It's easier to trade a machine with one person than to setup a deal to sell to one person and then buy from another.

When you think your $1500 game is worth $2500, listing it for trade is a reasonable way for you to get another $1500 machine that you think is worth $2500. Compare that with trying to sell your $1500 game for $2500.

I doubt the above is the actual reason people try to trade their machines, but I do think it helps make some trades happen.

No empty spaces in the lineup. Saves a lot of time. And you don't have thousands of dollars sitting around.

Some people don't want their spouse to know they have cash available...else-wise it could be re-designated for non-pinball use on them... Similarly, they might not want to leave the slot open, else-wise the space could be re-opened for non-pinball use on them...

Could be a number of reasons. I've done a few trades only for different reasons. the easy of the deal mentioned above is usually the primary one - we each get a game we want and it's over and done with. In other cases, I don't "need" the money, I like having games, and in a lot of cases my games are worth more to me personally than people would want to pay me in cash, but in a trade situation people seem easier to deal with when it comes to give or taking a few bucks either way.

I agree. While trading does make it one transaction instead of two, it makes it much more difficult to find a match. Trading for cash is much easier.

I want the other game(s) more, but I don't dislike what I'm offering, so I'd rather keep it around to play than have 'down time' trying to find one of the other games

I always figured it was a maximizing value sort of thing. If I trade my NIB machine that I'm losing money on for someone else's NIB machine that they are losing money on, and can kind of mitigate the damage a little bit, we both walk away happy enjoying new games.

In Alaska, not alot of options. I list trades on CL so I maintain my collection. Sell it and the next one may be a while and maybe not one I want. Can always sell one but cannot always buy one.

Not really the circumstances that you are talking about, but sometimes with the very rare games you will see one collector have multiples just to use for trade bait on rare titles they do not have.

I only do trades with friends. Doing a trade with someone I don't know can leave me both issues I don't like (you not being happy, me not being happy). So if I don't know you well, it will be cash for the game and our transaction is complete.

As for the original question, I think it is a way people are trying to avoid the price police. They can put a sky high value on the game and then say "it is for trade".

For me, it completely eliminates the nickel-and-diming that happens when you try to sell or buy a game “oh, but this mod, and this was the only playfield made in the month of April that has this inspected-by sticker on it so it’s worth another $500”

The decision is - do I like the game more than the other game I’ve decided I’m tired of? And is it in reasonably similar condition? Ok cool let’s do this.

You wouldn’t trade a CQ game most likely - because the set of potential traders is so much smaller

I generally don’t even respond to trade only threads. Too complicated and people on the other end are generally looking to trade up and get the better end of the deal. Not to mention I don’t want to get rid of any of the machines I currently have. If my cash is no good and it’s trade only I generally move along to the next. The cash will run out long befor the machines do.

I like trades because:
1) it's faster to get a new machine. Trade and you're done. Otherwise I have to find a buyer that actually commits and then I have to track down the perfect machine which leads me to #2.

2) not a lot of fair priced machines out there. And when you do find one, there seems to be a dozen others already in line.

for me....

1) Because I'm bored of my machine and want to try something new.
2) Keeps it as a single transaction... only 1 person to deal with
3) Easy to explain to the wife (she doesn't care as long as I'm not spending more money.
4) More likely to be dealing with another pinhead, so machine will hopefully have less unexpected problems pop up 15 minutes after you set it up at home
5) Sometimes you don't really care what your new machine is... just want something different, so see what others have and let fate decide.

Tax reasons.
When you are out of money and space.

If you do a trade, the other party might bring the new game to you, eliminating the need to load up and transport the game.

What he said. I already have a small collection so trades are appealing. That, and I'm not super eager to get rid of my games.

Best way to get some people off games that they'd never sell or place on the market. SOME pinsiders always have a few thousand laying around so cash doesn't entice them.......but a tile they want more than what they have......yep, let's trade.

People trade only to coax someone to get rid of a game they would really rather keep. They want the trade offered more and can't find a for-sale option. I've definitely given up something I didn't want to let go of because I wanted another game. Pinheads will sometimes buy games just to use as trade bait when they know it's a hot title (and they're looking for something hard-to-find).

Games are hard to find these days. A trade opens up new doors to machines that might not readily available. I find you normally can make more with a cash sale, but when I spend 100 or more in gas and 12 hours driving to get a machine i'd rather just get an even trade.

I have asked to pay cash for a trade only pin and the deal was done. Does not hurt to ask.

I host tournaments and leagues. I don’t want to risk not being able to fill the hole left by selling a game. I’d rather trade. If the trade never happens, no worries. I still have a full fleet.