If someone shipped me a game like that I would be pissed. The pallet needs to extend at least a few inches on all sides of the game. You do not want to ship a game that is hanging over at any point, let alone like that.
You'd have a really hard time getting any claim paid based on that packing job.
Quoted from dendoc:I have purchased many machines with this method, and sold quite a few as well from home.
Most modern games have the same dimensions and weight when folded down and exact dimensions are easily found on the web. Stern's website has the dimensions and weight for boxed and unboxed.
When sending, I speak to the seller and tell them what I want. I usually go on ebay and purchase a large roll of bubble wrap ($25) and have it sent to them. Ask them to remove the balls and place cardboard on the glass and around the machine, then wrap it like crazy. Legs off, and on a palate with a couple of straps ($10).
There are sites which do removal tendering, and I've had quotes vary from $150-$800. You can always get advice from here for more local experience. Contact the chosen company, they will ring the seller and arrange a pick-up date/time. It's often much cheaper (and sometimes safer) to do depot to depot rather than door to door if the seller is willing to drop it to depot. Third party deliverers may not be as good as the removalists.
Not too much of hassle. Usually takes 1-2 weeks to get the item in your hands.
Hope that helps.