Home entertainment is becoming a big business, and so are the vintage interior objects that go with it. An arcade cabinet, pinball machine, or vintage slot machine can really attract attention. They can lift a room, being an antique statement piece that can also be used for recreation. Yet when buying old mechanical items like these, there are some pitfalls to avoid.
Make Sure You Have Space
Unfortunately, these items tend to be on the larger side. This is great if you have lots of floor space to fill. However, you may find, for instance, that the Afterburner arcade cabinet, complete with a moving chair, is just too big, filling the room and making it impractical. Always keep space considerations in mind. This is even more important if you have something such as an air hockey or foosball table, where quick maneuvres around it are essential.
Not only do you need space within the house, you need to be able to get it through the door. Check the width of doorways and turning angles. Once these items are dismantled for entry, they may never go back together again without some huge renovations.
Play Before You Buy
This seems like a no-brainer. Yet, in the age of massive online auction sites like Ebay, plenty of people might think they have a bargain, only for the item to arrive and for it to not work fully. This is a problem, as return shipping is often costly and cumbersome, if it’s an option at all.
Many items also have parts that may need replacing and be particularly hard, if not impossible to source. This is particularly true of vintage slot machines. Their popularity has soared due to the abundance of online casino games in recent decades. Even in states where online gambling is not yet fully legislated for, sites like Luckyland have allowed people to play them for free without any need for cash wagers. With the market becoming so saturated in this way, the price of original cabinets has been sent soaring, and parts all the more expensive.
Everything is usually repairable, but it will cost. In some cases, you may end up spending as much as, or even more than you did on the original item. Thus, make sure you play the item before buying. Test the functionality of all its essential parts, that all lights and controls are working as they should.
Check Your Seller
There are generally two types of sellers, both with advantages and disadvantages. Private sellers, who may have had the item in their home, are more likely to provide a bargain piece. Yet their knowledge may be slightly limited.
Meanwhile, companies that buy and renovate old arcade and casino items will tend to be more expensive. The chances are, however, the item will be in better condition. It may have been serviced, upgraded, and readied for a new customer. It also gives you a more solid point of contact to return to if you need parts or replacements.
Do your homework, and make sure you have the space. Once you do, you can find the perfect machine for your home. It’s important you like it, as you will be playing it for some time. Invite guests around, get snacks and drinks then enjoy some classic gaming action.
