Quoted from robertmee:
Need some advice from the EM guys/gals. I have about 15 populated PF's left, many EM's of WMS and Gottlieb. Shipping the entire PF with parts is too problematic, but I'm thinking about stripping them, and selling the parts separate. For EM part value, what's the best way to remove parts, since many of the roto's, steppers, coils, etc are soldered to the harness. Cut them at the solder point? Does the harness have any value? I've seen some wanted ads for jones plugs, and at least one person has expressed interest to me in the cloth wiring, so best way to preserve their usefulness? I don't want to get strictly in the parts business, selling a single piece here and there. I'd prefer to just box up the major parts and say "here", all the parts for an XYZ game. Realizing I'd get less value, but less time consuming and shipping.
I sell a bunch of parts on ebay under ‘mevoriginals’. Here is my advice:
Sell in bulk as you mentioned otherwise you’ll be at this half your life. Sell by part type not machine bundles
1) Cut steppers off but leave a 1/2 inch of wire so folks can see what color wires was connected. Price $20-$25 each. Williams are the least desirable
2) For very large relay banks I remove all relays springs and such. Combine parts with another and sell in bulk for $20
3) for individual relays assemblies figure $20 bulk of 10 per brand
4) Gather all male/female Jones plugs for $20 in bulk of 10/10
5) Rototargets go for around $75
6) Flipper assembly pairs go for $20-$30. Gottlieb and solid state best
7) Pops assemblies go for $20-$30 for 2-3 depending on condition
playfield posts - I sell combined from 3 playfields for $20 unless they are the older marble style or the metal ones $30-$40 for those in bulk
9) Stand up targets I usually sell 12-15 for $20
10) Switches: one box from 5 playfields for $20 if you want to go through the effort
Aprons: $15-$50 depending on apron. Most are a hard sell even at $15
Plastics sets : some have no value others go for $50 plus. If you can flatten them correctly they will sell for more. Best sellers are slings which go for $25 and ones that are near drop targets
Lane guides: 30 or so for $20
Good luck! Prepare to spend a weekend plus stripping them all. Get free boxes from the post office online (love there 7x7x6 box .. most items in bulk except plastics/aprons I described above fit in there .. the larger in medium flat rate boxes). They stack to the ceiling so it will be easy to store all the stuff until it sells
Mike V