Here's the thing...you have dreamed up this entire scenario in your head where you pose what is in your head a totally fair offer, the shopkeep listens reasonably and agrees that he doesn't need these worthless games which don't work, and sees it your way.

What you'll get is a guy who has no plans on selling these games, has no interest in selling them, and will likely respond to your unsolicited offer with either disdain or "I saw it on ebay for $10,000" greed.

So don't get your hopes up. You also don't know if he even owns these games.

You could get lucky on all of the above counts but chances are the owner isn't a moron and isn't going to sell a Monster Bash for $4,000 (regardless of condition) and throw in a Mario Andretti while he's at it. Good luck though, you never know. Most likely this will be an unfruitful and/or very frustrating experience for you. Remember, he doesn't have them for sale and he didn't ask you to make an offer so try to temper your enthusiasm and rage.

Monster Bash happens to be one of the most valuable classic pinball machines on the planet, and if the owner does a google search he's gonna want huge money for it. There really is no "offer on paper" here that makes any more sense than another, so you might as well offer what you are willing to pay. It's not like he's gonna see $3,000 and get pissed, but see $4,000 and think "hell yeah!"

So don't overthink it. And order a slice too.

Are the machines his, they may be an operator.

Photos are required to provide an accurate estimation of value.
A good operator will know a game title's value, even if it is junk, and you will need know how to "pinball negotiate" or take someone who understands how to not "tip hand" on sales.
It is beneficial.

Make sure you have full cash on hand if you are serious, and prepared to haul the game away immediately.
Don't use deception in sales, it has long term consequences, the pinball world is very small.

Good deals can still be made with solid prep work and timing.

You don't have to show pics. You are not buying that game for 4500. No way in hell. 10 years ago you had a shot though.

You might offer to get some working games in there and keep them working for a few pizzas a month or some other non-cash deal.

Talk to the owner. Even if they want to keep the games it's worth talking to them. Mention you would like to start a regular event someday.

Go in and don't throw out a number, just ask if he may be interested in selling. If he comes up with a crazy number just say thanks but no thanks. BUT you may be surprised if they don't make money on it and it's neglected. No harm, no foul.

No no, FIRST, you're not approaching this with the smarts. He either knows the value or he values them as expendable coin drop junk. If I were you, I would not go balls out and say ''HEy, is that MB for sale, I want it!'' but more like, ''Hey, I'm a small collector of pinball machines, would you be interested in selling the PAIR? This approach takes the suspected heat off of the grail.

4 years ago, a vendor told me $3500 for a MB, I offered them $3,000 and drove home with it. If that Pizza shop was near me, I'm willing to bet the MB comes home with me for a fair price.

Even trashed mb that boot up and are alll there command 5-6k. I Have a friend that just shipped one from france that is like the one you described but even worse and is paying 5500-6k to get it here . But will be doing a full restore which will cost alot of money and time and he cld probably have bought a nice one for what he will have in it . But he likes doing the restores so thats what matters.
Dont hurt to try tho and id go for it... what do you have to lose...

I found one a few years in Virginia area in similar condition as you described above. I asked the owner of the establishment and
he said he didn't own the machine, but he gave me the number of the vendor who did own it. I called them and made them a similar offer to yours and they said no deal...Wouldn't even entertain any other offers, stated they made good money during tourist season with it. That machine has been in that establishment for many years...

Even though my offer fell through, give yours a shot, you never know?? Good luck!

If you want to be smart about buying it, buy both. Mario isn't something you want and understandable. If you go in strictly for the monster bash he will question whats up if he doesn't already know the value. If you are just some guy who likes pinball machines and ask about the pair its less obvious.

Or just wait till no one is there and steal them.............Joey

If you really want to reel the game in, tell the owner that you're a stern distributor and that you can trade and put a fresh, brand new ghostbusters pinball in its place for the two that are old and don't work correctly.

This should blow some minds.

Echoing earlier advice, have cash in your pocket and a way to remove the game immediately.

Gather your cash, find the guy that can say yes and open the discussion - you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

100% fact those in this thread that say don't bother do not work in sales. Prepare to be disappointed