Pachi repair

[digital1]

I had an add on C-list for a Pachinko wanted. Someone replied and asked if I would fix theirs. I don't know if they are going to try to sell it after.

How much should I charge?
Should I take on the risk?
Should I just give them advise?
Should I tell them about Pachitalk?
Should I just tell them it's no good and I'll take it off their hands for $10.00

I told them to send pictures and a description of the problem and I'lll get back to them.
Now I wait for a responce.

[Sid]

depends on the problem
thats depends on how much of a PITA this person is
not if you want to charge for it
Yes without thinking (shameless plug)
$10... crap you should be at least able to tell them its hopeless and you want $50 for your time and you'll take it to the dump for them for free.

[JACKSJE4]

I run an ad on craigslist for restoring and repairing vintage pachinkos. I charge an up-front diagnostic fee of $15 which I apply to the repair charge if they decide to have me fix it. That fee is cheap enough for most folks to consider, plus it lets me know how serious they are about the repair and how attached they are to the machine. If they balk at paying the $15, then I figure they may be open to selling it and I offer them a price based on condition and what is (or isn't) included, such as balls, missing parts, stained cell, etc. (that is, if I want the machine at all!!)

I then charge $20-$45 for simple repairs (clear ball jams, adjust the levers, etc.) depending on how much disassembly is required. I also advertise full machine restorations for $150, and build cabinets to their specs - price depends on wood selected and how elaborate the design is.

If you plan to begin doing restorations for a fee, make sure you check with your city to see if you need to have a business license first. I would also recommend setting up a bank account to keep the finances separate, and create a Limited Liability Corp (LLC) through your Secretary of State to protect your ASSets!! It can be done on-line and the fee is nominal.


Hope this helps!

Jeff

[digital1]

I enjoy fixing and cleaning as much as playing, but that is one that I get to keep and brag about.
What if I fall in love with the machine and can't give it back?

[JACKSJE4]

What if I fall in love with the machine and can't give it back?

I look at it this way... after I repair someone else's machine it needs to be "stress tested" to make sure that it's functioning properly, so I keep it as long as I need to and play it until I've had my fun (or until they threaten to sue me to get it back). Then I return it to them and work on the next one. This has helped me to feed my passion of exploring vintage Pachinkos without breaking the family budget and creating too much stress on my marriage. Plus I make a few bucks in the process, which I use to buy more "inventory"!

[digital1]

"Inventory"...I like that

Maybe a few "Parts machines".