Quoted from xTheBlackKnightx:I will make a historical data correction, as I have a new update on estimated production and values and some useful collector information:
Eye of the Tiger (2 Player, EM), 730 units, $1200
Sinbad (4 Player, EM), 950 units, $1350
Sinbad (4 Player, SS), 11K units, $700
What this means is currently Eye of the Tiger is worth less that the EM Sinbad version, and EotT prices dropped below the EM Sinbad version.
Both EM games are still worth a little less than twice the SS version.
So why is a four player EM of the same game different than a two player EM with slightly different internals, reconfiguration, less parts, and a different backglass even though the production actually worth less money?
Collector interest in this case.
All that this being pointed out in the update, is "Lower production does not necessarily make the game more valuable".
It happens all the time.
What is most important is that an a potential buyers know the market, and the values of games based on trends and collectibility, not based on buyer estimates, which are normally bull$#!@ exclusively from online sources such as Ebay, and fudge things based on whatever they think they can get out of them. Even dealers "ride the wave" the same, but they are more apt to squat on titles until the right buyer comes along.
It a person wants something rare, nothing wrong with that.
Be aware of other pitfalls dependent on titles such as PARTS and ASSEMBLIES, whether EM or SS.
I will give an example.
Right now, I am in the market to finish off my Ted Zale "zipper flipper" collection and continue to evaluate Nip-Its (Bally, 1973) for purchase.
Many games I have evaluated simply do not measure up to the standards of prices that dealers want to sell them for overall.
For this title for example, many games had their "Balligator" assemblies removed by operators as swap outs for games that were damaged or destroyed. They come up constantly, and this assembly is nearly impossible to find even in a parted out game.
I personally have no problem spending retail price (if I cannot get a game as an unrestored broker or warehouse deal), but only if the dealer provided a full shakedown of the restoration, based on the cosmetics of the game itself. This is equity. Some dealers are willing to work with collectors, and some are not. Some are inexperienced. Some are greedy. The best are know their trade and understand when a collector comes knocking they will ask questions and want photos. This last group is very small, and those that have been in the hobby for a long time know who they are.
If a dealer, owner or broker refuses to answer anything, walk away, unless you are close enough to personally inspect the game.
In some cases they refuse this as well, which is a HUGE red flag, and happens more often during the "mom and pop" pinball dealers of market spikes.
