I posted on my KOD classified related forum thread about a scam attempt yesterday related to my listing on Craigslist.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/for-sale-king-of-diamonds-18
Right after that, I got an email from a guy saying:
Hello,
I have a king of diamonds that I want to restore, but I am intrigued by your machine. I started my collection less than 10 years ago with lots of Gottlieb wedgeheads, some add a ball machines, some system 1s and several other various machines ranging from the 1950s through to the 1990s. One of the pinball people I met over the years talked about somebody in Rolling Hills Estates with a large collection and it might be you. Looking at a few of your pictures, I think you might be the person that was mentioned. Anyway, I am interested in coming to check out your machine. What does your upcoming week look like?
Thanks,
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After a reply, I got this:
I used to have “newer” machines like Funhouse and Taxi and Addams Family and Earthshaker, Etc... but went through a divorce and they were liquidated. Was out of pinball for several years and then found a Gottlieb Wedgehead (Top Card) at a thrift store and just was mesmerized by the art, history and mechanics.
I also once had a 300 and a Central Park- and an Aquarius.... would love to have a Buckaroo someday.
And I am sure that I would not be able to restore a king of diamonds to the state that yours is in which is why I am intrigued. So I would love to come and look at it, with an intention to possibly buy it. I have flexibility in my schedule. I’m going to LA tomorrow to pick up a playfield so that might work.
Can I call you tomorrow? Since it’s still Mother’s Day, I’m on the hook for a movie with the family as soon as I’m done with this email....
Thanks,
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We exchanged phone numbers, talked on the phone, and the plan was for him to come over today at 4:30PM, where it was for him to buy the machine assuming it was as advertised. That is what worked best for him. I re-arranged my schedule to leave work early after confirming at 1:30PM he was planning to come, and placed the listing here as "sale pending"
Then, as I was on my way home, which was very inconvenient for me, but what worked best for him, I get this text:
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I don’t want to waste your time or mine. What I really want to do is the restoration work rather than buying something that has already been restored, even if it takes me longer than I’d like. I appreciate talking with you and maybe down the road if I change my mind and you still have it, I will reach out.
Sigh!!!!!!!!