I've had quite a few questions on temp trades and how they work. Here are my last PM answers.
1. It’s pinball…so things can break. This is true. I can do most of my own repairs so if a switch or coil breaks I can generally replace it. The only exception to this would be a node board failure which I think would be a “trade it back” situation. If some plastics break I’m not too concerned. Don’t get me wrong, I take care of my machines but I’m not afraid of having them played. I put mylar in the shooter lane of that BKSOR, and I’m bringing it to freeplay at York. It will get far more plays at York than it would in a few months in your basement in a 25 pin lineup. Your pin would be going in a 6 pin lineup… one where Weird Al may show up before yours leaves. I would of course not be bringing your pin to a show unless specifically requested an approved. I also wouldn’t trade a mechanically unreliable game in a temp trade. I love my STTNG but there is always something I’m running down on it.
2. As far as them being big and heavy. Yes… moving pins sucks. Yes, they get banged up. I am extra careful when moving borrowed pins and wrap them up pretty good. Stern Pros can get a ding, but I wouldn’t for example want to put out the resprayed Fathom or Flash Gordon I’m bringing to the show on a temp trade. I’ve only ever dumped one pin of the 40 I’ve moved… and it was because a wheel fell off the Dolly (not my fault!). I’ve gotten a new dolly since then, and the pin in question (Fish Tales) was unharmed after cleaning off some mud. This show will be the first time I move pins in a U-Haul trailer, but I’m being extra careful.
Other concerns:
Q: Have you done this before?
A: Yes, POMC and I are doing a temp trade right now, his Spiderman Vault for my Deadpool Pro. The exchange has worked as planned. We are actually trading back at York. I’ve also done 2 similar trades with my boss (no issues).
Q: What if I’m a total douche that steals your game?
A: Under normal circumstances you know where I live having picked up and/or dropped the pin off at my house. In this specific case my game is worth more than yours so you’d “win”. Feel free to pursue with police, small claims court, and/or ruining pinside rep. We Post the trade in advance in this forum https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/temporary-pinball-trade-in-the-vadcwvpa-area#post-7169925.
Q. What if I decide I like the game and don’t want to trade back?
A. We can talk about making it permanent with a cash adjustment, but both parties would have to agree.
Q: Who does the driving?
A: Under normal circumstances one party picks up and the other party does the return trip. Due to the proximity of our houses and the fact that I’d be literally driving by your house with the pin in my trailer I’d be happy to do an exchange after the York Show Saturday and do the return trip.
Q: How long should a trade be?
A: I prefer about 3 months, but will listen to alternatives.
Q: What if I need my pin back due to x,y,z?
A: If either party wishes to end the trade early for any reason they can return and get the pin early (with call notice and arrangements). The person wishing to back out early has to do the driving though.
Q: Is there anything else I should know?
A: My pins are in a walkout basement. If I know you are coming in advance I can have a pin brought up to the garage, but if its short notice and it rains or snows the two of us are not getting a pin up the hill. If my Weird Al comes in super early (expected February) I may ask to pick up early to make room/funding. I am also for home use on these. Nobody's pin should be going on location.
Q: What trades are you interested in?
A: I’d be most interested in a 3 month temporary trade of my DP Pro for your BKSOR Pro. Super Mario Brothers for Terminator 2 would be another possibility.
Falls Church, VA
vikingerik
