The Big Lebowski Preorder Club (Members Only)

Does anyone know about the mix of industry standard vs proprietary parts in the machine?

The PROC has a life outside of this pin and the toys/unique elements are special to the machine, but I'm wondering about the other stuff. Are flippers, bumpers, switches, etc. interchangeable with standard Williams or other parts? I searched but couldn't find answer.

Since the purchase is being made through a distributor, I would think it would be more adventageous to express concerns or put processor on the party that is accountable for delivering the goods. The distributor is on the hook for a lot of machines and has more leverage that the individual user - in most businesses. If I end up with serious concerns or questions I'll call Melissa at Cointaker. I've purchased a total of zero new machines and this is my first experience, so I'm not claiming to be an expert, just wondering why, in general, there's so much reliance on going directly to the manufacturer (with Stern, too) instead of holding the distributor accountable.

Congrats. When you placed the order did Melissa provide you with an estimated ship date?

Contracts are necessary for when things go sideways, but in my experience, successful partnerships are often predicated on how the parties navigate the unanticipated and deal with adversity together. Smart partners can joint problem solve and have a long-term interest in collaboration, and don't escalate issues until there is zero chance of recovery.

Like others, I feel for the early "all in" buyers. I got into the TBL game late and am lucky to only have a deposit down. I'm stepping away from the game and will buy another pin, almost exclusively because of the way that DP has managed this situation. Not being transparent with customers or prospective customers is just bad business.

Between the messaging issues, the inability to find resolution with ANA (takes two to tango, I know) and the apparent lack of a plan b, I find it hard to believe (possible, though), that DP will survive long-term.

While I love the theme and the feel of the game, I'm ok with the risk of missing out if the stars align for DP and customers at some point, which I hope they do.

It's an interesting thread, but this comment might lead one to believe, well...here's what Mike (from Homepin) said three years ago:

"The posts after my last prove my point completely about America - go for it boys, keep living in your own little world - last I heard Chinese money is propping up America anyway so you better get used to it!" http://bit.ly/2mc6EFy

Valuable information since you received it firsthand from the company leadership. Did they elaborate beyond what is in the letter about the plan to produce TBL machines with a new contract manufacturer or was the emphasis exclusively on BOP? Thanks for sharing.

These guys are somewhere in between rank amateurs and complete bullshitters. DP's actions and emails make it clear to anyone with business and negotiating experience that they don't know what they're doing and either getting bad advice or not listening to good advice. The most recent email stating that everyone is more interested in seeing the long term success of DP vs. getting a Lebowski in the short term is utter nonsense.

There's some slim possibility that these machines will be made someday, but it's likely to only happen if someone else is charge of the business. My deposit is with Cointaker so I'm moving on to a new pin with the deposit money. I almost did this months ago, but waited to see if there would be any positive developments.

I'm sorry for those who have prepaid and wish only good things for those investors.

Pinball News included this in the most recent newsletter, "There is some news regarding Dutch Pinball, but due to the personal nature of this news, I'll let Dutch Pinball go public first whenever they feel the need to do so." Hard to imagine it's good news.