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Well I finished cleaning the playfield on my Pinbot last night.
I did a light polish on the mylar with Novus 3-2-1 and cleaned the rest with Novus 2.
I topped it all off with two coats of pure carnauba wax.
So there I sit admiring my work and then 'they' catch my eye.
I try to ignore them at first...oh hey look at that shine...but I cannot help myself as I get drawn back to them again and again and again.
What are 'they', well let me tell you, 'they' are playfield touch-ups that were done by a previuos owner.
Acrylic paint was used and the colour matches were good but the brush strokes stand out and the repairs were not sealed good enough and are wearing quickly.

You are probably thinking...Adam why do they bother you so much? I'm sure you saw them when you bought the game, so if they were o.k then why do you have such a problem with them now?

Pinbot was the third pin to come into my possession, and my first game purchase on Ebay.
I can do this, I thought, I know what I'm looking for...I've passed on junk games in the past and I know how to spot them, this should be easy....well as they say 'Pride goeth before the fall'
Yes I had a good track record but everything I had seen in the past was in person this would be something completely different.

Before I continue, this is not a Flame on the person who sold me the game, and I will not mention their name.
I have no idea why they they described the game as they did. I was in brief contact with them on other issues after the sale but communications quickly ended when the playfield repairs were brought up. Coincidence? Maybe...I have since moved on and added the incident to my file of life lessons.

Adam's Lessons learned form Ebay purchases:
1. People have different interpretations of the terms 'Mint' and 'excellent condition', make sure your expectations are clearly defined with as much detail as possible. Dont write a novel but keep your expectations in point form and numbered for easy discussion and follow up.
2. 'A picture is worth a thousand words'. True but sometimes you need a thousand and one words. Don't be afraid to ask for more photos, or better yet go look at the item if you can.
3. Know your seller. No you don't need to hire a private investigator but you can review Ebay feedback records and you can search groups like this one or RGP to get extra info.
4. Be cool and don't get caught up in the auction frenzy, if you miss this one another is sure to come along in time.
5. With some people words are cheep, if they cannot back them up with evidence then beware.
6. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Beware of scams!
7. Don't string people along if you do not intend to buy but also don't settle for less information than you are comfortable with. Again, don't be afraid to walk away if it doesn't 'feel' right.
8. Keep you fingers crossed. Hey it can't hurt.
9. Sooner or later you will get burned, keep copies of all communication until all issues are settled.
10. If you are going to complain do it quickly, putting it off never helps. If and when you do complain be courteous at first as it may just be a lgitimate mistake or oversight on their part.
11. Always give the seller the opportunity to correct an issue before calling in the calvary or posting nasty stuff about them on the internet.

Any one have any other lessons to add?

Just for the record I was caught out with the term "No playfield wear".
Yes I asked for clarification. I was told "excellent condition with no wear that I can find"
I never did ask if the playfield had been touched up.
Was I misled on purpose? I guess I'll never know for sure.

Again this was not intended as a flame, I was just sharing what can happen when people 'dive in without checking the water'. And it helps with my therapy to write things down.

Later guys, I off to give my daughter her first lesson on riding a 'two wheeler' bicycle.

Adam