Pinball Auction Prices are Crazy!

The Museum of Pinball in Banning, Calif., is closing because of financial difficulties, augmented by the pandemic. Its collection could be worth as much as $7 million. With the prices I'm seeing - they just might get it too.
The live auction can be found here: bid.captainsauctionwarehouse....
Captain Auction Warehouse: captainsauctionwarehouse.com/
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[@CaryHardy]

I need to clarify that the site shows the buyers fee to be 18% and not the 25% that I say multiple times. Even without the buyers fee - my claim on bloated pricing still stands.

[@davestreet228]

You're actually right, 18% buyers fee plus 7.75% Ca Sales tax

[@soulintake]

@@davestreet228 but then take the discount stated in the rules that he offers by paying in full in cash or check (which most people do) and you are back under 25 again. Still we are arguing a few percentage points.

[@edwarddarcangelo3395]

Agreed. These prices are stupid.

[@Danzig96]

Where did you even get this 25% buyer fee from, did you just make it up? It’s clearly stated 18% on credit and 15% with cash. Reading really isn’t that hard.

[@CaryHardy]

@@Danzig96 well the state tax is 7.75% so it adds up to 25% on additional fees. It's more on my wording was inaccurate.

[@DubsBrown]

I was there and surprised the ultra rare game plans didn’t sell for much in comparison. It’s clearly non pinball people going nuts with the bids.

[@soulintake]

Or they are buying as much bulk as possible to fill a room or save on shipping and they don't care about specific titles and rarity

[@professorterry1808]

If you think these are bad wait till you see Lloyds Auctions in Australia, the prices there are even more! Crazy buyers everywhere

[@edwarddarcangelo3395]

The Donkey Kong County music in the background was an excellent touch. LOL on the Hook Price. I sold one a few years ago that was shopped for $2400 delivered and I thought that was high. Man guess I should have waited a few years LOL.

[@cigarsandpins4781]

Something else to consider here is people like to bid on stuff but not pay. There’s probably a very small percentage of those people that will actually pay for the items that they bid on. Anybody who has ever sold stuff on eBay knows exactly what I’m talking about

[@docfinlay]

They required a valid credit card before you are allowed to bid.

[@cigarsandpins4781]

@@docfinlay that doesn’t mean squat. Everyone that bids on eBay is also required to have a method of payment on file. And I’ve had hundreds of transactions on there that people refuse to pay and nothing is done about it. I’d be surprised if even a small fraction of those people actually paid for those games

[@s000mable]

That Hook impression killed me 😂🤣

[@BAKU2K2]

Still *SLIGHTLY* better prices than what The Pinball Company offers.

[@tntamusements]

so MEAN!

[@soulintake]

And more than slightly better selection at nearly 1,400 games lol

[@BAKU2K2]

Don't worry Todd, I'm not reffing to TNT

[@davidmain3974]

Couldn't agree more. The profiteering in general has been rampant over the last 18 months. silly prices for machines that seem ordinary overall or even below average quality and asking top dollar which is really a trust issue. I would say don't trust anyone online to know what they're talking about when it comes to value and see the machine in person. Also I have found better deals at pinball shows where you're typically dealing with other people who understand the hobby.

[@TexasSteele67]

floored every time I watch Captains stuff-insane $$$$

[@soulintake]

Convenience and sheer quantity sell these days where quantity is a rarity

[@Kaavoort]

I was at the last INDISC there. I played every single game that was operational. I would estimate that at minimum a fourth of them weren't working. Except for the newest machines, it's not like every one was in pristine museum condition. I would say that generally most were in average condition. I suppose the majority of buyers were ignorant and fooled by the branding. I know of a guy locally to me that put bids on a bunch of games with an idea he could flip them for profit. The collection was awesome. I'm very sad to see it close down.

[@kevinvanvooren3786]

Like your videos. Thanks for you honest reaction every times🤜 I buy my turtles because you’re review🎉 Keep up your good work👀

[@CaryHardy]

Thanks for the compliments!

[@kevinvanvooren3786]

@@CaryHardy you are so right with this video. It is so crazy😅 I would like to buy a Elvira the new one and it is sold out the hole time… The price for one online not new is more expensive than new😩

[@Eurosteve1992]

These prices are dumb. I’m in California only 2 hours away from auction and seen a last action hero on offer up for 3k. Not sure where these people get their money.

[@soulintake]

Where are we going with this? Do you think there is some rich die hard type bad guy buying up all of your favorite games just to piss you off?

[@rox2u]

I recently got a Hook here in sweden for $2500, serviced it with LEDs and rubbers for another $500. So I am 3k deep in that. Game at this auction is $7165 with closing fees. Insane 100% 6:25

[@memyopinionsche6610]

I'm wondering if the speculators are getting involved. And a possible bubble is forming.

[@randypullman1155]

Can we hope pinball machines prices will indices manufacturers to step up to twin screens and epic sound tracks?

[@aaronnicholas5477]

If I had to watch this auction play out I would be drunk too!!

[@christianjonker8181]

The economy is wacked, I'm in the car business and we are seeing used Trucks and SUV's sell at auction for more than what they sold for new.

[@dcocz3908]

Its the everything bubble; basically anything to spend money on and personally I feel the people buying these aren't necessarily collectors and dont know the games. If it isnt that then its one of Robert's wifes cashing out (deeproot)...

[@soulintake]

People with deep pockets ease the boredom of covid by spending money on things they might never have considered pre covid. Cough ... Pinball... Cough

[@TRKGL1800]

I have bought and sold pinball machines for over 40 years. A few years ago I was the person you came to for that special machine. At one time I was selling NIB pins when nobody else could get them. had over 60 pinballs at my home at one time. now I have only 1. sold out a few years ago as the market was rising. I didn't think it could ever go this high, as trends change, and newer generations are not interested. prices will come back down. And as I tell everyone, "If you can't repair it yourself, you don't need a pinball" I still occasionally find a few pinballs, but usually I sell them as found and let someone else do the repair or restoration. That way I have less time involved for ROI. My favorite pinball for playing and I had several over the years was "Twilight Zone" and runner up was "Scared Stiff" I appreciate your videos Cary Hardy, I have been in your shoes before. Tim in Kentucky

[@dondon4720]

100% agree, that and people are caught up in they hype all the time, there is a 22% buyers premium on these games, it's insane, sure list your south park for $7500, no one is going to buy it or they will laugh in your face

[@rafaeldonegatti1857]

I by a pinball Royal Rumble in Brazil, in 3 mounths the price up 1.000 Usd.

[@daveporter7409]

I know it’s a bit late but hey those prices aren’t good but here in Australia prices have gone crazy example LW3 $9500au. It’s ludicrous

[@ashleelemon8625]

Just curious how would you value my TW? Also, my TW spitting some weird phrases when it starts getting high score multi ball type situations. I thought perhaps brands but it is Balleys and Williams. Can you explain? Only thing I can think is it was modded when rebuilt. Really insane playing Earthshaker next to TW saying “it’s sunny drive time”.. off subject, sorry sir.

[@CaryHardy]

Typical pricing for TZ is around 6-8K these days.

[@ashleelemon8625]

So I did some digging it was programmed that way by the maker… PAT LAWLOR!

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

Why would anyone buy a pinball machine from a place where they got used 24-7 by anyone and everyone!!! Auctions are always inflated!!!! Worst place to buy anything!!

[@soulintake]

Because that "place" is the national museum of pinball. They had more skilled technicians on staff that most anywhere and it's a respectable name. They've earned a reputation for quality and quantity.

[@bigfrank5]

They were only open to the public 2 times a year.

[@xaos2012]

Yes they are

[@mk1541]

Also in the Netherlands......9000 euro for a monsterbasch...7000 euro for a Star Trek Next Gen....T2 voor 5500 euro.....beyond believe. ....

[@SwedishEmpire1700]

Sweden isnt far off the price ladder either

[@drewsloane7261]

It has to be either the rich crowd in California or the mates in Australia buying these games. Because who else in their right mind would pay these prices? I stopped looking after a 4,900$ Waterworld. Hate to see if they had a totan. Guessing like 18,000$ Always good to see your videos Cary.

[@peterhemley7848]

It went I think for 17k

[@cliffordmaxwell9802]

Just like housing , classic cars, and high end jewelry the few people with money have a shit ton of it and they are driving up prices to unsustainable levels like a big juicy bubble kind of level!

[@vinylsolution2522]

It's not locals, several big whales, got info that several buyers had shipping containers all lined up. I bought one pin, a grail for me, and not a terrible price. I had played the game everytime I attended MOP, so I knew the game, and it was in good players condition. None of my local SoCal friends are buying. So who knows where the games are going.

[@tait316]

This is crazy! I watched this auction video last night and I was like...what? This is nuts. That can't be right. It's very odd that they start with some rare sterns and work their way into other stuff. I knew something was really odd when I saw a Gottlieb Joker Poker go for over 4k. I love that game very much. But it's not rare. It's a great game but no one pays over 2k for that title. Oh btw I loved Dead Guy Rogue. I had that when I was in Vermont for 3 weeks.

[@Srt8Adam]

The rescue 911 was roached too!! You could see the wear on the playfield!!

[@robertmerlo9445]

Cary your living in the past, this is the NEW NORM now. Adapt to change. I've been in the industry for 30 years in Australia, owner. operator. collector. Its great that prices are like this and that there is interest in the hobby. Dont be one of those trolls that whinge over pricing. You can still get bargains, Picked up a GNR DE and Addams family for $1500 each last week. Get over the new prices.

[@CaryHardy]

Never! :)

[@mason9341]

One of the ladies that worked at the auction said their was at least 3000 online bidders!

[@simonbinni5269]

$6500 to around 12,000 is the average prices here in Australia

[@kevinvanvooren3786]

EU the same…

[@chrisvolnek6805]

The machines I was interested in bidding on are all scheduled for the 2nd weekend of the auction, but I tuned in just to see if things were selling for around fair market value. I was not expecting most machines to go for double what the market price was! I laughed so hard when I saw that Addams Family sell for $22,500! Adding the seller's fee and tax, they ended up paying over $28K for that machine! Having tuned in last weekend, I'm not even planning to watch during the 2nd weekend. I already know I'm going to get priced out of the one's I'm looking at.

[@lemongrass3945]

I would love to have a Adams Family. I would then sell it to someone for a $20k. I have no idea why every used game if its pinball or arcade is sky high. I hope the prices crash and I can get the used games for around $3-5k

[@justimagine2403]

Good Lord! I can't look at prices anymore as it is extremely absurd. I will stick to my virtual pin and keep the rest in my 401k.

[@bheasy1]

I was hoping for a routed rocky and bullwinkle- can I pay like 5k to 7k, on the cheap?

[@dondon4720]

That's a 3500 table on the high end

[@soulintake]

@@dondon4720 not anymore!

[@jeffk3801]

What's their Magic Girl gonna sell for? Considering it's unplayable

[@CaryHardy]

More than likely over 20K

[@tedgeronimo5034]

I bought a Simpsons Pinball new in box for $15k That was a great deal

[@Srt8Adam]

You didn’t even touch on baywatch for 8k! 10k with the premium!! Baywatch!!! 10k! Baywatch!!

[@sir_snarf]

Are you generating a list of list/sold prices?

[@CaryHardy]

Yes

[@OniRubberNinja]

Subbing. If for not only the data, the content. Keep going bud! Awesome stuff.

[@aukraut]

...from here going forward any overpriced pin showing up on FB or Pinside gets a one-word response: Captain!!!

[@TampaTec]

I feel these prices are normal in California but rest of USA the prices are high.

[@soulintake]

Yes the prices are even about 15-20% higher now than the same titles made available over the last 5 captains auctions sales. But you have to consider the source of the games this time...a respectable museum with technicians on staff, players condition games, and the massive quantity in selection all available right now is what commands the premium price. Especially if you are in the market for 30-50+ titles all available in one shot, now you are saving time

[@tikibirdarcade6647]

Since the pandemic it's a joke how ridiculous price have gone, with some games not worth the money they're going for. There's no way in hell I'd ever pay that much plus buyer's fee for a Hook that's in the top 3 for worst sound package in pinball. Having one in my house for a week was torture enough but atleast it was a cheap fix and sell. Going to just get even crazier thanks to this auction

[@TxJayYT]

So you just had to point out a LW3?! That's a shot at me Cary!! I know it!! ..HA! But after seeing those prices, I'm selling my LW3 for 10K!....LOL...what a crazy market right now. I can't wait until TPF to see some of the prices. I usually get some good deals there but I have a feeling that's probably not going to be the case this next TPF. But...I am going to bring every old game from my collection in case someone has more money than since..

[@CaryHardy]

Direct stab at you, buddy! :)

[@xaos2012]

You can buy brand new games that are way better for these prices. This is ridiculous. Someone has to be driving up the prices or they’re buying their games back this is way too much for any of these games

[@michaelj.kastner5165]

Exactly so is my Frankenstein worth $7,000 ?????

[@904PinballZine]

APPRECIATION OF LIQUID ASSET VALUE!

[@gopooalreadyplease5842]

Lol at the DE turtles at the end. Im probably the only person in the world that enjoys playing it, but even I wont pay that much.

[@soulintake]

I think it's fair to say at the price it sold at... You clearly aren't the only one who enjoys it

[@toyotaboyhatman]

$4200 for a jokerz!.. wow, some of these buyers are going to sh*t themselves when they go to resell them.

[@justimagine2403]

Um.. for the love of humanity. YES Pinball machines have gone into the stratosphere. I bought Indiana Jones for $4k. I thought it was insane to sell it for $11k. Now they are $20k. I will never have that machine back in my collection. I just saw Haunted House - 1981 machine on Ebay... $13k. WHAT THE FRACK!

[@scottlarmore5038]

These prices are just stupid. Idk man, feels like the only way to go anymore is MSRB. If you missed it, just call it good until this bubble pops.

[@skippychurch2965]

Manufacturer suggested retail... brice?

[@josephstyles5927]

Just wait till they get to the new modern stuff. They did a few that quickly went to 15k. Not counting buyers fee of 25%. Even games like EHOH went for 12 or 13k lol not counting buyers fee. You can still buy it new in box for alot less... this auction screams Iwata type scamming.

[@peterhemley7848]

10.1k for Monopoly. That's a 3400 to 3800 game tops

[@luigicicciarelli8831]

Rocky III pinball USD $10,000.00

[@t.c.bowling1934]

Sold my CFTBL hard to find. Thanks to COVID-19!

[@topteamglobal]

This is what happens when centralbanks keep printing dollars 💸

[@PubeStache]

I noticed when Heritage puts on these big premier auctions similar to that pinball one, you get a lot of people just bidding stuff up and over paying. Just to say they were a part of the auction? I dunno. All the prices are always inflated. Especially with their WATA graded Video Game auctions. But that's another rabbit hole you can dive down..

[@CaryHardy]

I was gonna mention the WATA thing too, but wasn't sure how many people were aware of it.

[@shawnb9406]

South Park $7.700 Spanish eyes $2.500

[@memyopinionsche6610]

Why is there a little circle window with a guy throwing up gang signs? Is he bloods or crips? Just curious.

[@topcat43truffles15]

Glad I got my Arcade1Up Star Wars and Marvel tables @ $549. Since they’re now $849. And each one has 10 different games. I used to play real pinball in the local bars for years, and you know what… I enjoy playing pinball on these tables just as much as the real things “AT A FRACTION OF THE COST” AND, they don’t take up as much space….👍🏻😎

[@vito]

You have a weird audio whine. Are you shooting this with a microphone attached to the camera?

[@CaryHardy]

I didn't notice the audio issue til in the editing process. Not sure what happened. Clears up near the end.

[@vito]

@@CaryHardy Well if you have a mic attached to your camera, I recommend some sort of cheap to put space between the two. Sounds like it is picking up camera noise.

[@CaryHardy]

Not sure what happened this go around. Something was causing interference. My recording procedure hasn't changed. I'll try reseating connections.

[@carlosfields9937]

Ridiculous!

[@kirby695]

This is the pinball bubble thats going to burst ... wait till all the buyers find out they over paid, it's going to be a sh#t show on PS.

[@DominicMagrinoMassageTherapist]

These aren’t organic sales prices, considering the publicity this auction received (New York Times). None of these games are worth these prices, even though a bunch of rich people think they can buy their way into the pinball market by paying them.

[@tntamusements]

AMAZING prices...I think all of us should double OUR prices!

[@CaryHardy]

Honestly if you cut the hammer price in half then you are much closer to what the market price is right now. (on some of the titles)

[@soulintake]

You can charge that too when you become or hire a licensed auctioneer, form a business, buy 2 warehouses the size of Costco, hire 10 employees, pay taxes and also have 1,400 titles to sell all at the same time while broadcasting to the internet and having over 1,000 people attend the event and pay $300 a piece to attend your event in person at your museum. Let me know when that happens and I'll buy some games from you

[@soulintake]

Man y'all honestly sound a bit salty that a few high profile international buyers showed up ready to fill empty shipping containers with a lot of titles. These guys have enough money to buy the whole place if they really wanted it all. This is just a rare event where the big dogs take whatever they want

[@09marathon]

😂

[@aaronroberts6787]

Been watching this auction on and off the whole weekend. These are crazy prices that some of these shitty machines are going for. Either this is an inside job by the place that is selling these or people who are buying these don't know anything about pinball.

[@jlarsson1978]

Or they're drunk

[@soulintake]

Actually there are a few rich people looking for a convenient way to purchase many machines at once that they were missing and get it all shipped in one session to save money, and especially to international bidders. These machines are also in considerably better working condition than the standard auctions.

[@soulintake]

Finding 30 machines you want in one shipping arrangement is much, much easier, cheaper and convenient than buying a machine or two every five weeks at auction for 15 plus auctions

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

If you sell all your machines at auctions, you could make a million dollars and retire!

[@SwedishEmpire1700]

Its come to the point that people is starting to almost quit the hobby due to the imploding prices. It takes the fun out of it when you need a bank loan just to get a half-broken unserviced pin LOL

[@t.c.bowling1934]

I miss the old days when you had one model with all the bells and whistles. Now there's too many additions...

[@soulintake]

I attend these auctions. New people are clearly entering the hobby with more money and at a faster rate than those with less money that are leaving the hobby. That's why it difficult for you to buy pins at prices comfortable for you... There is more demand than supply right now.

[@soulintake]

Also, if you are an old pin head, how did the fun get taken out of it when your old pins at cheap prices suddenly became much more valuable?

[@tedgeronimo5034]

This video was sexual!

[@CaryHardy]

Thanks? lol

[@mikeyocain]

25% buyer premium holy shit that's high

[@PubeStache]

It's absolutely insane. I saw a Bronco EM that went for $4,200. After the 25% it's $5,275!! What?!

[@mikeyocain]

@@PubeStache I'm telling you, you got to just have more money than sense to buy anything from this auction.

[@soulintake]

It's 18% stated in the auction rules, pretty standard shit

[@mikeyocain]

@@soulintake I gotcha, Cary said 25 so I Just assumed, I didn't actually go look, still that high considering the price the games are going for without the premium added

[@CaryHardy]

Not sure where I saw 25%, but it is true that the site does say 18%. If I do a follow up on this auction I will clarify. Even still - the hammer price is still stupid.

[@Hollyweirdification]

That's precisely why I didn't register for that auction!!! You already know there was shill bidders!!!!! People are dumb!!! If dare say 3 out of 100 of those games actually went to real people!!!

[@charlotteowens4644]

Where else can the people who run legal marijuana

[@charlotteowens4644]

Put there money? Can't bank it.

[@adamwal4591]

ok ok ok ok ok ok hear me out... LW3 is a good game. ok ok ok?

[@CaryHardy]

Not a bad game once you get the updated sound rom that removes the "okay okay okay". I even said it when recording but edited it out cause I even annoyed myself by hearing it.

[@TxJayYT]

@@CaryHardy There is nothing wrong with LW3..You hear me ? NOTHING!..LOL