Gavs correct, u have to find middle ground.

I will say, without the dealers and importers, none of us would have any pinall machines.

If a game is a few hundred or even $500 too pricey, it only matters if money is tight or if u intend on flipping it in a year or two. (some people cant hold a pin fr a max of six months).

But if u are going to keep forever, and u want to build a decent collection, I personally find having a excellent relationship with ALL the commercial dealers to be very worthwhile. You get what u pay for. I know people have rattled on for years about what the meaning of shopped is versus restored etc, but I find that If I ask for a cerain pin, at a certain price with XYZ work done to it, the dealers have always been very accommodating. I have purchased half of my machines thru commercial dealers at excellent prices in excellent condition, and I have purchased nice ones direct from the container also without a thing needed doing, and some projects.

Dealers are a great resource for people who are polite and can nicely negotiate. Build some rapport and away you go.
One of the reasons Dealers also listprices of machines at say $500 to $1,000 over the mark, is sometimes they have three or four of that model. Some fully restored n minty, some stillfrom the container.
I say don't forget the dealers have staff n familys n have to eat as well. I still highly recommend people to three or four dealers an I have inspected the games upon arrival. I have never had cause to complain, cause after many machines, the dealer knows how to look after you and your referrals.
Prices are always up ndown. Just got to negotiate and be reasonable and u can always meet in the middle. Thats my 2 cents after 5 yrs approx of buying pins.