Quoted from rx3:All the time. I tell them. Not a big deal to me. Years ago, my neighbor's wife asked and when I told her $3500 (for an AFM), she went crazy and said, "OMG I would never let John (her husband) buy a $3500 pinball machine". The best part, she's always walking around with $3500 purses. Literally. We've been neighbors for over 20 years now and she's never worked a single day in those 20 years.
Depends on how you define work.
Yes people have asked, and I tell them. I usually follow up by saying cost of ownership isn’t too bad since pins hold value pretty nicely. Then I make some dumb self deprecating joke about poor retirement savings decisions. …. I guess there’s some truth in all of it ;(
Quoted from o-din:My guests are mostly smart enough to not call my collection of machines "Pins". [quoted image]
Lol, I'd be thrilled if people who come to my house actually DID know enough to call them "pins"
Most people have no clue.
Some people vaguely recognize what they are, but the closest they'll get is calling them "arcade games".
Quoted from Fizz:Some people vaguely recognize what they are, but the closest they'll get is calling them "arcade games".
Arcade games still sounds more intelligent than calling them pins.
I tend to be a bit vague with most non pinheads. Not because I feel some sort of shame but rather because if I know I have more disposable income than they do, the last thing I want to do is boast or rub it in their faces. I usually say something like "it depends on whether it's new or used, NIB go from 10k-25k (CAD), depending on the model and trim".
It's complicated when talking to pinheads though. I have over 60k (CAD) into my P3 since I bought all modules and software games. This just confounds people. It's not 60k for 1 game. It's 60k for 21 games - well I just sold 1 module so 3 games less now - it's 60k for 18 games. And of course being in Canada, over 7k of that 60k is taxes, and 1500CAD for the module rolling cases. So in reality it's closer to 50k real cost before uncle sam's share. About 36kUSD for 18 games (7 modules).
I actually keep a spreadsheet of all pinball costs, more to control my spending impulses when I see cool mods pop up. I'll admit that every time I look at the grand total it makes me a bit nauseous. Like some others here, in my previous life (marriage), all pinballs would only cost 300$ lol. In my current marriage, I don't have to hide anything. I mean seriously are we kids or adults? I can't believe I lived like that before and thought it was normal. My "now" wife plays pinball with me so that helps 4 of the current games I bought for her anyway (Labyrinth, JAWS, Weird Al, and Princess Bride). She knows exactly what they cost.
Why are you guys lieing about it? Are you embarrassed? Or did that many ppl just really want to vote?
Quoted from o-din:Arcade games still sounds more intelligent than calling them pins.
I've even had someone call them vending machines.
But hey, at least that guy was trying to be cordial in speaking about them.
Quoted from MacGruber:Why are you guys lieing about it? Are you embarrassed? Or did that many ppl just really want to vote?
I think a lot of people are even lying to their wives which blows my mind even further.
Quoted from MacGruber:Why are you guys lieing about it? Are you embarrassed? Or did that many ppl just really want to vote?
To not rub it in that you have money when speaking to someone who doesn't have as much. It's polite to allow them to save face if they're the kind of person who cares.
I answer honestly but downplay it. "Most go for 6k and change new in box, but you can shop around for deals or older ones that are cheaper." That's not exactly lying even though it's pushing the edge of 6k and it leaves out the premiums.
We have an 80's, 90's a couple 2020+ and even a dreaded to most of you Atgames 4k I have no issue telling guests or family how much each was if they ask. It gives them an idea of pricing if they become interested in getting one for their house and there's nothing more I would like than more friends and family to get into pinball so I have more variety to play
Quoted from Fizz:I've even had someone call them vending machines.
That's a new one on me.
I have had people refer to them as ping pong.
LTG : )
Quoted from LTG:That's a new one on me.
I have had people refer to them as ping pong.
LTG : )
HAHAHA me too!!!!!
I don't mind telling someone if they are really interested. Like if they are wanting to get into the hobby, but usually its just a general ball park price if it comes up in conversation. Most guests just say how cool and fun they are and move on.
Quoted from LTG:That's a new one on me.
I have had people refer to them as ping pong.
LTG : )
Ping Pong? That is hilarious!
Quoted from chuckwurt:I think a lot of people are even lying to their wives which blows my mind even further.
It’s hard to lie to wife about price of pinball when you’re asking her to stop by the bank and pick up $7k on way home from work
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