Seems there is confusion around these terms, especially the newest term NOB which has been used buy new Pinball dealers for quite sometime. NIB, NOB, DEMO all have an expectation for condition. While USED and HUO do not. Feedback appreciated.

NIB (New in Box) - Still in the box with zero plays, will need subtle adjustments and tweaking to dial in the game to play perfectly. Condition: as new, no wear, etc. New factory warranty applies, Buyer is the first owner.

NOB (New out of box) - seems simple as well, this game was opened by a dealer and inspected, adjusted and tweaked (i.e. Dialed in) being sure the game is problem free and ready for the new owner to enjoy. Game has a few plays but HAS NEVER been owned by anyone else. Condition: as new, no wear, etc. New factory warranty applies and buyer is the first owner.

DEMO - This is a game with 50 plays or more (IMO) which was displayed by a dealer in a commercial space such as a show or event. You can add your list of uses here. The point is that it was played enough to show some use. Many of my customers prefer these because all of the bugs are worked out and the discount is substantial per play, yet they are still the first owner of a new game. Condition: may have very slight wear from use. New factory warranty applies and buyer is the first owner.

USED - Buyer purchased from a dealer, opened and played it. Has had one or more owner, warranty not applicable. Condition: No expectation, must be described

HUO (Home Use Only) - This is a used game USED in a home environment ONLY. Nothing more, usually unproven and almost irrelevant. Condition: No expectation, must be described.

I think having a clear expectation of all sellers avoids buyer confusion.

There is a difference between buying it from Stern as a demo, and buying it from a dealer as a demo. If We open the game and put it in our booth at a show and you buy it, as the first owner you have a warranty.

Stern offers up used demos from shows occasionally, I cannot speak to their warranty as I have not purchased or sold one.

This is exactly why I wanted to put this out there. The term NOB is recent, but seems clear. All of these terms can be confusing and often misused. I have yet to see a distributor use the term NOB but instead, private pin owners are using NOB for a USED game which has no warranty at all. Not sure why that would be "new"

I always used "floor model" which is pretty clear what you are getting. Which could be called NOB I suppose. When terms are used properly it's quite the opposite of dishonest. The purpose is to be crystal clear the game is opened and played and the price will be adjusted accordingly.

NOB was recently added here on Pinside when you post a pin for sale....seems as if the term is misused. I am just seeing all the HUO games posted ad NOB and thought it was good conversation.

Buying a used pinball machine from a dealer is odd? Don't most dealers take trade in and sell USED games?

Regardless, that's not what I was referring to. I guess I need to clarify, first buyer gets it/buys it from a dealer, they (the new owner) play it, then they (the new owner of said pinball machine) sells it as used. Meaning you bought it third party (not from a dealer). Hence not new, no warranty, it's just a used game. If it has ever been owned by a third party it is used, even is sold by a dealer...any one can sell used games, even dealers/retail stores.

Well said