John's Arcade Forum - Classic Arcade and Pinball Collecting and Restoring Discussion Forum - RETRO MAME - Nintendo Vs Forum

Hello, I'm new to the arcade restoration group, and having a blast with it. I was wondering, are there certain places to look for hidden away arcade machines that could be for sale? What's the best way to come across them. I live in a small town and I pretty much have to do all my buying 350+ miles away to get anything good. And most of the time the good stuff is already picked through.

Truthfully some of the "seconds" is actually just diamonds in the rough if you know what your doing to restore it and are willing to take the time to troubleshoot and learn new techniques you didn't know to problems you've never faced before.

My advice for finding machines is to try and find them via craigslist, ebay if you can find one close to you and can look at it before buying it, find out who the vendors are in your area there usually always looking to sell damaged back stock they have. Damaged being anything from "not working" to "not working well". Also another big one is to find local collectors. Sometimes there looking to sell or trade there machines they don't want anymore which can be a boon for you if you know the price of the machine going in. some research may be required on that.

Sometimes word of mouth helps too.
The dragons lair john just bought wasn't on ebay or craigslist.
Because he has a spiffy friends like me , I showed him where there was one.

Like i said knowing collectors in the area helps. It can get you leads on machines for sale that ordinarily wouldn't be something you'd be able to get.

I have another suggestion, go to arcades or places with machines and make friends with an operator,  just play some games, and chat, don't start asking to buy right away, just say "hi"

After a few times seeing them, just mention you are looking to buy games and ask if he has any he wants to get rid of, 9 times out of 10 he will, and may offer deals he wouldn't have if you just went asking to buy stuff first.

I have done this lots of times, and now I have enough sources I don't have to mess with Craigslist drama anymore, I still ebay from time to time, but most of the time I can simply ask my op friend and he will source machines for me, and often cheaper than retail.

craigslist of course is the first place.
the second place would be to take a trip to coinopwarehouse in hagerstown maryland. Lloyd usually has a ton of project machines for really good prices.

SOMETIMES a cold call to a local op will yield good results. I can't say I have had any luck with a cold call but keep on the look out for craigslist posts from ops in the area. they dont always sell arcade machines but if they are selling something and its a fair price BUY IT. just getting your foot in the door and money in their pocket opens you up to first pick when they decide to sell.

It's also very important not to screw around if you go with a operator. If you say you will be there at X time you better be there at X time. The better an impression you make with them the more likely it is they will cut you deals later or be more willing to sell you thing they wouldn't sell to other people.

Was wondering where John found that.  So true though, just being in the loop with like individuals makes all the difference. Hey Howling_North, how north are you. See if you can hook up with the closest club or something or dive into the forums and find some close collectors.