembling a takoyaki pan (hence the name), and another bowl full of balls. The crab-shaped claw can only move left and right. You move the claw to the bowl full of balls and attempt to grab as many balls as possible. The claw will then automatically move to the takoyaki pan and drop the balls. If one ball falls into the prize hole (circled in red) then you get the prize.

Strategy: The more balls you can grab, the more chances one will make it into the prize hole. I don&#;t really like playing this machine type because it seems more akin to playing slots to me, where it is more due to luck rather than any involvement of skill. Maybe there is a way to position to claw to grab more balls, but it seems rather uncontrollable.

Interesting setups&#;

These type of games (&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;) feature random setups like a ball on chain you use to knock the prize off, or the prize resting on a balloon. Strategy obviously varies depending on setup, but most likely hinges on the general principles of centre of mass, how the prize falls, and gradually shifting into position.

Prizes won

Despite sounding like an avid gamer, I am nowhere near a pro either. I only go to arcades occasionally, and am still learning what works and what doesn&#;t. If you have better hacks, I&#;m happy to hear them. But here are the prizes I have won since August just playing casually.

Ebinyan Mofusand (3 plays)

The first prize I ever won at a UFO catcher was last summer, when I got this Ebinyan Mofusand plushie in 3 plays.

I had no real strategy except trying to grip the prize as securely as possible. It was kind of a fluke to be honest. But the thrill of it and dopamine hit from getting a prize set me off on a path to learn how to play these things properly. Especially since I still have yet to win a prize from the revered big crane machines.

Kirby (6 plays)

A few months later, I got this Kirby. My strategy was just to move Kirby to the opening bit by bit since I wasn&#;t sure how to grip it well. But I happened to grip it pretty well in the 6th play and it made it to the opening. Only thing is that it bounced into the machine below on the way down, so we had to call over a staff to retrieve it for us.

Mofusand x Sanrio (7 plays)

Have a soft spot for Mofusand since it was the first crane game prize I ever won. This one I played while trying to find somewhere warm while waiting for a dinner meetup.

Luigi pouch (1 play) + Cinnamoroll (1 play)

I got both of these after a week of practicing on the Taito Crane app, and I am happy to say it paid off!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Crane Claw Machine.

Other wins

• Foongus (1 play) &#; somebody had left it in a favourable upside down position to the right of the opening.
• Sumikkogurashi (6 plays) &#; this one was won in a pincer-type machine
• Namagaki Tsuburana Hitomi Japanese Restaurant (1 play) &#; This is a vibrating plushie!
• Konezumi (4 plays)
• Chiikawa (3 plays)
• Mini axolotl keychain (9 plays)
• Pompompurin (1 play)
• Wooper Looper axolotl (12 plays)

Summary: General tips

• If you are a beginner, you should first trying playing at the small claw machines. Some arcades even have labels showing which ones are easy to get.
• For the big claw machines, you can ask staff to reposition the prize to its start position before playing. If you are adamant about getting the prize, you can also get the staff to put it in an easy-to-get position after you&#;ve spent a certain amount of money playing for it.
• Many crane games are not meant to won in one play. So you could save some money by buying a set of plays. For example, some arcades offer 6 plays for 500 yen, essentially giving you a free play. You can also save money by scouring the machines and seeing which prizes other people may have already moved into a favourable position before they gave up.
• With the possible exception of traditional crane games, using the claw to push down and/or gradually position the prize is more often the key than lifting it up randomly and hoping for the best. Although the latter can also work at times, if you are lucky enough to get the payout.
• Some games are not worth it; the claw is too weak or the prize is cheap. Know when to walk away. Also, almost every prize can be found resold on Mercari if you really want it.