How did you find your 18 games that you have? Seems you may have this figured out already.

You’re not the only one doing that. I was contacted last week on a game and it took 30 second for me to reply. IMO, not out of line but others may see it differently

It doesn’t hurt to ask….but, there’s a reason my collection of 80+ games isn’t on pinside anymore. Some people make the approach like there’s an obligation to sell or if you have duplicate titles like I do, it’s unethical to keep more than one.

( I honestly got at least 1 message a week and didn’t want to come off as a bad guy when I didn’t respond since that doesn’t reflect who I am)

I’d say as long as you do it respectfully you’ll be fine. Or in most cases such as myself, trades are more tempting.

It’s one thing to ask politely to keep you in mind if they ever plan on selling than harassing someone. I’ve developed some wonderful relationships through game inquiries. I’ve also blocked some jerks when they act like a prick when I say no.

I’ve gotten several messages like this, and they’re totally fine with me. If I don’t want to sell, I just politely say “no thanks”. Also, don’t expect to get the best price this way, unless you stumble into someone who really is tired of the game you want. I’ve had 2 “offers I couldn’t refuse”, and I did not refuse them.

Adding to the etiquette question, I’d say it’s on the buyer to make an initial offer. It’s kind of bad form IMO to say “I want to buy your game”, and then “how much”?

Doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Totally fine, just be polite and respectful.

The "be polite and respectful" part goes for both parties btw.

Oh. Haha. All I saw was “this could get messy” or something.

But at least for me, I don’t care if anyone reaches out to see if any of my games are for sale. Worst I can say is no thanks.

Not sure you’ll find any deals that way. I’m sure you’ll run into a lot of “here’s the pry it out of my hands price”

Just realized my answer was pretty much exactly swampfire ‘s. Great minds.

I've tried it, and i've been asked. Either way, doesn't bother me.

Ended up having great chats with pinheads. and i\ve tried to help steer them in a good direction also

It's perfectly acceptable.

What is super annoying is tracking people down out of the blue and ambushing them with a request to buy...and then complaining bitterly about the asking price.

If you are hunting a game down and making unsolicited requests to purchase, don't expect the best deal.

No issue with it. I assume you are looking at local collections for offer and pickup, which makes a lot of sense to me. Waiting for a local sale of a specific pin to be advertised is less direct and takes longer I guess.

This is considered bad form on KLOV for arcade games but people do it all the time.

One of the reasons i took down my list of games there was so people would stop asking me to sell shit that was rare and not for sale.

I've found the best way to find machines that I want is to ask the local "connected pinball mafia" guys.
"They know a guy who has one"...the other thing I have done is to mention in messages " hey, by the way, I'm looking for a Space Shuttle...is there anything you are looking for?"

I have gotten a few inquiries about my Nine Ball (nope, not even for stupid money).
It depends on how you word it. Anybody can ask. Be gracious if you get turned down.

I've bought a few pins that were in the background of other sales posts--some people think that's poor form (to ask about other visible machines)--others put it in the picture to sell it too.

Then when it is for sale, a thought-out, reasonable price will still get low ball offers on KLOV.

Maybe an idea, if there was a feature to put little icons in your game list on each of your games like one means "thinking about selling/trading" or "not for sale/just displaying my collection. Maybe different colors mean different levels of keeping/not keeping. Of course still have the option to not be specific at all.

Like it's not quite a sales ad, because those should be when you know for certain, but more so for a "thinking about buying/selling."

Of course, be ready to buy/sell when the time comes if you find a seller that wants a certain amount or if you're a seller and are ready to let go if someone has asked about it and you agree.

I get it all the time, it's sorta flattering if you think about it. I mean to me a person has to be pretty gutsy to send an email and ask about a certain game in your collection and they must want it pretty bad if there out stalking the owners. And yes I always respond even though I have no interest in selling. I am selling my Judge Dredd but what with my main computer down I can't send out any pictures so I've not advertised it yet, but if someone is local they can come check it out in person.

John

I was about to suggest this! pinball owners has that feature even though the website is a billion years old!
It’s pretty nice. I’ve cold called on that site and gotten some rare games. I usually avoid it on Pinside.

That's what I was thinking too. I'm on there too but not a lot.

If the OP is doing this he should be willing to pay a reasonable price. I think a better approach is to post a WTB ad here on Pinside, that way sellers responding will know that they're probably competing with other sellers and the price will be more reasonable. Also posting in a Facebook group may get more casual collectors to respond.

curban Are you going to Pinfest? If so, post in this forum and try to prearrange a purchase to happen at the show.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/pinfest-2020-buy-sell-trade-want-no-hotel-talk

Easy. Say “hey I’m willing to pay x amount for a really nice one”. Or “I’m just looking for players condition. Willing to pay X”

I get that a fair amount, and it's always cool to chat sales/trades. What can be annoying is maybe half of the random askers seem to be of the "will you sell me a game from your collection *and* give me a good deal on it?" variety. If you're cold calling people about pins that aren't for sale and expecting a bargain on top of it, that's a bit obnoxious.

Not a problem but expect to pay a premium (even more so in today's market pricing). It's a great way to meet like minded people which typically turn into friendships.

Someone actually did that to you? Seems strange and maybe a very rare one off scenario.

I’ve purchased a few games this way. Last one was a Sth Premium. Have made a few friends this way. It would be cool if you could flag games in your collection as available for trade and then match you with someone that has a game on your wishlist.

That’s a great point. I recently had a local guy ask about my POTC via text. Even though I wasn’t sure I was ready to sell, I told him all the details about it. I think the ideal exchange goes one of 2 ways, with some small variations:

A:
“hey, I see you have <game>, I’d love to buy it from you.”
“thanks, but I’m really enjoying it right now. Check back with me in a year.” Or
“thanks! I love it and I can’t see myself ever selling it. But I hope you can find one too!”

B:
“hey, I see you have <game>, I’d love to buy it from you.”
“yeah, I love it but I do think I’m ready to sell it for the right price. I’ll send you some pics tomorrow”
<owner sends pics>
“wow, that’s exactly what I’m looking for. Would you take $xyz?”
“I’d let it go for $abc, it’s pretty hard to find and I’ve made these improvements.”
“Sounds good, let’s do it!”

I’ve been the buyer and seller in both situations. One time I sold a game for exactly what I had in it, and I was just happy that I didn’t have to list it. Another time, someone offered me a $1000 profit for a “keeper”. I’ve even sold a game because someone’s kid loved it, and it made me happy that they did.

I think someone also mentioned this too but if you are looking for a game it never hurts to put a WTB posting. You never know who might be lurking and have exactly what you are looking for.

Also having a game listed here for the public to know you have you should pretty much know you may be subject to some messages inquiring. So I’d say that’s another green light to feel comfortable in sending them a message

Yeah a guy heard a rumor I got a demo man, cold called me about buying it, and started bitching about my asking price “especially because I know what you paid for it.”

I asked him to fuck off and never bother me again.

I don't understand why the "what you paid for it" argument seems relevant to so many people. It's like the "that game used to only cost $300 5 years ago" argument.

If I could pay a lot of collectors what they paid for their games i'd still be getting $1200 TZs and Adam's.

Is there a local area for sale thread for your area? Assuming if there is, you already posted there ? I picked up a Twd locally after posting on our local thread as looking. He wasn’t explicitly looking to sell but that was enough to start a convo and lead to a sale. I guess cold-pming people is about the same really? Slightly more intrusive but not a big deal

I search the WTB ads before I list playfields on Pinside, so they do work. But for whole games? That’s what the wishlist is for.

Feel free to pick my collection. Make sure your offer includes a premium.

Sometimes it can be annoying when you post a game for sale, and get replies like "How much do you want for the Twilight Zone next to the game you're REALLY selling?" Just because it gets your hopes up for a split second lol.

I've only searched for owners of a game once, contacted 3 local owners, one with a large collection who sold at the market price at the time (still have that Sorcerer).

If you post in the forum now, someone may respond and you can arrange purchase now.

Maybe for you... if you are patient there are people with deep pockets on there just like pinball

I sold a few things on there for stupid money... about tripled what I actually paid for a Food Fight.

I've had friends of friends with deep pockets and interest so I never had to rely on KLOV, but I cant deny the number of tire kickers on there when other folks I know try to sell their games.