Quoted from Jecco74:I will not publicly bash someone here. If you want to search the online reviews of the distributors the review will show up in the next week.
I'm new here: where are distributor reviews?
(Topic ID: 293042)
Linked Games
The Mandalorian (LE)
Stern, 2021
Topic Gallery
Quoted from nicoy3k:i am just relaying what I read in the mando thread.
Cause if it's on the internet, it MUST BE TRUE
Loveland, CO
I don't care if a distributor is asking for more than MSRP but to pretend that it's not happening with some is laughable. My crack research with this simple internet search...
https://billiardsnmore.com/shop/led-zeppelin-pinball-limited-edition/
Quoted from Coindork:I don’t see why they limit production on them.
It’s a friggin accessory, if they are still selling, then keep making them.
I wonder if this will become the new norm as industries of all kinds realize it may be better to not keep inventory around and/or go for high quantity. Instead the better return may come from always keeping supply limited then adjusting margin as needed.
Quoted from nicoy3k:Why should a distributor care what their customers do with the product? How did flipping LZ and AIQ LEs work out? What was the last stern LE that was flipped for a large profit immediately after launch?
Any business owner will tell you that you never want to leave money on the table, so monitoring price trends is important.
Distributors can raise the price. How far they take will determine future business with them... The market is not always going to be as strong as it is now...
Karma
Quoted from beelzeboob:...and you all didn't beat the shit out of him, take his tickets, and pass them out to the people in line for free?
I have very fond memories of watching small groups of people chasing scalpers out of the parking lot of the Phila. Spectrum at concerts in the 1980’s!
The best part was them yelling “get the F out of here you Scalper Scum” as they charged toward them and persued them-for several blocks!
Quoted from underlord:Wonder how many ‘resellers’ got burned badly in the PS5 fiasco.
Can’t wait to see the day one Mando LE 20k sales going up. Let’s see what the secondary market will bear.
Kind of makes you hope the game is horrible, but there'll be suckers either way.
Quoted from konghusker:Seems to me that stern should have a problem with this, but they won’t because it benefits them. After all they crack down on distributors offering lower(street) prices. Why can they sell higher, but not lower? Oh I know. Because if I the distributors can charge more, then that means stern can charge more. On the flip side, if low price competition between distributors occurs, then stern can’t justify higher prices as easily. If you ask me, stern should crack down on both higher charges, and lower charges and only allow msrp to be offered by a distributor on nib.
You know what you'd see then? Distros selling to 'customers *cough friends*' who in turn resell them for higher. I agree with the cutting out the distros. I know it's not a popular opinion, but it's a severely outdated practice. I have nothing against them, never had an issue with any, but it just isn't that necessary because for the most part, the serious issues are a fight with the manufacturers anyway.
Case by case but I typically land on any one pro/premium/LE but generally feel like the LE doesn’t bring enough to the table to justify super extra, have more pros than anything else. (Tron LE is the one big exception where the LE had different PF features and modes as there was no Tron premium sadly). I had two STLEs at times and currently own ST premium happy with that for the lesser price.
I would not pay over MSRP for a LE but just wait for a pro or premium.
Quoted from Yelobird:Crazy idea..... Tell us Who was the naughty distributor and Who was the Nice distributor!! Why is everyone so outspoken when they feel wronged but show compassion when it comes to sharing the names???? They Both deserve credit where credit is due no?
Betson Enterprises is one of the gougers. I was quoted $12,500 yesterday for the LE.
Being a route operator and a long time customer, (my company purchases approx. $200,00-$300,00 annually from them, and have a set discounted price on all equipment) I was certainly appalled that a nationide company would now join the bandwagon of greedy pinball distributors.
Pinball is great, the hobby is great, but the prices are getting more and more out of control.
Again, if people are willing to pay these prices, isn’t that what they are worth? Why is it worse for a distributor to make the money than some random flipper?
This isn’t an essential item. Absolutely no one in the world needs it. Let them make money off people who have money to waste.
Classic Game Rooms is 11,900 shipped with a possible 400 dollar discount if you bought from him before and if you don't use a credit card. Surprised me TBH.
If I just overpaid for a Mando LE before seeing the full game reveal I would be pissed lol. Disappointing in my opinion. Baby Yoda does nothing and just stand up targets on what looks like a very odd / dull upper playfield. Have to actually play it though to give it a fair shot. Ended up ordering a TMNT Premium instead.
Would love to know the actual BOM + Licence + R&D costs of these games, Ie how much does it actually cost stern to get them out the door, Is this cost increasing there end as well? Or is pinflation just going crazy and stern is just making more and more profit. Will new sterns be $20,000 in a few years? Either way I don't care just find it fascinating 
Quoted from pinb1:Betson Enterprises is one of the gougers. I was quoted $12,500 yesterday for the LE.
Being a route operator and a long time customer, (my company purchases approx. $200,00-$300,00 annually from them, and have a set discounted price on all equipment) I was certainly appalled that a nationide company would now join the bandwagon of greedy pinball distributors.
Pinball is great, the hobby is great, but the prices are getting more and more out of control.
Why do you need LEs for your route?
I don't get how anyone can say that Karma is going to eventually get these dealers in a hobby where people pay 3x the MSRP for a topper.
There are people who are waiting in line to buy these LE machines sight unseen at whatever price they can buy them for. It feels unsustainable yet here we are.
Saying Karma is going to "get" distributors has about as much weight as saying we're in a price bubble (with apologies to CrazyLevi ).
Quoted from CrazyLevi:Why do you need LEs for your route?
No LEs for the route but being in the business a long time I am a collector as well as an operator. I felt this game would have made a great addition next to the Star Wars LE I have
I don't blame distributors. Stern selling direct through their website and slashing the number of games distributors are getting leaves them little choice. Sell fewer games at a higher margin. Gotta stay in business. This is the (new) way.
Quoted from pinb1:No LEs for the route but being in the business a long time I am a collector as well as an operator. I felt this game would have made a great addition next to the Star Wars LE I have
It sucks but there are hundreds and hundreds of people like you in the same boat, and they can't make everybody happy. May as well take the opportunity to pad their profits. It's a tight margin business and distributors take a lot of risks, ask the ones who have been trying to get rid of Beatles games for 3 years.
I know you probably think you are their best customer and they owe you but everybody who buys a game a year thinks that too.
Quoted from Oneangrymo:Here is even a simpler solution:
Buy it if you can afford it
Dont buy it if you cant afford it
Done
It is not a afford thing for me, it is a I am not paying $15k for a stupid ass pinball machine.
Quoted from BallyKISS1978:Distributors do not make much money on NIB sales, they make their money on used games, like car dealerships. Get the used game cheap and mark it up.
don't buy into that, they make plenty of money or would not be doing it.
Quoted from DylanFan71:Stern selling direct through their website and slashing the number of games distributors are getting leaves them little choice.
hopefully this is the future
Quoted from pinb1:No LEs for the route but being in the business a long time I am a collector as well as an operator. I felt this game would have made a great addition next to the Star Wars LE I have
You can always get one later. Being limited, only so many can buy nib. Probably end up saving a lot as well. Prices just about always settle down after other games come out and hype fades. Problem is nobody wants to wait and willing to pay extra to get it now. That's the market.
Quoted from woody76:It is not a afford thing for me, it is a I am not paying $15k for a stupid ass pinball machine.
May I suggest you search the marketplace for other non stupid cheaper machines? I think I saw a popeye for 3500 ?
I can easily sell you mine for that ? No color DMD tho
Quoted from Boondocker:Problem solved if Stern did this with the entire Lot of LE's. Did any Stern Insider's get one with this offer?[quoted image]
The people with the best bots would get all of them.
Surrey, BC
Quoted from Oneangrymo:May I suggest you search the marketplace for other non stupid cheaper machines? I think I saw a popeye for 3500 ?
I can easily sell you mine for that ? No color DMD tho
(edited)
Quoted from Yelobird:My only suggestion opinion. Does LE Really mean that much to people based on number? The LE is simply a premium product with unique elements. Why not just make as Many as the market wants? No limited quantity means the secondary market or flipper has No Fomo threat and you could get one without the mad dash of buying site unseen! They make a better revenue if the game is good and the false inflation and hoarding would stop!! I have an LE Ford Flex, you can too!
It's psychology. The "market" only wants it because they can't have it if they don't get it ASAP. If they made Unlimited $9200 Mandos when there's also an unlimited $7800 Mando, why would anyone rush to buy the $9200 model? The effect of "LE" on FOMO psychology guarantees Stern sells 500-800 games IMMEDIATELY, which guarantees the factory keeps churning. They can't afford to do otherwise. "Wait and see" means they don't have guaranteed sales.
Quoted from woody76:(edited)
Haha u upset dude ?
As that Niko guy said :
Relax
May I suggest a new hobby that doesn’t upset u ? Butterfly collection ?
Quoted from Oneangrymo:Haha u upset dude ?
As that Niko guy said :
Relax
"Idiot" is the word of the day for Woody!
I think he needs a nap. No hobby should cause anybody this much stress.
Trust me I know how it feels to see a hobby I enjoy flooded with "idiots," being around for 20+ years will do that for ya. Best to just relax and control what you can control.
A gentle reminder: If it weren't for all you "idiots" who invaded this hobby over the past decade, folks like me would still be scooping up $900 Doctor Whos all day. Thanks a lot gang!
Quoted from CrazyLevi:"Idiot" is the word of the day for Woody!
I think he needs a nap. No hobby should cause anybody this much stress.
Trust me I know how it feels to see a hobby I enjoy flooded with "idiots," being around for 20+ years will do that for ya. Best to just relax and control what you can control.
A gentle reminder: If it weren't for all you "idiots" who invaded this hobby over the past decade, folks like me would still be scooping up $900 Doctor Whos all day. Thanks a lot gang!
And btw only my wife gets to call me idiot !
Nobody fing with no one , Everyone needs a freaking chill pill it’s a freaking pinball machine
Relax
And I like like my popeye ! So there !
Quoted from CrazyLevi:"Idiot" is the word of the day for Woody!
I think he needs a nap. No hobby should cause anybody this much stress.
Trust me I know how it feels to see a hobby I enjoy flooded with "idiots," being around for 20+ years will do that for ya. Best to just relax and control what you can control.
A gentle reminder: If it weren't for all you "idiots" who invaded this hobby over the past decade, folks like me would still be scooping up $900 Doctor Whos all day. Thanks a lot gang!
but at the same time, you wouldn't be seeing nearly the flood of new games either. As much as I love the older games, there's some great new games being released...i mean, when you can get one.
Quoted from Zablon:but at the same time, you wouldn't be seeing nearly the flood of new games either. As much as I love the older games, there's some great new games being released.
True.
I was still happier buying $900 Doctor Whos, and never hearing the words "Shooter lane pics?" or "world under glass."
It was a peaceful time.
But look at me! I ain't bitter! Obviously there's room for a new crop of "idiots" every 5 years in this hobby.
Quoted from CrazyLevi:True.
I was still happier buying $900 Doctor Whos, and never hearing the words "Shooter lane pics?" or "world under glass."
It was a peaceful time.
But look at me! I ain't bitter! Obviously there's room for a new crop of "idiots" every 5 years in this hobby.
I heard about shooter lane pics back when I started this thing back around 2005. Even though the prices were lower, condition still affected what you wanted to pay for something. We didn't bitch about "world under glass" because we HAD it! Nothing to complain about when playing the best B/W games!
Quoted from Mike_J:I agree with all you’ve stated.
What does a good distributor do when the manufacturer won’t help out with a chipping play field after 3 weeks of ownership?
Mine stepped up and paid to take care of me.
I had asked my usual distributer to reserve me an LE around one month ago but was informed that because Stern was selling some direct they got a lower allotment therefore I didn’t get one. I’m not a huge buyer from them just 3 pins on the past 7 years, so maybe I’m lower on the pecking order. But anyway I think the premium is nicer looking to my eyes. Will go with premium hopefully can play one soon pro or LE.
Quoted from JohnTTwo:Mine stepped up and paid to take care of me.
You should name that guy because he’s the only one I’ve heard who is taking care of his customers.
Quoted from TheLaw:(edited)
(edited)
Quoted from PanzerFreak:If I just overpaid for a Mando LE before seeing the full game reveal I would be pissed lol. Disappointing in my opinion. Baby Yoda does nothing and just stand up targets on what looks like a very odd / dull upper playfield. Have to actually play it though to give it a fair shot. Ended up ordering a TMNT Premium instead.
May want to go tmnt pro. Had an LE and buddy had pro. Pro plays better. Better feed to upper flipper on pro. (no drop on to playfield) 8 ball multi ball is too much. Van diverter and hang glider don’t add much and can be problematic. Glider blocks view of episode insert light on prem/le.
Quoted from TheLaw:(edited)
As a Canadian, I am personally offended by your aboot! 
Quoted from Oneangrymo:Good job.
Maybe you can get a job at a Kwikie Mart too to afford your LE?
I think you’re ready for the sequel...”I still don’t get it”
Quoted from CrazyLevi:I was still happier buying $900 Doctor Whos
Good times indeed...used to get those deals in dusty warehouses from old school tax evading ops with a half mil in quarters buried out back who reeked of stale Marlboro reds...now everyone I meet in the hobby rolls up in a Tesla with a mask on
Quoted from CrazyLevi:It sucks but there are hundreds and hundreds of people like you in the same boat, and they can't make everybody happy. May as well take the opportunity to pad their profits. It's a tight margin business and distributors take a lot of risks, ask the ones who have been trying to get rid of Beatles games for 3 years.
I know you probably think you are their best customer and they owe you but everybody who buys a game a year thinks that too.
Man I miss those days. I was big into pinball but didn't have the cash to buy back then 
I'd have so many cool games right now
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