Some interesting points. Each importer does it for similar reasons - They enjoy the industry, they enjoy playing the games, they enjoy the profits.

I do it because I love pinball. I don't sell machines "out of the container" as I don't want to be lumped in the same bucket as most importers. I do things differently.

I buy games based on

1 - What customers ask me for.
2 - Games in very good condition
3 - Basket cases that I see the challenge in restoring
4 - Games I want, or have not seen before.

I import games because I love what I do, and I don't want to run out of games. I have easily - 5-10 years at minimum of work on my stock.

I don't buy games ;

1 - To put others "out of business". It simply does not work, and a few are learning the lesson the hard way.
2 - To sell games at 1000% profit. This is NOT the industry to become a millionaire.
3 - To sell "as is", to customers.
4 - Quick turnover of machines - which creates it's own mini industry for repairers.

I will LOCATE games for friends that have been looking for titles. That is my prerogative and I have my reasons for doing so. If I'm asked about an "as is" machine, I arrive at the figure I want for the RESTORED game - as I'm losing the enjoyment of the process. Not being flippant, but I like restoring !

Demand has shifted slightly. Customers won't pay $9000 for a TZ unless they see $9000 worth of value. The impulse buyer is no longer the big fish that dealers want to catch.

Project Machines - When a seller has too much stock, or not enough room - then they do sell projects and you can score bargains. The tactic of flooding fleabay just creates more work for restorers and repairers. When pricing projects (or shilling ebay auctions), there's always homework done by the seller. They price the game high enough that when it is restored, the buyer won't make a profit.

It is a VERY strange industry.