If you buy a game from a local collector you should expect to pay cash and you should expect to fix the game yourself when it breaks. Pinball machines break a lot. If you get the machine home and it doesn't work (which is very possible) you should not expect a local collector who sold it to you to be on the hook for fixing it. If you are lucky they may give you some tips via phone or email, but this should be considered a favor and not a demand unless you work out a specific agreement before hand.
If you buy a game from retail like Ron (or GRC in Downingtown, TNT in Southampton) you will likely pay 25-50% more. However, also expect the game to have been gone over in detail by a professional to ensure it is in 100% working condition. Expect things like delivery and setup, a real warranty, phone support and flexible payment options like credit card, personal check, etc. If something goes wrong in the warranty period you should expect to be able to hold them accountable for it. These benefits can be very valuable to a buyer and are worth considering, especially if you are not able or willing to deal with fixing pinball machines. Fixing complex problems with pinball machines is hard...
If you want somewhere in between Jesters in Cochranville provides phone support and a warranty on electronics. You will need to pick up the game yourself however you can expect to pay near collector pricing. Ryan goes over all his machines in detail and consistently charges very fair prices considering their condition and the service he provides.
If you decide to buy a game from a collector but need support, Ray from Wide Area Repair is the guy the rest of us call when we are in a jam. He drives a truck with pretty much every pinball part you would ever need and is more likely to be able to fix a machine in a single trip than anyone else in the area. When I have too many complex issues stacking up at the PinCrossing I call in Ray and he comes through and knocks them out for us.
The good news is you have lots of options for buying machines available here in southeastern PA...
-Jay
