Intro/What would you get next?

Delka

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I'm a new and young collector/arcade owner who doesn't have space where he lives so I place everyone on a perfect location.

For a short intro, Names Tim and I'm currently a Jr. in a Major University in Alabama (but not the University of Alabama).

When I was young, I always wanted to own my own arcade, well problem is it's almost impossible to have a standalone arcade in middle of Alabama. So, coming into college, I took the chance and bought my 1st arcade machine on a loan from my father, I told him I just wanted to play it and since he grew up in the arcades he told me to get one that I could put on location and make money off it to buy more. I agreed and found a Dance Dance Revolution 800 miles away for only $2500.

Long story short, I now own the Arcade Gaming Rights to a University of 22,000 students and it's in the dead center of campus and have 4 arcades down there.

Right now, I have this:

Dance Dance Revolution
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Dec. 19, 1989 on the sticker, with a sound *board* issue)
Area 51
60-1 Multicade with a custom black PacMan side art on one side


I'm looking to get a pinball machine (would love a Twilight Zone) to make my collection round house and because my friends want one. Problem is, I have only about $600 right now saved up.

I'll have around $3,000 if I wait another year for a decent pin machine, but I'm wondering if maybe y'all think that I should maybe spend some money before hand for another arcade machine, or go ahead and just save.

I've found a local doughnut shop that the owner and I have talked about placing another 60-1 there, which will cost me another $1,550 (following the same specs as last time).

I spend almost all my spare time with my machines and host monthly Socials and such for all my customers (who include friends and GTAs), from day one, I've been getting requests for a Pinball Machine or a fighter game (found a Marvel v. Capcom 2 for decent value).

I've been surrounded by a ton of people and want to seek advice from here, been browsing these forums for about a year, but didn't make an account till yesterday.

Basically HELP!

I can't place these in my college residence, but when I finally have a house all the machines my machines have bought will likely end up in rotation between my house and locations.

What would you do?

Tim
 
If you want to MAKE money, those new games are the way to go. Buck Hunter, people have to put in a dollar, and the game lasts 30 seconds. With a 60 in 1, I can put in a quarter, and keep the machine occupied for 10 minutes on pacman and over a half hour on DK.

There is a bowling ally here, they have this Punching machine, you put in a Dollar, you get to hit the bag once and it registers your hit. I've seen the frat jack-offs pump 20 after 20 into that thing.

Just depends on if you love the games, or want to make $.
 
Welcome to the addi- er, illne- er, hobby,Tim! :D I'd say you need a two player versus fighter next. Those are all the rage with college gamers along with anyone the age to be coming in soon. Soul Calibur series games are very easy to pick up and play and go for a good price. You're looking at a mint for a MvC2 machine but a normal MvC may go over just as well and can be found for much cheaper. If you have an MvC2 found at a good price you'll be set. Street Fighters are also a popular choice. Good luck!
 
+1 on a fighting game. street fighter or mortal kombat series
driving games are cool too. ( if you have one already I apologize, lol)


good luck bud, looks like fun.
 
Awesome, and I don't mind how long it takes for people to occupy a machine and play, I just love watching them be played. So, honestly I'll find myself watching someone try to break the current 220,000 PacMan High score or the current 188,000 Galaga more than I am anything else.

I knew I'd get a quick reply here, but really looking for these things to be part of my collection on top of being able to make small change. I'm honestly happier on weeks that I pull at least $10 out of all the tills and than on one where I pull $120 from the DDR and only a quarter from my TMNT (my personal favorite).

The sound being broke on the TMNT might send some away, but I always offer free games to that ground of 4 people coming in for a beat down. Just open it up and slide quarter after quarter in for them. I find it brings them back time and time again when I'm not there.

Tim
 
Welcome to KLOV, man. I agree that if you're looking to make some money, get something modern that has relatively short gameplay like Big Buck Hunter.

Another one I'd recommend is Star Wars Trilogy. You can pick them up pretty cheap, it's a fun game, it's got mass appeal, and most people don't last more than a minute or so.
 
in general people are correct that newer games will bring in more money. Of course in general they also cost more money to buy. Sounds a bit like you are in the middle between collecting and operating. Basically I mean that it sounds like you have machines on location partially because you want to have access to games to play and partially because you want to make a little money. I would say one thing you will want to learn is better sources to buy games. You need to look into auctions and consider the option of putting together jamma games like 60 in 1's yourself. You mentioned it would cost you $1,550 for a 60 in 1. With some work on your end a very nice 60 in 1 can usually be put together for $300-500. If you want to make money $1,500 is too much to spend for one of these. Maybe think about driving games if you have space. IMO games like Rush the Rock might bring in some good cash in a college environment and they can be had for $500-700 each depending on condition. A couple of those linked up might be good. Sure pinball would be great but I doubt $600 is gonna get you anything that will be very fun or earn much cash. Look to places like Craigs list and auctions. Don't overlook ebay but be aware that ebay prices are generally higher than CL prices and many times auctions and direct buys from large operators will be even cheaper.
 
Yes, I know it's expensive for most of my machines.

I've used Ebay, craigslist, and a coin-op repair guy about 90 mins from me, for all my purchases.

Problem is, I'm new to this as far as buying is concerned. I have no skill to know how to begin to build/repair these machines. Also, I my location isn't good for auctions, etc.

I'm in middle of Alabama and the only auctions I can find are more than 500 miles from here and wanting the machines to buy more machines, I can't afford long drives resulting in bringing nothing home. I'd love any links in pm to any places people can find that have good rep, prices, and shipping services.

I'm here to learn, and I might say college comes 1st, I'll admit, It comes 4th or 5th.

Best thing I love is Positive Feedback and criticism.

~Tim
 
You can get a "decent" pin for $600, if you shop around. But if you are looking for one that will earn you some coin (and will require less maintenance), then wait until you can afford a high dollar title.

There is no reason whatsoever to spend $1500 on a 60-1. You can find a nice one for half that, or you can build a nice one yourself for much less.
 
Do they allow games in the dorms? (I don't mean individual rooms). When I went to college, most of the dorms had some games in their community areas. Of course, this was 20 years ago, so back then, they were all classics (well, they weren't really classics yet at the time :D )
 
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