Buying games site unseen (sort of)

cmjb13

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Hi,

Has anyone ever bought a pinball, arcade, etc. machine from out of state, but didn't go to pick it up, rather have it shipped?

Anyone know of a reliable shipper for video games? Anyone know the average cost?

Thanks.
 
ive shipped with STI several times with no issues other than occasionally dealing with a grumpy driver who insists on doing things his way. There are several other companies, NAVL being one that comes to mind but for some reason I'm thinking they changed there policy on shipping games but I could be wrong.
I too usually see totals between 400-600.

Thanks
Blake
 
I've twice purchased cabinets from the web and had them freighted. The first time the seller arranged the shipping from Indiana, I believe it was. The second time, I arranged the shipping with a company. I believe it was STI, but don't recall for certain. This cab came from Atlanta up to me here in Connecticut.

In both cases, shipping was right around $400. It did wind up being more expensive than the cabinet itself, but in the end I was pleased.
 
FYI, Beltmann is a logistics broker. They hire companies like STI to do the actual hauling, so the actual truck that comes to your house (at least up here in the Northeast) will be STI, if you schedule through Beltmann.

I've used them 3 times to haul multiple games cross-country. They're expensive, but were 100% professional every time, and the easiest/safest way to go.

I have also tried sites like uship.com (where haulers bid on your job), and got fly-by-night gypsy companies (basically one guy with a truck or trailer) that took me months to get my game. You might save $100, but it wasn't worth it in my experience.
 
FYI, Beltmann is a logistics broker. They hire companies like STI to do the actual hauling, so the actual truck that comes to your house (at least up here in the Northeast) will be STI, if you schedule through Beltmann.

I've used them 3 times to haul multiple games cross-country. They're expensive, but were 100% professional every time, and the easiest/safest way to go.

I have also tried sites like uship.com (where haulers bid on your job), and got fly-by-night gypsy companies (basically one guy with a truck or trailer) that took me months to get my game. You might save $100, but it wasn't worth it in my experience.

Did you get on the TV show Shipping Wars???
 
I haven't tried it yet, but I hear Fastenal will ship between stores for cheap. Worth looking into if you have a Fastenal nearby.
 
I haven't tried it yet, but I hear Fastenal will ship between stores for cheap. Worth looking into if you have a Fastenal nearby.

Fastenal is great *IF* the person who you are buying the game from is willing to strap it pallet and blanket and wrap it up well.

I had a game shipped last week by them and it was $145
 
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All but two of my games and pins were bought sight unseen. Used STI everytime, no drama. Roughly $400 coast to coast USA door to door. Add about $130-150 if stairs are involved, times two if both locations have stairs. I feel like I've experienced every possibility with this company already and I can guesstimate the price each time. :D
 
My Cape Cod style house only has three steps leading into it. The first delivery company didn't even attempt to bring it inside. Me and two friends had to struggle as they just dropped it off and bolted. When asked if they'd bring it in, the person driving the truck said "give me another $150 and I'll consider it." Was an ass-hole about it too.

When my MK2 got delivered, again I believe it was STI, they were awesome! They actually brought it into my house, got it into where the restoration would take place, and we shot the shit about arcade game restoration for a while. It was great.
 
I contacted Michelle @ Beltmann to get an idea on price for shipping a skee-ball machine

From Florida to NJ would be $1500 because it's footprint takes up more space and apparently it's too long for the liftgate. Additional men would be needed at origin and destination.

Yikes!
 
Nope. I gave her the dimensions and that's what she told me
 
Michelle's usually pretty good but she probably hasn't shipped many Skee ball machines before. The alleys stand up on their end so it's not as bad as you'd think to move one.
 
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