Welp, looking back on the sales front for TPF 2015... here's the wrapup:
I didn't sell King of Diamonds at the show, though a lot of folks played it and remarked upon its wonderfulness. Next time, I will put the $1850 price on it instead of a "For Sale" with no price. One guy came up to me, pointed his finger in its direction, and said, "That game right there is a $1200-$1500 machine all day long".
Agree? Maybe without a new coin door, flaky backglass, and some cabinet fade and scratches, perhaps. Otherwise, that seems a bit low. I sold KOD the following week for $2100 to a buyer in Stuttgart (final adjusted price was about $1700 after shipping). Got LOTS of follow-up calls and emails from other buyers. I probably could have had the $1850 if I were a bit more patient. No biggie... I now have a pinball contact in Germany to visit who owns lots of cool games.
My old Doozie was at TPF and I heard someone offered $500 for it. Dude! I can't blame him for trying, but still... a little respect, eh? It looks and plays better than any Doozie/Daffie I have ever seen. I think a lot of buyers are too quick to dismiss the "invisible" job of restoring the mechs. I see a LOT of EM's which aren't leveled right/have weak bumpers/flippers/slings/break down/etc... which is not acceptable IMHO. Also, lamp sockets... dad gum it... if they are dim or require any wiggling to make them work... they don't work! Anyway, that Doozie is worth at least $800 in its current condition, and frankly, I'd argue more.
I bought 4 Roses for the $600 asking price. Yes, I could have haggled (hence "OBO"), but must we always do this? Backglass is pretty, playfield is pretty, and interior mechs look great and very clean for 1962. Besides, earlier in the day the owner saved my bacon with two spare 10 amp fuses in his truck... so... pay it forward.
I also bought Top Score which was brought to me from a visiting guest to TPF. Lovely playfield and good condition backglass. Mechs were a little sluggish but overall the game is in fine shape. Once I give it the "Nic Redux", watch out. Look for it at TPF 2016. Will be zippy and bright, you bet.
At the auction, I was thinking about picking up Paradise and Spectrum, but neither were working and frankly both were a little rough around the edges. Too many unknowns.
At the swap meet, I would have bought that Spanish Eyes if I hadn't already bought a Bally Freedom prototype (middle bumper version). Instead, Shawn picked it up for $300. Backglass was near perfect. A good buy and a fun little game.
At TPF 2016 I expect to have a Gottlieb Pro-Football, Flipper Fair, Out Of Sight, 2001, and Bally Vector for sale. All will have had "The Redux" by then.
Anyone else buy/sell to their heart's content this year?
Mesquite, TX
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