Q*bert Value

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

Hi All,

I have a Q*bert that I need to sell. I am going to try to sell it locally
first, then if it doesn't sell I'll prolly put it up on eBay. I trying to
sell it to a non-collector in my town and I need to know what a fair price
is. Here are my considerations:

1) Machine is in nice condition - from my collection. Works perfectly. Has
original swearing marquee. Side art is original - has a little damage but I
didn't feel it was worth it to replace with repros. I have a set if that
makes a big difference.

2) Buyer has no experience with these machines. Means I'll be called if/when
there's a problem.

3) I'll prolly have to deliver it.

So, what is a fair price to ask? I, of course, would like to get as much as
reasonably possible for it, but I also want them to feel ok with what they
can get for it when it comes time for them to sell it. In other words, I'm
not trying to rip them off.

I know they typically go for $450-$650 on eBay. I know that
dealers/operators charge a lot more for home sales. What do you think I
should ask for it?

Thanks,
-roy-

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

I have seen non-working ones go for as high as $188. I just won a
non-working one for $150.
Your typical prices are what I have seen also. I purchased one a while
back for $750 working that only lasted a couple weeks. Months went by
before I got it working again.
Since you will probably be the one working on it if something goes
wrong, I would charge $650 and include shipping and setting it up and a
30 day warranty. Maybe even $750, depending if you get a good vibe
from the buyer.

And by original swearing marquee you mean the only swearing one right?
I have seen other ones advertised as "original swearing marqee" only to
have the word "Q*bert" on it.

Just my opinion.
-Tim

 

[guinness]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

>> I would charge $650 and include shipping and setting it up and a 30
day warranty.

I think the 30 days is good advice. Qbert's have a high failure
rate...Be firm on the 30 days and let him know that you'll charge $50
hr if something goes wrong. Let him know its the cost of collecting
these things if its not hobby based.

tim (NH)

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

>What do you think I should ask for it?

Charge more than what ebay goes for- don't be shy since he will be
calling you for problems. Charge $800-$900 for a decent working game
going to a non-collector. That covers you for delivery and setup if
resonable location. It should also help if the game breaks down in 30
days.

Give a labor only warranty of 30 days and let him know what your charge
out rate is for repairs outside of that warranty.

Kirb

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

If it's not too much of a hassle for you deliver it for free. I typically
deliver all my games for free if they're within an hours drive. It's a good
practice if you only sell one here and there. You'll also know that the
game wasn't tossed around in the back of a minivan or something too. So
when it gets there you can give it the once over and make sure it's working.
I offer a warrantee on games I sell locally to homebuyers and have rarely
ever had to use it. My terms are usually 30 days and I'll fix it, then the
2nd 30 days we split the fixing costs and then after 60 days they're on
their own but I can be called to fix it. Good luck with it. I also tell my
"customers" not to leave the game on all the time. If you're not using it,
turn it off. Many home buyers think that they use a ton of electricity so
they usually follow the advice.

just my 2¢

Scott



"mudmantim" <mudmantim@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1114089852.556718.117020@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
> I have seen non-working ones go for as high as $188. I just won a
> non-working one for $150.
> Your typical prices are what I have seen also. I purchased one a while
> back for $750 working that only lasted a couple weeks. Months went by
> before I got it working again.
> Since you will probably be the one working on it if something goes
> wrong, I would charge $650 and include shipping and setting it up and a
> 30 day warranty. Maybe even $750, depending if you get a good vibe
> from the buyer.
>
> And by original swearing marquee you mean the only swearing one right?
> I have seen other ones advertised as "original swearing marqee" only to
> have the word "Q*bert" on it.
>
> Just my opinion.
> -Tim
>

 

[Troy]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

nice working game $650-850


Troy,


Chumblespuzz <nospam@cademo.com> wrote in message
news:SFN9e.4426$sG3.1016@fe09.lga...
> Hi All,
>
> I have a Q*bert that I need to sell. I am going to try to sell it locally
> first, then if it doesn't sell I'll prolly put it up on eBay. I trying to
> sell it to a non-collector in my town and I need to know what a fair price
> is. Here are my considerations:
>
> 1) Machine is in nice condition - from my collection. Works perfectly. Has
> original swearing marquee. Side art is original - has a little damage but
I
> didn't feel it was worth it to replace with repros. I have a set if that
> makes a big difference.
>
> 2) Buyer has no experience with these machines. Means I'll be called
if/when
> there's a problem.
>
> 3) I'll prolly have to deliver it.
>
> So, what is a fair price to ask? I, of course, would like to get as much
as
> reasonably possible for it, but I also want them to feel ok with what they
> can get for it when it comes time for them to sell it. In other words, I'm
> not trying to rip them off.
>
> I know they typically go for $450-$650 on eBay. I know that
> dealers/operators charge a lot more for home sales. What do you think I
> should ask for it?
>
> Thanks,
> -roy-
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

Thanks to all who responded....

Yest, the marquee is the one with just the swear.

My plan was to deliver for the selling price (whatever that is). I like your
30/60 day warantee suggestion.

If anyone local is intersted in making an offer, I'm in New Canaan, CT
06840.

Thanks again,
-roy-


"thrushguy" <garons@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1_6dncVfofuvNvrfRVn-uQ@comcast.com...
> If it's not too much of a hassle for you deliver it for free. I typically
> deliver all my games for free if they're within an hours drive. It's a
> good
> practice if you only sell one here and there. You'll also know that the
> game wasn't tossed around in the back of a minivan or something too. So
> when it gets there you can give it the once over and make sure it's
> working.
> I offer a warrantee on games I sell locally to homebuyers and have rarely
> ever had to use it. My terms are usually 30 days and I'll fix it, then
> the
> 2nd 30 days we split the fixing costs and then after 60 days they're on
> their own but I can be called to fix it. Good luck with it. I also tell
> my
> "customers" not to leave the game on all the time. If you're not using
> it,
> turn it off. Many home buyers think that they use a ton of electricity so
> they usually follow the advice.
>
> just my 2¢
>
> Scott
>
>
>
> "mudmantim" <mudmantim@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1114089852.556718.117020@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
>> I have seen non-working ones go for as high as $188. I just won a
>> non-working one for $150.
>> Your typical prices are what I have seen also. I purchased one a while
>> back for $750 working that only lasted a couple weeks. Months went by
>> before I got it working again.
>> Since you will probably be the one working on it if something goes
>> wrong, I would charge $650 and include shipping and setting it up and a
>> 30 day warranty. Maybe even $750, depending if you get a good vibe
>> from the buyer.
>>
>> And by original swearing marquee you mean the only swearing one right?
>> I have seen other ones advertised as "original swearing marqee" only to
>> have the word "Q*bert" on it.
>>
>> Just my opinion.
>> -Tim
>>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

New Canaan!!!! Forget what everyone else said, make it $2k.

"Chumblespuzz" <nospam@cademo.com> wrote in message
news:KoQ9e.10727$V02.6828@fe08.lga...
> Thanks to all who responded....
>
> Yest, the marquee is the one with just the swear.
>
> My plan was to deliver for the selling price (whatever that is). I like
> your 30/60 day warantee suggestion.
>
> If anyone local is intersted in making an offer, I'm in New Canaan, CT
> 06840.
>
> Thanks again,
> -roy-
>
>
> "thrushguy" <garons@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:1_6dncVfofuvNvrfRVn-uQ@comcast.com...
>> If it's not too much of a hassle for you deliver it for free. I
>> typically
>> deliver all my games for free if they're within an hours drive. It's a
>> good
>> practice if you only sell one here and there. You'll also know that the
>> game wasn't tossed around in the back of a minivan or something too. So
>> when it gets there you can give it the once over and make sure it's
>> working.
>> I offer a warrantee on games I sell locally to homebuyers and have rarely
>> ever had to use it. My terms are usually 30 days and I'll fix it, then
>> the
>> 2nd 30 days we split the fixing costs and then after 60 days they're on
>> their own but I can be called to fix it. Good luck with it. I also tell
>> my
>> "customers" not to leave the game on all the time. If you're not using
>> it,
>> turn it off. Many home buyers think that they use a ton of electricity
>> so
>> they usually follow the advice.
>>
>> just my 2¢
>>
>> Scott
>>
>>
>>
>> "mudmantim" <mudmantim@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1114089852.556718.117020@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
>>> I have seen non-working ones go for as high as $188. I just won a
>>> non-working one for $150.
>>> Your typical prices are what I have seen also. I purchased one a while
>>> back for $750 working that only lasted a couple weeks. Months went by
>>> before I got it working again.
>>> Since you will probably be the one working on it if something goes
>>> wrong, I would charge $650 and include shipping and setting it up and a
>>> 30 day warranty. Maybe even $750, depending if you get a good vibe
>>> from the buyer.
>>>
>>> And by original swearing marquee you mean the only swearing one right?
>>> I have seen other ones advertised as "original swearing marqee" only to
>>> have the word "Q*bert" on it.
>>>
>>> Just my opinion.
>>> -Tim
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

Hey Roy, if you're ever in the Hamden area drop me a line and stop by if you
want.. or if you're looking for something, I have alot of stuff kicking
around and I'm probably a little under an hours drive from you.

Scott



"Chumblespuzz" <nospam@cademo.com> wrote in message
news:KoQ9e.10727$V02.6828@fe08.lga...
> Thanks to all who responded....
>
> Yest, the marquee is the one with just the swear.
>
> My plan was to deliver for the selling price (whatever that is). I like
your
> 30/60 day warantee suggestion.
>
> If anyone local is intersted in making an offer, I'm in New Canaan, CT
> 06840.
>
> Thanks again,
> -roy-
>
>
> "thrushguy" <garons@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:1_6dncVfofuvNvrfRVn-uQ@comcast.com...
> > If it's not too much of a hassle for you deliver it for free. I
typically
> > deliver all my games for free if they're within an hours drive. It's a
> > good
> > practice if you only sell one here and there. You'll also know that the
> > game wasn't tossed around in the back of a minivan or something too. So
> > when it gets there you can give it the once over and make sure it's
> > working.
> > I offer a warrantee on games I sell locally to homebuyers and have
rarely
> > ever had to use it. My terms are usually 30 days and I'll fix it, then
> > the
> > 2nd 30 days we split the fixing costs and then after 60 days they're on
> > their own but I can be called to fix it. Good luck with it. I also
tell
> > my
> > "customers" not to leave the game on all the time. If you're not using
> > it,
> > turn it off. Many home buyers think that they use a ton of electricity
so
> > they usually follow the advice.
> >
> > just my 2¢
> >
> > Scott
> >
> >
> >
> > "mudmantim" <mudmantim@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:1114089852.556718.117020@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
> >> I have seen non-working ones go for as high as $188. I just won a
> >> non-working one for $150.
> >> Your typical prices are what I have seen also. I purchased one a while
> >> back for $750 working that only lasted a couple weeks. Months went by
> >> before I got it working again.
> >> Since you will probably be the one working on it if something goes
> >> wrong, I would charge $650 and include shipping and setting it up and a
> >> 30 day warranty. Maybe even $750, depending if you get a good vibe
> >> from the buyer.
> >>
> >> And by original swearing marquee you mean the only swearing one right?
> >> I have seen other ones advertised as "original swearing marqee" only to
> >> have the word "Q*bert" on it.
> >>
> >> Just my opinion.
> >> -Tim
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

Chumblespuzz wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I have a Q*bert that I need to sell. I am going to try to sell it locally
> first, then if it doesn't sell I'll prolly put it up on eBay. I trying to
> sell it to a non-collector in my town and I need to know what a fair price
> is.

My /plan/ for local (non-collector) sales is double what they go for to collectors.

The way that I see it is that we (collectors) deal at pretty much a wholesale
level, retail is definitely going to be more, and 2x seems fair to me, after
you have to take into account all that went into the machine, original shipping
to you (if applies), delivery, setup, questions, etc.

So, I'd say $900-1300 retail.

 

[Troy]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

most non collector I know, would not even pay my prices.
the only thing I can see some non collector paying big $ for, is a ms pacman
or galaga. or if you get really lucky and you find someone who remembers
some game they played as a kid and HAS to have it. which is rare these days.

a game like qbert is one of those games.
I think you would be very lucky to get $1300 for it, collector or not.

I personally think collectors pay more for a games they are looking to add
to their collection. than just some guy off the street. most of the time
they just want a cheap game for their kids to play. with not a lot of $
involved.

I try to state true values of a game, not inflated ones that only if you
were a op with a retail store could someone get those prices.
ask them how long it sits in their shop before they sell it.
sometimes years, I know an op personally that has this problem. he thinks he
will get $1150 for a berzerk.
well guess what, after 5 years. it still sits there.

so to the original poster, if your looking to sell the game this year.
put a fair price on it and deliver it for $20
you may wish to delivery it for free if it's close to you and it would help
your selling point.



Troy,



Bret Pehrson <bret@classicade.com> wrote in message
news:WbU9e.57621$lz2.32787@fed1read07...
> Chumblespuzz wrote:
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I have a Q*bert that I need to sell. I am going to try to sell it
locally
> > first, then if it doesn't sell I'll prolly put it up on eBay. I trying
to
> > sell it to a non-collector in my town and I need to know what a fair
price
> > is.
>
> My /plan/ for local (non-collector) sales is double what they go for to
collectors.
>
> The way that I see it is that we (collectors) deal at pretty much a
wholesale
> level, retail is definitely going to be more, and 2x seems fair to me,
after
> you have to take into account all that went into the machine, original
shipping
> to you (if applies), delivery, setup, questions, etc.
>
> So, I'd say $900-1300 retail.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

My advice is to charge a normal price, but sold as-is (after all, what
electronics device thats 25 years old has a warranty). Charge for delivery
unless you use free delivery to grease the deal. Also be very up front on
what to do when (not if) it has a problem. If your potential customer is
scared off by no warranty/service issues, you don't want him as a customer.
Tell him that he really doesn't want it, he wants a xbox with 3 year service
contract instead.

Later,
--
Mickster

Visit my website and see my arcade!!

http://mickster.freeservers.com

"Troy" <troyl@lvcm.com> wrote in message
news:RSV9e.58324$lz2.31929@fed1read07...
> most non collector I know, would not even pay my prices.
> the only thing I can see some non collector paying big $ for, is a ms
> pacman
> or galaga. or if you get really lucky and you find someone who remembers
> some game they played as a kid and HAS to have it. which is rare these
> days.
>
> a game like qbert is one of those games.
> I think you would be very lucky to get $1300 for it, collector or not.
>
> I personally think collectors pay more for a games they are looking to add
> to their collection. than just some guy off the street. most of the time
> they just want a cheap game for their kids to play. with not a lot of $
> involved.
>
> I try to state true values of a game, not inflated ones that only if you
> were a op with a retail store could someone get those prices.
> ask them how long it sits in their shop before they sell it.
> sometimes years, I know an op personally that has this problem. he thinks
> he
> will get $1150 for a berzerk.
> well guess what, after 5 years. it still sits there.
>
> so to the original poster, if your looking to sell the game this year.
> put a fair price on it and deliver it for $20
> you may wish to delivery it for free if it's close to you and it would
> help
> your selling point.
>
>
>
> Troy,
>
>
>
> Bret Pehrson <bret@classicade.com> wrote in message
> news:WbU9e.57621$lz2.32787@fed1read07...
>> Chumblespuzz wrote:
>> > Hi All,
>> >
>> > I have a Q*bert that I need to sell. I am going to try to sell it
> locally
>> > first, then if it doesn't sell I'll prolly put it up on eBay. I trying
> to
>> > sell it to a non-collector in my town and I need to know what a fair
> price
>> > is.
>>
>> My /plan/ for local (non-collector) sales is double what they go for to
> collectors.
>>
>> The way that I see it is that we (collectors) deal at pretty much a
> wholesale
>> level, retail is definitely going to be more, and 2x seems fair to me,
> after
>> you have to take into account all that went into the machine, original
> shipping
>> to you (if applies), delivery, setup, questions, etc.
>>
>> So, I'd say $900-1300 retail.
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

If I sell it to someone in my town I plan to deliver it to them and help
them set it up. And no matter what I say about the warranty, I'm sure I'll
be expected to help with whatever the problem is when they have one. I can't
just abandon them.

Different story if I sell it on eBay... then it's as-is.

-roy-


"Mickey Johnson" <mickster@derbyworks.net> wrote in message
news:116gep7jo80cq1b@news.supernews.com...
> My advice is to charge a normal price, but sold as-is (after all, what
> electronics device thats 25 years old has a warranty). Charge for
> delivery unless you use free delivery to grease the deal. Also be very up
> front on what to do when (not if) it has a problem. If your potential
> customer is scared off by no warranty/service issues, you don't want him
> as a customer. Tell him that he really doesn't want it, he wants a xbox
> with 3 year service contract instead.
>
> Later,
> --
> Mickster
>
> Visit my website and see my arcade!!
>
> http://mickster.freeservers.com
>
> "Troy" <troyl@lvcm.com> wrote in message
> news:RSV9e.58324$lz2.31929@fed1read07...
>> most non collector I know, would not even pay my prices.
>> the only thing I can see some non collector paying big $ for, is a ms
>> pacman
>> or galaga. or if you get really lucky and you find someone who remembers
>> some game they played as a kid and HAS to have it. which is rare these
>> days.
>>
>> a game like qbert is one of those games.
>> I think you would be very lucky to get $1300 for it, collector or not.
>>
>> I personally think collectors pay more for a games they are looking to
>> add
>> to their collection. than just some guy off the street. most of the time
>> they just want a cheap game for their kids to play. with not a lot of $
>> involved.
>>
>> I try to state true values of a game, not inflated ones that only if you
>> were a op with a retail store could someone get those prices.
>> ask them how long it sits in their shop before they sell it.
>> sometimes years, I know an op personally that has this problem. he thinks
>> he
>> will get $1150 for a berzerk.
>> well guess what, after 5 years. it still sits there.
>>
>> so to the original poster, if your looking to sell the game this year.
>> put a fair price on it and deliver it for $20
>> you may wish to delivery it for free if it's close to you and it would
>> help
>> your selling point.
>>
>>
>>
>> Troy,
>>
>>
>>
>> Bret Pehrson <bret@classicade.com> wrote in message
>> news:WbU9e.57621$lz2.32787@fed1read07...
>>> Chumblespuzz wrote:
>>> > Hi All,
>>> >
>>> > I have a Q*bert that I need to sell. I am going to try to sell it
>> locally
>>> > first, then if it doesn't sell I'll prolly put it up on eBay. I trying
>> to
>>> > sell it to a non-collector in my town and I need to know what a fair
>> price
>>> > is.
>>>
>>> My /plan/ for local (non-collector) sales is double what they go for to
>> collectors.
>>>
>>> The way that I see it is that we (collectors) deal at pretty much a
>> wholesale
>>> level, retail is definitely going to be more, and 2x seems fair to me,
>> after
>>> you have to take into account all that went into the machine, original
>> shipping
>>> to you (if applies), delivery, setup, questions, etc.
>>>
>>> So, I'd say $900-1300 retail.
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

$-)

I wish it were that easy... One of my wife's friends was impressed with my
games and wanted to make a game room for her husband. When my wife told here
what our Theatre of Magic pinball alone cost, she quickly gave up the idea.

-roy-

"Chuk" <chuk@ourcade.com> wrote in message
news:0QQ9e.15715$yl.1646@fe50.usenetserver.com...
> New Canaan!!!! Forget what everyone else said, make it $2k.
>
> "Chumblespuzz" <nospam@cademo.com> wrote in message
> news:KoQ9e.10727$V02.6828@fe08.lga...
>> Thanks to all who responded....
>>
>> Yest, the marquee is the one with just the swear.
>>
>> My plan was to deliver for the selling price (whatever that is). I like
>> your 30/60 day warantee suggestion.
>>
>> If anyone local is intersted in making an offer, I'm in New Canaan, CT
>> 06840.
>>
>> Thanks again,
>> -roy-
>>
>>
>> "thrushguy" <garons@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:1_6dncVfofuvNvrfRVn-uQ@comcast.com...
>>> If it's not too much of a hassle for you deliver it for free. I
>>> typically
>>> deliver all my games for free if they're within an hours drive. It's a
>>> good
>>> practice if you only sell one here and there. You'll also know that the
>>> game wasn't tossed around in the back of a minivan or something too. So
>>> when it gets there you can give it the once over and make sure it's
>>> working.
>>> I offer a warrantee on games I sell locally to homebuyers and have
>>> rarely
>>> ever had to use it. My terms are usually 30 days and I'll fix it, then
>>> the
>>> 2nd 30 days we split the fixing costs and then after 60 days they're on
>>> their own but I can be called to fix it. Good luck with it. I also
>>> tell my
>>> "customers" not to leave the game on all the time. If you're not using
>>> it,
>>> turn it off. Many home buyers think that they use a ton of electricity
>>> so
>>> they usually follow the advice.
>>>
>>> just my 2¢
>>>
>>> Scott
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "mudmantim" <mudmantim@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:1114089852.556718.117020@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
>>>> I have seen non-working ones go for as high as $188. I just won a
>>>> non-working one for $150.
>>>> Your typical prices are what I have seen also. I purchased one a while
>>>> back for $750 working that only lasted a couple weeks. Months went by
>>>> before I got it working again.
>>>> Since you will probably be the one working on it if something goes
>>>> wrong, I would charge $650 and include shipping and setting it up and a
>>>> 30 day warranty. Maybe even $750, depending if you get a good vibe
>>>> from the buyer.
>>>>
>>>> And by original swearing marquee you mean the only swearing one right?
>>>> I have seen other ones advertised as "original swearing marqee" only to
>>>> have the word "Q*bert" on it.
>>>>
>>>> Just my opinion.
>>>> -Tim
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

I'd recommend doing a little preventive maintenance on it first. _Q*Bert_
is famous for flaky solder joints on the original power supply and the
filter boards. Try reflowing those beforehand.

Also try moving the game BEFORE delivering it. That way, if anything's
going to break, it'll be while it's still at your place, and not after
delivery.

Just trying to save you some headaches.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.video.arcade.collecting (More info?)

The game is currently in *my* arcade. That means the monitor is capped, the
power supply is rebuilt with heavy duty components, the sound board and
knocker works, the circuit board is reliable and the machine looks
beautiful.

Good suggestion about moving it, however I move this machine all the time. I
frequently get requests for help with Q*bert sound boards, and sometimes I
just have to throw a scope on mine to confirm a signal or something like
that.

Thanks,
-roy-



"Matt J. McCullar" <mccullar@flash.net> wrote in message
news:WCX9e.2546$L03.1921@newssvr17.news.prodigy.com...
> I'd recommend doing a little preventive maintenance on it first. _Q*Bert_
> is famous for flaky solder joints on the original power supply and the
> filter boards. Try reflowing those beforehand.
>
> Also try moving the game BEFORE delivering it. That way, if anything's
> going to break, it'll be while it's still at your place, and not after
> delivery.
>
> Just trying to save you some headaches.
>
>
>
>