If you’re looking to buy your first machine is it better to wait until one becomes available in your state that you live in rather than buying out of state if you happen to find one. I am just curious as to other pinsiders opinions especially since my tech knowledge of fixing the game myself would probably be a problem if received from out of state. I am looking for the advantages or disadvantages. I know patience is key so I have been waiting it out. Is it better to buy from a pinball dealer or collector? One advantage of buying from a local dealer is a limited 30 day warranty usually I have seen offered and they can fix almost any problem if it occurs because they know or sold the game. Buying out of state you don’t have the ability to play the game and usually rely on photos and phone conversations if no video of the game is provided. Just curious to others especially when it comes to my first purchase which would be about $2,500 not including the shipping which probably be another $350. Looking forward to hearing from you all and helping me out.

#2 11 years ago

ADL

Pinchroma

Pinside member

12y 62,050 8,035 1

First pin buy from a collector who will take the time to explain everything to you. Don't buy unless you can see it up close. You may not be experienced enough to know what to look for in pics.

#3 11 years ago

CFL

centerflank

Inactive member

Unknown

11y 165K 13,962 7 206

I prefer local collectors just because you sometimes end up making a trusted friend that invites you over to play his(her) pins and drink a few beers, I doubt you would ever get that from a dealer. I know most pinsiders have mixed feelings on shipping a pin, Id personally much rather go peak and play before I hand over payment. Good Luck my man!

#4 11 years ago

AJD

the_pin_family

Inactive member

Herndon, VA

12y 31,900 2,363 8

Yes, listen to Alex. Buy from a collector who had a passion for pins. Someone that will enjoy talking pins with you instead of just trying to sell you one. A guy who loves and takes care of his pins and is just trying to change up the line-up instead of fliping a pin. You will end up with a much Better pin. The retail route can be ok if its a respected dealer(you can ask here for that info) and you don't mind paying more for the 30 days piece of mind. If you do buy out of state be prepared to fix something. A bad switch or burnt connector at the least. Pins don't work %100 long unless a very good shop job has been done and even then there is no guarantee. Your best bet would be buying here.

#5 11 years ago

AEC

alleycat-pinball

Pinside member

Coloma, MI

12y 54,300 620 100

Get in touch with some of the local collectors in your area and i am sure you would find one that could help you find a game or even help if you bought one that needed some repairs.

#6 11 years ago

HI.

Slaymetender

Inactive member

Santa Ana, CA

12y 34,900 557 5

Buy from a collector like pincrazed. You wouldn't believe the care he put in shipping the TZ I bought from him. Totally happy

#7 11 years ago

BRC

Jackontherocks

Pinside member

Mesa, AZ

11y 94,300 4,955 8

Quoted from alleycat-pinball:
Get in touch with some of the local collectors in your area and i am sure you would find one that could help you find a game or even help if you bought one that needed some repairs.

Yes, thanks that is what I have started to do and have them on the lookout for a TFTC which is the choice I am most likely want. It seems most of the local vendors have a hard time responding. I am only able to find the game I want out of state over the past few months but truly believe it would be best to have one of the two local vendors find it for me to avoid any major issues. At least I would be able to see and play the game with my own eyes before throwing down the money.

#8 11 years ago

MAT

Matt_johnson

Inactive member

Saugatuck, MI

11y 36,800 387 4

Local collector, definitely.

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