Has anyone ever bought from Sanko Industries?.......

[gwarzin]

Even when I go back to the first site, after having a very fast load on the second site, the first site still crawls. So it's more than just cache.

[wmas1960]

Have to say I have really enjoyed reading these posts. The insights have been very informative as I look to buy my first machine. I see prices on eBay that range so much and I begin to see why some of the higher prices could be a bit more reasonable than they look. The time, resources, experience and all that goes into a sell able machine seems pretty big. And, from the listing of machines in the container, it seems that some machines are more expensive because they are that much less available. I seem to recall a mix where some were in supplies of 10 or 20 or so units and other varieties were only 1 or 2 out of 400. Naturally someone is going to sell the 1 Super Blackjack for a lot more than one of the varieties that they were getting 20 of.

Looking around I did have a thought of buying a bulk lot of machines and taking the ones I wanted and selling the rest. There was a post earlier that mentioned a 12 pack of machines including 2 of the very ones I would be interested in. I thought that I could keep the two I wanted then sell the remainder for a little profit and make a little thin profit while getting my machines, basically, for free.

But a few things crossed my mind. First, are the bulk packages, 3 packs (4 machines) or 12 packs, available on ebay fully refurbished? Are they ready to just resell? Do they come with the tokens and bulbs manuals...? Or, are a percentage of them going be DOA or need some work and cleaning etc.? Then there was the issue that storing 12 machines. For me, that would not be an easy task. There are 3 or 4 machines, total, that I would really want and I don't know if I have the room for those. Not to mention 12 machines. Would have to make sure they are ready to sell on delivery and line up friends or others who would commit to buying some. Then I had the thought, I read that some dealers are registered slot dealers with the DOJ. Would I need to have some sort of licenses or permits? Registrations with local law enforcement or gaming commission? With the US dept of Treasury etc., in order to get into the business of selling these machines?

However, I can see how someone who has time on their hands, has some space available and a little know how, can make a go of it. As for myself, I think I am a bit handy. Have some experience with electronics and other technical issues. Could probably pick up the skills necessary to work on pachislos. I have the time on my hands as I spend much of my time at home taking care of and watching over my aging parents. My problem is that I don't have the space to keep an inventory or to set up a work shop. It almost seemed the perfect investment opportunity for me until that issue came up. At least on the level of about 12 machines at a time.

Reading some of the suggestions that others provided about buying wholesale from those who already have the businesses set up might seem a good route to start with. Pick up a few machines that you could take out to flea markets or sell or distribute to or through other local businesses or sell on eBay. Get familiar with the machines by owning them, selling small quantities of them, keeping them going and getting familiar with all the workings. As skills build then 200 machines in a 20' container might not be too over the head as a next step. Again, if you have the place to stash them and work on them.

Then there is the issue of if you are going to go it alone. It sounds, from all the advice and anecdotal replies that it might be something better to have a partner or two involved with you. Not only to share the risk, perhaps but from the start, when that container arrives, you will need help unloading it. Get 4 friends and each of you will have to move less than 50 machines in under, was it 2 hours? That might be doable. Then you could also get a system going of cleaning and refurbishing the machines at a more practical rate. If you are going to distribute the machines to local shops or sell at flea markets.... it can also be helpful to have someone else with you to load and unload machines, handle customers if you are fortunate to generate some interest....

It still seems to be a bit ambitious, even with only 200 machines for an individual. But, as I said, with a couple partners it could be a nice sideline where you could generate a decent number of sell able machines in a week of spare time. Then, as your supply of good machines starts to dwindle you could place your order for another 200.

I am sure I am still over simplifying much of this but it is a bit intriguing.

Good Luck if you go for it.....