First Game Auction - Timonium, MD

Jason1413

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First post for me. Should've found this place earlier.

I'm attending my first arcade game auction. So I have some questions:

1. What kind of stuff can I expect at these auctions?
2. Any stategies for getting some good deals?
3. What should I not do (besides act like an ass and run all of the bids up)

I'm excited for it and to be honest and I'm going mainly just to check it out rather than purchase. I'm debating on if getting into repairing games and reselling is a viable side business or not, so before I go throwing my money at it, I want to get a good idea of some of the things involved.
 
Side biz thing is tough these days but if you have the space and want to use it as a way to fund your hobby then it can definitely work.

My advice is make sure you have the space, patience, and tools/equipment before you start tackling too much at once. If you arent one already you will soon become a hoarder since its hard for us klovers to throw anything away.

As for auction strategies make sure you show up early and preview any machine you are interested on bidding on. Make sure you have the right equipment and man power to move any machine you purchase as well. (I learned that the hard way - 18 machines later and Im standing alone with no dolly!)

Depending on how many machines are there you will soon figure out who the re sellers are in the auction bunch. They usually dont get too crazy with bidding since they are only looking for deals. Also depending on the crowd the big name machines might go over priced pending on what soccer moms and hockey dads are in the crowd looking for something neat to put in there gameroom or basement.

I philosophy on bidding is dont do it unless you have too. Wait your turn. No reason to bid something up that you are interested in.

Arcade auctions are always fun. GL and keep us posted.
 
Thanks Spunk. I'll check that out.

Went to school at Washington College. Love that town. Most of my relatives live in Rock Hall. Was suppossed to be down there next weekend, but the event was cancelled so I won't be now.
 
Bring a L O N G power cord.

Also, if you find a game you want, unplug it and bend off one prong of the power cord. This way the machine won't work, no one will bid on it.

Of course, that last part is a joke.

(or is it?)
 
Thanks Spunk. I'll check that out.

Went to school at Washington College. Love that town. Most of my relatives live in Rock Hall. Was suppossed to be down there next weekend, but the event was cancelled so I won't be now.

Depending how long ago you graduated, you may not recognize the place much anymore... lots of new campus buildings in the past few years. And, amazingly, Andy's just closed over the summer thanks to a jackass of a landlord not renewing her lease.
 
I'm excited for it and to be honest and I'm going mainly just to check it out rather than purchase. I'm debating on if getting into repairing games and reselling is a viable side business or not, so before I go throwing my money at it, I want to get a good idea of some of the things involved.

The business is not what it used to be . The Multi Games are selling but dedicated games prices have dropped because most people only want a multi game .
 
The auctions the past couple of years have changed a lot, in my opinion. Much much less clssic 80's games. Mostly 90's and up and a lot of multi-game monster creations. Still always interesting to go. Check this website out www.basementarcade.com. The guy who runs it ( Mark) has not been updating the site much in the past few years... BUT... he has a great list of northeast auctions that he has attended, list of games that were there, the prices they sold for, and pics. I think he has not updated that list in the ast year or two as the auctions have dropped off. But its still and interesting resource from a great dude. Enjoy.
 
What is the deal with this "Buy Now" session the night before the sale? Will all the good stuff already be gone by time the auction starts the next day?
 
Nah... usually that is for deals between people meeting up, or people who want "fair market value". But you never know. Deals are everywhere. Usually sellers wait for the auction so they can maximize their sell. Could be worth it. If you have to choose then go for the auction day. If you have the energy to do both then go for it. There are no absolute rules to this process. Just remember what others have said, bring a nice long industrial three prong extension cord. You'll need it.
 
First post for me. Should've found this place earlier.

I'm attending my first arcade game auction. So I have some questions:

1. What kind of stuff can I expect at these auctions?
2. Any stategies for getting some good deals?
3. What should I not do (besides act like an ass and run all of the bids up)

I'm excited for it and to be honest and I'm going mainly just to check it out rather than purchase. I'm debating on if getting into repairing games and reselling is a viable side business or not, so before I go throwing my money at it, I want to get a good idea of some of the things involved.

Where are you from state wise?
 
Depending how long ago you graduated, you may not recognize the place much anymore... lots of new campus buildings in the past few years. And, amazingly, Andy's just closed over the summer thanks to a jackass of a landlord not renewing her lease.

I was there for a weekend in late May. Managed to spend all night in Andy's but not before enjoying the Blue Bird for a few. I love that place. Sad to hear Andys closed, there already isn't enough to do in that town. One of the few places where you can get 4 beers, give the bartender a $10 and still get change. I used to live on Washington Avenue down by the road split where Dollar General is. The white house on the right at the light (directly across from the Verizon building) next to the B&B that I can't remember the name of.

I'll be bringing my cord to play some games and 1 or 2 helpers just in case. Unfortunately, I don't think many businesses are doing well because of the way the economy went. My landscaping business is at about 50% of last year and so are a few others in the area. Which is why I'm a little hesistant to just start buying games to fix up. I don't want to be stuck with inventory in my house. I'm hoping because it's Halloween, there won't be many people and I can get to bring home a good deal or two. I'm still debating on whether to bring my trailer or just hope that I don't buy so much my pickup can't hold them.

Thanks for all the advice, I'll probably be scouring this board for the next two days since it's going to do nothing but rain. And for those of you looking for me, I'll be the kid who looks like I just walked into heaven.
 
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Where are you from state wise?

I'm located in Conowingo in Cecil County. I'm hoping that I might be far enough away from other dealers that I can run a decent side business and maybe turn it into something more.

Right now, I'm debating a foray into a retro-style business that deals with 80's toys/games/comics and doing the arcade business in addition to that. But we'll see I guess.
 
Recent Auction Prices

Does anyone have any links to some recent auction results. I found some for the Game Auction Sales but they were from early 2008. I searched online and here but couldn't find anything. Just looking for relative recent prices of games at auction.

Thanks guys
 
Yea, I was glued to his site for about 3 hours yesterday but he hasn't updated anything since 08. Oh well. Worth a shot.
 
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