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Glad to see this thread got some legs. I'm with another poster that is a one pin owner. I feel like I got in before the lock last summer buying my pin after not having one for a long time. I used to enjoy searching the ads to see what's for sale. Now, I don't bother. No way I'm getting a second pin any time soon at these prices.
The problem with using the R word is it brings high expectations. To me, saying restored means everyting has been gone through, in pristine shape and back to original. Should have been advertised as a very clean WW (maybe make sure it is clean) and you can list what you replaced. Let other people judge if that equals a restoration or not.
Quoted from brobra:Exactly. The pinside average is trailing and doesn’t account for off market sales. AFM LE is pinside priced at 8k average; and it’s trading at almost 11k all day long.
The algorithm isn’t properly weighted; and is weighted too heavily towards old sales data. A shrewd buyer can leverage this disparity.
People complain about the Top 100 algorithm, but the Pinside price guide is the one that is really broken and it matters. I believe an objective volunteer or committee of experts be used to come up with the price range. I'm sure people would volunteer for this. If on the committe and you own the game you obstain.
Quoted from Bublehead:People can laugh, but I didn't write the laws... violate them at your own risk and peril. I honor my prices both offered and accepted.
You know what they say; possesion is 9 tenths of the law.
Quoted from CrazyLevi:You don't find the comparison to be a little fucking lazy, and in almost all cases, a total fallacy?
EVERYBODY compares EVERYTHING to cars. Why do they do this?
What does a pinball machine have in common with a car, besides the fact that you can buy or sell one and that there is some metal and plastic in both?
Probably because boh are big ticket items, collectible, and can be operated. The second hand buying process is similar and both have dealers for new.
A lot of the comparisons are valid. It just appears you have a disdain for cars, and that makes sense because you are a New Yorker that doesn't own one. Most of the rest of the country can relate.
If it wasn't so comparable people would be doing it all the time. To most the comparisons make sense. Sorry you disagree, but many do not.
Quoted from Mathazar:I'll weigh in on my use of the car vs. pinball machine comparison, tho no economics are involved. I've used these analogies several times when talking pinball machines with my car friends (I've restored both).
Classic Restorations
Both car enthusiasts and pinball enthusiasts can fall into camps ranging from "purists" to "anything goes" and everything in-between. You've got classic restorers for both cars and pins that will repair something broken before considering to replace any part, use only original parts before resorting to after-market, keep the patina of the car or pin vs repainting or repairing any surface areas that aren't critical to the infrastructure, and the like.
RestoMods
Just like putting a modern drivetrain into a '67 Chevelle to make it as reliable as new cars coming off the assembly line, you can do the same with many solid state pins by installing modern PCBs. Playfield blown? Put in a CPR. And just like replacing that worn out, beyond repair body on that Chevelle you can get newly manufactured pin cabs for classic Ballys and Sterns or use well-preserved donors to replace your termite infested originals.
Rat Rods
This seems to be popular in my area....guys taking abused SS pins with lots of cosmetic damage, patina, missing/damaged plastics, and "history" and make them run like a top with new PCBs, rubbers, flipper rebuilds, and the like. Pins plays like new, but looks like it's at death's door.
Over The Top Customizations
Just like the car guy that takes a classic 1956 Corvette and slaps on oversized tires for a lifted rake, paints the body in art deco colors and think's it's beautiful you've got the pin guy who puts clown puke LEDs in his STTNG and thinks the same. There's room for everyone in both hobbies.
One of the better analogies I like to use is discovering that bargain project you bought home has more serious issues than you thought as you start to peel back the layers. Then you've got to make that decision - do I pour more money in it to fix it (if it can be fixed), or do I cut my losses there and junk it or part it out.
The only economic analogy I'll put in is this: The guy who restored his car and the guy who restored his pin will each want too much money when it comes to sell as they "recoup" their "investment". I've been there too many times in both cars and pins - you restore for the love of the hobby and shouldn't expect to make all of your money back.
Stop making sense
Quoted from TylerTheTired:I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, but...
I'm new here. Seems like pins are expensive. Any advice on getting started? How do I stop being so poor?
One word Powerball.
Oh, don't have kids. My five are huge money sinks. Love them, but daaaamn expensive. Hoping one will pay be back later in life.
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