pinball purchase checklist breakdown
A pinball purchase checklist is your defense against costly surprises. This systematic guide ensures you examine the playfield wear, cabinet structure, electronic functionality of all major systems, and provenance. It transforms an emotional decision into an informed investment, whether you’re buying a project machine or a collector-ready piece.
Why You Need a Pinball Purchase Checklist
Walking up to a machine for sale is exciting, but excitement can cloud judgment. A checklist provides a disciplined, repeatable process to objectively assess condition, identify hidden issues, and accurately value the machine. It prevents post-purchase regret and gives you confidence during negotiation.
Your Step-by-Step Pinball Purchase Checklist
Section 1: Visual & Physical Inspection
- Cabinet: Check for structural integrity, water damage, and leg bolt rust. Examine side art for fading, chips, or peeling.
- Playfield: Look for wear (paint loss) in front of pop bumpers and common shot lanes. Check for cracked or lifted inserts, and severe planking (wood grain raising).
- Backglass/Translite: Inspect for flaking, cracks, or moisture damage. Ensure it’s secure.
- Plastics & Ramps: Look for cracks, breaks, or significant warping on all plastics and ramps.
Section 2: Electronic & Gameplay Operation Test
- Boot-Up: Turn it on. Does it start correctly without errors? Listen for strange sounds.
- Switch Test: Enter the machine’s switch test mode. Methodically press every playfield switch (rollovers, targets, ramps) to confirm registration.
- Solenoid & Coil Test: In test mode, fire every flipper, bumper, and solenoid. Watch for weak or stuck mechanisms.
- Display & Lights: Are all segments of the score display working? Do general illumination and feature lights function?
- Gameplay: Play multiple balls. Test each flipper strength, ball save, and major game feature. Listen for coils that stay energized (a serious issue).
Section 3: Verification & Documentation
- Asking Price Rationale: Ask the seller how they arrived at the price. Is it based on recent market sales?
- History: Ask about ownership history, time in location, and any known repairs or modifications.
- Photos/Videos Request: Get clear photos of any flaws before purchase. Ask for a video of it booting and playing if buying remotely.
- Manual & Keys: Verify the owner has the manual and keys for the coin door and backbox.
Section 4: Final Negotiation & Logistics
- Issue Triage: Use your checklist findings to identify needs: simple shop job, major repair, or restoration.
- Price Adjustment: Factoring in needed parts and labor, is the asking price fair? Present your findings objectively.
- Moving Plan: Have a plan for safe transport—properly secured on its back in a truck, with the head folded down and secured.
- Payment Method: Use a secure, traceable payment method.
Final Step: The Go/No-Go Decision
Synthesize your checklist data. Does the machine’s condition, functionality, and price align with your goals (ready-to-play vs. project)? If the issues outweigh the value or your repair skills, walking away is the smartest move. A good deal will feel right both in your heart and on your checklist.
Arming yourself with this pinball purchase checklist turns you from a hopeful buyer into a savvy collector, ensuring you bring home a machine that brings joy, not headaches.
