Importing machines from Japan to the United States

[PachiPachi]

Hi everyone!

I have been bitten by the pachi bug and now I would like to import a machine or two from Japan. I actually know someone who is connected in the pachinko industry, but before I asked, I wanted to know I had my bases covered. Its allot to ask to have someone ship these over here. I of course would like to keep it legal, and use this machine for home only use for entertainment. I have a few concerns when shipping it here, specifically customs. Anyone know how customs views these machines? Does anyone have any advice, resources, or other recommendations for me? I am really looking for a hoktuo no ken and or a pachinko paradise machine (i posted in the trade section).

Thank you very much!

[Drunkenclam]

I don't know about the US, but I've had about 9 modern machines shipped to the UK, The biggest problem is weight. The post office will not take anything over 30KG. and some moderns are over 40KG. To get round this, you either need to use fedex or UPS which really ups the shipping cost, or have the machine split in 2 parts (frame and cel) to be reassembled on arrival. I personally think that you guys in the US have it a lot easier as you have some really good dealers out there. Who bring their shipping costs down by shipping bulk, Before looking at self import, I would drop them a line (Akimono or 5 brothers) and see what they can do, Then you will get a machine delivered to your door, ready to go and with warranty as well. To get the price drop, You need to wait till about 2 years after the machine has been out, The first ones on the market are always high price, but after a while they just drop to the 10,000-15,000 yen mark, and then lower. The Urusei yatsura 4 machine can now be found for under 6000 yen, where about 4 months ago it was 16,000 yen

[PachiPachi]

Thanks for the info! And I read your signiture and I wrote pachinko paradise, but what it really is called is Super Sea Story! Yeah that one would bring back some memories

Ill see if I can get ahold of these dealers you were talking about.

EDIT - just checked out Akimono. Nice site! They have a very nice variety. I couldnt find anything on 5 brothers though. That yellow sea story is nice but i remember playing on the blue one. Great prices.

[emmadog]

I've shipped a half dozen machines from Japan this far and thee have been no issues with customs. Shipping by air is one option and its expensive but it'll reach you in less than a week and customs typically takes a day to process thru. On one occasion I had a customs agent call about my machine and wanted a verbal assurance from me that it was for home use only.

[The Rube]

If some is placing overseas orders, I can give them a want list. Thinking the bigger the order, the cheeper the shipping.

[candyflip]

WELCOME!

Hope you stick around - best pachinko info on the Interwebs, here.

[Drunkenclam]

Heres 5 brothers website

FIVE BROTHERS TRADING COMAPNY, INC.

List a couple of different sea story models, but no Fist of the North Star.