Claw Machine Buying Guide: 8 Details You Need for an Accurate Quotation

Why a Generic Claw Machine Price List Is Not Enough

A quotation that is not based on a defined specification cannot be compared fairly with another quotation. Two suppliers may both quote USD 700, yet the proposed machines can differ substantially in component cost, cabinet construction, glass specification, controller quality, payment hardware and payout flexibility.

This creates a common purchasing problem: the lowest quoted number may not represent the lowest cost for the machine you actually need. Important components may be different, excluded or left unspecified.

A better approach is to define the application first. Once every supplier receives the same requirements, you can compare quotations on the same basis instead of comparing headline prices with different configurations behind them.

The 8 Details Required for a Firm Quotation

1. Machine Type and Preferred Model

Start by identifying the general claw machine format. Different formats vary in footprint, player capacity, prize volume and price.

If you do not have a preferred model, provide information about the venue, available floor area, expected traffic and intended prize type. These details can be used to recommend a suitable machine format.

2. Order Quantity

Unit price depends partly on order volume, and quantity break points can be significant. State both the number of machines required for the first order and, if applicable, the expected annual purchasing volume.

The two figures serve different purposes:

• First-order quantity determines the immediate production and packing requirement.
• Estimated annual volume helps the supplier understand whether the purchase is a trial order, a rollout or a repeat procurement programme.

Keep the forecast realistic. A clear first order with a credible annual plan is more useful than an inflated volume estimate.

3. Destination Country, Port or Delivery Address

Shipping details determine the freight basis, electrical requirements and suitable trade term. At minimum, provide the destination country and port. If you require delivery beyond the port, provide the city or full delivery address so the supplier can confirm whether an appropriate delivered quotation is available.

Also state the quotation basis you want—for example, an FOB quotation from the agreed port of shipment, or a CIF/DDP quotation where applicable. This prevents confusion between the machine price and the landed cost.

4. Voltage, Frequency and Plug Type

Confirm the electrical standard used at the installation site. Typical requirements include:

• 110V/60Hz
• 220–240V/50Hz
• The plug type required in the destination market

Do not provide the voltage alone. Frequency and plug type are also part of the required configuration. Confirming all three before production is considerably easier and less expensive than modifying machines after delivery.

5. Payment Hardware, Currency and Denominations

Specify how players will pay to use the machine. Available requirements may include:

• Coin acceptor
• Bill validator
• Token system
• Card reader
• QR payment module

For cash payment, provide the currency and accepted denominations. For card or QR payment, identify the system or module you intend to use and whether it will be supplied by you or included in the quotation.

Payment hardware is one of the most common reasons that two quotations for similar-looking cabinets differ. Multi-currency bill validators and cashless modules should therefore be listed as separate specification items wherever possible.

6. Prize Programme

Describe the intended prizes rather than simply requesting a “standard claw." The supplier needs to understand:

• Average prize dimensions
• Approximate prize weight, where relevant
• Prize material and shape
• Average prize cost per unit
• Whether the machine will hold plush, boxed toys or mixed prizes

This information affects cabinet capacity, claw configuration and payout settings. If you plan to use large plush prizes, state this clearly. A cabinet may technically hold a 45 cm plush toy but still be unsuitable if the prize cannot be lifted and extracted cleanly.

Providing a prize photograph or sample can make claw selection more reliable, especially when the prize has an unusual shape, surface or weight distribution.

7. Software and Operating Requirements

Software functions should be specified before ordering, not treated as optional details after production. Tell the supplier whether you require:

• Adjustable payout or win-rate settings
• Remote monitoring
• Revenue or play-count reporting
• Multiple interface languages
• A locked settings mode that prevents unauthorised changes by on-site staff

Ask for each required function to be confirmed in writing. If remote monitoring or cashless payment depends on external hardware, software or local network access, confirm what is included in the quotation and what must be supplied separately.

8. Target Delivery or Installation Date

Provide the date by which the machines must arrive or be installed. Production schedules can change seasonally, and an opening date requires different planning from a flexible delivery request.

It is also important to distinguish between:

• The date production should be completed
• The requested shipping date
• The required arrival date
• The venue’s installation or opening date

If the deadline is fixed, share it at the quotation stage. This allows the supplier to confirm capacity and identify timing risks before the order is placed.

Copy-and-Paste Claw Machine RFQ Template

Complete the following template and send the same version to each shortlisted supplier. This creates a consistent basis for price and specification comparison.

What a Useful Quotation Should Include

A professional quotation should make it possible to understand both the price and the proposed configuration. Request the following information:

• An itemised price separating the cabinet, claw assembly, controller, payment hardware, lighting and packing.
• The bill of materials or sufficient component details to compare the proposal with competing quotations on equal terms.
• The production lead time and quotation validity period.
• Packing dimensions and gross weight per unit for freight calculations.
• The applicable trade term and named port or destination.
• A recommended spare-parts kit with individual prices.
• Clear identification of optional items and exclusions.

When reviewing quotations, compare the total configured machine—not just the cabinet price. A lower initial figure may exclude the payment device, optional software, packing or other items required for operation.

Pre-Order Verification: Ask for a Sample or Golden-Unit Record

Before placing a volume order, ask for a sample machine or a documented golden unit. The approved reference should include photographs, a video of the machine operating, its serial number and the agreed bill of materials.

This turns the phrase “as per sample" into a documented production reference. It also gives both buyer and supplier a clearer standard for appearance, function and component configuration during volume production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a quotation if I do not know which claw machine to choose?

Yes. Describe the venue type, available space, expected traffic and intended prizes. This information can be used to recommend a suitable machine format.

Why do visually similar machines have different prices?

Cabinets with a similar appearance may use different glass, controllers, claw assemblies, payment devices, lighting, software functions and packing specifications. Requesting an itemised configuration helps explain the difference.

Should I ask for a machine price or a landed price?

That depends on how you arrange shipping. Whichever basis you choose, ask every supplier to quote using the same Incoterm and destination so the totals are comparable.

What prize information is most important?

Provide the prize type, dimensions, approximate weight, shape and average cost. Photos or samples are helpful when prizes are unusually large or irregular.

What spare parts should be included?

The appropriate kit depends on the selected model and configuration. Ask the supplier to recommend a priced spare-parts list for the exact machines in your order rather than purchasing a generic kit.