hey guys... I'm new to this forum well I haven't been on in awhile. How do you know what a fair price is for any pinball machine? Is there a guide or rule of thumb that you should follow? I love to play pinball, but don't know much more beyond that.

Thanks for your help,

Dan

I tried to post a thread but couldn't do it? I can respond to threads but can't post? It as though I don't have those options. I have "preview post", but not "send post"

No I don't have that option? I wonder why?

First I want to Thank all of you. I feel more comfortable knowing that you guys at least know something and won't steer me in the wrong direction. Unfortunately the best I can do is respond to threads and not start them? I guess buying a pinball machine also requires a great deal of patience and not to buy the first one you see if the price isn't justifiable for the condition and popularity of the machine. I never worked on pinball machines, but would love to know how to at least do some basic repairs and troubleshooting. Are there any good sources? I know this site would be one source perhaps Internet postings? Are there a lot of special types of tools required?

Thanks in advance and sorry for posting here, but I can't start a thread

Dan

From what I learned so far is that if you have a pinball machine and you put a lot of work into chances are you don't ever recoup what you have in it. So sometimes its best to just keep it or take a loss when you sell it, but than again it all depends what you paid for it right?

I don't know anything about electronics whatsoever, so yes I am a newbie in the purest form, but at least I'm honest and sincere with my abilities or should I say lack there of. I agree this is something you really don't want to muddle through. I guess I can take a few courses, but I enjoy all your company...you guys are really a nice bunch and super cool!

As far as tools I do have some flex files, some T handle drivers and a solder station. My other hobbies include building rockets and nitro RC trucks so I would say I'm capable of learning at least some basic repairs and I work on computers as a career. I'm good with my hands so I would imagine that would help

Looks like a great place to start. I think I'll order and get my feet wet or should I say my brain LOL

Thank you!

Now I see what you guys are talking about. Pretty crazy people out there wanting more what their stuff is worth. So glad I joined this forum before I got deeper into this hobby / past time. Any game that I find that I would like to buy I will consult with you guys. I feel like I have an "ace" in the hole.

This guy here is selling a bunch of pinball machines. Not sure if any of you seen the ad? I haven't checked all of the threads on the post. None of these interest me, but how far off on the price(s) is he?

orangecounty.craigslist.org link

I think this one deserves a laugh right? Bally Wizard $3400! I know its a business, but still isn't it a tad too high?

losangeles.craigslist.org link

I know Captain Fantastic has some differences with the rollovers, back glass, specials light cover and some escaped with signed signatures, but with all that how much does that increase the actual value of the machine?

So realistically a CF just an average game and everything works what would be fair asking price? Verses one with the uncesored back glass? I'm not going to ask the value of one with signatures because I seriously doubt I would come across one. As far as the different color rollovers etc that could easily be changed by the owner. I'm sure you can purchase the roll over and white specials cover?

$900 - 1000 maybe or slightly more or less for a CF if its a clean game maybe on a high side

Or you can buy this KISS pinball for $5995

ventura.craigslist.org link

None of them do, unless it's where two fools met? The one that is selling it and that one that bought it. Again where two fools met. LOL

He's smoking crack or something...LOL

I know that this about Craigslist listings, but it seems for whatever reason I can't post a new thread like the rest of you and I talked to the webmaster and he can't figure it out so I am doomed I guess? Attached are some pictures of my Topcard Pinball. I've had it about 7 years now and really enjoy it. I actually bought a real Junker for around $200 and on the drive home I got a call from a friend of mine who was selling his Topcard, so yes I bought it. I took the best parts from both machines and made one and sold the other Junker and got my money back. I grew up on this game and always loved racking up the games. I love that knock. My favorite shot is trapping the ball on either flipper and shooting it to the opposite lane when "Specials" is lit and scoring two quick games. I always try to exchange the ball from flipper to the next trying to see how many times I can do it.

Anyway I have too much in it to sale it and I doubt I ever will. Too much meaning I had to pay someone to work on it when I first got it and of course it cost me over the time I had it, but it was worth it. I would like to eventfully learn how to make the repairs myself. The game isn't worth much as it is. I would say $500-600 maybe on a good day, but like I said I love playing so its worth it to me to hang on to it.

So my question to all of you is this? Should I invest in a full top to bottom restoration on the machine or just keep it well maintained and leave everything original condition? I wish I had some advance skills to do the work myself, but I don't which is why I would like to learn the basics.

What would a full restoration cost and what company would you guys suggest?

Again my apologies for posting here on this thread, but I don't have the access on my account to start a new thread. It seems I can only respond to existing threads.

Dan

PS: Whats wrong with the instructions on the game card? Do you see it?

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Thanks!

Just an FYI I finally figured out how to post. "Add Topic" aka "Post"

The way I look at it they are stuck with them unless they find some fool to buy them. I agree if you are going to place an ad learn to spell. I think several of us should call the guy and offer him more money than what he's asking, but never show and see if he bumps the price just on the number of calls he got. LOL

Hey guys- you seen the pictures I posted of my Topcard game. In your honest opinion what would be a fair and reasonable price for it? I don't want to be one of these guys you laugh at on Craigslist.

I searched Pinball Lessons on Craigslist and found this ad? I thought it was funny. I don't know where Potter is at? I guess he offers references so he has some clients? LOL

amarillo.craigslist.org link

I'm offering pinball lessons to those who would like to improve their ability to play this fun yet at times difficult game. It takes a lot of concentration, but most of all you need the skills and agility like a monkey to be able to keep the ball in play and know the dynamics behind each shot and how the ball reacts within the realm of the playfield. Certain variables are in involved. I can teach you everything you need to know because for all practical purposes I am a pinball wizard. I have a list of references I can offer you so you can check my credentials and Howard Anderson who runs the local arcade and pinball hall in my town knows of my skill and ability. I do offer discounts to seniors and students between the ages of 18-24 because I know money is hard to come by. Again if you are interested in becoming a real wizard like Tommy you can be there very soon.

$35 for an hour or buy a block of 6 lesson for $100

Trades welcomed

BTW - I also wax the playfield of my pinball games. I have several here to play most electronics ones.

Randall
•do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers

Too bad they don't have a program that covers restoring pinballs machines to their original condition. I think it would actually be pretty cool.

How come I get a 404 error? Has the ad been removed?

Do you think the owners read the posts here and then remove them or are they flagged?

I can see it now thanks!

I think aside from the fact that the sellers have no idea what their game is worth and ask a ridiculous amount, but I feel most of it has to do with their "sentimental" value the game has for them, which there is no value in sentimental value. I know there is a pinball blue book. I'm sure having the current edition handy when negotiating a price it might help. Just my two cents

I found this in my neck of the woods in Orange County, California

orangecounty.craigslist.org link

What about this one

inlandempire.craigslist.org link

So what would be a fair price. He's about an hour away from me

Isn't there another pinball machine that's similar but I think it has a bumper that pops up in between the flippers to keep the ball from draining. It's 76 something??

Do you think he'd take $5500? Sometimes I like to offer these guys something close to their asking price and laugh when they turn it down. Or if they bit tell them you'll be right out to pick it up after you finish eating dinner.

Don't get your panties in a twist...gezzz some people have no sense of humor

That's what I thought was it signed and even if so it would never in a million years be worth anything near 100k

The problem with these guys pricing their pinball is they see one person put up a ridiculous price on a machine and they feel that they can get the same price for theirs because its some what similar. None of them know nothing about the true value of the game.

Hey guys

Hope all is well with everyone. Just wanted to chime in and ask for advice. I know a lot of the games we see on Craigslist are ridiculous of course. I know there is a Blue Book on pinball machines that list their values. And I've seen this book and not sure if the questions I'm asking are in the blue book. It's been awhile since I opened one up.

My questions to all of you is this.

The value that they list on the pinball machines in the blue book how do they determine that value?

Is the value listed based on a game that needs to be shopped out or already shopped?

Fully functional? To what degree? Everything works but the bumpers are dead and the flippers have no power or maybe the some of the lights are burnt out?

What if the game is super clean and what defines super clean or exceptional and how much would that change the actual price?

Lets say a value of $500 is put on a particular wedge head. Is that because it's a 7 on a 10 scale?

What is a 7 or a 5?

What if its a 10 should you offer the seller more money and if so how much? $200? $300?

Or bottom line do you just go with your best judgement?

I would guess the same set of questions would apply when determining what you should sell your game for?

That's good advice. Thank You!

I wonder what a playfield would cost?

Email him $1100 offers

whats the links I'll start it

Its a nice looking game but not that nice.

Why was the game made differently? My friend just traded one of his games for this machine. I don't really like it that much.

I just emailed him and ask if its $16000 or $1600 I'll post the exchange of emails

Gorgeous as in brand new or near perfect mint condition. Some people must be on crack when they run these ads.

Offer him a dollar if that's what he's asking?

I have to have it. Let get out my check book. LOL Not!!

Actually it looks like a the shape of a lamp? Even so 38k? Really?

38k I bet he has people chomping at the bit. Not! Good luck.

You ask him exactly how firm is the price?

No sorry, I'm firm on this one, but I appreciate the offer

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From: craigslist reply c1e3 <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2018 3:41:56 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Monopoly pinball machine

nh.craigslist.org link

Will you take $3500

The game isn't even worth $3500 and this guy still turned it down. I would never buy it for that but wanted to see what he would say?

Exactly! Just wanted to see what his reaction would be.

offer him $40

What a piece of junk! Look how its sitting in the yard. Redneck pinball.

Like a duck on a June bug

Can someone explain this to me? Please! I don't understand the ad? Do I need to get a responsible adult? LOL