What is your best method for finding arcade machines? - Poll

[vwalbridge]

POLL:

 - I'd like to know what YOU think the best method is for finding old arcade machines? I tried to think of all the possible places people are looking but I'm sure I missed some (Hence the reason for this poll) So please vote "other" and they specify in your comments.

 - I've only allowed you to vote ONE time but if you have 2 methods you think are equally good, please post that in the comments.

 - I'd also be curious if you think the same method for buying old arcades is the same method you use for selling your old arcades.

Snarcastic answers are also welcomed. 

[yotsuya]

Networking or GTFO.

[CanadianRyGuy]

I've really only started to delve into this crazy world, but it looks as though on Craigslist/Kijiji you can find some great deals from people that don't necessarily know what they have or just want to get rid of something but also some guagers trying to get as much money as they can for something from people who don't know what its worth, whereas on forums like this you're probably not going to get something for a crazy deal but will pay a fair price as most people generally know what they have and what it's worth. My 2 cents.

[DeLuSioNal29]

I joined a Facebook group called "Mid-Atlantic Arcade & Pinball Enthusiasts".  Those guys find machines all the time and if it's a holy grail it's worth the long drive to grab it.  Great bunch of guys for repairs too.

On the other hand networking helps.  I go on KLOV to sell/buy trade parts.  Those guys always come through.

D

[DudeRegular]

I bought 2 at auction, 2 from craigslist, and a bartop kit from haruman. Auctions are good for the wide selection, but the stuff I have been really interested in tends to go for more that I usually want to spend. Craigslist is really limited in my town so have to look a little wider on the map and do some driving.

[katuuuz]

Not sure where you are located but there is a thriving community of collectors in New England.  They have a forum NEACF.  new England arcade collectors forum.  Tons of buying and trading. 

Also KLOV has a buy sell trade on their forum.  That one is nationwide.  Both have aided in my obtaining arcade machines.  Hope that helps.

[megamoze]

I would say Craiglist, because it's local and saves the trouble of shipping (provided you have a big enough vehicle).

[DeLuSioNal29]

I'm on NEACF too since I'm in CT.

[lamprey]

Craig's List because it's local. I've tried several auctions, but there ways seems to be a some sort of bidding fever and the prices go past the point of a reasonable for my taste. I monitor KLOV, but I don't know if I ever seen a machine for sale in my state. But, there might come a day when I ship a machine in..

[yotsuya]

I haven't used CL in years. Only 3 of my 15 games came from Craigslist. Everything else was networking.

[Ginsu Victim]

Unfortunately, searching the ROM list in MAME is how I find games.

[ChanceKJ]

Ugh, I've had some rough luck on kijiji as of late, got scooped on a Space Duel on my way to go see it, couldn't make a deal a with a jerkbag over a Simpsons, and lost out on a pair of Nintendo Cabs in wicked shape that were $100 Canadian each.

I hate Kijiji, But it's the best place to find full cabs locally.

For parts and stuff I go to vendors websites, KLOV, and here on the BYOAC.

[vwalbridge]

and lost out on a pair of Nintendo Cabs in wicked shape that were $100 Canadian each.

Wow, I wouldn't even need to see a Nintendo cab for around $100. I'd buy it totally sight unseen at that price. No wonder you were burned.

[Malenko]

KLOV and CL


My MKII I got off of eBay, and guy brought it form Baltimore TO MY HOUSE for a grand total of like $500 (this was about 15 years ago)

[Vigo]

All of the above. 

[vwalbridge]

KLOV and CL


My MKII I got off of eBay, and guy brought it form Baltimore TO MY HOUSE for a grand total of like $500 (this was about 15 years ago)

OMG. That's nuts! What a sweet deal. I don't see that ever happening again these days.

[Automark]

Don't even try ebay, everybody there thinks it's worth 10 times market value. Also not that strange since paypal and ebay take like 20-25% together.