I have a complete rebuild project going and over the last 2 weeks I have made 3 orders, totaling almost $500. I always start with PBL just because I used to go there and pick up in person when I lived in Chicago, and the guys at PBL were always great to deal with and talk to. But since I am now shipping to KS, I run PBL and a couple of others side-by-side to see what makes the most fiscal sense. I often end up with Marco because of the lower shipping and because they tend to carry more of the more obscure parts that PBL does not. I try to split up what I can when it makes sense, but the last order I just placed was about 20 coil sleeves, a set of flipper bushings, and 6 or 8 leaf switches. I went with PBL because I felt bad ordering everything through Marco.....but it was hard to eat the $17.55 in shipping for a bunch of stuff that would fit in a small, padded envelope. Terry....I hear you about USPS, but I know from my personal experience, you probably lost $300 in orders just from my most recent project because it cost me less to go with Marco. Maybe if you put a disclaimer with the USPS option and briefly lay out your concerns when someone checks that box, it will help manage expectations. I personally have had more trouble with Fed-Ex and UPS than anyone these days, but I do realize it often depends on the area you are in.

I don't know that most were complaining as much as just giving their own experiences and why they decide to do what they do. If it makes sense to go with PBL, I do that .....and many times even when it doesn't. I've met the Marco folks at the shows, but none of them have ever invited me in their shop to play games while my order is being filled like Terry has, and none of them have stopped to give me advice and ideas like the folks at PBL have, so I am glad they are out there. But I also am not in the habit of paying extra for what is already an expensive purchase if I can avoid it.

Admittedly, I'm nowhere near a big fish in the pinball parts purchasing world, and I don't expect anyone to change what they are doing based on my projects. All I can do is point out the missed opportunity. PBL is still in business, so I assume they are making money....they obviously know what is best for them.

Just last night I realized I left a plastic tray off my order, and it's less than a $2 item. I would love to be able to order it and have it shipped in a $2 envelope, but I don't think any of the suppliers are going to do that, so I will wait to see if I forgot anything else and save that part of the playfield for last..

The comment was actually rhetorical, and I figured someone would soon point to my "altered concept of reality". I was not disappointed.

However, the truth of the matter is, the eject saucer I am referring to could actually be put in a small paper envelope with two stamps and make it here just fine, so if we really want to get down and dirty, the $2 envelope solution is a reality.

I was simply pointing out I was not willing to pay another $17 PBL, or $10 Marco, for a tiny $2 part that I forgot to put on my last order....although I'll admit I will be scratching my head in what to do if I get to the end of the rebuild and don't have anything else to add in........

Lol....Like I said, I was making a point and a $2 package wasn't my objective, but I did have a fellow pinsider send me the saucer from NY in a paper envelope. Let's see if it arrives and what the cost was. I'll post a pic good or bad!

Actually, I am surprised how many people say they order from PBR....I always used PBL and Marco just because they had 99% of what I needed, but I probably need to go back and take a better look at PBR when doing my comparisons.

Needed to follow through on what I said. Saucer made it intact for less than $1

Thanks Pintopia!

Saucer (resized).jpg