I don't think this is meant to be a serious debate, but buying a pinball machine is not what any actual licensed investment adviser would call an investment at all. Speculation maybe, a gamble for sure. But, other than for convincing wives (or rationalizing it to ourselves), we shouldn't confuse the terms.

Ha. After doubting anyone can guarantee a loss, you just guaranteed that no-one will lose (if they love the theme.) Are you saying people that love the theme will not "lose" because, what, their joy for TBL has no price?

I don't think idiots can afford this pin, and it won't be one that completes this transaction. It will be one of these nouveau riche dudes that someone said they know is walking around with $21k in their front pocket. They're most definitely not focusing on the "investment" aspect of TBL. They just want a cool, fun, and rare pin to add to their man cave. I wish I were one of these guys!

As it goes on life support, at some point DP's got an "asset" that can be sold. The copyrights, the licenses, the blueprints, the knowledge of how to make a TBL has value and therefore can be sold. There is already a known, and tested market for this pin. It's not a dud. This is already well ahead of most other untested "work-in-process" titles being talked about. If not next month, one day, some day this is going to see the light of day coming out of someone's factory, no?

Well, and this is what's really behind some of these reactions. This isn't only just a happy sale, and a smart market play and good luck with your windfall. While it's not really the seller's problem, alot of people were left holding the bag. How easy can this be to watch unemotionally?

Exactly, because when you're just buying new toys from distributors at MSRP what's the difference from buying a hot tub, an SUV, or a pool table? These aren't hobbies either. I don't even know if there are Forums for those!
And I have to add, you are NO more likely to make a profit (despite someone earlier saying we all have to accept that making a profit is a big part of the hobby (?!)) then when you sell your pool table, SUV or hot tub... unless you've got the last one made and it was used and signed by Elvis.

So PinLawyer, I don't know how many details you're willing to share, but given all the free bumps and promotions from all of the handy helpful Pinsiders, along with some great debates and a few ejections, can you say at least if the sale came from Pinside and from linking your ad to a thread? Was Pinside helpful? Or was the sale not connected to Pinside at all?

So, look, if everything being reported on this thread is accurate, the take away is that if you're one of these "$20k walking around money in your front pocket" dudes, or better yet, you regularly drop $100k on annual hunting trips, AND you want a Big Lebowsky pinball machine, don't bother waiting for one to go up for sale. Just reach out to any number of current owners and offer the new going rate, and you'll easily have one by the weekend. Probably can get free shipping!