Ok let me shed some light on Houdini and pre order deposits and hope this eases some minds. We are not demanding a deposit to be on our list. If you would like to put a $100.00 deposit down that is fine and you will be on the list and be contacted first when information is available to purchase this machine. All customers on the list will be contacted that same day, prioritized on when we receive your PM to be on the list. Many customers have asked to put down a deposit. They requested to pay a deposit before I even asked to take deposits. I decided to take $100.00 deposits because other American Pinball distributors stated they were taking deposits and we followed suit. Again its optional. While others customers opt not to put a deposit down, they still ask to be on the list. The list is to gage interest. If you want info about the machine you can simply pm GAP on pinside with your name, cell number and email address and we will be happy to put you on a list. $100.00 is fully refundable at any time. No money is handed over to American Pinball until we pick up our games at the factory which is 15 minutes from my shop.

Once the game info is out and a production schedule is established and a person on the list says this game is for them, we will require half down to place the order with American Pinball. At this time no money will be given to American pinball it will stay within Great American Pinball.

Once production starts and games are within 15 days of pickup by GAP, we will then request the balance, just like we do with other pinball pre orders from manufacturers. Its a system that works well for GAP and our customers. The money will not be handed over to American Pinball it will stay with Great American Pinball until the day I go to pick up the games. On the day of pick up, I will pay American Pinball with a check for the full amount of each Houdini machine picked up, no more than that.

As distributors, we are not here to steal peoples money and I tend to think most of us are pretty responsible people as it relates to other peoples money. Yes American Pinball is a start up co and there is always a risk, but there is no risk with your money with us. I promise you that! JJP was once a startup up co asking for deposits. Spooky was a startup co that asked for deposits. Yes JPOP and Skit B are great examples of how deposits and pre orders can go terribly wrong. I do get it!!!!! American Pinball do have experienced designers and engineers and a guy who is head of sales for American pinball who has decades of experience in the coin op business. They have a working prototype and are touring upcoming pinball shows with it. That should say a lot.

I believe this co will make a great product that will be for some and not for others. That's ok, there is plenty of other manufacturers and pinball machines that will meet your needs.

The game should be out in late 2017. We will keep you updated on any info American Pinball will allow us to share with you. Again all deposits will be held by Great American Pinball until the day we pick up your machine!

Thanks and I hope this clarify things.

GAP