Quoted from Sparky

I wouldn't be surprised that Gerald's auctions do better than Starburst's at some point. I have seen the stuff at Starburst, and wasn't impressed. As stated, barely any pins at all. Mostly tired 90's games and conversions, a few redemption games and kiddie rides, and that's it.

I would like to see an auction at the Museum where there are a few items from collectors for sale, which Starburst doesn't have... other than the backyard sales done in the rear parking lot.

You bring your game and give Gerald a percentage of the sale. One focal point for it all.

I would agree with this ... except that we didn't really show Gerald a good response at his last auction, which was better than any Starburst auction I have ever been to. Hell, I walked away with a working Cheyenne for $200 and felt guilty with that (and I specifically intended to not buy anything).

Gerald had some nice pieces, ready for restoration, but apparently we are a cheap bunch of folks.

I live 5 minutes away from the old Starburst location and couldn't be bothered to go the majority of the time, except to meet up with CGCC and MAACA folk. I live 10 minutes away from the new location and the same applies. Other than the $75 Xenophobe-turned-Golden-Tee that I picked up some years ago (and have since MAMEd), everything that I have bought in recent memory at a Starburst auction has been a parking lot deal.

Quoted from CheffoJeffo

Gerald had some nice pieces, ready for restoration, but apparently we are a cheap bunch of folks.

Yup...  I know it didn't go as wella s he had planned.  not horrific, but a lot of stuff stayed when it should have gone.  He had a good mix of classics ready for restoration, and projects, as well as some newer (and older) working models.  If i hadn't just picked up stuff from the last bulk deal, Popeye would have come home with me.

I think if Gerald does have another auction, it may not be for a while....

Aw, thats too bad, I missed the first one (Geralds) and was hoping he'd be doing it frequently. Gerald, if you're reading this, any idea of when you're thinking of trying it again?

Stan

Roger that! I'll be waiting for a nice and affordable CFTBL or a Champion Pub then.
Thx for all you opinions and comments.

Also, is there some pin stores where you can bring the machine home and spread the bill on 2-3 years??

Last I spoke with Gerald about an auction , he was considering December....I'll try talk him into earlier than Starburst, so thers more cash to go around....

Would love to see another one of Geralds auctions.  I couldn't make the last one due to work but I will to the next.  

I have been following the posts, and yes, I have been considering another auction.
If I go ahead with the deal out east, I will be having one very soon, like end of Nov.
I must admit there was some disappointment on my end at some of the prices, but not unlike auctions I have seen, been to, or benefited from. I did make more on some games than I expected, it balanced out.My saving grace was the acquisition prices.

I am thinking of revamping it whereby it is a "members only" type affair, whereby a lot more people bring their own machines, rather than me selling off exclusively my stock. I have been quietly rebuilding my inventory with duplicates of what I have sold, and some stuff is hard to find.
I wouldn't charge much (TBD), and I would probably open it up to absentee bidding for registered"members". For example, those from Quebec,Maritimes and out West.
The idea behind members putting games in, is that they set a reserve, and now it will sell, as the target audience are mostly "buyers" rather than " socialites" as I call many who go to starburst, for other reasons than to buy.

I am about to do a deal in the US where I take over the warehouse( 20,000 sq ft) as well, so I will have a transit point just across the border( Will cut down considerably on shipping from the US for me). This opens up the possibility to start importing stuff from the US, because it is slim pickings( Especially for certain pins) in Canada.

A "pins only " auction is something I am considering in the future as well, but for it to work, the auction would have to be opened up to a wider audience of both buyers and sellers.

Quoted from Vengeance

You can do that with Starburst as well, no idea what the % is as I'd rather just sell it on a site like this and not bother with the extra fees.  

25$ per piece + 18% of final sale value (SB cost)

There are some other benefits for me, other than the financial aspect:
1.  free advertising
2. establishment of a following, and interested people
3. market research
4. identification for me of where to quickly locate pins and to a lesser degree, vids, that I want to have on full time display or even "loaner/rentals. when the time comes, I know where to find these, and have the contact info from those who have purchased items.
5. Familiarity for others, with the location, and myself personally
6. A gauge for future related events/items such as pin parts(new), swap meets, etc
7. An opportunity to meet and network with what is essentially a microcosm of the target audience for the museum. As you all know it ranges from young to old, rich to poor and occasional game players to hardcore( a bit nutty?) enthusiasts. Believe me, I remember every conversation I have with people, and I have got a lot of response and input from people. Even though they may think it was a passing conversation, I take into account everyone s opinion.

Once you get the right auctioneer, it should be much better....