Collecting can be a great hobby, and for some people, the things they collect can be extremely interesting. Arcade games, pinball machines, and games that are no longer common in the corner market are great for collecting, but buying and selling items of this nature can be tricky.
Finding the Right Machines
When you are looking for pinball machines that are for sale, it can be challenging to find one that is in good condition and still works the way it is supposed to. Often older machines suffer from wear and may have broke parts or faded graphics that lower the value of the pinball machine.
If you're going to consider a machine that is for sale, take some time to look it over very well and talk to the current owner about the game's history. Sometimes the owner may not know the history of the game, but other times they may have a lot of information about where it came from, how long it was used, and how it came to be where it is now.
Professional Assesment
Anytime an item as large as a pinball machine changes hands and there is some value to the item, it is a good idea to have a professional evaluate or inspect the item. In the case of a pinball machine that is for sale, having someone who works on or restores pinball machines look at the machine is an excellent idea.
If you have a lot of technical knowledge about pinball machines and arcade games, you may not need a professional inspection. Still, if you are investing a lot of money in the game, you may want to have a neutral opinion before spending any money. If the value is low or the damage is considerable, it may not be worth considering, and it might be time to look for other pinball machines that are for sale and in better shape.
Restoration of Older Pinball Machines
Many times an older pinball machine is still in good shape but has seen a lot of use. Restoring the pinball machine may increase the value, but if you are keeping the machine for your own collection, sometimes leaving it in the condition you found it in makes it a more exciting collectible. Before you consider restoring an older machine, take a look at the market, see what other pinball machines are for sale in similar condition, and talk to some experts in the industry and see if restoration for the pinball machine you have is a good option or not.