Hey
You all know that I am a newbie here and I am yet to buy a pin machine (no money right now)..however I plan too. I read on here NEVER buy from ebay...many people get less than what the ads say. I understand, however on ebay there is a few sellers with ebay stores who have phenomenal feedback 98%+. whats your thoughts? Some have several different machines to buy at what I think are fair prices? any feedback or experiences?

I am thinking once ready to dive into pins I will just post a want ad. but ebay is always an option. I am not planning on a pin anytime soon but for future reference.

thanks
Jim

the short version would be:

-Do not buy sight unseen.  Unless you trust the seller.
-Buy local when possible
-Check the auction over an over for it to be legit.  Some people steal photos from other auctions or sites and just take your money and run when the auction is over.  Use paypal in this scenario as there would be *some* type of refund if you get burned.
-Avoid ebay sellers FUN, Gaucho, and Kweaver unless you want a beat up project.
-Jim will also tell you to avoid e-fairy  (false listings, complete scam)

-Post the auction here and ask questions if unsure.

Good luck

p.s. For your first pin I want to stress again buy local off a collector if you can.  Or an operator that has a warranty.

  Only buy from jvegas101...I here he's a helluva guy!!!  

I'm only 1 year into pins and have never bought off ebay.   For me, its just too scary - unless you know the seller or the sellers reputation.   Its very hard to score a deal on ebay as there are lots of collectors searching ebay everyday for the prizes.

For newbies, I'd personally stay away from maaca.   The best pins I have bought are locally from maaca members.   They are the hobbiest/collector variety that are getting rid of a pin to make room for another one.   Locally, you'll save about $300+ on the ebay shipping and you will be able to see & play the game first hand.  

Not sure of your awareness of pins, but there's a few basic things to look for.   The clay video for beginners is a great start - show 1 & 2 are free.   I bought TOP #4 & #7 I believe - and when I get around to it, will buy the others:
http://www.marvin3m.com/topcast/vid.php

Its buyer-beware really - try to narrow your search down, and then post a question on what the "price guide" is for that pin to get an idea of what a good fully working machine should cost.    

My memories on early 70's / 80's pins.  I want some in my collection, but the newer A-list pins are desirable for a reason  

Beware, they do multiply somehow!

Quoted from 265

  Only buy from jvegas101...I here he's a helluva guy!!!  

Yeah, because he never buys from Ebay.

Here's an example of what you can get from Ebay:

** Just to point it out, this seller is honest and did put detailed pictures, but some would have not...

So his listing is here: http://cgi.ebay.ca/Jurassic-Pa.....QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

As you can see, it is a pretty good price for a JP project that is mostly working.

Fortunately, before you hit the BID button, the seller added a link where you can find more detailed pictures of the game, it is located here: http://turner.ca/jp/

Some people might be up for the challenge but as a newbie buying an almost working pin on Ebay with your hard earned money, i'm sure you would be more than disapointed !  

I've bought 2 pins off of Ebay.

That is, I saw them listed on Ebay, realized they were local, contacted the seller, inspected the machine in person, and convinced them to do a deal outside of Ebay.

The point is, Ebay can be good for creating awareness of a pin for sale, but unless it's local and you can see it in person, I'd avoid it. Too many other good options for finding a nice pin from "known" collectors (MAACA, Mr. Pinball Classifieds,etc).

Dave
http://usergallery.myhomegameroom.com/gallery/dmp65

Quoted from Demonseed

Hey
You all know that I am a newbie here and I am yet to buy a pin machine (no money right now)..however I plan too. I read on here NEVER buy from ebay...many people get less than what the ads say. I understand, however on ebay there is a few sellers with ebay stores who have phenomenal feedback 98%+. whats your thoughts? Some have several different machines to buy at what I think are fair prices? any feedback or experiences?

I am thinking once ready to dive into pins I will just post a want ad. but ebay is always an option. I am not planning on a pin anytime soon but for future reference.

thanks
Jim

Hey Thanks for the info guys.. I thought that...I do not like scams and if I am dropping $1000i want it to work. I do find that there are many ppl here on the board who have been helpful and explained things to me. I think I would post a want ad when ready on here and go from there. I agree that I must SEE the item before buying from ebay.....

thx
Jim

Quoted from Demonseed

Hey Thanks for the info guys.. I thought that...I do not like scams and if I am dropping $1000i want it to work. I do find that there are many ppl here on the board who have been helpful and explained things to me. I think I would post a want ad when ready on here and go from there. I agree that I must SEE the item before buying from ebay.....

thx
Jim

Well, i gotta say reading this post has me a little paranoid.  I just dropped $7000 on my first 2 pins every - both sight unseen.  One from ebay.  I guess time will tell.  I will be sure to update on my success or failure if I ever get them.