Pleasant Hill, IA
I admit that at times I can be naive (find the thread about the 600 dollar Big Guns bought on Ebay) and maybe at times too trusting but, with some caution, endorsements from other pinsiders goes a long way for me.
NP and TDA in CA, bemmet in CO, pincrazed and pinheadpuckguy in MN, jitney in NE, a list longer than my arm in WI and the Chicago area, BR out east...all of these people I have asked for and received personal advise from regarding sales. There was even a time when I asked someone in Wisconsin to check a game out that was on location. He did. I bought.
What I am getting at is "he is a great, trustworthy pinhead" actually means something coming from SOME people.
For that matter, pinballwizard, I haven't heard much from you, so how do I know you aren't in cahoots with those that agree with you to try and get a better deal on a pin?? I am kidding but where does trust and distrust begin/end? How do I know that a group on people going on and on about something they agree about...isn't just one person with many id's? Think it can't happen? At this point...I KNOW it CAN. Though I am not saying it DOES happen....
Another thing at issue is everyone's idea of condition. Shopped means something way different to many of us. I suppose it is like cleaning a room, brushing your teeth? Whatever. Your idea of clean isn't necessarily mine. I have purchased a recently shopped machine from another pinhead that I wouldn't play until I cleaned. I never said a word to him. It probably was shopped in his world.
I have gone to local parties and wondered how in the hell someone could invite someone over to play when the games were in that condition. I imagine in his opinion, they were great. I have been to parties (thanks again, tatman) where the machines were so pristine, I wondered why someone would let me play them!
The problem....? Which person is on the other end of the sale??? If it is a long distance purchase, I would like the other person and his machine verified by someone I trust.
I do admit some of the prices here have been beyond ridiculous. I say this with wonder because I have ripped on price police for some time.
However, and this is a point that I can't seem to explain, I don't get some peoples adherence to some price guides "average selling price". OK, yes I get it. Do YOU get this....?
Average price = average machine.
I say this because I received several PM's on a few sales that indicated their opinion was that my prices were several $100 above average. I indicate yes, and this machine IS several $100 above average in condition and value. BUT...how do YOU the buyer know that???? Well, you have to trust me. Sucks. I know. Why would you? I would only trust a handful (ok 2 handfuls) of people here on the exact condition of a machine being as described. It is hard to agree to a certain standard.
I am picky. I sold a game to someone who is pickier than ME! I got shown things that I don't consider when I own games. It educated me. (thanks)
I also appreciate trying to protect the "noobs" I was one (am one?) only recently.
Unfortunately, as this site grows, there will be more and more people of suspicious character that will take advantage of the laid back, happy go lucky style of this forum. That sucks. I hope we do keep them in line. I like this little nirvana of pinballdom.
SO, yes, we need to call out asinine sales threads. But we must also acknowledge the rising prices as of late and the fact that a well shopped, excellent machine is worth a dollar or two more than a beater with peanut butter on the flipper handles and autographs from 3 year olds on the side.
I can't even remember if I have said all that came to my mind when I read this thread. I have probably written more than most people will read so I say goodbye
