Do pin toppers actually generate more revenue?

Sectorseven

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Most of the pins I've ever come across had no topper or extras like that. I'm assuming they cost operators extra money. Like the thread title says, do (did) things like pin toppers actually pull in enough coin to make them worth while?
 
Most of the pins I've ever come across had no topper or extras like that. I'm assuming they cost operators extra money. Like the thread title says, do (did) things like pin toppers actually pull in enough coin to make them worth while?

Yes, they definitely do! (For the people who make those pretty toppers.)
 
Yes

I'd say for resale, absolutely. A WH20 topper sold for like $600 or something on eBay recently I heard. I recently bought a Moonwalker with all artwork and it had the topper...ttotally makes it worth it.
 
If reselling a game - I'd say no. I'd only buy a topper if I liked it and I wouldn't consider it an upgrade because people's tastes vary.

Now, if a game came with a topper or there was a topper made by the manufacturer for a game, then yes, it adds value. Look at the topper on GnR. A Doctor Who without a Dalek is just wrong. I like a Simpsons with a "Play Pinball, Man" Bart on top.

So if you're adding toppers to games for additional resale value, I'd say no. Add them because you like them.
 
Is it ok to mod factory toppers? My TMNT topper is translucent, and looks like it was meant to be back lit (check the 50K and 100K scores under each Turtle), but it isn't. Would adding lights add value?

DSC01824.jpg
 
If it didn't come lit from the factory then its a mod... and I do not think that adds value.

Is it ok to mod factory toppers? My TMNT topper is translucent, and looks like it was meant to be back lit (check the 50K and 100K scores under each Turtle), but it isn't. Would adding lights add value?

DSC01824.jpg
 
I never ran any pins on route, so I can't really say whether they truly generate more revenue...

But - I'd say it's worth considering passive vs. active "toppers" - for example, I've seen quite a few High Speed's and F-14's with the toppers removed because they caused issues when moving/setting up a pin in a given location.

I honestly think the beacon lights on both (especially F-14) drew enough attention in arcades to pull people over to watch, and presumably play a game or two themselves... For both of these pins, I think the beacons add a great deal of fun and excitement to the game - why else would folks always be hunting for these particular toppers when they're missing?

Passive toppers? Pretty to look at, and nice for a home machine, but can't see that they'd do much to pull in more revenue. Beyond F-14 and High Speed (and Getaway/HSII), I can't honestly think of another pin with any type of topper (passive or active) that would make any impact...

Just my opinion!
 
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