Commercial Claw Machine Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist

Commercial Claw Machine Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist

Ordering commercial claw machines from an overseas manufacturer is a major step for an arcade, family entertainment center, shopping mall, distributor, or other amusement business. Before the machines leave the factory, buyers should confirm that the finished products match the agreed specifications and are ready for transportation and installation.

This is where a commercial claw machine inspection becomes important.

Pre-shipment inspection is different from choosing a supplier or evaluating a machine during the quotation stage. At this point, the machines have already been produced. The purpose is to verify the actual finished products before shipment.

A proper inspection can help identify incorrect dimensions, missing accessories, cosmetic problems, payment-system issues, electrical mismatches, damaged components, or other problems while the machines are still at the factory.

This guide provides a practical pre-shipment inspection checklist for commercial claw machines.

1. Review the Original Order Requirements

Before inspecting the machines, prepare the original order information.

The inspection should be based on the specifications that were agreed before production.

Review:

• Product model

• Quantity

• Machine dimensions

• Number of players

• Voltage

• Frequency

• Plug type

• Payment system

• Language

• Cabinet color

• Artwork

• Logo

• Lighting

• Gameplay settings

• Prize configuration

• Accessories

• Spare parts

• Packaging requirements

This document becomes the reference for the final inspection.

Without a clear specification, it can be difficult to determine whether a difference is actually a production problem or simply a misunderstanding about the original order.

2. Check the Quantity

The first physical inspection is straightforward: count the machines.

Confirm:

• Total quantity

• Model quantity

• Different colors

• Different configurations

• Accessories

• Spare parts

For example, an order may contain several different claw machine models or several customized versions of the same model.

Make sure the actual production quantity matches the purchase order.

For larger orders, record the serial number or production identification of each machine where available.

This can make future warranty and maintenance communication easier.

3. Check the Overall Appearance

Walk around each machine and inspect the cabinet from all visible sides.

Look for:

• Scratches

• Dents

• Cracks

• Paint defects

• Uneven surfaces

• Loose panels

• Damaged trim

• Poorly fitted components

• Incorrect colors

• Missing decorative parts

Small cosmetic imperfections can occur during manufacturing or handling, but significant damage should be documented before shipment.

For customized machines, compare the finished appearance with the approved artwork or design.

4. Verify the Cabinet Dimensions

If the machine was ordered with specific dimensions, verify the finished product.

Measure:

• Height

• Width

• Depth

This is especially important for machines designed for a specific store layout.

A difference in dimensions can affect:

• Floor planning

• Customer circulation

• Door access

• Elevator access

• Container loading

• Installation

• Ceiling clearance

Do not rely only on product photos when dimensions are important to the project.

5. Inspect the Glass and Acrylic

Commercial claw machines commonly use glass or acrylic components around the prize area.

Check the panels for:

• Cracks

• Chips

• Scratches

• Cloudiness

• Loose installation

• Incorrect positioning

• Poor sealing or fitting

Open and close relevant doors or access panels to make sure they operate correctly.

If the machine uses tempered glass, inspect the surface carefully under suitable lighting.

Glass damage should be addressed before shipment because replacing a large panel after international transportation can be inconvenient and expensive.

6. Check Doors, Locks, and Hinges

The cabinet doors should open and close smoothly.

Inspect:

• Door alignment

• Hinges

• Locks

• Keys

• Latches

• Access panels

• Prize doors

Make sure doors do not rub against the cabinet or require excessive force.

Check that locks work correctly and that the supplied keys match the locks.

For commercial equipment, cabinet security is important because machines may operate for long periods in public venues.

7. Test the Claw Mechanism

The claw is one of the most important parts of the machine.

Run multiple gameplay cycles and check:

• Horizontal movement

• Vertical movement

• Claw opening

• Claw closing

• Cable movement

• Motor operation

• Return position

• Prize release

• Movement smoothness

The claw should move according to the designed gameplay.

Pay attention to unusual noise, vibration, hesitation, or inconsistent movement.

If the machine includes adjustable claw strength or other gameplay settings, verify that the relevant settings can be accessed and adjusted as intended.

8. Test the Joystick and Buttons

The control system should respond consistently.

Check:

• Joystick movement

• Button response

• Start button

• Player controls

• Selection buttons

• Other interface controls

Move the joystick in each direction several times.

Check whether the claw responds correctly without noticeable delay or unintended movement.

Press buttons repeatedly to identify intermittent problems.

A control component that works once but fails during repeated testing should not be ignored.

9. Test the Payment System

The payment system should be tested using the configuration specified in the order.

Depending on the machine, this may include:

• Coin acceptor

• Token system

• Banknote acceptor

• QR payment

• Card payment

• Cashless payment

• Multiple payment methods

Verify that:

1. The payment device accepts the intended payment.

2. The machine recognizes the transaction.

3. The correct number of credits is added.

4. The game starts correctly.

5. The system responds after repeated transactions.

If multiple payment methods are installed, test each one.

For international orders, confirm that the payment configuration matches the target market.

10. Verify Pricing and Credit Settings

Payment hardware is only part of the test.

Check the actual game settings.

For example:

• Cost per play

• Number of credits

• Bonus credits

• Free-play mode

• Game duration

• Prize settings

• Other operator settings

Make sure the settings match the buyer's agreed requirements.

For customized machines, the supplier should confirm any special software or gameplay configuration before shipment.

11. Check the Lighting

Lighting contributes to both machine appearance and customer visibility.

Test:

• Cabinet lights

• LED strips

• Internal lighting

• Decorative lighting

• Control-panel lighting

• Display lighting

Look for:

• Flickering

• Dead sections

• Loose wires

• Uneven installation

• Incorrect colors

• Broken LED components

If custom lighting was requested, compare the final result with the approved design.

12. Test the Display and Sound

If the machine includes a screen, speaker, or audio system, test these components.

Check:

• Screen startup

• Display quality

• Buttons or interface

• Speaker output

• Game sounds

• Volume adjustment

• Error messages

The display should start normally and show the expected interface.

For machines without a screen, this section can be skipped.

13. Inspect Internal Wiring

External appearance does not tell the whole story.

If the machine design allows safe access to the electrical compartment, inspect the internal wiring.

Look for:

• Loose connectors

• Unsecured wires

• Damaged insulation

• Poorly routed cables

• Unlabeled connections where labeling is required

• Loose power connections

• Signs of overheating

The goal is not necessarily to redesign the manufacturer's wiring. The goal is to identify obvious installation or assembly problems before shipment.

Electrical inspection should be performed safely by qualified personnel when required.

14. Verify Voltage and Plug Type

Before shipping, confirm the electrical configuration one more time.

Check:

• Voltage

• Frequency

• Plug type

• Power input

• Any specified electrical components

This is particularly important for international orders.

A machine intended for one electrical market should not be shipped with an incorrect configuration simply because the same cabinet is used for another country.

Record the electrical specification in the final inspection report.

15. Check the Prize Area

The prize area should be inspected carefully because it is part of the customer-facing gameplay experience.

Check:

• Prize chute

• Prize door

• Internal platform

• Prize opening

• Internal walls

• Moving parts around the prize area

Run actual test prizes through the machine.

Make sure the prize can be successfully collected after a winning play.

The test prize should be reasonably representative of the type and size of prizes intended for the machine.

16. Test With Actual or Representative Prizes

Testing the machine without prizes does not provide a complete picture.

Place suitable prizes inside the cabinet and run multiple gameplay cycles.

Check:

• Claw grip

• Prize positioning

• Prize movement

• Drop location

• Prize chute

• Recovery after a successful grab

If the machine is designed for a specific prize type, use representative products during testing.

Different prize sizes, weights, and materials can affect gameplay.

17. Check Stability

A commercial claw machine may be used for many hours every day.

Check whether the cabinet remains stable during normal operation.

Pay attention to:

• Cabinet balance

• Base condition

• Feet or casters

• Door movement

• Joystick operation

• Claw movement

• External vibration

The machine should stand securely on the intended floor surface.

If the model has adjustable feet or other leveling components, confirm that they are correctly installed.

18. Run a Repeated Gameplay Test

A machine can pass a short test and still develop an intermittent problem after repeated operation.

For this reason, run multiple consecutive gameplay cycles.

During the test, monitor:

• Claw movement

• Joystick

• Buttons

• Payment

• Lighting

• Sound

• Display

• Motors

• Prize chute

• Game reset

• General machine behavior

Repeated testing is especially useful for larger orders because it can reveal problems that a quick startup test might miss.

19. Check Custom Branding

For OEM orders, compare the finished machine with the approved branding materials.

Check:

• Logo position

• Logo size

• Artwork

• Color

• Sticker placement

• Cabinet graphics

• Brand name

• Language

• Promotional text

Make sure there are no spelling errors or incorrect versions of the artwork.

This step is particularly important for distributors and branded entertainment projects because the finished machines represent the buyer's brand in the market.

20. Verify Accessories

Before packing, check that all required accessories are available.

Depending on the order, this may include:

• Keys

• Power cables

• Setup accessories

• Tools

• Spare components

• Payment-system accessories

• Manuals

• Other specified items

Create an accessory checklist and mark each item as confirmed.

Small missing accessories can become surprisingly inconvenient after the machine has already arrived at the destination.

21. Check Spare Parts

If spare parts were ordered, count them separately from the machines.

Record:

• Part name

• Part number where applicable

• Quantity

• Intended machine model

For larger orders, organize spare parts clearly so the operator knows which machines they support.

Proper labeling can save time during future maintenance.

22. Review Manuals and Setup Information

Confirm that the buyer will receive the necessary operating and setup information.

This may include:

• User manual

• Installation instructions

• Setup video

• Gameplay settings

• Payment-system instructions

• Basic troubleshooting information

• Spare-parts information

For international buyers, clear documentation can reduce dependence on remote technical support during installation.

23. Inspect the Packaging Before Shipment

Once the machines pass functional inspection, verify the packaging plan.

Check whether the packaging provides suitable protection for:

• Cabinet surfaces

• Glass or acrylic

• Control panels

• Claw mechanisms

• Lighting

• Doors

• External decorative components

For international transportation, export packaging should be designed for handling and shipping conditions.

The supplier should also consider how the machines will be loaded and secured during transportation.

24. Record Photos and Videos

Visual records are useful for international B2B orders.

Take or request photos showing:

• Front of machine

• Back of machine

• Side panels

• Cabinet details

• Control panel

• Claw

• Payment system

• Interior

• Electrical area where appropriate

• Accessories

• Spare parts

• Packaging

Short videos can also demonstrate:

• Machine startup

• Joystick movement

• Claw movement

• Gameplay

• Payment

• Lighting

• Prize collection

These records can serve as a useful reference if a question arises after shipment.

25. What to Do if You Find a Problem

Not every inspection issue has the same importance.

Classify problems according to their impact.

Critical issues

Examples include:

• Incorrect voltage

• Major electrical problem

• Non-functioning control system

• Major structural damage

• Incorrect machine model

• Significant missing components

These issues should generally be resolved before shipment.

Major issues

Examples include:

• Payment-system failure

• Claw movement problem

• Significant cabinet damage

• Incorrect customization

• Missing important accessories

These should also be addressed before shipment whenever practical.

Minor issues

Examples may include:

• Small cosmetic imperfections

• Minor sticker alignment differences

• Other non-functional appearance issues

The buyer and supplier can determine whether these need correction based on the agreed quality standard.

The important point is to document every issue clearly rather than relying on verbal descriptions.

26. Use a Simple Inspection Report

A practical inspection report can contain:

For a large order, you can also add a separate line for every machine.

27. Should Every Machine Be Inspected?

For a one-unit purchase, inspecting the complete machine is straightforward.

For larger orders, the inspection method can depend on the order size and agreement with the supplier.

Possible approaches include:

• Inspecting every machine

• Inspecting a defined sample

• Testing every model/configuration

• Combining sample inspection with production records

For customized orders, checking every machine may provide additional confidence, especially when the machines have different configurations.

The inspection plan should be agreed with the supplier before production is completed.

28. Pre-Shipment Inspection Is Not the Same as Arrival Inspection

A pre-shipment inspection takes place before the goods leave the factory.

An arrival inspection takes place after transportation.

Both can be useful.

Pre-shipment inspection helps identify manufacturing or configuration problems before the equipment leaves the supplier.

Arrival inspection helps identify transportation-related issues such as:

• Broken glass

• Cabinet damage

• Packaging damage

• Missing cartons

• Impact damage

For international orders, buyers should retain photos of the machines and packaging before shipment whenever possible.

This creates a useful reference when investigating potential transportation damage.

29. How Manufacturers Can Support the Inspection Process

A professional commercial claw machine manufacturer should be able to provide information needed for final verification.

Depending on the project, this can include:

• Final specifications

• Product photos

• Test videos

• Packaging information

• User manuals

• Spare-parts lists

• Electrical specifications

• Shipping information

Clear communication before shipment can reduce misunderstandings between the buyer, manufacturer, freight forwarder, and installation team.

30. Fanhong Pre-Shipment Support

For Fanhong commercial arcade equipment orders, buyers can confirm the machine model, quantity, customization, electrical configuration, payment system, packaging, accessories, spare parts, and other order requirements before shipment.

Fanhong's production process includes cutting, bending, welding, grinding, painting, assembly, and debugging. Finished machines can be checked against the agreed configuration before packing and shipment.

For international B2B customers, providing clear order specifications early in the project helps the production team understand the required configuration and helps buyers verify the finished equipment more efficiently.

Final Commercial Claw Machine Inspection Checklist

Before authorizing shipment, confirm:

Product

• Correct model

• Correct quantity

• Correct dimensions

• Correct cabinet configuration

Appearance

• Cabinet inspected

• Paint inspected

• Glass/acrylic inspected

• Branding checked

• Doors and locks checked

Gameplay

• Claw tested

• Joystick tested

• Buttons tested

• Prize chute tested

• Representative prizes tested

• Repeated gameplay completed

Electronics

• Voltage confirmed

• Plug confirmed

• Wiring checked

• Lighting tested

• Display tested

• Sound tested

Payment

• Coin/token system tested

• Banknote system tested if applicable

• QR/card/cashless system tested if applicable

• Credit settings verified

Order Contents

• Accessories included

• Spare parts included

• Manual included

• Setup information available

Shipping

• Packaging inspected

• Photos taken

• Videos recorded

• Shipping quantity confirmed

• Documents prepared

Conclusion

A commercial claw machine should not be considered ready for shipment simply because production is complete.

A proper commercial claw machine inspection verifies that the finished equipment matches the original order and can operate as expected.

The most important areas to check are:

• Quantity and model

• Cabinet condition

• Dimensions

• Claw mechanism

• Controls

• Payment system

• Electrical configuration

• Lighting and display

• Prize area

• Branding

• Accessories

• Spare parts

• Documentation

• Packaging

For international buyers, pre-shipment inspection is especially valuable because correcting a problem at the factory is generally much easier than dealing with the same problem after the machines have crossed borders.

The goal of inspection is not simply to find faults. It is to confirm that the supplier, buyer, and logistics team have the same understanding of what is being shipped.

A clear checklist, documented test results, photos, and videos can make the final stage of a commercial arcade equipment purchase much more organized and reduce avoidable problems after delivery.