Import duties and customs on pins.

[Ant68]

You should be able to find a nice spidy around the place 

[Strangeways]

Well that settles it.
After that speadsheet was posted I am looking for one over here.

Pays to shop around, what is the title you're after...

I would suggest contacting Joe - http://www.amusements4kids.com.au/-Machines-for-Sale-.html
Try Bumper Action in Melbourne - they may have some NIB left - http://www.bumper.com.au
AMD in NSW  - http://www.amdcoinop.com/

I am led to believe that AMD are the ONLY licensed distributor and others get their stock through AMD.  Either way you should be able to find the best price locally from these guys.

I agree with all the comments presented - buy from an authorised Stern dealer (Marty's list) for a number of reasons ;

They have done all the hard work for you
You recieve an Aussie machines
You have full warranty, dealing direct with the Aussie Supplier

The only time I've ever agreed to the importation of a pinball (single machine) is when it is a "Holy Grail" pinball such as a pre 90's game. You need to know the right people and the process for doing this.

Stick with the Aussie suppliers and support them !

[Homepin]

I've do it many times, but the title would have to be worth it or worth it to you anyway ?
I've saved money every time , that's why I do it .And if I find a another NIB title I want I would do it again  .

 

and if you did you would likely have a machine that you would be parting out OR spending HUGE money on to get it working - the goalposts have shifted - things have changed. New technology ensures your NIB would be worth about 25% of what you paid for it and that is EXACTLY what Stern wants!

[studley67]

what was the machine?hope it was worth it

I have done it and would recommend if want to do it on your own, think again.

Check out the following thread when someone else asked this:
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=6571.0

or "the adventures of your first pinball" thread:
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=6552.0


I have a horror story and it cost a mint compared to the machine purchase price. Mind you some of the guys who import the container loads get a much better (I think mates rates deal on the docks) compared to my one in a wooden box to protect it. Though I think I would get it from the shop that imports them and sell them from a shop front with a warranty and peace of mind.

This is a spreadsheet that I kept of my experience just for those thinking about it so you don't make the mistake I did.

[swinks]

My 1976 Gottlieb Surf Champ, I love the beach and surfing so it's a blend of 2 cultures for my pinball and surfing - love it and a keeper.

[Damien]

Stick with the Aussie suppliers and support them !


[/quote]

i agree!!

there are a few!

[wonder]

Well that settles it.
After that speadsheet was posted I am looking for one over here.

Pays to shop around, what is the title you're after...

I would suggest contacting Joe - http://www.amusements4kids.com.au/-Machines-for-Sale-.html
Try Bumper Action in Melbourne - they may have some NIB left - http://www.bumper.com.au
AMD in NSW  - http://www.amdcoinop.com/

I am led to believe that AMD are the ONLY licensed distributor and others get their stock through AMD.  Either way you should be able to find the best price locally from these guys.

You forgot Mark C from PSP as got a few of him in the past and was well looked after with price and service.The last four i have got have been imports from USA and have had no trouble at all, apart from the miss's finding out.

[Ant68]

Well that settles it.
After that speadsheet was posted I am looking for one over here.

Pays to shop around, what is the title you're after...

I would suggest contacting Joe - http://www.amusements4kids.com.au/-Machines-for-Sale-.html
Try Bumper Action in Melbourne - they may have some NIB left - http://www.bumper.com.au
AMD in NSW  - http://www.amdcoinop.com/

I am led to believe that AMD are the ONLY licensed distributor and others get their stock through AMD.  Either way you should be able to find the best price locally from these guys.

You forgot Mark C from PSP as got a few of him in the past and was well looked after with price and service.The last four i have got have been imports from USA and have had no trouble at all, apart from the miss's finding out.

Mark would be a good contact also and AMD , I have also bought a few NIB from Bruce at AMD, there both top blokes.
AMD stands by the warranty long after the warranty has expired( well for me anyway)   

[Ant68]

I've do it many times, but the title would have to be worth it or worth it to you anyway ?
I've saved money every time , that's why I do it .And if I find a another NIB title I want I would do it again  .

 

and if you did you would likely have a machine that you would be parting out OR spending HUGE money on to get it working - the goalposts have shifted - things have changed. New technology ensures your NIB would be worth about 25% of what you paid for it and that is EXACTLY what Stern wants!


I disagree with your thoughts , each to there own I guess
Did you have a bad experience with your NIB pins ?

[Homepin]

I disagree with your thoughts , each to there own I guess
Did you have a bad experience with your NIB pins ?

It seems you are unaware of the electronic protection built into the hardware and software of new pins - my advice, stay well away from a USA import machine

[Mr Tilt]

Correct after buying 6 x NIB sterns Tron LE on the way, AMD is the sole importer and then all the distributors get their share

Dont waste your time importing

$4500 + gst + import costs = more than buying new from a distributor $6500+- See CASHBOX AMUSEMENTS leo censori in Melbourne for a good deal!

[48]

I disagree with your thoughts , each to there own I guess
Did you have a bad experience with your NIB pins ?



To explain it politely, starting with Family Guy in 2007. Stern set up their USA build machines to only work on 60hz, a firmware thing.

Here is the interesting thing, machines that are sold overseas originally will still work if re-imported to the USA, without modification. I don't know why it is set up like this, but if anyone has any theories, throw them up here I am curious.

[beaky]

I disagree with your thoughts , each to there own I guess
Did you have a bad experience with your NIB pins ?



To explain it politely, starting with Family Guy in 2007. Stern set up their USA build machines to only work on 60hz, a firmware thing.

Here is the interesting thing, machines that are sold overseas originally will still work if re-imported to the USA, without modification. I don't know why it is set up like this, but if anyone has any theories, throw them up here I am curious.

my theory would be stern want to stop people in the usa reselling their machines to people in Australia, I.E stern want you to buy it from an authorised Australian agent

[Ant68]

I disagree with your thoughts , each to there own I guess
Did you have a bad experience with your NIB pins ?

It seems you are unaware of the electronic protection built into the hardware and software of new pins - my advice, stay well away from a USA import machine

Know all about it , Gary shouted me Beer and we discussed it and talked and talked .
Yes I may loose a few bucks on some titles when I / if I sell them , that's no big deal to me . I buy the pins to play them and to enjoy my hobby and admire my minty line up, not to worry about there value to much .Mind you I think some have increased a little  
Drive a $60k car out of the showroom and see what its worth .  
Stern will always promote there local dealers and right fully so , Gary knows I chase NIB titles of particular pins , specially out of production titles .

[Homepin]

It simply doesn't make sense to personally import a new pin when they are available here already. Maybe if you wanted to have a lot of grief, spend more on it than you can get a locally delivered one for and still end up with the same thing that's fine??? It beats me why anyone would do it? For a rare - older machine, sure, I CAN understand that because other factors come into play but not for a new one.