Putting an ad in a local classifieds for old cabs?

[Tahnok]

I'm thinking about taking out an ad in the classifieds for people who want to get rid of their old cabs. How many people have tried this and what kind of response did you get? More importantly, how much should I offer people for the cabs? Should I try for free, around $20-$50 or will I not be able to get anything for under $100?

Mainly, I will be looking for old cabs that I can gut for parts, like coin mechs and CPs. The actual cabinets will probably end up outback, unless they are in very good condition.

[AlanS17]

You don't have to fix a number to it. Listen to what they've got first before you slap a number on it.

[RayB]

Your target price should be FREE. You really need to approach this like you are doing THEM a favor by finally clearing their [basement/storage/whatever space] of these bulky things they have no use for.

Don't act too eager. Be "quick" on the phone, ask them things like what game it is, what condition, etc, etc. Get them to really think maybe what they have is of no value. Ask THEM what they want for it.

This guy used to sell this info on Ebay. I could email/PM it to you. Just PM me.

[Shape D.]

I think the problem would be putting an ad out for cabs. That would lead me to belive you want it, not that your doing someone a favor by getting rid of it for them. wich would make me charge more for something than I normally would.

[IntruderAlert]

if you're going to do that, why not just charge a $20 disposal fee per cab 

[Q*Bert_OP]

example:

Wanted: video arcade machines dead or alive.



That's how I get cabinets/pinballs and they are usually free or under$100

[AlanS17]

My neighbor has a dead Ms Pacman sitting in his garage collecting dust. He won't let me buy it. He swears he'll fix it and use it again som eday. Grrr... 

[IntruderAlert]

how many cabs are in your garage collecting dust Alan? 

[AlanS17]

That's different! I'm open to selling any of them at any moment. 

Besides, the only ones collecting dust are the ones I haven't gotten to yet. How many machines can you fix at once? 

[IntruderAlert]

you hear that tahnok100?
Alan has some cabs he wants to get rid of

[Q*Bert_OP]

I will be looking for old cabs that I can gut for parts, like coin mechs and CPs. The actual cabinets will probably end up outback, unless they are in very good condition.

Please don't start another "arcade gravayard" and let them get destroyed by the elements.

[paigeoliver]

Almost every newspaper in the country already has people running these ads, there are like 4 different guys running them in my paper.

[Tahnok]

you hear that tahnok100?
Alan has some cabs he wants to get rid of

Where ya from? I'm in Southern California about 50 miles north of LA, if anybody is looking to rid of that old worthless cab .

I think the problem would be putting an ad out for cabs. That would lead me to believe you want it, not that your doing someone a favor by getting rid of it for them. wich would make me charge more for something than I normally would.

Yeah, that's kinda what I was thinking too, but I don't think anybody is going to look me up to get rid of their cab. I think I will probably phrase it like qbert247 did.

Please don't start another "arcade gravayard" and let them get destroyed by the elements.

Yes, that would be an awful shame. It kills me inside to know that there are places like that. Don't worry though, I know how to properly protect valuable pieces of furniture outside. The only ones that would end up outside unprotected would deserve it.

Almost every newspaper in the country already has people running these ads, there are like 4 different guys running them in my paper.

Strangely enough though, there aren't where I'm looking. I have seen a few people selling cabs, but no wanted. The little valley I live in doesn't have too many people into this kind of thing (all of are arcades have died).

[Q*Bert_OP]

I will help get rid of those cabs that deserve to be outside.

Where are you located?

[AlanS17]

1.) They're not worthless. They're classics in disguise.

[IntruderAlert]

tahnok100.. since no one in your area is already doing this,
if you happen to get flooded with cabs you don't want make sure to post them in the Buy/Sell/Trade/Swap/GiveAway section before you trash them please

[Q*Bert_OP]

I'm in south Texas.

[AlanS17]

Where are you in south TX? I'm from south TX. I just moved up here recently.

[dirt]

hey tahnok100,
 i am in Anaheim Hills and i will have 2empty cabs for you in a week or two if you want them. just let me know.



dirt

[RayB]

I think the problem would be putting an ad out for cabs. That would lead me to belive you want it, not that your doing someone a favor by getting rid of it for them. wich would make me charge more for something than I normally would.

No different than those ads you see for junk disposal. They do you a favor by hauling off your junk for you. But they end up salvaging what they can and making $$ from it.

[IntruderAlert]

hey tahnok100 !!!
..lookiee over yonder http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,38366.0.html

[Tahnok]

I really wasn't expecting to get any offers for cabs (since my previous attempt at that in the B/S/T forum failed)! I don't think I can except any right now, I am going on vacation soon. Also, that ebay item is way too far away from ending to get any sort of idea of how much it will end for (6 days left). Thanks for the help though!

I'm just as sentimental about old cabs as the next guy, but you must admit, some just aren't worth it. Perhaps if I am came across an old ms pacman I would restore it (what am I saying, maybe?). But other obscure games that have no value, that's a different story. I'll stop now before I dig myself in any deeper.

Thanks RayB for the info! It looks like there are some good nuggets of information with in that poorly formatted document.

[paigeoliver]

Ms. Pac is the single worst restoration choice possible, other than perhaps like Mat Mania (or any mid 80s sports game).

Ms. Pac is the world's most common game.

Ms. Pacs have been falling in price steadily for years and the supply of them is MASSIVE. Falling prices = falling demand. Low demand coupled with high supply = worthless.

Ms. Pac is going to be a $100 game in a few more years. Don't waste your time and money restoring one. Its a great game, but once demand goes higher than supply they will drop in price to nothing and everyone who wants one can have one, no need to "restore" any of them.

Reactor or Zoo Keeper would be much better choices, there will never be enough of either one of those to go around.

[forbiddenlyrics]

I put an ad in my local paper and I got a great cab with a 19" monitor, coin door, and a bunch of misc buttons and JAMMA harnesses for free. Just put an ad out and see what happens!

[IntruderAlert]

how did you word yours?

[Q*Bert_OP]

Where are you in south TX? I'm from south TX. I just moved up here recently.

I'm in Corpus Christi.

[AlanS17]

Oh I had you sooo beat. I was down in McAllen - right there on the Mexican border.