Okay, when I look at it I see it entirely different. We have to remember that although there is a big home market, and all of us would LOVE to have every new pin in our basement for $3k you have to look at the market these are being sold in. These are Amusement Machines, intended for bars - arcades - etc. I operate both. And when I compare a pin to the cost of most other arcade machines I tend to ask myself how they can sell them so cheap, or rather how I am being F*cked by all the other companies.

Take a look at the cost on other arcade machines.
Fruit Ninja, a big TV screen with a single board computer inside. $9000
Monster Drop, if you only get the side by side little ones. IT drops a bouncy ball into a hole $10k
Big Bass Wheel, A big Price is Right wheel and a 20" TV. $11k
Side by Side Basket ball games, a hoop, a board, and a ball. $10k easy
New shooting games by NAMCO, $20-40k
A Pinball machine, tons of tiny intricate parts, extensive artwork, sound and programming. The nature of the game is a steel ball bouncing around a wood & plastic playfield. And has to be built to at least last somewhat. etc,etc,etc. $7.5k for the TOP OF THE LINE. With TV's. Magnets, multiple playfields, and more. $5k for the more "affordable ones"

Then I sit back and say hey, pin's are pretty affordable. But I put one on location, and that big stupid wheel that costs 2x as much and has 1/2 the craftsmanship inside of it, and a game lasts 10 seconds, with not skill, no real fun, no rules, no opportunity for free games or a high score. I push a lever and I get some tickets. And it will out perform that pinball machine 5x week to week.
Why? Because I can get a kid to put 4 tokens in, spin the wheel and they understand it. The Pin needs learning, thought, skill, etc. etc.

These games aren't priced based on what goes into them, they are based on how much money can be put into them. That wheel may not be as cool, fun, or intricate. But it makes a ton of $. Same as that Pin thats amazing but only makes what it can.

These companies recognize that. And price them accordingly. Truth is: It is a tough market. And all things considered. The Pinball companies are the MOST AFFORDABLE when it comes to what I am getting. Especially when a coin roller that does nothing but have a spinning wheel, costs $4k.

Just trying to put it in perspective. You have to remember the nature of the machine you are buying.