Although this is a forgone conclusion, the best approach that has worked well when I've bought pins sight unseen (and I have bought many), is when someone takes photos of the "worst" things about it and doesn't try to hide anything.  Then there are no surprises on pick-up and everything actually seems "better" than in the photos.  Otherwise I've always put my offer at what I could live with "sight unseen" to cover any surprises.  If the price is right, then there is no quibble.

Someone in this Lawyer's position is likely buying because they liked the movie, otherwise they should be advised to purchase a new one from Starburst where they will be hand-held through the initial sale, set-up, etc. and have ready access to a service facility (at an appropriate cost).

Quoted from mrniceguy

I don't think there's a pin made that'll work problem-free for a straight 12 months.  

When I was young, we had an EM Playmatic Fairy. We used it day after day for 3-4 years without maintenance before anything went wrong. At that day and age, we didn't have internet or any pinball affecionado group; when a friend burnt one of its bumper, we never could find someone for maintenance as everyone we contacted was out of EM and we couldn't get parts.

The machine has been dismantled. I whish we had internet back then, I'd still be playing it!

Quoted from websherpa

Someone in this Lawyer's position is likely buying because they liked the movie, otherwise they should be advised to purchase a new one from Starburst where they will be hand-held through the initial sale, set-up, etc. and have ready access to a service facility (at an appropriate cost).

Even buying new doesn't guarantee anything. I bought a NIB Spiderman. I opened it up and found tiny scratches on the playfield. Easy fix -- they buffed out with Novus, but not so easy if you are in a wheel chair. Also, with NIB, it is common to spend a bit of time tweaking it.

I think the best solution for the gentleman would be to install pin Mame and enjoy a bunch of tables.

If he really likes the real thing, then an EM is an another option. If they are properly tweaked and played on a regular basis they seem to run forever without an issue.

Duane

Quoted from Marsupial

When I was young, we had an EM Playmatic Fairy. We used it day after day for 3-4 years without maintenance

Yep, what he said EMs are really, really reliable if properly set up initially and then played on a regular basis.

Heck, you can even pull them out of storage after a number of years -- just ask Medvet -- and they will still run pretty good.

Duane

I sold a juke "sight unseen" (pics were sent) to a guy near Ptbo... biggest mistake ever.  Spoke to him on the phone, he said he'd "take it!!!" didn't even haggle on the price.  I show up, he took one look at it and said.. "Hmm.. it's not what I was expecting."     Said he'd give me "$20 for my trouble" (ie. 4 hours of driving in a borrowed pickup truck).  I told him I didn't have room to take it back as I was picking up another machine on my way home (Magic).  So he basically got the thing for less than what I paid, and I was out about $80 in gas money.

Horrible experience.

Not saying don't do it.. I've had good "sight-unseen" experiences too (HAL-9000 on here, for example).  But .. ya kinda takes yer chances.

  So he basically got the thing for less than what I paid, and I was out about $80 in gas money. machineslave and his stories




I'll bet.....

Quoted from hardkor

  So he basically got the thing for less than what I paid, and I was out about $80 in gas money. machineslave and his stories

I'll bet.....

Unlike most of yours though, mine is true.  

Why am I always dealing with *ssholes in pairs?  Keyboard commandos man.. there's too many of them!

there is alot keyboard commandos out east,


you guys see mr.anderson buying a stern at To auction. and....... nothing, except keyboard bs. i ask why would you not show him the back door. with a few people waiting to say hi. but no lets run home to our keyboard.

what no cheeseburgers around because sparky would have taken care of it.



and machineslave don't cry when bs comes back to you . what you can dish it but not take, ahhhhh hurry up someone get machineslave a tissue

Next time you're in TO, give me a ring.. I'll buy you a beer.  I believe you / Jebsen have my number.  

Quoted from hardkor

and machineslave don't cry when bs comes back to you . what you can dish it but not take, ahhhhh hurry up someone get machineslave a tissue

what would you bring your mom to hold your hand? don't act all tough because one day we will meet and i'am sure you tone will change. because you won't have your keyboard with you.

you, anderson and jebsen can go and fuk each other. nothing but scammers

Quoted from hardkor

you, anderson and jebsen can go and fuk each other. nothing but scammers

I wasn't going to get involved in this because really what's the point, hardkor is a tool, we all know he is a tool so just let him continue being a tool and leave it at that.

But Brock is not a scammer, period.  Brock has done more for this hobby and this community then you ever have.  If Brock wasn't around his presence would be a loss to everyone.  Taking one for the team by taking on Waynus, creating his custom shooter rods, and helping out his fellow collectors whenever he can.  

You offer nothing but BS and some crappy hot tubs.  No one would miss you if you went away you offer nothing to his hobby and this community you are nothing more then a pimple on the a** of this hobby.  

Take your BS and your hot tubs somewhere else, no one is buying here.  

So yeah, back to the thread.  As I was sayin', Mike.. it's your call.  But it also depends on how far the guy is too, right?