The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Archived Threads => Homepin => Topic started by: Homepin on July 05, 2015, 02:37:42 PM
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Since setting up the factory in Shenzhen China I have had surprisingly few visitors.
Maybe people don't consider China as a holiday destination? Maybe there isn't much interest in arcade machine construction?
The first were a couple I have known for many years, friends of my wife actually who were holidaying in China and wanted to see what we were up to.
The second was David Hankin who was in Guangzhou on business (the next major city from Shenzhen - about 1.5 hours drive away). We clinched the deal at the time for me to manufacture Hankin arcade tables and have since racked up serial #300 which is going to an expats bar nearby in DongGuan.
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/DM.jpg) (http://www.homepin.com/pics/DM1.jpg)
The next visitor was a surprise (to me anyway) and it was amazing that my wife was here at the time and we all had a very good "chat" for a few hours on various things to do with pinball manufacture (and no, I will not be elaborating on our discussion).
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/MKG.jpg) (http://www.homepin.com/pics/KGM.jpg)
Visitors are always welcome by appointment.
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Is it ok if I pop in when driving by %.% good to see some interest in what you are doing
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(http://www.homepin.com/pics/KGM.jpg)
Look out, industrial spy! &&
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Great to see Gary has an interest in other pinball manufacturers. I see that as a compliment Mike !
I guess they don't sell many belts in China <.>
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Very cool Mike, wonder if you discussed clear coats....
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Great to see Gary has an interest in other pinball manufacturers. I see that as a compliment Mike !
I guess they don't sell many belts in China <.>
didn't you know Gary's from the hood. All his homie mates dress like that.
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I guess they don't sell many belts in China <.>
Maybe comparing Homepin and Stern balls. Sterns often scratch playfield.
That blue bag is starting to stretch with the weight.
Either that or GS is itching for a Michael Jackson pinball for an upcoming title.
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LOLs
I'd love to visit China, but I would be going way north and see the terracotta warriors
my son has been there twice over the last few years
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Um... I say Stern have the best business minds in pinball. So I say Gary was not there on a holiday....
Though Homepin has drawn little overseas chat amongst the players and podcasts, I'm sure of all the startup pinball companies Homepin is the one most discussed in the boardroom (or basement for a couple of defunt startups). So if Stern have now judged that Homepin look like they are about to succeed, they could not consider off-shore manufacturing. Whether its Stern looking to set up their own factory, or have Hompin do some stuff for them, who knows.
Some thoughts:
- Stern already outsource a lot. It would only make sense to perhaps reconcile many of their subcontracts to the a single supplier. Some efficiencies would come from that. Dangers to: full reliance on a single company.
- Pro models may be getting considered for Chinese manufacturing. Stern have no trouble selling LEs at a premium price for good titles. Perhaps at least LE and Premium could stay in the USA. They have just build a new factory, so they will no be considering closing that. Perhaps Sterns home entry level 'The Pin" models are looking at being done in China?
- Is Stern looking at a lower end Pro model - along the lines of WNBJM being made in China? Simple game play machines, but enough fun for most locations. I feel there is a gap in that market for location machines: Low-Cost-And-Easy-To-Understand!
PS.
If there where only to pinball manufactures to service, I'd like them to be Stern and Homepin. So if find it great to see these photos. ^^^
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I was going to visit once. I'd still love to but can't see it ever happening now :(
Great to see Gary Stern there for a visit how cool is that and hopefully something good comes from the conversations
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He looks a bit dodge - did you keep your eye on him && I jest of course but I'd take it as a huge compliment. I suppose you hid all the Kiss mods out the back?
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Great to see Mike!
I also agree with Nino and andy, Gary being there is a big compliment and I think also shows he takes competition seriously.
Of which you obviously are!
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It would be a strange move to have Homepin produce the Stern PRO model and not the Premium and LE. Can't see that happening when there are many components outsourced to local US companies (playfields being one that needs to change !). I'd suggest Gary would be looking at smaller runs such as "Woah Nelly" or other similar low run titles.
I've also formed the opinion that Gary will be very interested in how Homepin are producing their games. No doubt a cheaper alternative that local production in the USA - but the fact that Homepin has a factory - before producing the first game - would be enough to attract Gary's attention. From what I'm told, Gary is very receptive with feedback and has an avid interest in what other are doing.
My bet on the first question to Mike - "Who will be doing your clearcoats and what products will you use ?" #*#
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Stern proudly state made in the USA for a reason.
They are patriotic and have been for 50 plus years with his dad's company before his and so on.
I cannot see Stern buyers based in the USA accepting a full machine that is made outside of the current factory. Not now, not ever. Our USA friends are very patriotic and being made overseas will not make Sterns USA loyal base happy.
I don't see full machine production ever moving outside of the USA. Some parts, but never full machines.
We are close to Asia but it's a world away for the USA.
Glad Gary made an appt to see you Mike.
That would have been great to sit in on that conversation.
It it correct to say Gary was in China for a trade show already or was it a special Homepin only visit ?
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It it correct to say Gary was in China for a trade show already or was it a special Homepin only visit ?
Gary was in Hong Kong for a trade show and then he visited some places in Guangzhou. He traveled two hours each way, out of his way, including renting a car and driver, to visit me and used up most of a full day.
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Did you let him see your set up Mike?
And if so, was he impressed with what he saw?
I imagine the list of people Gary could talk to about setting up a factory and pinball manufacturing etc. would be quite small.
I'm sure he enjoyed the chance to talk with you.
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We all had a very enjoyable "chat" for few hours (Gary, my wife and I). I had already put away anything I deemed "secret" and my actual pinball development and creative design is done in a different building that I didn't show him.
He showed us a video tour of his new factory which was very impressive and we spoke about many things related to pinball manufacture from packaging to lights above work stations to retail price.
I believe he went away thinking that we are serious and capable but I can't speak for what he thought. My wife said, after he left, that he is a "nice man".
Did you let him see your set up Mike?
And if so, was he impressed with what he saw?
I imagine the list of people Gary could talk to about setting up a factory and pinball manufacturing etc. would be quite small.
I'm sure he enjoyed the chance to talk with you.
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Good stuff, nice to see Gary take up most of the day to visit your HQ, I hope this has opened up even more doors for you/HP, All the best with it.
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If Gary Stern, the most experienced man in the entire pinball world, could get together with Mike, a brilliant engineer and AUssie straight shooter, these two companies and men could do business and get something happening that could benefit both companies significantly.
I was always hoping Stern and Homepin working together, to benefit each other would be my wish of all wishs.
Mike is a straight shooter and a great business man.
I would love to see the Gary and Mike brains trust get together and make something great happen.
Australian pinball would be the huge winner.
Would you do something with Stern Mike ?
Good allie to have ?
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Good allie to have ?
Yep!
From what I've observed over my last few years of interest in pinball the companies with the most business sense are Stern, Homepin and Spooky Pinball. Others seemed to have 'winged it', with mixed success.
Cheers to the soon to be 'big two'. #*#
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Dunno - don't dismiss Heighway... I like what they've done and the game looks to play really well. Probably not going to see too many here as it needs to be shipped hallway round the world and $AU against the Euro??.. Yeh well.
Bet they sell a ton in Europe though
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Good allie to have ?
Yep!
From what I've observed over my last few years of interest in pinball the companies with the most business sense are Stern, Homepin and Spooky Pinball. Others seemed to have 'winged it', with mixed success.
Cheers to the soon to be 'big two'. #*#
He'd also be a good ally to have.
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So I joined Couchsurfing after it was mentioned in another of my threads and the first people I had as guests for a week were Norwegian sisters.
Pity Sid wasn't here to perv...I mean help make dinner... :lol
They seemed quite impressed with the factory.
(http://www.homepin.com/pics/couchsurfing.jpg)
For those interested check out the site here: https://www.couchsurfing.com (https://www.couchsurfing.com)
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Wow....couch surfing at a pinball factory for a week. Those lucky girls! Haha.....Homepin factory visit. Will put that on my bucket list I reckon.
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Wow....couch surfing at a pinball factory for a week. Those lucky girls! Haha.....Homepin factory visit. Will put that on my bucket list I reckon.
+1
I wonder if Mike gave them a pink Homepin Polo ?