It can depend on what you are looking for
A list titles from any era do seem over priced, but bargains can be found for fun B list titles
Both forums cclasifieds have been slow for the last 12 months
Most forum trading has been done privately between members
Really? Where are these B list bargains, these a Hook on eBay for $3k at the moment...WFT!!! LW3 for close to $3k, T2 for $4400!!!
I think the clean air in Ballarat has had some effect on you.
Edit just saw a LAH at $3500!!!
My point, I beleive that ppl see these so called high end restores on these forums. When these get put on the forums at absolutely stupid prices are pushing the low end pin prices up creating a price increase. For some reason, there seems to be more guys with better disposable income because these so called restore seem to sell?
As soon as anyone mentions "eBay" and "Bargains", I cringe. There has not been a "bargain" on eBay for years. I will admit, I have not looked at eBay (pinball related) unless customers asked for my input and as a result were saved from making an expensive mistake !
Your comment regarding the High End Restores is true. The High End market is at it's highest peak since I've been in the hobby / industry. Collectors know it is available. Dealers know they can't do them, so they are missing out on sales. The result is that they put their prices up to "compete" - placing the overpriced pins on eBay, where the suppliers view their prices and then adjust the supplier price as a result.
I've offered a few games on the forum at realistic prices (Special Force, Devil Riders and ST 25th) because I want the games to go to good homes. My market is mainly collectors, so they know the prices. If I put the games on eBay, they would have to be expensive to cover costs. I would not double the price in the hope of hooking a newbie. I'd rather look after a newbie so that they enjoy their entry into the hobby and extend their collection. Most of the new customers are customers burned by impulse buying "done up" machines off showroom floors.