Recently I saw an ad for a Police Force pin in my own city. I had a friend I did a restore on a Nip It who went and looked at the machine, but passed on it; so I sent my other friend who was looking for a pinball machine. I ended up meeting him at “Joe’s” place to check out the machine, give my buddy some buying advice, and perhaps make a new pinball contact.
While visiting “Joe” and checking out Police Force, it was pretty obvious he was a major collector, having a very nice collection. While there I notice an Eight Ball Deluxe machine which caught my eye because I’ve repaired two in a row and know that machine fairly well, so I asked him if it was also for sale? He said no, so I quickly placed it in the back of my mind and consulted my buddy about Police Force, which he ended up purchasing.
While headed home, I message “Joe” once again expressing my interest in EBD; not expecting a return message.
A day or so later I get a message from a friend in the “pinball community,” “Robert,” I’ve been talking to for about a year and he tells me “Joe” is holding that game for another guy I’ve done business with who lives in Portland and fixes machines. I said cool no problem, and simply mentioned if “George” doesn’t come thru, I’ll buy it and perhaps; even pay more?
Anyways... a day goes by and I get a text from “Joe,” saying if I want the EBD, be at his place at 6pm. Of course, since I wanted the machine, I show up right at 6pm with cash in hand, trailer, etc. and buy the machine.
Another day goes by and I speak to “Robert” who proceeds to tell me “George” is pissed off I bought the machine from “Joe” and “requests” I sell it to “George” for what I paid to make things right... to which I said no.