I've started this topic as a centralized source for reviews of pinball and arcade delivery services. Back in the 1990s and 2000s, if I couldn't make the drive to retrieve a game, I typically utilized the services of North American Van Lines/Specialized Transport Services (STI). Michelle Bianchi, agent, was the reliable contact. Michelle is still an excellent choice. Her contact information is below.
Michelle Bianchi
Beltmann Integrated Logistics
Addison IL 60101
630-352-3312
Toll Free 877-432-2646
Toll Free 800-959-8880
Cell six3zero-three4four-3zeronine3
Fax 866-651-5919
[email protected]
I have had STI deliver dozens of games since then, mostly without any problem. I attribute this good luck to the fact that my local STI subcontractor is excellent. The difficulty with STI is that the local truck on the pick-up end of the transaction may be less than adequate. Now for the good, bad and ugly with STI. The good is that STI includes insurance up to a set amount and that extra insurance can be purchased for a reasonable price. Also good is that STI will pick up a 2nd game at no additional cost. The delivery price coast to coast is currently in the $400 range and about $360 for shorter interstate deliveries. Another good aspect is that turn-around time is typically 5 to 10 days, not too shabby. The trucks are occupied by 2 men. A 3rd man can be requested, at an additional cost. The bad is that STI charges about $100 more to ascend or descend a staircase. Additionally, another "bad" is that STI does not service some of the remote, rural areas. Further, STI does not deliver on evenings or weekends so you'll need to make yourself available on about 24 hours notice to accept the delivery. STI discourages credit card payment (but, if you were to forget to have cash on hand, you likely could pay via credit card, especially if you're a regular customer). The ugly, for some, is trying to process an insurance claim. However, I had some minor damage to a game and no trouble obtaining reimbursement for the repair cost. Back in the middle or late 1990s, I also utilized a guy named Eric for deliveries. However, his business closed decades ago, as I recall.
Whenever possible, I try to utilize Bob Cunningham. Bob's cell is seven7two-fivezero1-two8eight3. Bob is extremely reliable and very friendly. He has a large box truck and he knows how to secure games safely. His experience derives from years in the billiards business. He resides in Florida and limits his deliveries to the Midwest and East Coast, as I recall. If you're lucky enough to need a game retrieved on or near his route, his turn-around time is good and his fee is in the $300 range or less for a more local delivery.
I can now add Eddie Cancelliere [a/k/a Fast Eddie---cell is five1eight-three6six-fourfive6nine of New York] to the list of reliable delivery options. Yesterday, Eddie picked up a game for me in the Midwest and delivered it to me in New Jersey. Eddie's game preparation is unsurpassed. His communication is also excellent. Although his vehicle has an open bed (Ford F-150), his wrapping is so unbelievably comprehensive, your game could withstand a snowstorm. Nevertheless, Eddie tracks weather reports to avoid inclement weather.
Below is a photo of Eddie and his vehicle. He can usually fit up to 6 games per trip, he states. I have also posted photos showing how Eddie wraps games. He shrink-wrapped my 1971 Bally Skyrocket, then multiple blanket wrapped it, then shrink-wrapped again, then waterproof tarp wrapped it, followed by more blankets and shrink-wrap. The seller advised that Eddie spent 90 minutes preparing my game for transport. Eddie once transported a $20K+ Zidware Magic Girl so you know that his reputation is solid. Like Bob Cunningham, Eddie will help you move a game up or down stairs and also help set up the game, if you desire. Eddie's geography seems to be in the Midwest and East Coast areas and his fee is also in the $300 or less range.
I hope that Pinsiders will add their experiences with various movers to this thread. Pinsiders with international delivery experience, and local delivery outside of the USA, could add to this thread as well. I know that I've seen such posts in other threads over the years. Perhaps this thread can serve to centralize such information.
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