Hey all,
Yes, I am back in business. My wife and I had a long talk over the past few months, as she mentioned I "haven't been the same recently". It actually took a heavier toll on me than I'd first thought. It's been a long road, but I am working hard to get back to what I've loved doing, so yeah, I'm back.
Haruman is correct - there are no cabinet kits. I have sold that part of the business to a U.S. Company, and they have been ramping up to distribute these. They actually run a very successful arcade in their area, which I understand has been becoming even more popular in the past number of months, so there hasn't been as much activity in production as they had originally hoped. But, good on them for having a successful business that's keeping them that busy. I had also sold off my CNC machine, and also do not have space for one in my current area. I am presently looking into producing completed arcades for the local area, so that may change and evolve in the future. We'll see. The one challenge with this is, of course, I would have to create all new designs so as not to infringe on the sale of my original designs... I simply would not be unfair to the guy who bought them.
As for parts - yes, those are returning full throttle. When I left the business, there were a few other companies who jumped in to fill my spot, and I think they all found some of the things that I had learned over the years - there are very small profit margins, and you need to make sure you buy a large amount of stock and may have to hold onto it for a long time before you make your money back on it. I saw some who took the opportunity to raise their prices above what I helped to set across Canada, sometimes, up to 20% more! (I've seen the most generic buttons I was selling for $1.85 on their shops for up to $2.50!)
That's not fair. That's not right. I'm sorry, but that was one of the things couldn't stop following when I left. I looked at what I had left behind, and it looked like a hole. I came back to do the job, and to help the market as best as I could.
I am having a sale, if you guys are interested, to help me fill the shop up. I'm ordering all of my new parts on March 1, and have a 19% sale going on right now. If you place an order, use coupon code
ARCADE2K19 on checkout. Oh, and it works on 'on sale' items as well, as I've changed that mechanic as well, for even more savings. (Here's the
link to the shop, as well.)
I do want to thank everybody for following, and for caring. I've had no end of great convos with people since I left, and I'm sure that will continue now that I am returning. Feel free to reach out to me here, or via my email at arcadeshop@gameroomdesigns.ca.
Cheers. And thanks.