Author Topic: Thinking about going to my first Arcade Auction, Wanted to know some feedback (Read 5805 times)

mrclean · « **on:** January 15, 2009, 10:12:26 pm »

I have never been to a live auction before, but I've always wanted to go! I noticed that for the past few years on the forum I have always come across certain threads about people getting great deals on cabs. I just wanted to know peoples overall feedback on going to live arcade / amusement auctions. I live in NY and I did a little research the only thing I could come up with was one should take place in March / or April at the latest according to Rob Ritterhoff at US Amusement Auctions. Is this the same as "Super Auctions" Or are the two totally different?

What types of games can I expect to find ? I personally would really only be interested in classics 1979-1989. That would be my main priority, Personally I wouldn't want House Of the dead, those gigantic 3 linked driving games etc.. just dedicated / conversions uprights etc. Should I go for the experience?? Is it worth going ?? According to that one in NJ Map Quest say's it's roughly only 60miles from my house.

somunny · « **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2009, 10:58:59 pm »

Go to the pre-veiwing the day/night before to see if there's anything you'll be interested. If there is, be prepared to spend the entire day at the auction as you never know when your particular machine will come up.

There's always great deals to be had. I missed out on one last time but I've stopped kicking myself.

mrclean · « **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2009, 11:22:00 pm »

Really ? I didn't know about previewing the day / night before that would come in handy! I thought right before the auction you had a small amount of time (a few hours) to test / inspect the games that you would be interested in.
Also if i saw enough games I might be interested the day before etc..it would provide me with my decision on renting a u-haul. Another Question I would have is what U-haul is the best a van, how many games can you fit in the u-haul van ? or do I need to rent the 10' Truck 14' truck ? I guess it's all just tentative. The good news is I have someone who I know that works for u-haul so i'm sure I can get a deal for transportation.

Quote

There's always great deals to be had. I missed out on one last time but I've stopped kicking myself.

Just curious somunny, what was the deal you wish you got ?

somunny · « **Reply #3 on:** January 15, 2009, 11:40:34 pm »

Quote from: mrclean on January 15, 2009, 11:22:00 pm

Just curious somunny, what was the deal you wish you got ?

Working Xybots cab in nice condition for $25.

I take my own truck to the auctions so I don't have any advice on renting for you.

mrclean · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2009, 11:56:13 pm »

Yeah see it's deals like those that id love! Personally i'm not a xybots fan but for 25$ I can be! somunny do you go to the auctions near NY area ?? Any other BYOAC members from the NY Area that attend the PA / NJ Auctions ?

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2009, 10:22:16 am »

Quote from: somunny on January 15, 2009, 11:40:34 pm

Quote from: mrclean on January 15, 2009, 11:22:00 pm
Just curious somunny, what was the deal you wish you got ?

Working Xybots cab in nice condition for $25.

I take my own truck to the auctions so I don't have any advice on renting for you.

You know that same Xybots is on eBay right now, for the second time. Nobody bought it @ $89 opening bid last time it was on.

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2009, 10:23:13 am »

Quote from: somunny on January 15, 2009, 11:40:34 pm

I take my own truck to the auctions so I don't have any advice on renting for you.

Or have a friend with a truck.

csa3d · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2009, 10:29:16 am »

Take a flashlight and an extension cord is my experience. Super Auctions around here lines up rows and rows of machines, every few rows on a dedicated power circuit. It never fails that one of the machines in the row keeps blowing that circuit. If you are interested in the machine, you either pop in between the rows and try to find a way to plug "your" machine into a working circuit if the cord can reach. Assuming it won't, you now have a power cord with you, so you can make it happen all by yourself.

Also, if something is wrong with the machine and you want to peek in to see what's inside, you're armed with your flashlight.

It's also not a bad idea to bring a dolly with you. If you do not and you end up buying something, you have to either befriend someone there with a dolly or convince someone to load it in your car for money.

Good luck! Definately hit the preview early. Also be aware that the seller there will likely also bid on their own cab to up the price...

-csa

Flake · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2009, 12:29:16 pm »

I love arcade autions! Super Auctions comes through my area about 3 times per year. I got my mame cabinet from them for $80 (after the buyers premium and sales tax). It was a non-working Killer Instinct 2 cabinet that had been converted. It was basically just a cabinet with a control panel so I suppose I did pick up 4 8-way joysticks with the deal. I have also purchased an Itouch5 from them at $285 (again after tax and buyers premium).

Super Auctions only has about a 2 hour preview period the morning of the auction and then the bidding begins. Typically the groupings of machines are megatouch/touchscreen games, arcade games (seperated by upright, cocktail and driving cabs), pinball machines and dart boards. Usually they start at the megatouch/touchscreen games and then move onto arcades, then pinballs.

As far as pricing, it depends on the demand in the crowd. Typically, old working classics like ms. pacman and galaga go for $500+. The 40-1 or 60-1 Mulitgames go for $800-$1200. Newer shooter games go for probably $300-$500. This past June the showcase cabinets were going super cheap $200 or so.....I guess because they are so big they have limited buyers. Last November a working almost perfect condition (had always been home use only) Gauntlet Legends went for $400.

Pinballs vary more but up until this last November auction were going for $1,500-$2,500. In November the price range was more like $400-$1200. This is a huge price drop from the typical $2000 they typically go for. I'm hoping for a similar price structure on them come April's auction.....hehe.

Anyway, as others have stated, plan on spending the whole day, unless you have a real good idea of when they begin bidding on what you want. Its fun anyway, I like seeing what games go for what price. At the place they hold our auctions there are concession stands that sell burger/hot dogs/ and more importantly beer so that keeps your energy up for the day.

I will caution this though, its easy to get carried away, everytime I go I'm tempting to just open the wallet and dish out all kinds of coin.....you gotta show a little restraint, unless you have unlimited funds and space.

One last note, it took me the last November auction till I was able to understand the fast talking auctioneer.....it was hard for me to understand where exactly the price was at certain times.

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2009, 01:08:03 pm »

I walked away with 4 sweet purchases from the Super Auctions I went to.

Bought a working candy cab, Japanese skill stop slot, Popeye cocktail cab, and a 1971 Spanish Eyes EM pin.

It was a lot of fun...

mrclean · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:28:28 pm »

Well thanks for the information! It seems for the most part everyone has had a good experience with one of these auctions. I'm just waiting for more information on a solid date, and if they let you preview the day/night before that would help me out tremendously with my u-haul options.

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:39:47 pm »

The Superauctions somunny and I went to had a preview the day before, which was nice. I got to scope out stuff I was interested in.

mrclean · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2009, 02:48:21 pm »

I noticed that US Amusement Auctions has NJ locations, I couldn't find anything listed for Super Auctions in NJ. Any one ever go to a US Amusement Auction?

MonMotha · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2009, 04:27:17 pm »

Quote from: mrclean on January 16, 2009, 02:48:21 pm

I noticed that US Amusement Auctions has NJ locations, I couldn't find anything listed for Super Auctions in NJ. Any one ever go to a US Amusement Auction?

I've been to several of the Indianapolis ones. They're generally well run. Of course, quality and quantity of goods varies hightly since it's almost entirely consignment. Sale prices also vary a lot depending on who shows up/who sticks around (which also has a lot to do with what's there).

mrclean · « **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2009, 05:39:56 pm »

some one post PICS of previous auctions!

somunny · « **Reply #15 on:** January 16, 2009, 09:16:23 pm »

Quote from: HarumaN on January 16, 2009, 10:23:13 am

Quote from: somunny on January 15, 2009, 11:40:34 pm
I take my own truck to the auctions so I don't have any advice on renting for you.

Or have a friend with a truck.

I only had to move one thing. All the other purchases went in the Fit!

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2009, 12:57:07 am »

Quote from: somunny on January 16, 2009, 09:16:23 pm

Quote from: HarumaN on January 16, 2009, 10:23:13 am
Quote from: somunny on January 15, 2009, 11:40:34 pm
I take my own truck to the auctions so I don't have any advice on renting for you.

Or have a friend with a truck.

I only had to move one thing. All the other purchases went in the Fit!

This is true, but no less appreciated!

dreamakuma · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2009, 02:08:32 am »

Quote from: Flake on January 16, 2009, 12:29:16 pm

I love arcade autions! Super Auctions comes through my area about 3 times per year. I got my mame cabinet from them for $80 (after the buyers premium and sales tax). It was a non-working Killer Instinct 2 cabinet that had been converted. It was basically just a cabinet with a control panel so I suppose I did pick up 4 8-way joysticks with the deal. I have also purchased an Itouch5 from them at $285 (again after tax and buyers premium).

Super Auctions only has about a 2 hour preview period the morning of the auction and then the bidding begins. Typically the groupings of machines are megatouch/touchscreen games, arcade games (seperated by upright, cocktail and driving cabs), pinball machines and dart boards. Usually they start at the megatouch/touchscreen games and then move onto arcades, then pinballs.

As far as pricing, it depends on the demand in the crowd. Typically, old working classics like ms. pacman and galaga go for $500+. The 40-1 or 60-1 Mulitgames go for $800-$1200. Newer shooter games go for probably $300-$500. This past June the showcase cabinets were going super cheap $200 or so.....I guess because they are so big they have limited buyers. Last November a working almost perfect condition (had always been home use only) Gauntlet Legends went for $400.

Pinballs vary more but up until this last November auction were going for $1,500-$2,500. In November the price range was more like $400-$1200. This is a huge price drop from the typical $2000 they typically go for. I'm hoping for a similar price structure on them come April's auction.....hehe.

Anyway, as others have stated, plan on spending the whole day, unless you have a real good idea of when they begin bidding on what you want. Its fun anyway, I like seeing what games go for what price. At the place they hold our auctions there are concession stands that sell burger/hot dogs/ and more importantly beer so that keeps your energy up for the day.

I will caution this though, its easy to get carried away, everytime I go I'm tempting to just open the wallet and dish out all kinds of coin.....you gotta show a little restraint, unless you have unlimited funds and space.

One last note, it took me the last November auction till I was able to understand the fast talking auctioneer.....it was hard for me to understand where exactly the price was at certain times.

DUDE!!! Most of what you are saying is exactly what I wanted to hear. I have one question though, on the showcase cabs, Are they empty? If not what kind of games have you seen? I'm interested in a candy cab and a showcase. And if they are games and not empty, $200-$300 is PERFECT!!

HaRuMaN · « **Reply #18 on:** January 17, 2009, 08:54:29 am »

I bought my candy cab (Capcom Impress), 29" monitor, Bucky O'Hare JAMMA game, everything working for $275.

Ummon bought the another of the same exact candy cab at the same auction that appeared to be broken for $25. He got it home, and it WORKED with a Tetris board inside!

Flake · « **Reply #19 on:** January 17, 2009, 09:06:59 am »

The showcase cabinets were all working in that price range. The cabinets themselves varied in quality, some were in pretty good shape, others not so much. They were typically games like Area 51, Tekken, Guantlet legends, those kind of games. I'm not sure you would always find that kind of a deal on them its just a function of who is there bidding and like I say if you are purchasing for personal/private use then many dont have the space for something that big.

Flake · « **Reply #20 on:** January 17, 2009, 09:15:13 am »

Quote from: dreamakuma on January 17, 2009, 02:08:32 am

Quote from: Flake on January 16, 2009, 12:29:16 pm
I love arcade autions! Super Auctions comes through my area about 3 times per year. I got my mame cabinet from them for $80 (after the buyers premium and sales tax). It was a non-working Killer Instinct 2 cabinet that had been converted. It was basically just a cabinet with a control panel so I suppose I did pick up 4 8-way joysticks with the deal. I have also purchased an Itouch5 from them at $285 (again after tax and buyers premium).

Super Auctions only has about a 2 hour preview period the morning of the auction and then the bidding begins. Typically the groupings of machines are megatouch/touchscreen games, arcade games (seperated by upright, cocktail and driving cabs), pinball machines and dart boards. Usually they start at the megatouch/touchscreen games and then move onto arcades, then pinballs.

As far as pricing, it depends on the demand in the crowd. Typically, old working classics like ms. pacman and galaga go for $500+. The 40-1 or 60-1 Mulitgames go for $800-$1200. Newer shooter games go for probably $300-$500. This past June the showcase cabinets were going super cheap $200 or so.....I guess because they are so big they have limited buyers. Last November a working almost perfect condition (had always been home use only) Gauntlet Legends went for $400.

Pinballs vary more but up until this last November auction were going for $1,500-$2,500. In November the price range was more like $400-$1200. This is a huge price drop from the typical $2000 they typically go for. I'm hoping for a similar price structure on them come April's auction.....hehe.

Anyway, as others have stated, plan on spending the whole day, unless you have a real good idea of when they begin bidding on what you want. Its fun anyway, I like seeing what games go for what price. At the place they hold our auctions there are concession stands that sell burger/hot dogs/ and more importantly beer so that keeps your energy up for the day.

I will caution this though, its easy to get carried away, everytime I go I'm tempting to just open the wallet and dish out all kinds of coin.....you gotta show a little restraint, unless you have unlimited funds and space.

One last note, it took me the last November auction till I was able to understand the fast talking auctioneer.....it was hard for me to understand where exactly the price was at certain times.

DUDE!!! Most of what you are saying is exactly what I wanted to hear. I have one question though, on the showcase cabs, Are they empty? If not what kind of games have you seen? I'm interested in a candy cab and a showcase. And if they are games and not empty, $200-$300 is PERFECT!!

Wait....your in my area, and arent you looking to start an arcade or something? I think I noticed this in another forum anyway.

Dont go buying up all the goods at the next auction!!!! LOL

mrclean · « **Reply #21 on:** January 17, 2009, 09:38:47 am »

I'm not sure if I'm going to buy anything. I'm going to cross my fingers for the day/night before preview. I might just snag one specific title that I'd like to add to my collection and hopefully the bidding doesnt' go too high. Maybe I'd grab a dozen cheap projects ? It's really tough to say but I did compile a list already of around 125 games that I would be interested in. It's entirely possible that something that's not on my list will catch my eye but i'm going to try to stick with what I would truly want. It's almost like shopping at a grocery store when your hungry always a terrible idea.

dreamakuma · « **Reply #22 on:** January 17, 2009, 12:00:30 pm »

Well I'm taking about $800 with me because this is for my home use. I'm only looking for tekken 3(showcase), A marvel super heroes vs street fighter(anything), any kind of lightgun game, perferably a house of the dead(any of the series),A Neo geo mvs in a candy would be the best thing for me ever,and if it went for the right price a Hydro thunder sit-down cab. but I'm only going to afford one or two cabs. So I'll be there for it. Man, Flake, you made me antsy for this thing. I heard about this super auction from you and thought I could wait, THEN you told me the prices. I'm like a kid waiting for cristmas now. THANKS A LOT!!! LOL!

mrclean · « **Reply #23 on:** January 17, 2009, 01:35:27 pm »

Do I get the chance to see any of you BYOACers at the NJ ones? any east coasters? No set date yet but it should be March / Latest April.

mrclean · « **Reply #24 on:** January 25, 2009, 04:00:01 pm »

I had Asteroids in mind as one fo the roughly 125 games I would be interested in, but no guarantees I would even see it at the auction but I really wanted to know how available are replacement monitors for the vector games ?

RayB · « **Reply #25 on:** January 25, 2009, 07:07:39 pm »

Quote from: mrclean on January 25, 2009, 04:00:01 pm

I had Asteroids in mind as one fo the roughly 125 games I would be interested in, but no guarantees I would even see it at the auction but I really wanted to know how available are replacement monitors for the vector games ?

Rare. If you find one, you pay lots, unless you know people.

urbecrisch · « **Reply #26 on:** January 26, 2009, 03:04:20 pm »

Flake, you must frequent the St Luis auctions often? I'm just outside Milwaukee, WI so we get about 4 Super Auctions each year. Just attended one 1/17 but didn't get anything. I'm remodeling my basement so all my funds are going towards that. Might get a stand up dart machine next time but who knows.

Mrclean, I encourage you to attend cause there can be some sweet deals. About 1 1/2 years ago there was a Super Auction in Milwaukee that was packed full of arcades and pins. Some working machines were going for $25! I found this website where it lists games and prices of past auctions in different ciities and different years. I'm not sure how accurate other states are but I know the Milwaukee, WI auctions are correct. I think the guy lives near Milwaukee but I'm not sure. Anyway, you can check out the prices of recent auctions to get an idea of what machines are going for. Let me know what you think of it.

Go under "Select Event" and search the database

http://www.gct21.net/~johns594/arcade/auction/auc.php

mrclean · « **Reply #27 on:** January 26, 2009, 08:18:46 pm »

this one caught my eye: Videogame Gun Smoke $55.00 Cocktail 2008/10/11 Minnesota ! I can't wait to attend the NJ one!! Granted I already own the upright for that price it would end up in the u-haul.

Ummon · « **Reply #28 on:** January 28, 2009, 01:14:59 am »

Quote from: HarumaN on January 16, 2009, 10:22:16 am

You know that same Xybots is on eBay right now, for the second time. Nobody bought it @ $89 opening bid last time it was on.

Yeah, I'd been eye-balling that for Steve, but forgot to tell him about it.

Quote from: HarumaN on January 17, 2009, 08:54:29 am

I bought my candy cab (Capcom Impress), 29" monitor, Bucky O'Hare JAMMA game, everything working for $275.

Ummon bought the another of the same exact candy cab at the same auction that appeared to be broken for $25. He got it home, and it WORKED with a Tetris board inside!

And now I've gone an bollocked the wiring and am not getting anything but the monitor displaying. Lesson: don't mess with anything if you don't need to.

Anyways, yeah, if you have the time, go for the experience.

mrclean · « **Reply #29 on:** January 28, 2009, 05:52:24 pm »

I'm still waiting on a firm date for the NJ ones , I know one in MA on Feb 7th, that's next weekend... but a bit too far, At least for me 4hrs give or take.

mrclean · « **Reply #30 on:** March 04, 2009, 12:38:34 pm »

Well I actually ended up going to the super auctions in MA, didn't buy anything and left rather quickly due to the fact that most of the stuff was "current" / redemtion games. It wasn't my main purpose I was just passing through and it was on my way to pick up my Bubble Bobble Cabinet in Lowell MA. I'm still waiting for the NJ one which is alot closer to me should take place in April from what Rob told me the other day, which is "US Amusements Auctions". Hopefully that one will be a better experience. Still no set date yet, he just said "April".

Another one seems to be this weekend in NJ, But i think it's going to be similar to the one in MA. Again another Super Auctions:
http://www.superauctions.com/pages/090102/NJ%20Auction%20ad%20032109%20lo.pdf

Flake · « **Reply #31 on:** March 04, 2009, 01:32:47 pm »

Quote from: urbecrisch on January 26, 2009, 03:04:20 pm

Flake, you must frequent the St Luis auctions often? I'm just outside Milwaukee, WI so we get about 4 Super Auctions each year. Just attended one 1/17 but didn't get anything. I'm remodeling my basement so all my funds are going towards that. Might get a stand up dart machine next time but who knows.

I have been to the last three here in the STL area (Belleville, IL to be exact). I plan on going to the April 4th auction as well. I'm pretty lucky in that fairgrounds they have the auction at is only about 15 minutes from my house. Fun time, I really enjoy them.

I'm kinda hoping the economic conditions of the country right now spill over into the bidding this April. I noted a distinct drop in pinball prices from the Aug 08 auction to the Nov 08 auction. I am hoping this trend continues. I wasnt really there for a pin last Nov but that is my main focus this time around. I'm kinda hoping I can land more than one. I will also be keeping my eyes open for a deal on a shooter game. If I could ever stick around long enough I would actually consider buying a smaller kiddie game for my daughter just for kicks. But those are always some of the last things to go and as much as I'd like to I cant justify sticking around till 5-6 pm. Still I've always wondered what they would go for.......

Nemss316 · « **Reply #32 on:** March 04, 2009, 05:54:21 pm »

Flake, I'll be at the next one at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds also. My g/f's stepdad saw my build, and wants to find an old cabinet to restore. I told him I'd go there to see what they had....and take a look around myself!

The best part about the one in the St. Louis area is that its really not that crowded.

YoGaBaR · « **Reply #33 on:** March 04, 2009, 07:15:43 pm »

Flake
Can you give out a date time and location of the auction or a website. I live about 20 min from Bellville and would be so excited to go!!!

Flake · « **Reply #34 on:** March 04, 2009, 07:22:34 pm »

Saturday April 4th. Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL. Previewing begins at 8AM, bidding begins at 10AM.

http://www.superauctions.com/pages/calendar.htm

Errr.....on second thought.....its April 5th.....yea thats right April 5th.

Dont go bidding up all the goodies! Its all mine!

YoGaBaR · « **Reply #35 on:** March 04, 2009, 07:38:51 pm »

THANKS!!

I want a Galaga machine in tact or to rebuild. A simspsons 4p.
So just to give you a heads up.

Flake · « **Reply #36 on:** March 04, 2009, 07:40:51 pm »

Quote from: YoGaBaR on March 04, 2009, 07:38:51 pm

THANKS!!
I want a Galaga machine in tact or to rebuild. A simspsons 4p.
So just to give you a heads up.

Good then we have no conflicts. I'll almost guarantee you see a galaga there but those classics are some of the most pricey items. I would imagine it goes for over $500 easy. Depending on condition of course.

Mauzy · « **Reply #37 on:** March 04, 2009, 08:22:58 pm »

Hmmm... SuperAuction in Illinois, eh?

Flake may have some more pin bidding competition if the finances fall into line properly...

Flake · « **Reply #38 on:** March 04, 2009, 08:25:14 pm »

Quote from: Mauzy on March 04, 2009, 08:22:58 pm

Hmmm... SuperAuction in Illinois, eh?

Flake may have some more pin bidding competition if the finances fall into line properly...

WTF! Get off my damn lawn!

Hopefully your tax return gets audited.

YoGaBaR · « **Reply #39 on:** March 04, 2009, 08:27:24 pm »

LOL
So pins is your vice eh?
Maybe I should redirect my returns towards a nice pin.


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