ArcadesRfun gone?

[pinballwizard79]

Yeah I am prob a year behind in noticing....What happened?

The website is gone, anyone have a recommendation for a new control panel (less parts)? I have all the hardware (spinner, joys, track & etc) in my current control panel but I really want a professional clean CP that I can wire up myself.

WWBYOACD?

[BobA]

Mameroom / West Coast Customs

[Percipio]

They're still around, but only do eBay.

http://myworld.ebay.com/123gumby123/

Send him a message - not sure if he still does blanks, but I'm sure he'd tell you if you asked.

[pinballwizard79]

Cool thanks guys

FYI it doesnt look like West Coast Customs does the recessed Happ trackball, is that a safe assumption?

[pinballwizard79]

ArcadesRfun only makes visual pinball machines now FML

[extendedplayarcade]

They don't make video arcade machines anymore just Visual Pinball?  Or do they still make both?

ArcadesRfun only makes visual pinball machines now FML

[pinballwizard79]

I dunno

Maybe if I order an arcade machine, without the arcade I can get a panel 

[shateredsoul]

they have a finished panel listed....

He makes a good product. The trackball piece was flushmounted, and if he agrees to make one for you make sure.. and I mean this.. remind him of any customizations you have made in every single e-mails (he even asked me to do this).  Before he mails it to you make sure he checks he did everything you asked for. I included an image of my cp.. it looks very nice.  It also takes a long time to finish. Longer than you would want or expect.

Yes I changed this posting, I my conscience bite.  If you want it sooner, built it yourself, If you don't mind waiting for quality then go with arcadesrfun.  Doesn't seem to have any customizable stuff anymore though 

[CheffoJeffo]

they have a finished panel listed...

the guy told me that he would never do custom panels again.  I bugged him soo much.. partly because he was like 2 months behind schedule (after all the art and layout had been designed).  Yes things come up, but 2 months late? Geez. He'd say it'll be done in a week.  Then I'd e-mail him to see if he mailed it out, nope he went out for the weekend instead, nope water thing broke, nope spent time with the family instead.  I get it, people have families.. but don't tell me a date that won't work for you, give me a more reasonable date taking family time, deciding not to work, time away from home, other projectes, and as much as you can into account.  I couldn't even give him feedback in ebay when I received either.  He's a nice guy though.. he promised to give me some free wire and other things to help make up for it... but then it turned out he ran out of wire so he gave me nothing because he'd have to go out and buy a new spindle of wire (which he'd probably use anyways).  He also forgot to do the pinball side holes I asked for... but he refunded me enough so I could buy the bit, but I had to buy my own drill (glad I did, but still what for those who don't have a drill?).

And this is why I ---smurfette--- when people ---smurfette--- about suppliers in our hobby (Slikstik being the one exception to that rule) although I know it seems unreasonable to many to defend the delays. Yeah, they will take longer than they say and longer than you want and will make mistakes and things happen. Yeah, you paid, but it ain't like you're making his mortgage. And now there is one less supplier for everybody else. 



At least SS had the courtesy to do it in private ... until now. 

[shateredsoul]

  but I'm a good boy I am

[CheffoJeffo]

To be fair, I can't dispute of your points ... it's just that the same things seem to happen over and over again (so should be forseeable to both parties). Both the buyer and the vendor get frustrated and some vendors decide to quit as a result. 

[Arcades R Fun]

Hello all,
Yes, I have stopped making 2/4 player control panels. We only make complete arcade games and now, Virtual Pinball games.

I work a regular day job and things just got too busy with all the types of products we offer.

Juggling the logistics of several games, pins, and panels all at once was just too much for me. My day job was beginning to suffer.

BTW - Shateredsoul was cool to deal with 
His panel was built at the point where I realized I could not go on the way things were.
Things come up in our personal lives that don't really affect other people. But, if you have a business then customers can be affected.


Over the years I would have to say that 99% of our customers are great. It's so much fun to take people's ideas and create something unique for them!


The one rub against Arcades R Fun has been lead-time. But, I always tried real hard to make the customer happy no matter what the cost to me was.
 
Jack

[extendedplayarcade]

Those Virtual Pinball machines you guys built look awesome.   Ever thought of making any mini ones?  Or smaller ones. 

Sorry it is off the subject but I couldn't resist.

Hello all,
Yes, I have stopped making 2/4 player control panels. We only make complete arcade games and now, Virtual Pinball games.

I work a regular day job and things just got too busy with all the types of products we offer.

Juggling the logistics of several games, pins, and panels all at once was just too much for me. My day job was beginning to suffer.

BTW - Shateredsoul was cool to deal with 
His panel was built at the point where I realized I could not go on the way things were.
Things come up in our personal lives that don't really affect other people. But, if you have a business then customers can be affected.


Over the years I would have to say that 99% of our customers are great. It's so much fun to take people's ideas and create something unique for them!


The one rub against Arcades R Fun has been lead-time. But, I always tried real hard to make the customer happy no matter what the cost to me was.
 
Jack

[Turnarcades]

I can vouch for the lead times. We always schedule 4-6 weeks for a full machine build; sometimes it takes longer and sometimes much quicker. Luckily most people are understanding but what is frustrating is when a customer is aware of a big wait yet gets impatient before a build is even started. We are always booked up several months ahead and send customers our schedule to let them know exactly when their build will likely be started, but some get a bit anxious. Custom is difficult as you can't always meet demand (particularly at key times like Christmas) but this is why we're now expanding to try and increase our output.

[shateredsoul]

I can vouch for the lead times. We always schedule 4-6 weeks for a full machine build; sometimes it takes longer and sometimes much quicker. Luckily most people are understanding but what is frustrating is when a customer is aware of a big wait yet gets impatient before a build is even started. We are always booked up several months ahead and send customers our schedule to let them know exactly when their build will likely be started, but some get a bit anxious. Custom is difficult as you can't always meet demand (particularly at key times like Christmas) but this is why we're now expanding to try and increase our output.

I think sending the customer a schedule (and where they stand) is a  great idea! I think that would have helped me.  Arcadesrfun was a quality product, and yes sometimes I forget (like many other people) that people have stuff in their life again.  It was a pretty big purchase, at least in my case, so I felt entitled to a certain time of speediness and I'm used to having things my way in these types of purchase in large brick and mortar stores.  So I blame society and capitalism for spoiling us and making us feel very entitled as consumers.  Well, that has to be part of it don't you think? We don't usually get to see ortalk to the work people the people that make our products (or see the hard work that goes into them!).

[Arcades R Fun]

Replying to "extendedplayarcade" and his question regarding smaller Virtual Pins.

We thought about making smaller ones but the interest and demand is for the 3 monitor pins. We are currently building 46" playfield pins with 32" backglass and 19" DMD's.
Jack

[CheffoJeffo]

I'm used to having things my way in these types of purchase in large brick and mortar stores.  So I blame society and capitalism for spoiling us and making us feel very entitled as consumers.  Well, that has to be part of it don't you think?

I agree with that 100%.

I pre-ordered Season 1 of Modern Family on DVD for Mrs Cheffo from Amazon. I did it with 1 click (tm or pp, I can't recall which) and it arrived today, before the video store that I was at 30 minutes later had it. No effort, no patience, only a credit card required.

The BigGuys have ruined us as customers for the small guys and the artisans, many of whom our hobby relies upon (CAVEAT: There are a number of vendors in this hobby where I can place an order and have my parts within 48 hours ... provided that the parts are already made, on hand and that the vendor has time to process the order).

What cured me was the darkside of restoration and waiting months, even years, for the appearance of that one part you need for the project, during which time you have accumulated 10 more projects!.

[Turnarcades]

Indeed. There are many who shrug their shoulders at the wait but just as many who sulk about it. Unfortunately there are those who expect the same purchasing experience as a shop and even try to use those experiences as defence when things don't go their way. This unfortunately puts off vendors doing the kind of service us and arcadesrfun offer, as with a recent experience of mine (see 'reviews' category to see) where people try to take advantage and we have to lay down the law. I've discovered that even vendors can be vulnerable, which makes me a more easy-going consumer.

[extendedplayarcade]

Yeah I totally understand that the "real to life size" looks is a lot cooler than a mini one.  I just don't have the room seeing I just sold my last pinball machine i owned.  World Cup Soccer 94.  I am so going to miss that pin.

Thanks for the reply

Replying to "extendedplayarcade" and his question regarding smaller Virtual Pins.

We thought about making smaller ones but the interest and demand is for the 3 monitor pins. We are currently building 46" playfield pins with 32" backglass and 19" DMD's.
Jack

[pinballwizard79]

Well this sucks, I have money to spend & nowhere to get a professional control panel with a recessed Happ trackball.

---fudgesicle---

---fudgesicle---

---fudgesicle---

I will just have to force shateredsoul into making me one 

[shateredsoul]

ha ha ha alright, but no complaining! It'll be finished this time next year

[Arcades R Fun]

Pinballwizard -

Ok, I will build you a blank panel as long as it's a 2 player. 4 player bases are tough to do.
Send me an e-mail with your controls placement and we will get started.
Jack

[pinballwizard79]

Thanks Jack....waits....Are you peeking in my window?

Dogh Scheiße!

I need a 4 player panel for my showcase...Srsly? Only 2 player, dont make me post pictures crying!

[pinballwizard79]

Also Jack not to distract you from my post above but did you say 46" pinballs there umm khay?

How much for the cabinet less the legs, coindoor & lockdown bar? If you tell me you wont sell me a pinball cabinet too I am just going to have to assume you are a gremlin out to get me. I have the bottom part of a widebody WMS right now but if I can get a new one already milled out (for the LCD) that wont require body work then I would prob drop the dough on that route.  http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6436

I was just about to start on the VP build a few months ago but then my PC's capicators exploded & my monitor turned itself off, got all hot & started stinking  No worries though because that CRT has been a thorn in my side from day one & the PC wouldnt run HS anyway......so I need a empty pinball cabinet & 4 player CP to finish the MAMEis what I am rambeling if you are up for it.

[shateredsoul]

[CheffoJeffo]

WRT our shift in attitude as consumers, I have always found it curious that the vendor with the best reputation in coinop is Bob Roberts.

His website is archaic. You have to email him your order. He doesn't accept Paypal.

And everybody loves him.

[Arcades R Fun]

pinballwizard79 -
We sell the flat packs. Did you want a 2  monitor or 3 monitor flat pack?

I'm just finishing up the first 3 monitor prototype cab shell. I can offer the 3 monitor flat packs soon.

The 2/3 monitor playfield cab is the same size. It fits both 42" and 46" LCDs.

http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8461

[delta88]

WRT our shift in attitude as consumers, I have always found it curious that the vendor with the best reputation in coinop is Bob Roberts.

His website is archaic. You have to email him your order. He doesn't accept Paypal.

And everybody loves him.

LONG LIVE THE REAL BOB ROBERTS!!!

Ive lost track how many times over ordered from him.

[CheffoJeffo]

WRT our shift in attitude as consumers, I have always found it curious that the vendor with the best reputation in coinop is Bob Roberts.

His website is archaic. You have to email him your order. He doesn't accept Paypal.

And everybody loves him.

LONG LIVE THE REAL BOB ROBERTS!!!

Ive lost track how many times over ordered from him.

Sadly, it seems that he is experiencing some health problems right now.

 

[mrracer]

they have a finished panel listed....

He makes a good product. The trackball piece was flushmounted, and if he agrees to make one for you make sure.. and I mean this.. remind him of any customizations you have made in every single e-mails (he even asked me to do this).  Before he mails it to you make sure he checks he did everything you asked for. I included an image of my cp.. it looks very nice.  It also takes a long time to finish. Longer than you would want or expect.

Yes I changed this posting, I my conscience bite.  If you want it sooner, built it yourself, If you don't mind waiting for quality then go with arcadesrfun.  Doesn't seem to have any customizable stuff anymore though 

Hi Shateredsoul,

I really liked your panel by ArcadesRfun, especially the artwork! Was wondering if you didn't mind sharing the artwork especially the .PSD file if you still had it? If you're willing please check your arcadecontrols inbox for my email address, thanks!!!

[Gray_Area]

What happened to him?

[vanrose72]

Well this sucks, I have money to spend & nowhere to get a professional control panel with a recessed Happ trackball.

I was in the same predicament trying to get a CP built last year. I didn't have the tools or skills to build one myself, so I started reaching out a few professional CP builders ... one of them being Northcoast Customs. Unfortunately, NCC told me they're not building custom CPs anymore.

After getting rejected by numerous builders, I turned to Craigslist and hired an amazing local carpenter to build my CP for me.

[pingeek]

They were building a Virtual Pin for me.  I paid 3/4 of the payment in late July as the seller requested.  This game was to be delivered to The York White Rose Gameroom Show this past weekend as agreed on the Paypal payment notes. I was told by the seller a few days before the show that they would be there on Saturday instead of Friday.  I was then told they weren't going to be there at all. I requested a refund. I am told it will be within 30 days.