Post by: leapinlew on February 23, 2019, 06:54:03 pm
I was checking out the Direct Liquidation site and found a pallet that said it had 11 items and it listed those items as Portable Speakers, but the pictures shows an image of Arcade1ups. It was the only pallet that had Arcades on it. I felt that it was a price mistake, and I thought "Heck, Arcade1ups are selling for $300 at most stores. If I can sell these for $200, I'd be making money". I made a bid and set my maximum bid at $750 and then went to sleep.
Part of my motivation is that my arcade fund is self funded. As a hobby, I buy\sell stuff so I don't have any guilt for using house funds to pay for arcade games. I've sold dozens of games after modifying them. I saw this as a quick cash grab. Turn them around and add some slush to the arcade slush fund.
I woke up and instantly regretted my decision. I recently started a new job. I was studying for some new certifications. I didn't really have time to take on this kind of project. I anxiously waited for the auction to end and cursing myself for not waiting to place a bid till the morning. I had time, no idea why I didn't wait to see if I felt the same way in the morning. Till the last second, I was winning the auction at $640. The auction ended and I had a surprise. Not only did I win, but I won with my maximum dollar. I suppose it's possible someone bid it up to my highest amount, seems fishy though....
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=375591;image)
Post by: leapinlew on February 23, 2019, 07:07:46 pm
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=375593;image)
I moved them into the dining room. Still kind of annoyed that I had picked up a project I had no real time for:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=375595;image)
I ignored them for several days. I just had to many other things to do.
More to come!
Post by: yotsuya on February 23, 2019, 07:18:34 pm
Post by: opt2not on February 23, 2019, 07:45:16 pm
Post by: JDFan on February 23, 2019, 08:35:40 pm
“A fool and his money shall soon be parted” — that instantly came to mind, reading this. Hope it works out for you, but that’s definitely not a horse I would bet on.
At least he got them a few weeks ago and at a decent cost -- right now some idiots have found the site and are bidding ridiculous prices -- For example the one attached - still a day + left on the auction and it's already at 88% of full retail not including the outrageous shipping charges ! ( Can buy them cheaper at Walmart )
Post by: Nephasth on February 23, 2019, 08:43:25 pm
Post by: SlammedNiss on February 23, 2019, 08:55:19 pm
The next surprise was the shipping costs. The estimator said it would cost $160, but it cost $240 when it was time to ship. 8 days later it was in my garage:yeah, unfortunately, shipping on these deals usually kills any profit margin. Good luck.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=375593;image)
I moved them into the dining room. Still kind of annoyed that I had picked up a project I had no real time for:
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=375595;image)
I ignored them for several days. I just had to many other things to do.
More to come!
Post by: yotsuya on February 23, 2019, 10:18:19 pm
Post by: leapinlew on February 23, 2019, 10:25:14 pm
It just so happens that around this time frame, Wal-mart started doing a massive selloff of the Arcade1up cabinets. Most places seemed to have them in the $249 range, but some people were reporting them as low as $99. That's trouble... I thought I needed to do something to help my odds. I created and ordered some generic artwork and everything needed to convert a cabinet to a 60-n-1. I only ordered enough to do 1 cabinet, because I wanted to test the market.
A few days after getting them, I finally got a break between the job and studies to take a look at what I got. Here is a rundown of the inventory:
1 x open box centipede. Will have to look at it later.
3 x new in box Pac-Man. Snapped some pictures to put on craigslist.
1 x open box, but appeared new Asteroids. This is the least desirable Arcade1up. I snapped some pics to put on Craigslist.
1 x new in box street fighter. Snapped some pics to put on craigslist.
3 x fully put together cabinets (status unknown). Doing a few quick part swaps, I have 1 fully working cabinet and 2 that are just shells, unknown status on the monitor.
1 Riser
1 x Monster Rock'n'Roller portable speaker
I actually like the portable speaker. It doesn't charge, but that appears to be the only thing wrong with it. I'm going to keep it.
I listed all the Pac-Man, Asteroids, and Street Fighter on Craigslist for $200 and started waiting to see if I get responses. In my area, most cabinets are $249, so I wasn't sure how well it would go.
Post by: leapinlew on February 23, 2019, 10:29:21 pm
Out of curiosity, what do the CPs on those built cabs look like?
It's 1/2" MDF for the sides, the CP, a few internal supports and the marquee. The rest is 1/8". The CP has a large plastic cover underneath to hide all the wires. The artwork on these CP's is where they really screwed up.
Post by: Howard_Casto on February 23, 2019, 10:31:03 pm
Post by: Zebra on February 23, 2019, 10:33:51 pm
Post by: JDFan on February 23, 2019, 10:43:35 pm
Out of curiosity, what do the CPs on those built cabs look like?
It's 1/2" MDF for the sides, the CP, a few internal supports and the marquee. The rest is 1/8". The CP has a large plastic cover underneath to hide all the wires. The artwork on these CP's is where they really screwed up.
Think he means what shape was the artwork on the CP in -- Trying to figure out if the units were display models (where the art would be worn off) or actual customer returns ( Most Walmarts were not taking them back once assembled and would have the customer contact A1U for warranty service instead.
Post by: leapinlew on February 23, 2019, 11:02:29 pm
200 is going to be a hard sell considering Walmart just marked them down to 199 in most places. I wish you luck.
Your right Howie! No hits after a week. I dropped them to $175, and I finally sold the Street Fighter with riser for $175. The other cabinets sat idle with no interest for a week.
I renewed the Craigslist listing and lowered the price to $150. I sold the 3 new in box Pac-Mans. In total, I've recovered $625.
The artwork and 60-n-1 kit arrived, so I modded a cabinet. I listed it for $425 on Craigslist.
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=149895.0;attach=375599;image)
All in, I have $1,200 invested in this adventure (I spent $200 for the new artwork and 60-n-1). I've sold $625 worth of arcades and what's left is an open box centipede, new in box asteroids 1 fully functioning put together pac-man, 2 shells of arcade1ups and a modded cabinet.
Post by: leapinlew on February 23, 2019, 11:09:09 pm
Out of curiosity, what do the CPs on those built cabs look like?
It's 1/2" MDF for the sides, the CP, a few internal supports and the marquee. The rest is 1/8". The CP has a large plastic cover underneath to hide all the wires. The artwork on these CP's is where they really screwed up.
Think he means what shape was the artwork on the CP in -- Trying to figure out if the units were display models (where the art would be worn off) or actual customer returns ( Most Walmarts were not taking them back once assembled and would have the customer contact A1U for warranty service instead.
Oh, I get ya.
The CP artwork is crap. They scratch, scuff, etc. way easy. The models I got weren't floor models. None of them had a ton of wear and tear, but I wouldn't be comfortable selling them as is.
Post by: leapinlew on February 23, 2019, 11:48:13 pm
Working upright Pac-Man - $75
Open Box Centipede - $100
New in box Asteroids - $100
Total amount I've recovered: $900
I told everyone who bought a machine from me that they could return it within 24 hours for a full refund if something didn't work. I didn't have 1 return. I got extremely lucky.
Post by: leapinlew on February 23, 2019, 11:52:14 pm
More to come.
Post by: SlammedNiss on February 24, 2019, 12:40:17 am
The CP artwork is crap. They scratch, scuff, etc. way easy. The models I got weren't floor models. None of them had a ton of wear and tear, but I wouldn't be comfortable selling them as is.Did you get on the a1up website and order the replacement CP covers? No receipt is necessary to order them. Just takes a while to get them so you might have them sold before they arrive.
Post by: ark_ader on February 24, 2019, 05:03:38 am
I am hoping to get my CISSP this year ( :lol ) and I am put the date on my Server 2016 cert before they close it.
Never seems to end and I thought my degrees, would help, but no....
Thanks for the heads up on customer return deals. Like you I would have regretted it.
Post by: leapinlew on February 24, 2019, 09:27:45 am
What certs are you studying?
I am hoping to get my CISSP this year ( :lol ) and I am put the date on my Server 2016 cert before they close it.
Never seems to end and I thought my degrees, would help, but no....
Thanks for the heads up on customer return deals. Like you I would have regretted it.
I just finished my AWS Solutions Architect Pro. I turned my attention to cloud 5 years ago and I think I'm done doing other vendor certs. I have my Windows NT - 2012 MCSE. I think it was a MCITP for 2008, they didn't have a MCSE for that OS. I was studied up for my CISSP, but when it came time to take it, my employer backed out of paying for it because they no longer needed it. That was kind of a bummer, but ok, since the CISSP has a good amount of upkeep with it.
Good luck with your certs. I'm hoping, crossing fingers, that I won't be doing many more of these too!
Post by: leapinlew on February 24, 2019, 09:29:05 am
The CP artwork is crap. They scratch, scuff, etc. way easy. The models I got weren't floor models. None of them had a ton of wear and tear, but I wouldn't be comfortable selling them as is.Did you get on the a1up website and order the replacement CP covers? No receipt is necessary to order them. Just takes a while to get them so you might have them sold before they arrive.
Yes I did! Only the Street Fighter arrived quickly. The Pac-Man, Asteroids and Centipede haven't arrived. That really should be stop one for anyone who owns any of these cabinets.
Post by: leapinlew on February 24, 2019, 09:39:50 am
Since I was getting no action at $425, I lowered the price to $350. The good news is, I wasn't feeling pressured. Worse case, this cabinet would go in the kids playroom and I would have invested $300 into a 60-n-1 cabinet for them. After another few days, I guy messaged about the cabinet and he seemed very interested. He lived local and came by and purchased it for $350.
And that's where I stand today. I made $50, I have 2 non-functional Arcade1up's, and a bluetooth speaker. I don't think there is a world where this would have been considered a money making gig, but at least I can say I only lost some of my time, and not my shirt. So, this isn't a win, but it isn't a loss.
Post by: leapinlew on February 24, 2019, 10:01:04 am
What I learned about selling arcade games
- I prefer to meet my buyers in person. I used Craigslist and Ebay. I had 1 buyer on Ebay, but I chickened out and canceled the sale. I just didn't trust these cabinets to make it to their destination unharmed. Since these were customer returns, I felt a little guilty, like I was selling them someone elses problems. Even if they were New in Box, I didn't think it was right. I know I wouldn't want to buy someone elses problems. That's why I provided the 24 hour return policy.
- Everyone who wanted a cabinet, paid full price. I'm not sure what the lesson is here, but I noticed everyone who wanted the cabinet, paid the asking price. Everyone who negotiated before even coming over, would evaporate
- I forgot how much I hated dealing with potential buyers. Lots of questions, flakey people, etc. I had this issue selling real cabinets, one at a time a couple times a year. This was multiplied by having several Craigslist ads running at once
- Arcades aren't selling well. At least, these particular arcades. I've sold lots of cabinets, and was always successful selling them in the $850 range. I thought these cabinets would easily go for $500 if I included a riser. Not so. I was getting very little action at $425. I got very little interest at $350 also. I notice lots of the full size cabinets are languishing on Craigslist too. Not sure if this is the masses having their demands met or if this just how things our in my region of the country
What I learned about Arcade1ups
- I think build quality, collectively, is poor, but I think there are good and bad spots of these cabinets. The worst offender is the artwork. The Control Panel has well known issues. This can be resolved by the overlay. The overlay is an absolute must. The marquee is unlit, but is acceptable. The sideart was surprisingly poor. If all you are doing is looking at it, it's fine, but it's a sticker that peels away from it's backing pretty easily. Any excessive handling of the cabinet and it starts to peel up at the edges. This may or may not be a problem - just depends on the person
- The construction of the cabinet is acceptable. I think 1/2" MDF isn't a great choice to build with, but to assemble a cabinet that already has all the lock/cam style joinery in it already is fine with me. I think these are decent candidates to build from.
- The controls and LCD panel are too subjective for me to judge. I was happy with them, but YMMV. Not much else to say here, except if you don't know what to think, you should put hands and eyes on one
- Arcade1up has support, but it requires lots of patience. Either patience to talk to someone or patience waiting for parts to arrive
- Long term build quality on these isn't like an arcade. If you move a lot, or plan on moving this cabinet a little, the moves will take their toll on the stock cabinet.
- Price if you plan on keeping it stock should be $150-$200. If you want to mod it, I would wait for a free donor cabinet. It'll happen as people tire of these cabinets and/or they begin to fail outside of the short 3 month warranty window
I think everyone knows I'm a proponent for giving these cabinets a chance. I still am and I'd like our attitudes collectively as a group reflect that, but I've adjusted my expectations downwards for these cabinets.
Bottom Line. I won't do this again. I'm happy to be on the other side. I'm slightly worried about why my judgement thought this was an ok idea to begin with, lol.
Post by: leapinlew on February 24, 2019, 10:10:57 am
I'm being fully transparent with you guys. Purchasing this pallet was a dumb ass move for me. I kicked myself several times during this whole process. At one point, I had 600lbs of Arcade1Up's in my garage and $1,000 less in my bank account. I'm not a huge risk taker. $1,000 isn't a ton of money to us, but it's more than I had in the arcade slush fund, so as far as I was concerned, I had taken on debt by taking money out of the household.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who's made a decision that was instantly regretted. I decided to share how mine worked out. I didn't lose money, but I didn't make any either. I got lucky the cabinets all mostly worked and I got lucky to find buyers.
Anyhow, carry-on fellow arcaders!
Post by: wp34 on February 24, 2019, 10:22:53 am
Post by: JDFan on February 24, 2019, 10:37:05 am
Thanks for sharing Lew. I found this very interesting and appreciate you be open with the process.Agreed was an interesting read - Glad you at least broke even. Think the only ones that could make money on these type of resales would be those that live within driving distance of the auction site ( so just spend the gas money rather than shipping fee ! ) :dunno
Does sound a bit fishy that the auction wound up right at your Max bid and that they added the extra $80 to the shipping estimate - wouldn't doubt that they do that on most of the auctions to make some extra profit for themselves as well.
Post by: yotsuya on February 24, 2019, 11:06:03 am
Thanks for sharing Lew. I found this very interesting and appreciate you be open with the process.
Agreed. Easily the most interesting thread I’ve read in a long time! :cheers:
Post by: yotsuya on February 24, 2019, 11:07:09 am
Post by: leapinlew on February 24, 2019, 11:25:38 am
Oh, I forgot to ask - what did the wife say?
LoL! Great question. I lol, because several folks have asked me about it and because in any healthy relationship, this kind of money and\or time investment is something that should be discussed. I didn't and that's my biggest regret. When I told her (prior to the shipment arrival), I did so with a "you aren't going to believe what I did" angle. I promised not to spend too much time on it, she eye rolled, and we both laughed about it.
My wife is super cool. My arcade hobby usually isn't a big deal. I can bring in a cabinet or some parts in with no concern. Well, the only concern is how much time I'm going to dedicate to it, not the money. Most of the time I purchase whatever without any consultation, but when a pallet arrives with a 600lbs of Arcade1ups, I owe her an explanation.
Good question.
Post by: Zebra on February 24, 2019, 12:26:04 pm
And just to be clear -
I'm being fully transparent with you guys. Purchasing this pallet was a dumb ass move for me. I kicked myself several times during this whole process. At one point, I had 600lbs of Arcade1Up's in my garage and $1,000 less in my bank account. I'm not a huge risk taker. $1,000 isn't a ton of money to us, but it's more than I had in the arcade slush fund, so as far as I was concerned, I had taken on debt by taking money out of the household.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who's made a decision that was instantly regretted. I decided to share how mine worked out. I didn't lose money, but I didn't make any either. I got lucky the cabinets all mostly worked and I got lucky to find buyers.
Anyhow, carry-on fellow arcaders!
I'm actually a little impressed. I make lots of stupid purchasing decisions with the logic that I can just sell them if things don't work out but.... they just sit on my pile of unfinished arcade projects.
Post by: Osirus23 on February 24, 2019, 01:17:42 pm
Post by: pbj on February 24, 2019, 01:23:26 pm
Post by: yotsuya on February 24, 2019, 09:04:36 pm
The only thing she doesn’t know about is the $400 pinball project I have in storage. ;)
Post by: pbj on February 24, 2019, 09:28:52 pm
Post by: yotsuya on February 24, 2019, 09:35:02 pm
Run for the border, bro, the "bedroom Purchases" are cheap and OTC down there.
Motherscratcher, the little general wakes up at full attention every morning. Bring your little blue pills to ZapCon.
Post by: pbj on February 24, 2019, 10:37:11 pm
Post by: yotsuya on February 24, 2019, 10:39:00 pm
Are you gonna be my JO buddy?
I’m not one to tell tales, but the circle jerk starts right on time. Be prompt.
Post by: paigeoliver on February 24, 2019, 11:05:23 pm
My “set up” with my wife this similar to yours, Lew. My arcade hobby pays for itself, and interesting enough it’s actually been paying for some bedroom purchases she wanted. So everyone is happy in the end.
The only thing she doesn’t know about is the $400 pinball project I have in storage. ;)
My wife actually gets pissed about my self financed hobbies that pay for themselves. But, it pretty much boils down to everything she ever spends money on is worthless the moment she gets it home, and everything I ever spend money on has a significant resale value.
Post by: opt2not on February 24, 2019, 11:15:08 pm
Pfft. Wives...My “set up” with my wife this similar to yours, Lew. My arcade hobby pays for itself, and interesting enough it’s actually been paying for some bedroom purchases she wanted. So everyone is happy in the end.
The only thing she doesn’t know about is the $400 pinball project I have in storage. ;)
My wife actually gets pissed about my self financed hobbies that pay for themselves. But, it pretty much boils down to everything she ever spends money on is worthless the moment she gets it home, and everything I ever spend money on has a significant resale value.
Post by: yotsuya on February 25, 2019, 07:41:31 am
Pfft. Wives...My “set up” with my wife this similar to yours, Lew. My arcade hobby pays for itself, and interesting enough it’s actually been paying for some bedroom purchases she wanted. So everyone is happy in the end.
The only thing she doesn’t know about is the $400 pinball project I have in storage. ;)
My wife actually gets pissed about my self financed hobbies that pay for themselves. But, it pretty much boils down to everything she ever spends money on is worthless the moment she gets it home, and everything I ever spend money on has a significant resale value.
Don’t pull a Johnrt and start posting photos with a pair of nuts photoshopped on them! ;)
Post by: Malenko on February 25, 2019, 08:33:36 am
Wanna send me the guts and CP from the one you modded?
Post by: pbj on February 25, 2019, 10:07:57 am
>:D
Meh, eff that. Let him choke on it.
:cheers:
Post by: Malenko on February 25, 2019, 11:00:29 am
Post by: leapinlew on February 25, 2019, 07:28:53 pm
A $1000 *IS* a lot of money, to me at least. I am glad you broke even-ish.
Wanna send me the guts and CP from the one you modded?
Like.... the pcb and the control board? If you want it - sure, I have a couple. I don't need'em.
PM me your address and I promise not to plaster it all over the forum in a fit of rage.
Post by: ark_ader on February 25, 2019, 07:58:14 pm
I'll pay $5 more than Malenko.
>:D
Meh, eff that. Let him choke on it.
:cheers:
You still owe me $10 so pony up mister.
Post by: pbj on February 25, 2019, 09:48:54 pm
Post by: leapinlew on January 01, 2022, 06:24:16 pm
When I ordered those, Arcade1up had a giveaway for "deck protectors". That's what they call their plexi overlays. Anyhow, I ordered some for the machines. While waiting for the deck protectors to arrive, I was actively getting rid of the arcade1ups. When they finally arrived, I sold them all. In June these were in short supply and people were paying good money for them. Well, the Deck protectors sold for $150, lol.
All said and done, I kept 2 machines and made $200.
Post by: MrThunderwing on January 06, 2022, 04:44:01 am
Post by: leapinlew on January 06, 2022, 08:01:07 am
Interesting read. I'm glad you were able to recoup your initial costs, even if you only ended up with a tiny profit. So really, Walmart slashing their prices was the big issue, by the sounds of it. You'd have been rolling in cash if you'd sold them over here in the UK, we've got a piss poor selection and they're still selling for around the £350 mark brand new (about 470 dollars-ish).
All said and done, with the deck protectors, I made about 20% profit, or $200 and kept 2 machines for myself. If I would've held on to them a year, I would've made considerably more because the price of them had increased from the time I was selling them. At the time, Walmart reduced them to $75 and it forced me to rush thinking it was the new price point. Just the other day they released a $1,000 arcade model.
In the UK and Canada, they are still super expensive.