Setting up claw machines is often considered one of the easiest and most low-effort side hustles. Yet many people find that their machines aren’t making money. Why is that? If you want to succeed, you first need to understand the scenarios where claw machines fail to generate profit.
The prizes are unappealing – Players don’t feel they’re worth the try.
The hassle of coin exchange – Players find it inconvenient to get coins before playing.
Unreasonable and opaque win-rate settings – Players quickly lose interest.
So how do you solve these three issues?
1. Unappealing prizes
This usually happens when operators choose cheap prizes to cut costs. Such prizes tend to have poor craftsmanship and unattractive designs, making them naturally unappealing to players.
To fix this, keep an eye on recent trends and hot topics. Update your prizes accordingly, and use the machine’s cabinet to display eye-catching ads related to those trends. If you’re unsure which characters or toys are popular, consult your claw machine supplier. Reputable manufacturers with years of industry experience usually have a ready list of best-selling prizes.
2. The coin-exchange hurdle
If players can only pay with coins, many will walk away simply because it’s too much trouble. Most players at your machines are driven by impulse. The more convenient the payment process, the better your chances of keeping them engaged.
3. Unreasonable and non-transparent win rates
Many operators crank up the difficulty to maximize profits, but this often backfires. Poor player experience leads to loss of interest—let alone repeat customers or loyalty.Instead, set your machines to varying difficulty levels and clearly label each one (e.g., two stars for the easiest, four or five stars for the hardest). This gives players more choices and a better overall experience. Moreover, different levels of challenge—especially when paired with popular prizes—can significantly boost player engagement.
While setting up claw machines is one of the simplest side hustles, running a successful operation requires learning from past failures and understanding consumer psychology. Continuously refine your strategy based on those insights.Fanhong Animation is a leading claw machine manufacturer based in Panyu, Guangzhou. We offer full-service venue planning and customized procurement solutions. For more guidance on placing claw machines, opening an arcade, or selecting equipment, feel free to reach out to us.
