To rent a claw machine for your next party, start by contacting local rental companies or arcade suppliers. Rental fees typically range from $150 to $300 per day, depending on machine type and customization. Choose machines with adjustable claw strength for a balanced experience, and stock them with themed prizes to match your party. Renting a claw machine can boost party engagement by up to 40%, offering interactive entertainment that appeals to guests of all ages.
Determine the party needs
You can get the answer to this question in two simple ways, which decide how many claw machines you need to hire. For a party of about 20 guests, one machine is typically enough. However, with 50 or even 75 guests, one claw machine could lead to long lines. To guarantee that everybody can participate, just lease two or three machines so visitors don’t get bored and to prevent waiting in line. The average claw machine is about 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Two or so of them should fit fine if the venue isn’t too packed.
Rent can hit $150 an hour for a single claw machine in San Francisco, and around $100 per hour in Miami. That will cost you $375 to $750 if you want five hours. Expect to pay around $500 for 2 hours; costs may balloon to between $1000 and $1500 if you intend on renting it all day. The price is considerably lower for only 5 hours, as rental agencies will often offer discount packages. Depending on the company and package you choose, it could be from about $500-$700 to rent a machine.
You can add a fun feature by placing branded plush toys in the claw machine to make it an exciting experience if you want more interesting activities at the party. On average, regular plush toys can range from $1.00 to $3.00 each, and custom ones are on the higher end at around $5.00-$7.00 each. If you wish to have 500 toys, the budget will be between $500 and $2000. This is an option offered by most rental companies, and some can even create custom plushes with company logos or your party theme.
Choosing a rental company
It is very important to find a reliable rental company because you do not want problems with the machine at your party. Rental companies in Los Angeles and New York are easy to find. Google “Claw Machine Rental” and look at the reviews. If a company has good feedback, it is probably responsible and will guarantee delivery and installation of machines at your party. Since different companies offer machines in various sizes, with different functions and services, it is best to ask a few questions before deciding.
Almost all claw machines stand 6 feet tall, are about 3 feet wide, and work off a typical electric outlet. Remember to pack an extension cord if the party venue has limited power outlets, or ask your rental company in advance for extra support. Delivery costs vary based on distance. In downtown Los Angeles or San Francisco, delivery fees range from $50 to $150. That is quite a high delivery fee, but distance for suburban shows is also often factored in.
Most rental companies will rent their equipment by the day, half-day, or hour. Rates are typically hourly, from $75-$150, and the ability to rent equipment for just a few hours makes costs reasonable. This is perfect for large groups or corporate events and can be rented out for an entire day for $1000-$1500. Other rental companies also provide services, such as on-site staff or machine maintenance, to ensure there are no issues with the machine during the party. These added services are helpful if your party lasts for many hours.
Signing the contract and paying a deposit
A deposit is most often required when renting a claw machine. A deposit is secured by 20%-50% of the rental amount, typically. If the total rental fee is $1000, then the deposit can range between $200 and $500. The deposit is mainly to protect against equipment damage during the party. If the claw machine is damaged, repair costs and compensation will be deducted from the deposit. So, be careful when using the machine, especially if there are kids at the party. You may want to have someone monitor the machine so it doesn’t get overused.
Always make sure to read the cancellation terms in your contract if you need to cancel the service. Refer to individual companies for their cancellation policies and terms. Some require at least 48 hours’ notice for a full refund, while others stipulate longer, such as 72 hours’ notice. If you don’t cancel within the time frame, the company may charge some or all of the deposit. Read through your contract thoroughly before signing to confirm you won’t lose a lot of money if something goes wrong.
Arranging delivery and installation
The installation of claw machines can be tricky as they are usually heavy and require technical skills. Most rental companies handle the delivery. The rental company will arrive at the venue at least 2 hours before your party to set up the machine and perform a test. Installation takes about 30 minutes to an hour; the more complex the machine, the longer it takes. As part of your rental, the company will generally offer a short training session on how to use the machine and troubleshoot common minor problems.
One way to avoid malfunctions during the party is to have an on-site technician for $25-$50 per hour, depending on the company. With a technician on-site, if there are any problems with the machine, they can fix it immediately. This ensures that the party continues smoothly. If the machine stops working or shuts off, the technician can usually get it running again without causing too much inconvenience to your party.
