Freighting playfields (local and overseas)

[greenechidna]

This has come up a couple of times over the last few days. I have found a populated 60's e/m p/f in the U.K. that I'd like to buy but the idea of getting it here is a bit daunting. Nino felt the same way about a p/f in Sydney.....nice buy but a hassle.

My questions: Is there a relatively standard packing process for playfields? Do they have to be crated up? Anyone recommend a shipping/forwarding sevice from the U.K. (Wales actually)?

Rough price?

Looks like I may have this for a bargain ($75 in good nick) but I dont want it to blow out into an unreasonable amount ($4-500 upwards) I'm not likely to find one of these (1961 Big Casino) again too soon and I want to weigh it up

[Strangeways]

They can be. There's a lot of effort that goes into packing and sending a playfield. If it is NOT populated, then it is much easier. If it is populated with all the mechs etc, when it is a real pain, and sellers generally don't want to go to all the effort (understandable).

I once sent a fully populated playfield to NSW. I used a box from "Pack and send". They use a foam and a plastic sheath that is shaped to the playfield, so it becomes a sturdy and custom shipping box for that playfield. Convenient, but VERY expensive.

[pinballheaven]

Last year I purchased a playfield from Poland which was semi populated and the sender wrapped it well with bubble wrap and cardboard, it cost me $65 delivered to my door by Aussie Post! Yet if you go to the post office chances are they will not accept it because they say it is too large!
The fact is they can accept it because it is under 1.1m all they should do is weigh and cube it but very rarely happens.
By the way it arrived in very good condition.

[Caveoftreasures]

Rob from Bikecity Warehouse/pinballs in Melbourne has ALOT of fully populated playfields available at reasonable prices for many titles.
I just picked up a Phoenix-1978 Williams fully populated playfield for only $299 with a $70 delivery fee to QLD fully wrapped/packed properly etc via truck courier.

See if he has the populated playfield u are after. Saves going overseas. He has alot of stock that isnt advertised. Hope it helps !

[greenechidna]

I'll give Rob a call, thanks for that.

Express quotes coming in at 5-600 dollars
Still waiting on surface shipping Quotes

I'll have a chat with the seller and see if they are prepared to strip the p/f and box the bits. I imagine it would flatten/simplify the p/f packing buit add another box to get lost/damaged.

Why did the bloody thing have to turn up in WALES?