Quoted from NPO:Nope. Don't do it. We were asked to do something like this for Halloween - basically a Halloween party. My wife and I didn't even think about it - immediate answer from both of us before even consulting with each other was "Nope."
Ain't worth it dude. You have no idea who is coming, who they know, what their intentions are, what their backgrounds are, and tons of potential for 5 finger discounts.
No way.
I hear this argument and it has been brought up by a few on here. I've had three pinball party/tournaments in the last year, and while I love all my pinball friends on here, I don't know any of you that well either. It worked out and I did make some good friends up to this point. If I think of it this way I'm afraid that all future pinball tournaments I might plan would be out unless we don't qualify them for IFPA points and keep 'em closed. My love of pinball, and wanting to share it, is strong.
Since I wouldn't be providing food or alchohol I don't think I could get that much but I like the way you think lol.
Quoted from Atomicboy:Neat idea, but the liability is the big issue. My wife and my mother both had "team building" work things in my gameroom, basically no payment, but their company brings the food and drink, and I eat and get loaded for fwee! I didn't care about payment, as I like watching non-pinheads, and seeing which games they seem drawn too. It was interesting.
Talk to your insurance agent, see what is required for you to be insured, and they pay that, on top of whatever else you feel you want, if anything. I might request a certified bartender in the future, as this would (depending on the law of the land), cut out any host liability against you to anyone who is served while at your residence.
Possibly a hold harmless and indemnifying agreement by the company for any possible issues involving injury or death (slip/trip and falls etc.).
Probably my biggest concern right here and almost equal to the customer relationship I have being ruined. They love our business and both our businesses have a great symbiotic relationship with each other. It is so good that I don't think much could harm it at the moment but never say never is my approach.
Quoted from ryanwanger:I would be tempted to do it, especially if you are around to hang out with them and play pinball during...sounds like you have a good relationship with the company.
Get paid $500 or $1000 to play pinball all night at your own house? Sign me up!
This is kinda what I'm thinking. Someone pays me to play my own machines for a night. How does life get better than that lol?