German containerload for sale?????

[andrew (nob)]

Hi,

Somebody last night at rollerballs (sorry i'm not very good at remembering names) mentioned there was recently a load that was offered from Germany delivered to Australia for $29k..... It may have not sold, or may be still for sale. Can anyone offer any more information on this load/offer/sale? I just received an inheritance and it's either investing it wisely, or grabbing a sheetload of pinballs.

andrew

[The pinballist formally known as Dean Morgan]

Was probably Pauls 50s that offered it.  He has offered a few lately..

One container was discussed here:

http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=2463.0

[Strangeways]

"delivered to Australia" is an interesting comment - Shipping might have been "free" but it does not include Import Fees, GST, landing costs, fumigation and transport to your storage building.

[shansta]

Andrew - Nino (Strangeways) has done this himself. (And is the only private individual that I know of to do so recently BTW)

As he points out above - there are a few catches for the unwary!

Blow the inheritance - live the dream! 

[Marty Machine]

I just received an inheritance and it's either investing it wisely, or grabbing a sheetload of pinballs.

I'd choose the WISE option, invest in something that WILL give you a return.....a box of shit pinnies WON'T

MM.

[Homepin]

I would take the money down to your local pin dealer and start haggling. You might be surprised just how much you can get that is in stock - on the floor - ready to deliver without the hassels and unknown expenses and traps.

If you haven't imported a container before I suggest you research things VERY carefully - start by calling a customs broker and ask them LOTS of questions about costs/delays/customs & AQIS inspections etc. Also factor in insurance - containers fall overboard more than you would think.

[Dirty daz]

A lot of private containers are on there way to vic & qld this year that I know of.... (some as early as end of feb)
this should bring prices down

[Mr Pubstuff]

Was probably Pauls 50s that offered it.  He has offered a few lately..

One container was discussed here:

http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=2463.0

thread deleted or offlimits?

[Caveoftreasures]

Brokerage fees, customs fees,fumigation fees, Aust Quarrantine services, container delivery fees, standard container shipping fees, port landing fees,plus plus plus etc ALL ADD UP.

I had a mate just do it, its his 3rd container in apx 4 years. It is very very expensive.Can u make money, YES but its alot more problematic for the inexperienced.

Personally, it is worth doing but ONLY if u go to Europe and hand pick EVERY machine and then watch EVERY machine get loaded. You ofcourse will only want top titles to make an earn on. Research every machine for part availability etc etc.

BUT i feel most of the time its best to go and see your local Pinball company who already have the machines in stock and haggle for a good price. Importing containers brings many headaches and lots of risk n sleepless nights.

Euro sellers like to palm off containers of junk, then say, sorry, my english not best. me not understandee the word refundyyy.     

[ajlaird]

Was probably Pauls 50s that offered it.  He has offered a few lately..

One container was discussed here:

http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=2463.0

thread deleted or offlimits?

As it was in the Pinball Trader section and you had less than 20 posts at the time, it was off-limits. But try again now.

[Strangeways]

Everyone wants to "live the dream" and import their own container. If ANYONE tells you it is easy, straight forward, void of risks, cheap and fun to do - Then you should be aware that that is total BS. If you want to make money from a container - Then keep in mind the hours of labor, spares procurement, tools required, storage space and post sales support. You HAVE to be "set up" - UNLESS - You import to extend your collection, and you are happy to "break even" and have a nice extended collection. You can't "pull out" of the project half way through the container. You must be committed and driven. It is not as easy as hitting the "Buy it Now" button on an eBay container. That's asking for trouble.

Once you have decided that you are going to take the plunge - Start doing your homework and be prepared to travel. You have to know the type of machines you want and be able to work out how much they will owe you - "on the spot" - In other words - The machines you want need to be checked personally. You need photos - so when they arrive - they are the machines you hand picked. It took me THREE months from the time I decided, to the point where the container was loaded. Thats how much time I took to prepare. Those that have seen my EMs know I bought the "top shelf" titles in 9/10 condition. That was not based on "luck". I knew it would take me YEARS to recoup my investment, but I did it as I'm a collector, not a dealer.

If you want to be "lazy" and not do your homework - you WILL be burned - and it happens quite a bit. BIG difference between "project" and "reconditioned".

You MUST BE "set up" to undertake such a project and understand EXACTLY the scope of it. Preparation is the key. It can present some logistic issues even if you are prepared.

[morrie]

I honestly think it is not as hard as every one makes out,
to actually get a container into Australia.
As far as i am concerned it is important to get a very good customs broker
and he should just about take care of everything as long as all the paper work is intact
Finding a good reputable seller who is not going to rip you is the hard part

[Homepin]

I honestly think it is not as hard as every one makes out,
to actually get a container into Australia.
As far as i am concerned it is important to get a very good customs broker
and he should just about take care of everything as long as all the paper work is intact

and right there is one of your BIGGEST problems - I went through 4 different brokers before I settled on a broker that works for me!!!

[shansta]

and right there is one of your BIGGEST problems - I went through 4 different brokers before I settled on a broker that works for me!!!

I did that with girlfriends... It's a solid theory... 

[Caveoftreasures]

EVERYTHING STRANGEWAYS SAID is 100% spot on. 

EVERYTHING SHANSTA SAID is 100% spot on. BUT it took me about 50 nice gals to find the right one. Just wish i had of kept the Videos ! lol