My first auction

[Grauwulf]

I'm going to be going to my first arcade auction next weekend, and I was wondering what, if anything, other than money I should bring with me? And is there any sort of rules or ettiquete for examining games? Is it okay to pull a panel off and look inside, that sort of thing?

[mozzer]

Most importantly, bring an extension cord. You can test out any game you want. Outlet space is usually limited.

Most games are unlocked so you can check out the insides.

If you win a game it's a good idea to stay near it or keep checking on it. Sometimes people see this as a good opportunity to grab free parts that they might need. Though rare, it does happen.

Be prepared to bring extra money. There are auction fees on top of the taxes.

[Grauwulf]

How long of an extension cord is good? I really don't want to be lugging around my 100' reel of cord if I don't have to.

[mozzer]

You'll be safe with a 50 footer...

[RayB]

Depends where you're going. I bring 40' to the one I go to, but it's a relatively small warehouse.

Machines are usually left with coin doors open, and at some auctions access to the back as well. Though the problem with that is some people will intentionally damage machines so they will sell for less. I guess that's one "dark tip" for you, but mind you if you got caught doing that, they WOULD have you arrested.

I'd bring pen and paper and take notes for machines that interest you. You should note the monitor's image quality. Look for discoloration, warped image, dim image, and then when it's off, look at the amount of screen burn.

Take note of damage. Artwork quality. Control panel. Etc.

Basically, you want these notes because when comes time to bid, you need this reminder of the flaws to keep yourself from over-bidding. Some flaws like burnt buttons are meaningless (buttons are cheap) but a cracked marquee might be hard to replace (assuming it's a dedicated game and you're restoring it instead of MAMEing it).

I'd also recommend bringing a nice tea or having a beer first, so you stay relaxed! There's nothing worse than getting too excited or nervous about winning any old cabinet.

I also take note of winning bids as the auction progresses. Lastly, you should have enough cash to put in a deposit. Most auctions won't let you bid without getting a bidder number, and that requires a deposit (kind of like "proof" that you're there to spend money and not just screw around).

Ray B  

[RetroJames]

Go early before creeps start cutting power cords.

No pictures unless you get permission.

A milk crate is useful to get above the crowd.

Remember the fees while bidding.

Get in the zone, your mind will be in overdirve from all the familiar games, but keep your thoughts on what you want (make a list before you go).  I made a little checklist for games I was interested in to keep my thoughts straight.

Stuff like,

Cabinet Condition ?
Monitor Works (well)?
Game works overall?
Is the artwork (sideart, marquee, bezel, etc) in good shape?

etc etc HTH

[Grauwulf]

Thanks for all the good tips and advice. I'm going to be headed to the Starburst auction in T.O. next saturday and I plan on being there when they open the viewing at 9:30.

[Danny R]

How do you find out about such auctions?  Didn't know they existed before now.  I'm in the Atlanta area if that helps.

[Spaced Invader]

http://www.superauctions.com/

Note: Not much there right now, but the list is supposed to be updated on the 7th...

[Grauwulf]

For Starburst, I just check their website. www.starburstcoin.com

Does superauctions do anything in Canada?

[RayB]

Oh, Starburst. That's the one I've been to a few times, so let me add more advice:

- Their warehouse is SMALL and tightly packed. Don't expect to be able to see inside the cabs. You'd be lucky if you had access to the back doors...

- Go early. That's the best time to test games without jostling people around, or having your cord disconnected by some other bozo (there's like only 4 outlets in the place, 2 at one end and 2 at the other).

- There are two buildings, so remember to check both out.

- You'll be expected to deposit $200. I think they charge tax on purchases. But they DON'T charge an "auction fee" like some of the american auctions do.

- You don't have to take your purchases with you the same day. You can do so the following Monday by 6pm.

- Expect the auction to last until about 1pm.

- Don't look too enthusiastic. There are SHILL BIDDERS in the crowd. (Look for this gray/white haired fat balding man. He bids on his own machines.

- Don't bid on anything that can't be powered up, unless you plan on gutting it. ie: If it has a monitor, says "monitor OK" on it, but "no board" and therefore you can't test it, well guess what. The monitor is NOT "OK". It's still a good deal since these "junk" cabs usually sell for $25-$50 cdn. but don't expect to get a working monitor out of it.

- As for prices and games to expect. That's a complete toss-up. There is the occasional "classic" (you know, what a 30 year old considers a classic, not NBA Jam and Mortal Combat ;-) )

You never know who will be there. I've seen times when cocktails would not sell for under $400, while last time I was there, there were 2-3 cocktails selling for $125 - $250 range.

I've seen a decaying Centipede go for over $400, a nice Crystal Castles go for about $325, and a Star Wars cockpit (yes, working) go for $300.

(all prices quoted are Canadian dollars)


I might attend the next one, so keep in touch.

[paigeoliver]

Also, one really ballsy thing (and not REALLY dishonest) thing to do at auction is to grab a dolly and MOVE a machine.

Now WHY would you want to MOVE a machine?

Easy, the machines in the "first row" sell for the most money, and the machines in the last row go the cheapest (general rule, broken from time to time, but it is rare).

So, if one was to wheel a game that wanted to sell into the first row, or a game they wanted to buy into the last row, well, I can't really ethically come up with much of a problem there.

[RayB]

ummm, auctions use a numbering system and sell by order in the selling list. You'd risk them skipping over and never selling the machine you moved...

[Tahnok]

I have never been to an auction but this thread was rather interesting:

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=15207;start=msg119043#msg119043

[menace]

Bring a Mr. microphone for the lousy auctioneer--since last time he started the auction outside with just himself and 2 guys while the rest of us were inside waiting for it to start--what a bonehead.  As rayb was saying there are always shill bidders--but starburst knows and doesn't seem to care or its ok with them, I don't know which, but they do it for all their games (the 2 old guys with pony tails) so there isn't much you can do...

see ya there!

[Grauwulf]

Bring a Mr. microphone for the lousy auctioneer--since last time he started the auction outside with just himself and 2 guys while the rest of us were inside waiting for it to start--what a bonehead.

Was that the auction that the one showcase cab went for like $25? *lol* I remember reading about that.

[JustMichael]

Don't forget to bring something to haul the cabinet(s) home in (like a truck).

[menace]

Was that the auction that the one showcase cab went for like $25? *lol* I remember reading about that.

Yep--I was so mad!!!  I think nobody bid on it (cause no one could hear the old fart) and so the guy selling it bought it back--but I could have found lots of uses for a 33" display and a 4 player panel...ah well...

[GodSend25]

Im there again this time, and will be going home with a few items hopefully!  Anyone want to go splits on a uhaul to the west side (Milton) or anyone want to offer their truck up for a few beers and few bucks?  Last time I got a pinball machine for 500$ (great deal) and spent 125$ for a uhaul to get it home  

[RayB]

$125???! Why so much? Was it the mileage?

I personally would never go there WITH a rental truck or trailer on the day of the auction. Cuz then you feel obligated to purchase something.

But I realize not everyone can take Monday off to go back and haul off their loot.

[GodSend25]

Okay, 125$ cdn including taxes and everything (includes gassing her back  up)....  My father in law actually went and picked it up several days after the auction and I wasent sure about how well it would fit in a pickup so I got a full cube van just in case.  I actually am not going there with a rental, it just so happens there is a budget and uhaul within 2 blocks.

$125???! Why so much? Was it the mileage?

I personally would never go there WITH a rental truck or trailer on the day of the auction. Cuz then you feel obligated to purchase something.

But I realize not everyone can take Monday off to go back and haul off their loot.

[fredster]

There have been so many auction questions there should be an FAQ.

I recommend that if you get a game, that you check it out on the inside to make sure it's secured.  A lot of times you lay it down in the back of a pickup, and if there is something loose, it will fall.

I had a game I laid down that had a loose speaker in it and it just happend to break the neck board on the monitor.

I had another where the monitor wasn't secure, and it could have fallen out.  

Take a cordless drill with you with a phillips tip and a 3/16" drill bit (for those locks with NO keys), and some 1" drywall screws.  Take the back off the machine and look for loose stuff.  TEST the pieces to make sure they are tight.  If they are loose either take them out or secure them with screws.

Good luck!