Albuquerque, NM
Quoted from beltking:Venom Le going into production this week for USA sales. Per distributor.
So my guess is even though Stern can produce 1000 machines a week, they are only doing 500. Hope my LE gets shipped this week.
(Topic ID: 298696)
Quoted from lu505:So my guess is even though Stern can produce 1000 machines a week, they are only doing 500. Hope my LE gets shipped this week.
Stern didn't magically double production on day 1 in the new factory 
Thanks for the updates on The Pinball Show podcast episode 138, @zmeny. Venom LE is on the line, and Premiums should start up next week.
Sep 2023 - Venom LE
Oct 2023 - Venom Premium
Oct 2023 - Deadpool Pro & Premium
Oct 2023 - Foo Fighters Pro
Nov 2023 - Godzilla Premium
Dec 2023 - GOTG Pro
Dec 2023 - Bond Pro & Premium
Q1 2024 - Cornerstone #1 (Jaws?)
Q2 2024 - Cornerstone #2 (?)
??? 2024 - SW Pro & Premium
??? 2024 - Mando Pro & Premium
Q2 2024 - Venom Pro
Q2 2024 - FF Pro
Q3 2024 - Godzilla Pro
Q3 2024 - JP Pro
Q3 2024 - Cornerstone #3 (?)
Q4 2024 - FF Premium
Q4 2024 - Bond Pro & Premium
Quoted from SuperNinjaMonkey:thats great hopefully that means they will start working on deadpool the fist week of oct.
They have Venom Premium to do first.
Quoted from kermit24:If Stern only gets 500 distro orders for Venom LE, will they make all 1,000 units?
LE-specific parts were ordered a long time ago and are paid for, so likely yes.
Quoted from PinMonk:LE-specific parts were ordered a long time ago and are paid for, so likely yes.
There have been instances where they didn’t complete LE runs. Beatles. WWE. It’s possible. I know of at least one distro that took less than half of his typical allotment because they didn’t have the orders.
Quoted from kermit24:There have been instances where they didn’t complete LE runs. Beatles. WWE. It’s possible. I know of at least one distro that took less than half of his typical allotment because they didn’t have the orders.
Beatles completely sold all their Diamond units (the LE equivalent). It was the Golds they didn't finish because they sold all the Diamond and Platinums and had no more to bundle in 10 packs to force distros to take the overpriced golds. All Beatles "LEs" were run.
WWE was the very first Spike, so I don't know if they ran them all, but that's kind of a special case and evergreen Stern joke release.
Quoted from Fsdre:Was there any update on when the next batch of Godzilla toppers would run?
My distro said December.
Quoted from gnocchi_pesto:So other than this November, there'll be no GZ prem until 2025?
GZ Prem are in stock at many distributors today.
Quoted from gnocchi_pesto:So other than this November, there'll be no GZ prem until 2025?
Based on your location: Are you also on Pinball Pirate’s waiting list for GZ Premium? I am, and this production schedule is making it look more and more like I’ll only get the damn machine if I eat that $1000 deposit and pay another distributor to ship one to me.
Quoted from bwalter:Based on your location: Are you also on Pinball Pirate’s waiting list for GZ Premium? I am, and this production schedule is making it look more and more like I’ll only get the damn machine if I eat that $1000 deposit and pay another distributor to ship one to me.
If they don’t refund you just reverse the deposit (assuming on a credit card). There has to be a reasonable time frame for a delivery or you should be able to back out. Although I’m not sure the time limit on a CC purchase to be refunded.
Quoted from rai:If they don’t refund you just reverse the deposit (assuming on a credit card). There has to be a reasonable time frame for a delivery or you should be able to back out. Although I’m not sure the time limit on a CC purchase to be refunded.
Nah, it wasn’t on a CC. Don’t get me wrong; I love my distributor. Chris at Pinball Pirate and his crew are great; they’re just not getting enough GZ Premiums and I’m way down their non-refundable deposit-paid waiting list. I paid in early July and unless Stern more than doubles their previously-forecasted allocation of GZ Prems slated for PP this winter, I’m not getting mine until 2025 (based on this most-recent schedule). That is, unless I get one shipped from elsewhere and just eat that deposit. I’d also lose out on their warranty/service, which if my other NIBs are any indication, I’ll sorely lack. We’re still trying to sort out an electrical glitch in my JP30.
Quoted from bwalter:Nah, it wasn’t on a CC. Don’t get me wrong; I love my distributor. Chris at Pinball Pirate and his crew are great; they’re just not getting enough GZ Premiums and I’m way down their non-refundable deposit-paid waiting list. I paid in early July and unless Stern more than doubles their previously-forecasted allocation of GZ Prems slated for PP this winter, I’m not getting mine until 2025 (based on this most-recent schedule). That is, unless I get one shipped from elsewhere and just eat that deposit. I’d also lose out on their warranty/service, which if my other NIBs are any indication, I’ll sorely lack. We’re still trying to sort out an electrical glitch in my JP30.
Lesson learned....NEVER put down a deposit for a game. Be patient and wait it out as most come available eventually. GZ Premiums are really easy to come by these days and I doubt that will change over the next couple years. I learned my lesson several times (unfortunately) with putting deposits down for CGC games....NEVER again
Quoted from bwalter:Nah, it wasn’t on a CC. Don’t get me wrong; I love my distributor. Chris at Pinball Pirate and his crew are great; they’re just not getting enough GZ Premiums and I’m way down their non-refundable deposit-paid waiting list. I paid in early July and unless Stern more than doubles their previously-forecasted allocation of GZ Prems slated for PP this winter, I’m not getting mine until 2025 (based on this most-recent schedule). That is, unless I get one shipped from elsewhere and just eat that deposit. I’d also lose out on their warranty/service, which if my other NIBs are any indication, I’ll sorely lack. We’re still trying to sort out an electrical glitch in my JP30.
I would talk with them about their getting a Zilla premium NIB from another distributor that has surplus stock. Win-win: you get your local distributors warranty, they get a happy repeat customer, and the other distributor unloads a GZ that hasn’t sold and may not sell for a long time.
Quoted from Nicholastree:I would talk with them about their getting a Zilla premium NIB from another distributor that has surplus stock. Win-win: you get your local distributors warranty, they get a happy repeat customer, and the other distributor unloads a GZ that hasn’t sold and may not sell for a long time.
I guess I was assuming that wasn’t an option, but I will ask them. They should be delivering my Venom soon enough anyway…
Oakville, ON
Quoted from PtownPin:Lesson learned....NEVER put down a deposit for a game. Be patient and wait it out as most come available eventually. GZ Premiums are really easy to come by these days and I doubt that will change over the next couple years. I learned my lesson several times (unfortunately) with putting deposits down for CGC games....NEVER again
Over the past 2-3 years supply was so tight / demand so strong - deposits and waiting were the norm.
I don't think we will see a market like that for a long time if ever again.
Very thankful I didn't put a deposit down on Pulp Fiction. Could be a year plus by the time people get them.
Quoted from PinMonk:Beatles completely sold all their Diamond units (the LE equivalent). It was the Golds they didn't finish because they sold all the Diamond and Platinums and had no more to bundle in 10 packs to force distros to take the overpriced golds. All Beatles "LEs" were run.
WWE was the very first Spike, so I don't know if they ran them all, but that's kind of a special case and evergreen Stern joke release.
To take the “overpriced BEATLES golds”. 
Diamond and Platinum were the most overpriced BS prior to Bond 60th
500 per week ramping up to 1,000 in the new factory while NIB inventory piles up at Distributors.
I’m thinking this is a recipe for disaster unless they can keep the pump going with Distro credit card sales. That won’t last long
You can buy every one of these games for LESS on the used market right now.
The NIB glut is driving some Distros to offer COST and below. Call around
Quoted from bwalter:Based on your location: Are you also on Pinball Pirate’s waiting list for GZ Premium? I am, and this production schedule is making it look more and more like I’ll only get the damn machine if I eat that $1000 deposit and pay another distributor to ship one to me.
Wait until Jan 1st price increases. Cancel order due to material change in contract (old price becoming 2024 price), get full refund. It's not non-refundable if the terms of the contract are changed by the seller.
Quoted from PinMonk:Wait until Jan 1st price increases. Cancel order due to material change in contract (old price becoming 2024 price), get full refund. It's not non-refundable if the terms of the contract are changed by the seller.
Man you are delusional if you think there will be Jan “price increases”.
Quoted from bwalter:Based on your location: Are you also on Pinball Pirate’s waiting list for GZ Premium? I am, and this production schedule is making it look more and more like I’ll only get the damn machine if I eat that $1000 deposit and pay another distributor to ship one to me.
I'm not. I'm planning to get my GZ used. So many people selling out there, I see new GZ being listed everyday. Not surprised, I think it's one of the most if not the most owned pins today. Also you can get one from shows at a discount. Pinball Pirate brought 4 GZ to CAX last month, and they will probably have some at next month's Pin a go go.
Quoted from PinMonk:Wait until Jan 1st price increases. Cancel order due to material change in contract (old price becoming 2024 price), get full refund. It's not non-refundable if the terms of the contract are changed by the seller.
No Jaws price increase.
Quoted from iceman44:Man you are delusional if you think there will be Jan “price increases”.
They should do it....... sock it to those Jaws people. All they have to say is "this is the most expensive license EVER!!!" 
There's a good chance you see EHOH pricing for all premiums (it's happened every year the last three years running).
Quoted from gnocchi_pesto:I'm not. I'm planning to get my GZ used. So many people selling out there, I see new GZ being listed everyday. Not surprised, I think it's one of the most if not the most owned pins today. Also you can get one from shows at a discount. Pinball Pirate brought 4 GZ to CAX last month, and they will probably have some at next month's Pin a go go.
The 2 GZ Prems that P.P. is bringing to Pin a go go are already spoken for. Then they’re supposedly only getting a handful more from Stern this fall. I sure hope that changes.
Quoted from PinMonk:Wait until Jan 1st price increases. Cancel order due to material change in contract (old price becoming 2024 price), get full refund. It's not non-refundable if the terms of the contract are changed by the seller.
Hopefully they aren't stupid enough to increase prices right now. While sales are way down and stuff is just piling up at dealers.
If my memory serves correctly, they always did the price increase the last few years in the fall release, Godzilla, and bond and then all the other games got that increase in January. There was no price increase for venom so maybe that's a good sign
Quoted from bwalter:We’re still trying to sort out an electrical glitch in my JP30.
Quoted from bwalter:They should be delivering my Venom soon enough anyway…
Sounds like you've given this distributor some serious business lately. You should also just try having a discussion with them. Hopefully they are reasonable about 1) finding one from another distro; 2) refunding your deposit; 3) putting it toward your venom balance; or 4) deferring the deposit for a future purchase (worst option).
You've been giving them a lot of money and now it is their turn to show you your value to them as a happy customer.
Quoted from kool1:Over the past 2-3 years supply was so tight / demand so strong - deposits and waiting were the norm.
I don't think we will see a market like that for a long time if ever again.
Very thankful I didn't put a deposit down on Pulp Fiction. Could be a year plus by the time people get them.
I have a "free" spot for my PFLE due to the fact that CGC hasn't delivered on my CCRLE. Once they deliver on the CCR I'll have to fork over the deposit if I want the spot, which isn't gonna happen. The only way I could change my mind is if PM got someone else to make the game. Waiting 2+ years for a CGC game isn't worth the wait especially in this market. Were on the verge of games dropping 10-30% off MSRP as soon as u open the box
Quoted from PtownPin:Were on the verge of games dropping 10-30% off MSRP as soon as u open the box
30%? Not going to happen. Lots of history before the crazy period to show how 'current gen' games do well at holding in a relative band of pricing below NIB prices.
Used prices lower than NIB? of course... as long as there are new people in the hobby who aren't confident in their skills people will always be willing to pay a premium for NIB vs used.
The whole 'my 3 month old game has appreciated over NIB' was a temporary anomaly and everyone of sound mind knows that would not continue once the production scarcity issue was resolved. That doesn't mean all prices are crashing - it means we will be moving back towards normal.
People who can afford it will prefer NIB over used
People who want the latest title will pay Stern NIB prices
Used prices will be lower than NIB unless a title was somehow under produced or somehow significantly enhanced post-production
Modern HUO used titles will not radically drop in value radically as long as the hobby keeps expanding and the market is dominated by Home buyers
Quoted from flynnibus:30%? Not going to happen. Lots of history before the crazy period to show how 'current gen' games do well at
Maybe not the pros or LE's... But multiple examples of out of the box Turtles and Mandolorian Prems (which are ostensibly targeted to home buyers) on the market for a 20-23% discount from MSRP. Is 30% really that far fetched?
Agree with all your other points though.
Quoted from BallLocks:Maybe not the pros or LE's... But multiple examples of out of the box Turtles and Mandolorian Prems (which are ostensibly targeted to home buyers) on the market for a 20-23% discount from MSRP. Is 30% really that far fetched?
yes, in most generalizations … there will be outliers. But i think your examples more highlight a corner case about price increases rather than modern era depreciating quickly.
Both those titles are extremes of the price increases of the last three years… nearly 2k (almost 25%) increases on the same exact game just based on build dates. And you’ll find in those cases, the games look discounted vs the new price points… but still strong vs the original prices.
Basically the new inflated price point isn’t holding because there is a supply of equal games that were bought much cheaper that people want to move.
interesting point and discussion!
Quoted from flynnibus:yes, in most generalizations … there will be outliers. But i think your examples more highlight an edge case about price increases rather than modern era depreciating quickly.
Both those titles are extremes of the price increases of the last three years… nearly 2k (almost 25%) increases on the same exact game just based on build dates. And you’ll find in those cases, the games look discounted vs the new price points… but still strong vs the original prices.
Basically the new inflated price point isn’t holding because there is a supply of equal games that were bought much cheaper that people want to move.
interesting point and discussion!
Look a Bond LE's .... MSRP $13K + Shipping + tax....NIB buyers could be into that game at $14.5K+ and they are seeing them in the marketplace for $10.6K .... its gonna happen at some point, and this is just the beginning .... its gonna be interesting to see how this plays out the next couple years.
Quoted from kool1:Over the past 2-3 years supply was so tight / demand so strong - deposits and waiting were the norm.
I don't think we will see a market like that for a long time if ever again.
Very thankful I didn't put a deposit down on Pulp Fiction. Could be a year plus by the time people get them.
Winter is coming and I’m starting to see quite a few masks out in public. Don’t be surprised if it happens again in the future. By that time all the new Distro’s will probably have closed due to there being too many of them sitting on stock.
I fondly remember the market in 1990’s -2000’s. Order a LOTR, Simpsons,random title. If it wasn’t in stock just wait 3-4 weeks and pick it up at the Distro.
Quoted from flynnibus:30%? Not going to happen. Lots of history before the crazy period to show how 'current gen' games do well at holding in a relative band of pricing below NIB prices.
Used prices lower than NIB? of course... as long as there are new people in the hobby who aren't confident in their skills people will always be willing to pay a premium for NIB vs used.
The whole 'my 3 month old game has appreciated over NIB' was a temporary anomaly and everyone of sound mind knows that would not continue once the production scarcity issue was resolved. That doesn't mean all prices are crashing - it means we will be moving back towards normal.
People who can afford it will prefer NIB over used
People who want the latest title will pay Stern NIB prices
Used prices will be lower than NIB unless a title was somehow under produced or somehow significantly enhanced post-production
Modern HUO used titles will not radically drop in value radically as long as the hobby keeps expanding and the market is dominated by Home buyers
Agreed
Quoted from PtownPin:I have a "free" spot for my PFLE due to the fact that CGC hasn't delivered on my CCRLE. Once they deliver on the CCR I'll have to fork over the deposit if I want the spot, which isn't gonna happen. The only way I could change my mind is if PM got someone else to make the game. Waiting 2+ years for a CGC game isn't worth the wait especially in this market. Were on the verge of games dropping 10-30% off MSRP as soon as u open the box
I admit the fomo this winter was hitting me hard. I was so mad when I didn't get a PF LE spot. I don't care anymore. I might pick up a used PF SE at a discount one day, but the topper wasn't going to change my life.
interesting caption from Stern here, because Venom isn’t the villain in this game… isn’t really even a single entity. Splitting hairs…
Quoted from LORDDREK:“Fist” is an appropriate typo when talking about anything Stern…
Just posted their State of the Union:
https://sternpinball.com/2023/10/03/stern-of-the-union-address-october-2023/
Stranger Things:
After being lost in The Upside Down… Stranger Things Pinball has returned. Join Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will and Eleven as they try to uncover the events occurring in Hawkins, and maybe take down a few Demodogs along the way. Don’t miss out on the return of Stranger Things Pinball and El-evate your game room this holiday season!
IMG_3362 (resized).jpeg
Quoted from Pinball_Eddie:Just posted their State of the Union:
https://sternpinball.com/2023/10/03/stern-of-the-union-address-october-2023/
Stranger Things:
After being lost in The Upside Down… Stranger Things Pinball has returned. Join Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will and Eleven as they try to uncover the events occurring in Hawkins, and maybe take down a few Demodogs along the way. Don’t miss out on the return of Stranger Things Pinball and El-evate your game room this holiday season!
[quoted image]
Looks like a Upside down LE. expensive vault incoming?
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