Would you quit your job if you could make just as much building arcades?

[Anubis_au]

I'd say no.

First up, everyone would want a different design, so it would be hard to get some economies of scale happening. Second, it would need to be done to a professional level each time, as spacies said.

I find people underestimate the cost of one of these machines, even when the workmanship cost is not added. So people balk at paying a fair price that includes all that labour cost.

[danny_galaga]

                                          biggest...no-brainer...ever!

[danny_galaga]

The guy who fixed my Ms Pac told me he had a Harley Fat Boy, an OCC-built custom chopper, and his brand new Dodge Hemi truck was in front of his shop.  Trust me, I gave quitting my job some serious thought..

so basically hes wasted every cent he made then 

[Naru]

After unloading trucks at the grocery for 3 lifetimes now,
I'd love to build arcade cabinets...
or whore myself out...
or eat dynamite...

[Dreamwriter]

I find people underestimate the cost of one of these machines, even when the workmanship cost is not added. So people balk at paying a fair price that includes all that labour cost.

That's my problem.  I considered starting a side-business making sub-bartops, but while people loved the idea and wanted ones like my prototype, I couldn't get the parts-cost down anywhere near what people would pay, even if it came with all the ROMs.  People always said "...wow, I could get a PS3 instead and save money!"

[ChadTower]

Yeah, it would be a low volume sideline for sure.  I'd say build two, wait until they sell, and build two more.  If you can use freely availabe parts (CRTs are free now, classic MAME capable PCs free or a few bucks), the cost really comes down.

[Chris G]

Been thinking about this.  It sounds cool, especially if I were to make the same amount of money.  However, I really enjoy the social aspect of working with other people.  I think doing this all the time would be too solitary for me.

[ChadTower]

Been thinking about this.  It sounds cool, especially if I were to make the same amount of money.  However, I really enjoy the social aspect of working with other people.  I think doing this all the time would be too solitary for me.

It would be totally perfect for me.  I hate working with people.  They're all peopley.

[Chris G]

It would be totally perfect for me.  I hate working with people.  They're all peopley.

So would it be better if we all just shut up so you could talk to yourself on here? 

[ChadTower]

The forum would lose little traffic if everyone but me shut up.

[More Cowbell]

I've sold a few cabs to pay for the hobby and there was a ton of pride that came from that. Because it's a hobby I never included my labor time in any markup, only the cost of supplies. Doing it full time as a job, you would have to take everything into account to get to the right price. That being said, I would definitely do it if I was guaranteed to make what I do now.

[javeryh]

Hmmm... someone just asked me how much to commission a cabinet after seeing the one I'm working on right now.  I'm pretty sure that I'd have to charge too much to make it worth while.  I'd consider doing it for cost but even that is pricey...

[shardian]

I've sold a few cabs to pay for the hobby and there was a ton of pride that came from that. Because it's a hobby I never included my labor time in any markup, only the cost of supplies.

That's the way I am. If I make $5 profit on something that took me 5 hours to do in one of my hobbies, I still feel good about it.

[spacies]

Here is a good way to price something.

Add up what it cost, double it and then add a third.

 

[shorthair]

Been thinking about this.  It sounds cool, especially if I were to make the same amount of money.  However, I really enjoy the social aspect of working with other people.  I think doing this all the time would be too solitary for me.

It would be totally perfect for me.  I hate working with people.  They're all peopley.

Maybe you two should get in business together - one sales, the other manufacturing.

[Chris G]

Maybe you two should get in business together - one sales, the other manufacturing.

Naw, I'd probably only get about an hour's worth of work out of him each day, what with his posting addiction and all. 

[BobA]

Just some info to add to this discussion.

There are many cab makers that I have not included as I only took about 5 min to compile these figures.

Cabs probably vary in quality and completeness but this is only for ballpark info. Not one on one comparison.

Complete cabs with varying equipment

Dream Arcades

Cabaret      1799
Cocktail      1399

Dream Authentics

Excaliber      3695
Katana         2500

Slik Stik

Complete      4495

X-arcade
   
Complete      2995

Hanaho

Arcade PC      4995
Cocktail      3995

Arcades R Fun

32 inch Full      4295


Now these are not for our purchase but obviously for those who can afford to treat themselves and will
pay the bucks for a premium toy.   Remember hacked multi cabs are going at auction for $1000 plus.

Kits are not included.

[ChadTower]

Naw, I'd probably only get about an hour's worth of work out of him each day, what with his posting addiction and all. 

Hell no.  I get a lot done at my job.  I'm just really, really efficient at it.

Besides, I'd have to be posting threads on all of the builds, yes?   

[DreamArcades]

... but breathing MDF powder day after day for someone else's benefit would get old quickly.  

Next time we run the router all day I should take a picture. Even though we have a good vac system you end up covered in dust (and sweat).

[rovingmind]

to make it acutally work so that you wouldn't end up burnt out, I would want to have a cnc panel cutter. 

[Jouster]

Now if i could only afford that cnc panel cutter.............

to make it acutally work so that you wouldn't end up burnt out, I would want to have a cnc panel cutter. 

I think I know what someone wants for his birthday...

I've played with some numbers myself...and I don't think it be worth it for me unless I find some really rich and lazy friends to build showcase models for that were completely blinged out and cost them an arm and a leg.  There isn't much difference in price from a bartop to a upright cost-wise...mostly MDF and small priced parts...maybe $100.?.?

Anyone know somebody rich and lazy that's looking for a showcase??  Hmmm?

Jouster