i am a small-time hobby operator who was considering a new pin in late spring/early summer (JP or WW, most likely.) i typically buy one or two new pins a year, one WPC or higher-end game, and one or two lower-end machines.

all of my locations are now closed, likely for 6-8 weeks. maybe longer. zero income, and i still have on-going bills to pay. fortunately, unlike a lot of bigger ops, i pay cash for all my equipment and don't have outstanding loans or service contracts.

one of my locations has already admitted that it may never reopen. we will see how long the others can float without customers.

not only am i no longer in the market for a new machine, i am not in the market for any games, and may not be in business in 3 months. i know other operators are in the same boat and may end up in the same place.

take that for what it is. my operating has always been a hobby, and it's been awesome to have amassed a nice collection with other people footing the bill. if this is the end for my operating, so be it. but that's a stance many of my operator friends and location owners don't have the luxury to hold, and have admitted that they are seriously concerned if not outright frightened.