How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Claw Machine for a Party?

If you're planning an event and searching "how much to rent a claw machine," you want a number, not a sales pitch. So here it is: our packages run $200 for one hour, $350 for two hours, and $500 for three hours — flat rate, no surprises. Here's exactly what that gets you, and how to think about which package fits your event.

California Claw pricing at a glance

• 1 hour — $200. A quick, high-energy activation for a shorter event or a busy happy hour.
• 2 hours — $350. Our most-booked package, and the sweet spot for most parties.
• 3 hours — $500. Keeps guests entertained for the full length of a longer event.
• 4+ hours, multiple machines, or a compact mini machine — custom quote.

Every tier is a flat price. There's no per-play charge, no separate delivery fee, and no "prize refill" surcharge tacked on at the end.

What's included in every rental

• Unlimited plushie prizes — the machine is stocked generously and we keep an eye on it throughout the event, so it never runs dry.
• Delivery, setup, and pickup — our team brings the machine, gets it running, and comes back to collect it. You never touch a dolly.
• Free-play mode — no coins, no tokens. Guests just walk up and play, as many times as they want.
• A trained operator on call — if anything needs an adjustment mid-event, we handle it.

What some rental companies charge extra for

Claw machine rental pricing across the industry is inconsistent, and a lot of the sting is in the fine print. Before you book anywhere, it's worth asking about:

• Coin or token fees — some rentals are coin-operated by default, meaning guests pay per play unless you buy a "free-play" upgrade.
• Prize restocking fees — if the machine runs empty, some companies charge to refill it mid-event.
• Delivery fees based on distance — often not disclosed until the invoice.
• Setup/breakdown labor charged separately from the rental itself.

How to pick the right package for your event

• 1 hour: a good fit for a short office happy hour, a pop-up activation, or any event where guests filter through quickly (roughly 20–40 people).
• 2 hours: right for most birthday parties, engagement parties, or the cocktail-hour portion of a wedding (roughly 40–100 guests).
• 3 hours: best when the machine needs to hold attention for a full evening — receptions, larger corporate parties, or all-day events.
• Custom: for weddings with a long reception, festivals, or any event that wants more than one machine running at once.

A few things that can affect your quote

• Indoor vs. outdoor setup — outdoor events need a bit of cover and access to power, which we can usually accommodate.
• Multiple machines — great for larger events where you don't want a line forming at just one.
• A compact mini machine — a nice option for tight venue spaces like a tasting room or small backyard.
• How far out you book — weekend dates fill up a few weeks in advance, especially in the summer.

Ready to book?

Tell us your date, city, and rough guest count, and we'll confirm availability and the right package within 24 hours. We currently deliver across the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego.