.
Quoted from 27dnast:No...don't worry about the diamond plate.
Just do this:
1) Visually inspect the playfield (if it has a mylar...plastic...covering on it) and look to see if it's badly bubbling or peeling.
2)Have the owner pull the glass off and start a game. Remove the ball from the ball trough and work with the owner to hunt around the playfield to make sure all of the switches work (activate the slings, pop bumpers, targets, etc).
2a) look to make sure the lights appear to be working.
3) Pull the back glass off and look at the whitish looking molex connectors. Look to see if any of them are looking cooked or burnt.
4) Look at the area where there are batteries. Look to see if there is any acid leak/corrosion.
I would be most concerned about #4. Wouldn't be a deal breaker...but would negotiate if it looks like there is acid.
Take the balls out before you transport. Take some blankets to help protect the head...and a few straps to secure the head.
Thank you, I think I can do the above
Now I am just waiting to see what the wifey says.
I would seriously ask for pics that include today's newspaper before driving. But I'm thinking he'll come up with a reason why he can't (just moved the game to storage, he's out of town/country for a while, etc.).
A $2100 Funhouse and being super willing to ship is setting off my fraud detector, big time.
Quoted from Blackbeard:That last offer from Alabama/North Carolina reeks of being a scam.
C'mon guys.
Hmmm....you think so? Seems like it's in the realm of possibility to me.
Quoted from Blackbeard:That last offer from Alabama/North Carolina reeks of being a scam.
C'mon guys.
Really, what makes you say or think that?? He didn't say shipping was the only option, he just mentioned he could if I needed him to. The reason for the location mess up is on me as I was thinking this was from a different ad.
Quoted from stevevt:I would seriously ask for pics that include today's newspaper before driving. But I'm thinking he'll come up with a reason why he can't (just move the game to storage, he's out of town/country for a while, etc.).
A $2100 Funhouse and being super willing to ship is setting off my fraud detector, big time.
Now you both got me paranoid about driving all that way.
How about this, how should I respond via email as I don't want to come right out and say, can you get a newspaper, etc. but ya'll would know more than me, so I appreciate the help.
Quoted from stevevt:I would seriously ask for pics that include today's newspaper before driving. But I'm thinking he'll come up with a reason why he can't (just moved the game to storage, he's out of town/country for a while, etc.).
A $2100 Funhouse and being super willing to ship is setting off my fraud detector, big time.
No risk if he drives. Yeah, it would suck to get there and it be a scam, but just call the guy to tell him your plans of driving up there and fell him out for a bit. If you talk to the guy for a bit, you can get some comfort that way. 8 hour drive is no biggie at all. I would risk that to get this deal. Worst case is he gets there and its a totally different game than in the pics, or there is no game at all. Not that big a deal in my opinion.
Anyone in the area of this game that can check it out for the OP?
Quoted from Blackbeard:OP magically gets offered a gorgeous, allegedly diamond plated FH for $2100? Send money and I'll ship?
100% scam. Offer 2800 on the other one. Ramps are "fairly" easy to remove (take pics of screw/post locations), then you can clean and get to most of the rubbers and you'll have a nice one.
Quoted from Blackbeard:It's a scam.
OP magically gets offered a gorgeous, allegedly diamond plated FH for $2100? Send money and I'll ship?
You guys are asleep today!!
Again, this email reply I got was from an ad I replied to a couple of days ago, I can definitely confirm this and the reason it went from Alabama to North Carolina is my fault in thinking of the wrong ad I was replying to.
Also he is not adamant about me sending him the money and he hasn't even mentioned how I would pay or when I could pay. The shipping came up when I mentioned where I was located and what his thoughts were.
So with all that said, should I not waste my time? Please tell me the best way to respond via email or if I should call him and what to ask for. At this point I have no issues asking for more pics or a newspaper since it's such a far distance.
The wifey responded and said she's up for whatever but said that I'm not driving by myself.
I am not thinking I should just stop worrying with all this and just save up my money and see if High End can do a machine for me.
As always, appreciate any and all feedback.
Quoted from Pinball_Eddie:The wifey responded and said she's up for whatever but said that I'm not driving by myself.
I am not thinking I should just stop worrying with all this and just save up my money and see if High End can do a machine for me.
Drive up there with your wife to check it out. See if you can call the guy first to work out a time to see it and talk a little bit more about the game. Use that time to feel him out, talk about the game (how he got it, how long he has had it, condition of certain aspects of the game, etc). If he seems genuine, go check it out. Like I said, just out gas money if it is not the real deal.
Quoted from Pinball_Eddie:Really, what makes you say or think that?? He didn't say shipping was the only option, he just mentioned he could if I needed him to. The reason for the location mess up is on me as I was thinking this was from a different ad.
Now you both got me paranoid about driving all that way.
How about this, how should I respond via email as I don't want to come right out and say, can you get a newspaper, etc. but ya'll would know more than me, so I appreciate the help.
I understand not wanting to be a jerk about it. Nice impulse. How about this:
My friend suggested that I ask you for a picture of the game that also includes today's newspaper in the shot, because he's concerned that the pictures might be old and the game isn't in the same condition, and he doesn't want me to be disappointed if I drive all the way there to pick it up.
I would ask for detailed pictures of the machine, including board pics, with a close up of the battery holder.
There is no way I'm driving 8 hours without. Think about your costs too: gas money.
I still say scam, based upon experience.
I also forgot: it's Home Use only.
Only someone who truly knows pinball would know what that means. AND a scammer. Therefore, if true, $2100 is a STEAL.
Therefore, I say scammer.
Something doesn't sound right to me here either. Not trying to pile on scare tactics. I hope it's legit, but just keep a healthy skepticism.
Also, I don't think there's any way you're going to be in and out in 30 minutes. Not on your first machine. I'd factor in a little more time for inspecting it, making the deal, and then moving it. You can speed all the way there and back, but I wouldn't rush for one second on the actual deal part.
Thanks so much everyone for your help and looking out for me.
Below is what I was going to reply to the 2nd offer with via email, just let me know if that sounds ok and thanks again for the help?
Thanks again for the quick reply and I’d probably just drive up there as I have a pickup truck.
My friend suggested that I ask you for a picture of the game that also includes today's newspaper in the shot, because he's concerned that the pictures might be old and the game isn't in the same condition, and he doesn't want me to be disappointed if I drive all the way there to pick it up.
Could you also send some additional pics (larger or better closeup quality) including the board with closeup pics, especially around the battery holder?
Thank you again for your help as I would just hate to drive all this way and waste both our time.
Yeah... ask for a picture of the boards and close up of the battery holder.
I also like the "my friend" line.
See how he responds. Heck...tell him you want to talk on the phone. Don't let on that you're a newbie. Ask him a few question: how long has he been collecting. How many games has he sold....etc. Get a feel.
If you make the drive, ask him to take the glass off, etc. Tell him you don't want to be responsible for an accident.
I have to say, my best deal EVER was born from a guy that absolutely refused to send pictures, nor would he take a deposit to hold. Price was very reasonable... I drove 4.5 hours with a wad of cash not knowing how it would turn out. Turns out he was a pinball collecting veteran and was sick and tired of people wasting his time scrutinizing pictures and bringing black lights to rip apart games (apparently it happened). Turns out, his description was more than accurate and I got a kick-ass example of the game that I had been chasing for a while.
Instead of a newspaper, just have him write your email Addy on a piece of paper and take a picture of it with the machine.
I can't remember the last time I had a current newspaper at home lol.
Quoted from Pinball_Eddie:Thanks again for the quick reply and I’d probably just drive up there as I have a pickup truck.
My friend suggested that I ask you for a picture of the game that also includes today's newspaper in the shot, because he's concerned that the pictures might be old and the game isn't in the same condition, and he doesn't want me to be disappointed if I drive all the way there to pick it up.
Could you also send some additional pics (larger or better closeup quality) including the board with closeup pics, especially around the battery holder?
Thank you again for your help as I would just hate to drive all this way and waste both our time.
Instead of a newspaper (doubtful he has one, just have him send a picture of him making a peace sign or something). Also, if he sends you more pictures close up of all the areas you requested, that should eliminate your concerns of the game not being real IMO.
Also ask for his phone number so you can call him and work out all the details of driving up there to see it and whatnot.
Don't ask for newspaper dates, etc. You're gonna come off as a dick and furthermore, a newb.
Just ask for detailed pics, etc. AND ask for his tele number. Call him and talk to him about it. You'll be able to feel him out.
Honestly, I wouldn't drive that far for any pin.
Quoted from Blackbeard:Don't ask for newspaper dates, etc. You're gonna come off as a dick and furthermore, a newb.
Just ask for detailed pics, etc.
Yeah...probably right. Now that I've thought about this, I'd just ask for the phone number...call him...ask for the pictures over the phone.
Ok, great advice everyone, I think I have the final email ready to send out, asking for more closeup quality pics especially of the cpu board and around the batteries, took out the paper with my name on it (i.e. newspaper proof). I also went ahead and asked about the diamond plate seal not being present on the pics he sent. I also asked how long he's been collecting and how many he's sold.
The other strange thing is the ad I responded to was an ad that expired last year and that ad had the location of Alabama. It was from the buynsellpinballmachines.com site, so not sure if that's a red flag but I did ask about that.
If anyone knows anything else I should do or ask, please let me know.
Quoted from Pinball_Eddie:If anyone knows anything else I should do or ask, please let me know or if I should just offer the original person $2500 as my best and final and just be done with it, let me know. The original person I actually spoke to and he seemed very genuine, said he was like me and loved Funhouse, etc. and that's what got me originally excited about it but if it's not worth more than $2500, then so be it. I actually now feel like I should go back to that one since it's only 5 hours away, Thoughts??
Do what makes YOU feel most comfortable. If you cannot get a hold of the NC guy over the phone, or he makes up some BS on why he cannot talk on the phone, forget about it. This closer one seems like an easier buy if you can work out a price with him (2,500-3,000).
Biggest thing is to talk to the guy AND get pictures of the actual machine.
Look under the scoop area too. Usually worn there with crappy blue touch up.
Quoted from 27dnast:Hmmm....you think so? Seems like it's in the realm of possibility to me.
It absolutely is still possible, regardless of this instance. Remember prices on here and eBay don't necessarily always reflect real sale prices. Who knows what actually happens when the money comes out, only the buyer and seller.
Just stop now and cut your losses.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/is-buynsellpinballmachinescom-legit-or-a-scammer-heaven
Quoted from stevevt:Just stop now and cut your losses.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/is-buynsellpinballmachinescom-legit-or-a-scammer-heaven
http://www.buynsellpinballmachines.com/
Ha! Look at the the CFTBL for sale. Same. Exact. Flooring.
Quoted from thedefog:BTW, 2500+ for a players FH is insane.
Why? Perhaps 3 or 4 years ago...but not in today's market.
Guess it depends on your definition of players...but you certainly aren't going to find a pristine FH at $2500
Quoted from stevevt:Just stop now and cut your losses.
THANK YOU for finding this and I didn't send that email yet so I will just send one last email saying the wifey said no go and thank him for his time, or would everyone like me to see how he replies when I ask for more pics and his phone number??
I guess I'll just leave well enough alone and start saving for a High End restoration job but I reached out to them earlier this week but they never replied so perhaps that's enough of a sign that I'm not ready?
Thanks again for all the help and I promise this is almost done once I get everyone's last input on the above.
Quoted from schudel5:buynsellpinballmachines.com/
Ha! Look at the the CFTBL for sale. Same. Exact. Flooring.
That's the person I've been emailing with according to their email address and that user listed.
Actually, I think you're all missing the biggest "red flag tell" to that tantalizing second listing:
Everyone is saying it's a steal, go for it, worth the drive, etc etc etc...
...yet everyone laments "if you see a great CL price 15 minutes after posting, you're already 30 people too late"... (Heck, I can now add my own firsthand experience to this, after getting clobbered on a $650 Pinbot I literally saw 20 minutes after postup - people aren't kidding!)
...I'm AMAZED that "deal" hasn't been snagged be someone else in the time it's taken everyone to discuss it. So add that flag to the mix of inappropriate "HUO / Restored / Diamondplate" terminology that's like honey on any title, let alone a Funhouse...
Yeah. There's no harm in feeling this one out because sometimes you get lucky. But I would be VERY skeptical and hold off on the road plans just yet. And if it DOES turn out to seem legit by the very good suggestions here, keep your mouth shut until it's loaded! Because people closer than you without a significant other to reign in tow will leap to the punch...
(heck, I love road trips and this would be as good an excuse as any for me too...!)
Good Luck!
Here's a website for you:
pinballprice.com
It's a good barometer. Ebay sales are typically a lot higher than normal.
$3500, for me, would mean 10000% pristine.
I'd tell him you can do cash for $2500 assuming the game checks-out when you see it in person...
Quoted from 27dnast:Why? Perhaps 3 or 4 years ago...but not in today's market.
Guess it depends on your definition of players...but you certainly aren't going to find a pristine FH at $2500
If you limit your search to eBay and pinside, then that is probably correct.
Quoted from Pinball_Eddie:if it's not worth more than $2500, then so be it
If it's 100% functioning and the playfield isn't trashed, it's worth it(3000-3200 ish). A solid, working player's condition(non-restored, has some bubbling mylar, maybe a cracked plastic)--WILL sell for 3k....like it or not thrifty pinsiders. If that game is "just dirty", it's worth 3k. If it could use flipper rebuilds which are easy AND it's dirty, it's still worth 3K. If you REALLY want a Funhouse and this game works and just needs very minor tlc, it's worth it.
If there are features that don't work which could signal any number of problems, go $2500. You can have a pinball tech get it working 100% for under $500 easily and have a 3k machine.
Quoted from thedefog:If you limit your search to eBay and pinside, then that is probably correct.
For most first time buyers, that's all they have.
To the OP, forget the NC one as that seems bunk. Just offer the legit one your max price you're willing to pay and tell him the offer stands if he changes his mind. That's the best you can do.
Quoted from 27dnast:$3500, for me, would mean 10000% pristine.
a perfect fully restored Funhouse sells for a lot more than $3500.
Quoted from thedefog:If you limit your search to eBay and pinside, then that is probably correct.
I'd love to see actual examples of good condition FH machines for far less than $2500 in the last few years. Certainly not here on East Coast.
Quoted from pezpunk:a perfect fully restored Funhouse sells for a lot more than $3500.
Agreed. I'm not talking fully restored, I'm talking super-nice...possibly once routed...mega clean example.
Quoted from chuckwurt:For most first time buyers, that's all they have.
To the OP, forget the NC one as that seems bunk. Just offer the legit one your max price you're willing to pay and tell him the offer stands if he changes his mind. That's the best you can do.
Put out feelers on CL, see who bites, drive and investigate.
Quoted from thedefog:Put out feelers on CL, see who bites, drive and investigate.
Agree. I thought you were talking about off internet pinhead deals.
Quoted from 27dnast:I'd love to see actual examples of good condition FH machines for far less than $2500 in the last few years. Certainly not here on East Coast.
I had several offered to me a few years ago for less than that when I was searching via CL wanted ad. Maybe NJ is a hotspot for FH.
I know of one that sold here in Denver - fully working, good boards, very worn out play field, some chipped plastics, faded and nicked cabinet - $2700. Sold less than a week ago.
I think this game has a pretty big price range since it is a very popular, collectible Pat Lawlor title, but usually has a ton of wear to pf and cabinet. So take Pinsider recommended prices with a grain of salt.
Edit: also, I can't stress enough how geography affects price in this hobby. People in the north east see far lower prices than people like me in Colorado, Arizona, etc. FH is definitely a hotter title, so factor that into your price expectations and budget.
Glad you didn't get burned on that scam! Easy to fall for such things when its something you want to be true.
Quoted from radium:Glad you didn't get burned on that scam! Easy to fall for such things when its something you want to be true.
Couldn't agree more!!
I'd like to just say thank you again everyone for the amazing help and support you've provided in such a short period of time, this community is amazing and the support is overwhelming.
I think for now I will just continue my search at a later time as I feel I've overstayed my welcome with this thread and don't want to take advantage. I will hopefully eventually get one of these machines and will slowly learn the ways of maintaining and restoring pinball machines but I feel the signs are telling me it's not that time just yet and the last thing I want to do is force it.
Again, I know I've said it a lot but I am truly grateful for everyone's help, take care and keep on playing!!
Welcome to the hobby! Remember - the hunt is part of the fun! Don't let yourself feel overwhelmed by it. I purchased my first game 6 months ago, and I know how hard it is to be pragmatic about budget, but also not afraid to pull the trigger when you find YOUR game.
People on here are fantastic and they seem to truly enjoy helping new people, so never feel like you're annoying. Ask totally stupid questions (as I do often) and learn as much as you can.
Finally, be smart, but don't beat yourself up if you do overpay by a couple hundred. Seems like you know this is the title you want (I was the same way with WH20). Value is very hard to quantify on a 20+ year old "collectible". When you do pull the trigger, enjoy it!
I'd just like to point out that getting something restored does not necessarily mean HEP and the accompanying price tag. While the high end restore guys have a reputation of being the best for a reason, you can always get a game in nice shape that plays great, or get a restoration that looks great from another source for less $$$. A beater game and a HEP game are at opposite ends of the spectrum in both quality and price. There's a lot of room in the middle to find something nice that won't bankrupt you.
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