Free Arcade Shift Checklist

Opening — verify the space

Start with a reliable baseline before guests arrive.

Walk main guest areas; note trip hazards and blocked paths. Check attractions and games for obvious damage or unusual operation before use. Run the venue's approved startup checks; follow manufacturer manuals for each machine. Verify ticket/card readers, redemption and point-of-sale equipment with an authorized test. Check prize availability, ticket rolls and other high-turnover supplies. Verify team assignments, shift contacts and the escalation process. Review unresolved issues from the previous shift and acknowledge ownership.

Opening exceptions / initial observations

During service — keep things moving

Spot repeat problems and keep the work moving.

Record equipment faults with machine ID, symptoms and exact time observed. Tag or remove malfunctioning equipment from use when required by venue procedures. Check guest-facing printers, card/ticket systems and common failure points. Replenish authorized consumables and record low stock for reordering. Log repeat issues and what was already tried—without guessing a root cause. Perform scheduled cleaning and routine checks assigned for this shift. Assign open follow-ups to a specific person or position.

Notable problems / actions taken

Closing — leave the next team ready

Finish consistently and reduce forgotten follow-ups.

Review open incidents and equipment issues against the actual service records. Confirm each unresolved item has a clear owner and next action. Complete required cash, till and inventory procedures per venue policy. Follow approved shutdown instructions; do not bypass protective devices. Secure tools, keys and authorized work areas. Hand off remaining supply shortages and vendor/service follow-ups.

Closing notes / unresolved items

Handoff — close the communication loop

Make the outstanding work obvious to the next shift.

Give the incoming lead the three most important unresolved priorities. Include equipment IDs or locations so issues can be found quickly. Separate confirmed observations from possible causes or suggestions. Confirm who received the handoff and when follow-up is expected.

Handoff confirmation / extra context

Unresolved work — handoff notes

Record only the most useful information: what needs attention, who will follow up and when. Add machine/asset IDs where possible. These are working notes, not a substitute for incident or safety records.

Issue or machine #1Owner #1Next step or due #1

Issue or machine #2Owner #2Next step or due #2

Issue or machine #3Owner #3Next step or due #3

Start the shift prepared. Finish with a clear handoff.