Ultraman Problems - or - Screwed Again by Slot-Pachinko.com

[JSpirtos]

So my Ultraman Pachinko just arrived from Slot-Pachinko.com and yet again there's problems.

UltraA.jpg UltraB.jpg

1) The front frame is cracked. It's on the top/left of the clear frame. I know that these machines carry some wear but this is a bit much. I notice that all the clear elements, including the main window, are all one piece. Is this even replaceable?

UltraC.jpg UltraD.jpg

2) The key fits though will not turn. Is there some sort of trick I'm missing. I could use a pair of pliers though I don't want to risk cracking the lock.

The machine is dirty with clear tape and clear tape 'gunk' all over the frame.

I only went with Slot-Pachinko.com because I couldn't find a local dealer for this pachinko. This is the second time I've had problems with S-P.com (see my Indy posts) and am totally convinced they don't look over their merchandise before shipping.

What should I do?

[Sid]

you would think they would get it right the second time...

id contact them and tell them its unacceptable.. either they shipped it broke or the shipping goons broke it either way its not your problem.

in regards to the key issue... there is a simple way to make the lock work with anything that will fit into it..

just a matter of taking 10 minutes..

[BigBearSteve]

What should you do? STOP Buying from Slot-Pachinko!!!

[JSpirtos]

OK, so what do I do about the lock?
Can the clear plastic be replaced?

BTW I just powered it up and all I got was some sort of warning message and a high pitched "SHRIEK!" that seems like it never ends. I looked for a reset button near the power button but none to be found.
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What should you do? STOP Buying from Slot-Pachinko!!!

I didn't think I would get screwed twice?

[Sid]

here is the Lock mod...

do it only if your keeping the machine

PachiTalk Research Center - FAQ - Pachinko - Pachinko Lock Conversion for 'Omron' Lock - PachiTalk

[luckydog]

have you checked all your connections, do you have balls in the top back tray???

their key sure is Mickey Mouse!!!

[BigBearSteve]

That's the warning alarm. You can't shut it off. Just wait 60 seconds, It'll stop.

[JSpirtos]

here is the Lock mod...

do it only if your keeping the machine

PachiTalk Research Center - FAQ - Pachinko - Pachinko Lock Conversion for 'Omron' Lock - PachiTalk

So you're basically dumping the tumblers out of the lock so any key will do... nice.

[Sid]

Yes.. and it woks Great..

a big thanks to Arby for his how to!

[BigBearSteve]

So you're basically dumping the tumblers out of the lock so any key will do... nice.

Try your key from Indy, it should work..

[JSpirtos]

Nope, it's a no fit. I picked up the Indy from Hiro @ CF Imports and his key looks more professional. I'm actually going to see him today about a Thunderbirds Pachinko and want to hear his views on Slot-Pachinko.com's practices.

I also left a message with S-P.com. I briefly stated the problems and how I want to schedule a FedEx pickup for an exchange. Let's see what happens.

Last time I sent the Indy back I was given a refund instead of an exchange and was pissed. When I asked, "WHY?!", I was told that the Indy was completely sold out. Funny, since it was never taken off their site.

This is the last time I'm going to deal with Slot-Pachinko.com. I knew there was going to be a 50/50 chance I was going to get screwed though this was the only company I could find online that carried the Ultraman model.

Next time I should just learn to live without than to deal with S-P.com again.

[dattia]

Good luck... it really is not too much to expect a fully working machine in decent shape.

[arbycoffee]

[rubberratt]

I am so sorry to hear you have had problems. I hope it all gets set straight.

[new in town]

I haven't had any in a while so here it goes.

"I hope the vendor does not wind up busting his balls".

Now back to the real world. Good luck with your working with the Vendor to fix the Problems. A crack in the frame might have happened during shipping. How well was or wasn't it Packed? Either way They should make good on it if they did not tell you it had a defect before it left the store.

That Lame excuse for a Key never should have left the store. And they should have made a least an attempt to clean it up a bit before shipping it.

I myself would not clean it up or attempt the key mod until you come to a final decision as to the repair / replacement / refund on it with them. I've, in the past emailed pictures back to a vendor of problems with a sour machine. And followed up with a phone call or two.

Their warranty. : Slot Machines-Pachinko Machine Sales, Parts and Service

(I don't like the bit about "it will be repaired or replaced at no additional charge to the customer" then in the very same paragraph they state " any associated shipping costs are sole the responsibility of the customer".) :bsflag:
Their "About Us page" (Note second Paragraph from the bottom) : Slot Machines-Pachinko Machine Sales, Parts and Service

I would say you have valid complaints about the Machine and they should keep up their end of the sale with the warranty / customer service that they are disclosing on their Web Site.

The main question here is do they ship directly or use a Drop shipper?

If they shipped it directly they knew the condition of the machine before it left them.

If they use a Drop shipper, They need to contact them and get the issues taken care of. Their business address in in Mesquite Texas. Does the Shipping label or Tracking number if they gave you one state from where the machine started it's journey to you? If the point of origin is not Mesquite Texas they are drop shipping.

[musky]

What??? No green warning sticker on the front? Boy these guys really ripped you off!!!

You all know what I think of these guys, read the Horror Manion thread.
I don't know what that is they sent you but it ain't no key. The only way that will work is to remove the tumblers.

Here is what I think is going on with Slot-Pachinko. You got a couple of Texas 'Good Ol' Boys' who have a storeage shed full of fresh off the boat pachinkos with a fancy webpage. I got 2 e-mails from these guys, one from the VP of sales and one from the VP of Shipping. Nice how the VP's take time out of there busy day to drop me a line. And busy they must be, because to be shipping a 1000 units a month, as they claim, they have to be shipping 33 a day.
Maybe it's about time we give Bubba and Billy Bob a break and reduce their work load.

[luckydog]

does anyone know if they are under new ownership??

quality and service always seems to drop when this happens

[luckymoey]

At the sake of getting some groans here goes...

Slot Pachinko has been the only vendor consistently selling pachinkos on e-bay for 5+ years and overall is an asset to the hobby. They have upset me on a couple occasions also but at $199 these machines just don't have a lot of profit in them. We're getting used machines for a bargian price. If one comes in great condition I'm thrilled but don't expect it for a discount price.

The broken frame is unacceptable and they should immediately offer to replace the machine at their cost - which it appears they have historically done. The key and cleanliness are easily fixed. Their packaging is good with a heavy box stuffed with dense foam so they probably put it in the box that way. I just bought another machine from them and the condition was also disappointing - very dirty and bent hinge - both fixed in a couple hours.

It does appear their quality is slipping and they should be called on it - but they are selling some of the latest machines at good prices and it would be a major blow if they closed shop. Some of the newer members may not have seen past vendors come and go - if Slot-Pachinko closes shop we could be like the UK with no major vendors.

[birdbrain]

translation: sure he leaned me over a barrel and made a girl out of me, but...if hes not around ... sounds like the same logic that a victim of wife beating uses

[musky]

Well, if they're the best thing since sliced bread it's time we went on the Atkins Diet.
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does anyone know if they are under new ownership??

quality and service always seems to drop when this happens

Quality and service always seems to drop when they know they are the only game in town...