Pinball Leasing

[dendoc]

Since the last threat seemed to finish on such a good note (re sales promotion of NIB machines), can we discuss whether anyone knows of a "home rental" service?

From what I have discovered talking to my friends, the main reasons they down own a machine is that:
1. They are quite expensive, new or second hand (according to their value heirachy system)
2. They worry about their maintenace requirements.
3. They feel they may get sick of playing it after a few months.

for us die hards, none of these seem to be an issue, but to the general public they are.

I believe all this could be addressed by a "home rental" scheme where a family could sign a 3-6 month lease on the machine, which would include any servicing needs. After the contracted time, they could sign on again with a different machine. The machines would remain on "free Play", and money made by the hire.

Costing for this would be up to the individual provide, and not my area of expertise. Higher prices could be paid for A-list machines, with C-lister going cheaper.

What do people think?

[MPE]

There is at least 1 dealer in Adelaide who currently does this sort of arrangement. It's not the cheapest way of doing things, but does work out cheaper than a weekly night out on the town/piss.

[swinks]

I think there is a company in Sydney that did this also?

I have thought of doing this but being the provider and rotating pins around but haven't done the numbers, and then there is the lugging around and carrying up stairs etc.

I think $500 for 3 months sounds like a nice number ($41.50 a week) which is sort of equivalent to a new dvd rental at $6 a night for 7 nights, but this would take 3 years to pay a new Stern back at $6k new. Any more and doubt you would get any takers and less isn't worth it as you still need to consider service / parts cost and haulage. And if the person cancels before the the end of 3 months, it could be $200 a month.

But on the flip side would be a nice way to build up your collection.

[Pintoxicated]

I have briefly thought about this as well and think it would be a good idea.  As Swinks said, I haven't done the numbers, factor in public liability insurances as well as insurance on the machine itself in case you never get it back and it could work out pretty costly.

[Homepin]

20 years ago we used to do party hire for the weekend and that was $150 then!!!

[pinball god]

From a business or even a loose change earner for people like us wanted to get a bit of a return on games to build a collection, I think it might be a hard way to make cash. Have a few out there like 5-10 and you could find yourself having no evenings for anything else but repairs. If you only service 9-5 there maybe a chance people might continue to play while waiting and causing further damage. Leasing sounds great  but in real terms I think a waste of time. Tv's, cars, washing machines don't tend to beak down too often and so the risk is minimal.

The weekend deal is probably better as guys will probably crack it for awhile if it breaks down and then just settle down and drink for the night??????? 

[4_amusement_only]

I currently do all of the above.

I have rented out my machines to only trustworthy people (friends of friends for example) to minimise the risks and avoid the need for insurance.
When trust is established and they agree to my terms and conditions, a lease contract is signed and both parties have a copy.

The prices are very reasonable. The longer an individual leases the machine, the cheaper it becomes. My price guide is as follows for a 90's DMD of standard cab width.

$25 per week for 4 months
$30 per week for 3 months
$35 per week for 2 months

I only offer my most reliable machines and steer them towards a GTB sys 3, that way I know the machine is up to the task without higher risks of reliability concerns from an EM machine for instance.

Good way of getting pinball into a home environment for people to talk about and enjoy. The costs cover the transportation to and from, setting up time and additional parts. Just something I have done on the side on a few occasions.

[Caveoftreasures]

There is a guy on the GoldCoast who has been doing finance and lease deals for years on 2nd hand pinnys and has a dozen plus machines out on weekly, monthly, quarterly and 6 month/yearly lease deals.

He doesnt site the old fashioned way anymore cause there is no coin in it.  He does also lease pinnys to companies for their lunch rooms etc on freeplay to give employees some fun/sense of team spirit etc, and rotates the games. He also gets to sell machines to companies/homes who like after they have tried. A good idea that modern pinball peoples are doing to earn some extra income. Definately a good idea.
Good to see someone like 4-Amusement-only doing this already, great for pinball. If someone did it with BNIB, it would be great too.

[Retropin]

Ive rented out EMs in the past for parties etc to those i know..... basic pinball.. $150 for Sat to Sunday afternoon with a view to buy at $1000 or under.. all machines have come back still working and looked after and ive had several sales from it or had requests for machines that are a little more advanced... its a good way to either gain a sale or a commission.
Deal is always.. " Break the backglass or damage the machine and its yours.. you own it and the price is X..."

[Hashman]

Is there anyone in Melbourne who does this? I could see some sales coming out of it. Be good to lease a pin and see how much love it gets from friends and family before buying...

[Homepin]

Is there anyone in Melbourne who does this? I could see some sales coming out of it. Be good to lease a pin and see how much love it gets from friends and family before buying...

I'm sure any of the dealers would happily do a rental

[4_amusement_only]

I am in Melbourne and do this.

Bumper, Childs and maybe Wayne do offer rentals but at exuberant prices.

$400 for the weekend, dropped off and picked up is a figure which comes to mind.

[noj472]

I am in Melbourne and do this.

I'm very interested in leasing/renting a machine as it's taking me a little longer to save a decent amount for my first pin.

What machines do you have available for rent.?
I'm in Ballarat so would you offer a delivery/pick up service to here?

[4_amusement_only]

Hi, sure it could be done, but the extra pricing to cover the two hours travel each way could make it uneconomical. Perhaps Private message me your contact number and we can see if we can sort out some type of arrangement

[noj472]

pm sent