Hi All,
Sorry to add clutter to the forum here. I've recently gotten into the hobby and after scratch building a MAME cabinet, I have decided to restore a classic as a second project. Unfortunately in my area there aren't any amusement auctions, nothing close by on ebay, and craigslist is a joke.
The other day I noticed a sticker on a local machine, looked up the operator, and sent them a brief and polite email asking about out of service equipment. I received an equally polite reply this morning.
Long introduction aside, my point is this: I appreciate his offer immensely and would like to go see what's available but I want to be certain to not waste his time or insult him. This is my first visit with anyone in 'the biz' and I'm a little nervous. I know there are 'rules' to abide by when visiting a warehouse and I want to make sure I don't forget any of them. At this point I'm aware of the following general rules:
- Bring a Flashlight
- Long Extension Cord
- Limit Visit To 15-20 Minutes
- Bring A Notepad
- Bring Camera
- Don't trash talk the games
- Don't mention the word 'cheap'
Added From Other Members:
- Bring Money!
- Bring Truck!
- Bring Dolly!
- Be prepared to buy as-is.
- Money talks, but keep some of it hidden just in case you can't make a deal.
- Make sure you're paying a fair price. If the machine is too spendy, you don't have to buy it. Also, see next item.
- Always be polite when negotiating. It may lower your price both on this deal and future purchases.
- If possible, buy in bulk. You will pay less per unit and get more salvageable parts to pay for the cabs you actually want to keep.
Is there anything else important that I'm forgetting before I set up an appointment and see what he's got?
Sorry to add clutter to the forum here. I've recently gotten into the hobby and after scratch building a MAME cabinet, I have decided to restore a classic as a second project. Unfortunately in my area there aren't any amusement auctions, nothing close by on ebay, and craigslist is a joke.
The other day I noticed a sticker on a local machine, looked up the operator, and sent them a brief and polite email asking about out of service equipment. I received an equally polite reply this morning.
Hey (keyland),
My office gal forwarded your email to me. I have some cabinets for sure. I don't have much as far as spare boards. I have a few different cocktail cabinets. One Ms Pacman that has some issues. I have an arkanoid in a cocktail cabinet that works fine. I have misc standup games in misc condition. I have a good Virtual twin fighting game that works I want to sell. Feel free to give me a call. Really best to set up a time to come by & see though.
Long introduction aside, my point is this: I appreciate his offer immensely and would like to go see what's available but I want to be certain to not waste his time or insult him. This is my first visit with anyone in 'the biz' and I'm a little nervous. I know there are 'rules' to abide by when visiting a warehouse and I want to make sure I don't forget any of them. At this point I'm aware of the following general rules:
- Bring a Flashlight
- Long Extension Cord
- Limit Visit To 15-20 Minutes
- Bring A Notepad
- Bring Camera
- Don't trash talk the games
- Don't mention the word 'cheap'
Added From Other Members:
- Bring Money!
- Bring Truck!
- Bring Dolly!
- Be prepared to buy as-is.
- Money talks, but keep some of it hidden just in case you can't make a deal.
- Make sure you're paying a fair price. If the machine is too spendy, you don't have to buy it. Also, see next item.
- Always be polite when negotiating. It may lower your price both on this deal and future purchases.
- If possible, buy in bulk. You will pay less per unit and get more salvageable parts to pay for the cabs you actually want to keep.
Is there anything else important that I'm forgetting before I set up an appointment and see what he's got?
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