YOUR Q4 PREP LIST

October is the calm before the holiday rush. Once November hits, holiday shoppers and school breaks start to fill up your locations, and there won’t be any time left to get caught up on the small stuff.

Getting a few things squared away now keeps your machines up and earning when the crowds show up. Here’s the list we’d work through if we were running your route:

“Clean, Filled, and Working”

A machine that’s down in December is money you can’t get back. Walk your locations and give each machine a once-over before things get busy.

  • Test every game from start to finish, including payments and prize payout percentages.
  • Clean all screens, buttons, and cabinets. The crowds notice grime more than you may think!
  • Check your crane claws and adjust any settings if they’ve drifted.
  • Look for any worn buttons, sticky joysticks, and loose wiring.
  • Order spare parts now for anything that’s been acting up. Shipping gets gummed up in November and December, so don’t wait on this one!
  • Confirm that every machine is connected and reporting in the Operator Dashboard.

Stock Up on Prizes

Redemption and prize suppliers get slammed this time of year, and the popular stuff sells out quickly. Ordering now gets you better picks and extra breathing room.

  • Check your current inventory and note what’s moving the fastest.
  • Order holiday-themed prizes early. Seasonal plush and winter items tend to go first.
  • Plan for a mid-season restock so you won’t be empty the week before Christmas.
  • Add a few higher-value prizes at your busiest spots. Even just one standout prize in the window can get people playing!
  • Clear out leftover Halloween stock by early November to make room.

Take a Fresh Look at Pricing

Your pricing that worked in July might not be the best fit for December. A quick review now can make a real difference in what each machine brings in.

  • Pull your earnings from last November and December in AC Business Analytics (in the Operator Dashboard) to see what games performed best.
  • Compare each game’s price point against how often it actually gets played.
  • Set up happy hours for your slower weekday windows so you’re still securing plays when traffic is slower.
    • consider adding dynamic pricing during peak periods as well to capture an additional 5-10% of revenue.
  • Plan your holiday promotions ahead of time, like a bonus-play deal during a week local schools are on break.

Double-Check Your Placements

Holiday traffic changes how people move through a location, and where a machine sits matters more than you might think.

  • Move your strongest earners into your highest-traffic spots.
  • Swap underperformers between locations. A game that’s been lagging all year at one spot might take off at another.
  • Make sure machines are well-lit and easy to spot from the entrance.
  • Ask your location partners about holiday hours, parties, or events that could bring in extra foot traffic.
  • Thinking about adding machines before the rush? Talk to your AC rep so they can get onto the floor in time and equipped to earn.

Get Ahead of the Rush

A few hours of prep in October goes a long way once the holidays hit. If you want a hand with any of it, from setting up your happy hours to figuring out what to add next to your route, the AC team is just a call away.

Keep an eye on your inbox, too. We’ve got something new coming in November, and we can’t wait to show you!