How Parts Packages Can Keep Your Game Room Running Smoothly

We like to say, “An arcade without a tech is like a restaurant without a chef.” A chef can’t do anything without the proper tools and ingredients! It is important that your technicians have the tools, training, and parts available to fix your equipment when it breaks. This blog entry will focus on the parts aspect of game room maintenance.   

Amazon has really spoiled most people. They expect to receive the goods they purchase online almost immediately at no additional cost. Shipping parts for next-day delivery can be extremely expensive. If a game breaks on Thursday night and you order the part Friday morning for a Saturday delivery, I have seen shipping costs as high as $200 on parts that only cost $20! We have had several customers come to the realization that they were spending as much on expedited shipping as they were on the parts. (Sometimes even more!) 

There are a few ways to mitigate this problem. The first solution is to order multiples of the part you are replacing. If a part has failed, it will most likely fail again, especially if you are working on a game with multiple stations. All the other stations are the same age. If the part is under $100, having one on the shelf to minimize downtime is a minor investment. 

Also, keep sundry parts in your back room. Make sure that you have a variety of the following supplies: 

• Fuses 
• Wire 
• Electrical connectors 
• Power cords 
• Extra card swipe units 
• Batteries (including CR2032 used in most computers)

Keeping these inexpensive parts on hand is much easier than sending an employee out on an errand to purchase them locally.   

Finally, have the Betson parts team assemble a Parts Package for you. We will request a list of all the games at your facility and compile a list of the most common parts that break. We will consolidate shipping and offer discounted shipping rates on the parts packages. There is relatively little risk with the cost of the parts package, as we allow you to ship back any parts you don’t use within six months for a full refund.

Make sure to replenish your stock of parts when you use them. Test your games regularly to find out when they are not working correctly. You can’t make anything kid-proof! The wear and tear on your games will result in parts needing to be replaced often. Ensure you have the parts on hand to maximize your game's earnings. If you have the necessary ingredients, you will be impressed with what your chefs can do!    

By Bryan Corbett - Technical Training and Support Manager - Betson Enterprises