Schmoozing an Operator..advice needed

That80sGuy

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Ok..I have recently come across a potential warehouse find. Now I just need to get in good with the owners. I have tried calling the business line..it just rings..no one picks up...no v-mail. The business has no website and no known e-mail address. Its a bit to far for me to try casually stopping by. other than calling at different times of the day until someone answers..what else can I do? Should I write an old fashioned letter and snail mail it? Should I dig dee on the interwebs for other contact info..like home phone numbers associated with the business license..if there are any?

Part 2
Once I do make contact..how do I garner good will? Buy one or two games at higher than avg prices..or just try to do as big of a bulk deal possible(ie. machines and parts)?
 
Once I do make contact..how do I garner good will?

"Hey there. I'm a private collector. I hear you've got some old games in a warehouse. Now, I'm sure you feel pretty stupid for letting them sit and collect dust, but no worries - I'm willing to help you out and take a few off your hands, as long as you're not dumb enough to ask more than $100 apiece for them. Also, you're fat."

(Joking aside, I think your idea of buying a couple at higher prices would be a good way to break the ice...as long as they have a reasonable notion re: what they're worth.)
 
Watch a marathon of American Pickers. Take notes. Learn about "breaking the ice", climbing in lofts, pulling things out of boxes. As you leave, the guy will wave bye and comment to the camera that you're a good guy and he hopes to see you again.
 
No need to ask how to "schmooooze operatorsssssss"..."schmooooooze....operatorsssss"

Love,

Sade
 
No need to ask how to "schmooooze operatorsssssss"..."schmooooooze....operatorsssss"

Love,

Sade

I just slumped into my chair and did a full facepalm. This was painful.

(So painful, it's funny? A little.)
 
I just brought Sade into your life again...just a little bit.

She's never left me. I listen to No Ordinary Love while I'm working on my machines.

The chorus usually hits around when I start stroking the side art.
 
Watch a marathon of American Pickers. Take notes. Learn about "breaking the ice", climbing in lofts, pulling things out of boxes. As you leave, the guy will wave bye and comment to the camera that you're a good guy and he hopes to see you again.

Got it. Show up with a big van ..a camera crew..an annoying short, balding sidekick..say things like this is the "honey hole of arcade collecting" or "This is a pickin' gold mine". then proceed to "break the ice" buying something small .. like a monitor. then dive into the building..climbing over and under everything..looking in all boxes and pulling out stuff and asking how much for this or that until the owners get sick of me.
 
Sade was really into arcade games... just look at the titles of these hits!

Schmooze Operator
Sega Hang-On to Your Love
Your Love is Jungle King
Is It A Crime? (The MAME song)
Never As Good As the First Time Pilot
Love Is Stronger Than Pried Coin Doors
Kiss of Life Force
Cherish the Daytona USA
Nothing Can Come Between Us (The Light Bike Song)
 
Usually if an operator is willing to sell, he wants to sell a bunch. If he thinks you're going to come in and cherry pick the best ones while offering him pennies on the dollars, he's going to pass. In fact, that usually is what keeps operators from letting collectors into their warehouses.

Make it clear that you have cash, you're willing to buy in bulk, and you and your friends are doing all the heavy lifting. If you're not willing to buy in bulk, get a small group of local collectors together, lay some ground rules on deciding who gets what, and after you pick your selection offer to pay $x for x games. Don't mess with the "how much for this one?" stuff.

Also, sometimes an op is looking to clean house. If he has pinballs, arcades, jukes, and redemption and you're only interested in the first two, offer to put feelers out on his behalf for the jukes and redemption games. Help them sell as many as they want to, even if you're not the buyer.

Wait a month or two after they're satisfied and ask if they know any other operators in the area that would be willing to sell. Rinse. Repeat.
 
Offer to show him naked pictures of your wife or girlfriend....or download photos of a random naked chick to your phone and claim she is your wife / girlfriend. Either way, the ice is broken and he will be distracted/more willing to negotiate. I mean, who doesn't feel better after staring at a nice rack?
 
Got it. Show up with a big van ..a camera crew..an annoying short, balding sidekick..say things like this is the "honey hole of arcade collecting" or "This is a pickin' gold mine". then proceed to "break the ice" buying something small .. like a monitor. then dive into the building..climbing over and under everything..looking in all boxes and pulling out stuff and asking how much for this or that until the owners get sick of me.

haha..

I think the rules are:
1) take cash, bring more than you need, be prepared to spend
2) don't dicker around, waste time
3) don't imply you're putting anything on a route/competition
4) be ready to load up and go
 
I won't have any real cash until tax refund comes in..but I would like to at least talk to the owners..and set up a time/date. The place is about half a block big and two stories high..full from what I could tell from the outside.
 
I won't have any real cash until tax refund comes in..but I would like to at least talk to the owners..and set up a time/date. The place is about half a block big and two stories high..full from what I could tell from the outside.

Well, if you do get in, posts some pics. I love seeing pictures here of warehouses full of games because it will probably be something I'll never get to see in person. :)
 
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