Where Do You Find Machines? Many people have asked me "Where do you get all these arcade video games?" So I think it's time to go over the basics of locating arcade video games, pinball machines, etc. Most of this is common sense, but who knows, maybe you'll find something helpful. Basically there are 3 areas you can locate games; Online, at auction, and by chance. I've bought mine each way, and gotten good deals, and not so good deals, each way. The important thing is to set a value in your head and don't be swayed to extend it. This is really easier said than done when you're looking at a minty fresh Super Monaco GP and the seller wants an extra $50.00! Online Auctions There are several places to find video arcade games and pinball machines online. these include online auction sites, online classifieds, and newsgroups. Each have their own benefits and your best bet is to use all 3 areas online to find that perfect game you're looking for. For auction sites there is only one I've used. This is the infamous Ebay.com. The nice thing about Ebay is that you're shopping nationwide. The problem with Ebay is that video arcade games and pinball machines generally sell for a bit more than what you can pay for them offline. Then again, this assumes you can find your specific game offline. Another drawback is that you're competing with other bidders for the same item. Sniping also takes the fun out of auctions, unless you're the sniper!
There are a few areas to check on Ebay, these are:
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Always remember the golden rule of online auctions: Bid the maximum amount you are willing to spend on any item. Trying to bid low to save a few dollars almost guarantees you'll be outbid. Bidding too high will just annoy you every time you look at your arcade video game or pinball machine. Finally, shipping the game costs money too. The consensus in the arcade video game and pinball machine community is to use North American Van Lines (NAVL). Generally NAVL can ship door-to-door for $200.00 to $300.00 for 2 arcade video game machines or one pinball machine. Collectors use them so often we have a specific person we call when we need a game shipped. Her name is Michelle and her contact information is:
Online Classified In addition to auction sites there are many online classifieds sites where people post the items they wish to sell. Check www.google.com for some that list items in your area. In Southern California I use 3 online classified sites. These are Craig's List Los Angeles, The Recycler, and L.A. Freecycle(must join to view). Craig's List is by far the biggest and best. They have listings for multiple cities across the country and posting is free. If you watch your local edition carefully you can pull some really great deals off of Craig's List. you can refine your searches, and I usually bookmark the search results page so i can search with the click of a button. The Recycler has been a Southern California institution for years. Occasionally some really great deals come up on The Recycler. This is also free to post on, so sellers are more inclined to offer up cheaper items, just like Craig's List. The neat thing about The Recycler is that you can save your search queries on their server and use them every time you go to The Recycler website. Finally, there's L.A. Freecycle. I'll admit I haven't gotten anything from here, but it is nationwide and all items must be offered for free. It's worth watching because one day that game will appear on Freecycle. The only drawback to Freecycle is you must be an approved member. I think they approve everyone, but it is heavily moderated. There is one final classified ad source online, but this is strictly for pinball machines. Mr. Pinball Classifieds "are the oldest and largest pinball related classifieds anywhere". Make sure you check out their pinball tip of the day. Newsgroups Newsgroups are online communities with people posting about specific subjects. There are 3 that I visit often when looking for parts or complete games. They also tend to have lively discussions on the subject of pinball machines and video arcade games. The 3 groups I focus on are "rec.games.pinball"(RGP), "rec.games.video.arcade.collecting"(RGVAC), and "rec.games.video.arcade.marketplace"RGVAM). It used to be that you needed to gain access to the newsgroups through your internet provider and use a "news reader" such as Forte' Free Agent. These days Google offers free access to these groups. You can find them here:
Now you know what I know when it comes to finding arcade video games or pinball machines online. Up next: How to find arcade video games and pinball machines offline.
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