I'm done buying any new machine. I will wait to buy a machine that is just like new, with updated code already done, and probably some free mods as well.

My last NIB was SWLE and I was not impressed with the fact that it did not come standard with a shaker.

Just bought a Pinball Pimp TZ. Love that game.

Anyway, Stern is making money and I am happy for them. I don't see a reason to hate them for it, but they are not taking any more money from me until I play the game.

As for deposits - I don't understand why people think they can have a seller hold a product for them only to back out. You either want to buy something or you don't. Deposits should not be refundable unless the seller does not deliver the game. It is stupid to take someone's money in anticipation of selling it only to have the buyer back out. What was the point of the deposit? Money talks. Force buyers to make $3k non refundable deposits and you will see prices level out and pins ending up in the hands of the end users and not the flippers.

So, if the distro doesn't agree with Stern's terms they should drop them or they can decide if they want to take the risk. It is no different than a vehicle dealership and the manufacturer. Ford forces dealers to take inventory. That is what you have to do if you want to be a dealer. It is part of being a dealer.

Wait until the stock market and real estate bubble bursts again. It is 2x worse than it was in 2008. Pin prices will come down also along with other “collector” items.

This false economy we have has made unreality the new norm. I watched 1973-1979 Trans Ams bring anywhere from $100-240k each at our local collector car auction this week. 5 years ago these cars were $40k. Things are stupid again.