Quoted from chooch:

I love how people justify the price increase because of the pandemic. Wouldn't that mean prices will drop $1000 when it's over? Quit making excuses for them and call a spade a spade. They know they got a hot title on their hand and want to cash in.

Quoted from PanzerFreak:

Next thing we know JJP is offering a $15k signature edition with a piece of a couch Slash sat on at JJP during his visit

Quoted from Zablon:

We've been saying this for a few years. I agree it is crazy...but while the prices might have got a boost due to COVID...they were already headed that way before then. I doubt they are going to go down any time soon. We are just in prime nostalgia people with money timeframe. Sure, there may be a few less, but you might have more operators buying at that point to make up for it.

Quoted from Nevus:

Zero interest in Toy Story, but I don’t speak for the masses and rarely follow the crowd.

Quoted from Zablon:

You keep acting like these prices suddenly went up with covid. They didn't. What DID happen is manufacturing and part prices went up. At this point it is still too early to be saying they are going to be going down any time soon - if they go down at all. I think the point is, people have been saying pinball prices are unsustainable for years, and year after year we are proven wrong. It may be YOUR limit, but there are 1000's of others who's it isn't. I agree at some point we'll reach a saturation, but travelling had little impact on game prices before covid or during covid. Pinball was hot the entire time and prices have been reflecting that. So I guess to answer your question, yes, I do think people will continue to buy NiB at these prices...in droves.
People are overthinking the price increase on GnR. Remember PoTC and how they were losing money on it? GnR is probably the same way - only this time they can't keep up with demand. They realize they aren't making enough on it to meet profit margins with the increased part/manu costs, and raised the price to meet it.

Quoted from RC_like_the_cola:

The big question is: Is this price increase just for this title? Or are we looking at 7750/10500/13500 for Toy Story? I was really pumped for a sub 7K standard model JJP and was hoping Toy Story SE was gonna be a good looking game. I'm out at 7750.

Quoted from playernumber4:

This will be the new pricing structure and prices will not drop. They never have. And usually when JJP raises their price by $1000 Stern raises theirs by 500-1000 and cheapens up the next game with less toys or quality issues from using cheaper materials. We have always said we will not buy at the new price, that the company will lose all their customers etc. and it has never happened yet. JJP will limit production on the game and come back with another edition a year later with a price tag even $1000 higher. Remember the yellow brick road and ruby red slipper editions of WOZ, and the black arrow editions of Hobbit etc? The prices only went up and stayed up.
There will be no sympathy from JJP or Stern. And rebates have never happened and its doubtful they ever will.

Quoted from Methos:

Honestly, you're just guessing. I would think that JJP and Stern know what the market will bear based on sales, pre orders, distributor feedback, and other means.

Quoted from Methos:

How do you know this?

Quoted from Dr-pin:

If anybody is even contemplating jjp overpricing. They should have a look into the spare part situation.
I just ordered a worg head to a hobbit game. It's an uggly one inch plastic bit, that couldnt possibly cost more then 70cent to make.
Cost?
80$ shipped.
I shit you not. Totally beyond insanely overpriced.

Quoted from screaminr:

I totally get the 1k price increase might price some people out .
But to the people who knew about it for months and say they could still afford it , but won't buy it principal well ...
You're missing out on one of the best games ever , and once they sell out , and they will , it will go up by much more than 1,000 bucks

Quoted from Methos:

Look, I agree with you that this is unfortunate. I was in on a Elvira until Stern raised the prices. But they are all businesses trying to survive and increase EBITDA. Can't fault them for that and if they raise prices, they must know the market is still there. For any of us to make factual statements as you did on the market, unless we have data to back it, is just disingenuous.

Quoted from Knxwledge:

How much of that complaining translates to lost sales? I would wager not much

Quoted from 27dnast:

Why does everyone behave as if these companies should all sit on their hind quarters and “take one for the team” so wealthy pinball collectors can buy on the cheap?
It’s not like these games cost $1800 NIB a few months ago and JJP jacked the price up to $10.5k. And it’s not like these machines are akin to a wonder drug that will save millions from dying, and JJP is turning their back on the poor and selling it for $2,000 a week.
We’re talking about a coin operated amusement device that already cost north of $9,000. Nine Grand - Plus, folks. Unless you’re a person that’s going into debt over buying one of these (which any reasonable person would say is a bad idea), then you’re talking about something that’s insanely expensive and completely unnecessary.
Next time you’re with non-pinball friends, trying telling them how you’ve been so wronged because a pinball machine that you were going to pay $9.5k for (plus tax and shipping) was increased to $10.5k.
Guaranteed that most everyone will look at you like your crazy and detached, and no one will join the chorus of what a travesty it is.
Like it or not, JJP is a business that needs to make money to stay in business. And right now, they are selling a very desirable item that is going to make them money. Much like an automobile manufacturer, they can and will raise prices when they see fit. Car manufacturers do this all of the time... There’s no government mandated day where prices can only be increased. They’ll do it when it best suits their business.
If there comes a time to when demand falls, they will adjust.
It’s just the way it is.
I’ve been in the hobby long enough to see a lot of these price increases. Up until 2020, I always thought “this is it. We’ve reached the ceiling.” But guess what? That ceiling gets shattered every time. And there’s always a chorus of angry people, and most say “I’ll never buy again... unless they make my dream theme.”
I don’t like these increases. Of course, no customer is thrilled about the prospects of paying more. But I think I’ve come to terms with them. And I don’t think we’ve seen the ceiling, because I’ve thought we’ve hit the ceiling every few months for the last 6 years. I thought the pandemic would crush these companies... not only have they survived, but they are stronger than ever.
At the end of the day, we should all be thankful that a manufacturer like JJP is still selling games. If you can’t afford one or if you think it costs more than it’s value, then DON’T BUY IT. Wait. Play it at shows and enjoy it at locations. Or wait for the used market. But this whole “they’ve wronged us, those bastards” schtick is out of bounds. JJP owes its customers (people who have actually paid money for NIB games) great customer service and game support. From my experience, they’ve done that. But they definitely aren’t some charity that needs to scrape by while rich clients bitch about cash on a nonessential luxury item.

Quoted from Hayfarmer:

We all complain about the price increases , but are any of us lowering the prices on the pins we sell? Market will always set the price

Quoted from 27dnast:

You can discuss whatever you want. That's part of the hobby and something that keeps things interesting. But this notion that JJP has somehow wronged anyone is ridiculous. They haven't hurt anyone one.
As for this "average buyer," who exactly is that? Do you have hard and fast data on what best describes a buyer that's will to spend $7K... $8k... $10K... on a pinball machine? I don't.
Prices are jacked up EVERYWHERE. Look at the used market. Pricing has radically changed just in the last 10 months. Maybe JJP figured out their market pricing structure then, and is changing to meet the market now!
As far as I can tell, a company like Stern will announce a $1K topper. I laugh and think "Who would pay that???"... next thing you know, it's sold out.
I get the fact that you are out on buying a $10K game. I actually applaud you for drawing the line. It's a responsible thing to do. But that doesn't mean JJP needs to adjust its pricing. You have not seen the last of "higher than you ever thought possible" prices. And, hopefully, someday prices may fall some to open the door to more buyers. Who knows?
Don't forget what happened with WOZ. That nearly killed JJP... they were WAY under priced. Would have been a real shame for them to have gone under... look at all of the amazing games we never would have experienced!

Quoted from Darth_Chris:

We all share that sentiment but when stern, to name a company, increase prices they don't go down after. Next pin will have that same increase if not another one.
JJP hit a homerun with GNR, there you go, but before that I did not feel at all the idea of owning a JJP. Theme selection did not help me one bit.
So let's say their next title is not a homerun.......do you think people will line up to give deposits 6 months before at $10500 ?
When you make a price increase move, as a business, you cannot ajust the price before each release and if you were wrong ajust it back higher or lower depending of hype reaction.
It sends confusion and non transparency and in the long run you might put yourself out of business.
Don't get me wrong I want JJP to be able to deliver dream themes to people. In a way maybe it's my understanding that was wrong since the beginning. JJP might be competing with itself and not other companies.
Just a thought

Quoted from Jaybird815:

Caligula would be jealous of Gary’s office, I’m guessing.