Value Check and Question: Beatmania Arcade

[blissfulnoise]

I've got access to a Beatmania arcade (no version info) that's in excellent condition and fully working for very cheap.

The problem, of course, is space. I don't think I can fit this thing in my house. So two questions:

Does this thing disassemble for portability? The weight isn't the issue. The size is (40" wide on the short side). I'm working with about 36" doorways and hallways.

What's the real value of this thing? I saw the couple on eBay that haven't sold. The one I'm looking to get is about a third of that cost.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

[Arcade Antics]

What's the real value of this thing? I saw the couple on eBay that haven't sold. The one I'm looking to get is about a third of that cost.
The real value is subjective, and will always vary depending on your region. Add in other factors like the urgency of the seller to move it out, response to advertising, etc., and there's really no way to gauge "value" other than what it's worth to you.

The trick is to figure out what you can live with spending on it (and if you want to move the monster ;)). A fair price for any working coin-op in good shape is about $300. That's a fair price, not necessarily what the value of the game is or what you'd actually end up paying. In some areas, it would be tougher to sell a nice working cab for $300, and the seller would be happy to get $150-200 for it. I wouldn't pay $300 for a Nintendo PC-10 cab, but I know many people who would happily spend $600 or more on one. A Ms. Pac-Man or Galaga coin op will routinely sell for $700 or more without a problem. If you're looking for a game that's not on the collective radar, you might be able to get it for $300 or less. If it's a popular title, expect to pay $300 or more depending on condition.

[blissfulnoise]

I'm pretty savvy with the business workings of most coin-op arcade units, but Beatmania is kind of an anomaly for me as its a "presentation" game similar to DDR or Guitar Freaks.

I didn't know if amusement dealers were still hungering for games like this and I'd have an easy sale (granted, depending on desire in the region). I'd love to keep it for myself but unless it can be dismantled in an effective way, it just simply won't fit in my house.

The guy is moving and he's looking to get rid of it cheaply, I just wanted to have some sort of cushion for myself if I cannot physically keep it and need to move it. Preferably for a fair profit.

[ClubNinja]

Lesson learned in arcade world:

The bigger it is, the harder it sells.

If/when you get to selling that, everyone who wants it at the price you're asking will either have transportation trouble or no place to put it. The only guy who will have the transportation and physical storage space will want to pay his price - very likely at, or less than what you paid.

[MoreEbolaForYou]

yup, seems like the bigger something is, the less anyone wants to pay. ive seen huge perfectly working games that were probably ridiculously expensive new go for like $100. good example would be prop arena (i think that's what it's called)...huge game, worked great, looked great, saw it go for $150 i believe.

so basically, be careful.

[Sosage]

This “bigger isn't better” lesson reminds me of a conversation about a Ferrari F355 3 monitor unit (http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=F&game_id=7770) that was FS. People wanted it, but everyone who could transport the unit couldn't move/fit the damn thing inside their house (those that could fit it through a door couldn't find room for the thing in their gameroom). I believe the machine's ultimate fate was a good dissection of the monitors/boards/parts and the cabinet destroyed, which is depressing in a way as I think it is a cool machine.

Only exception to this rule is a Rush 2049. Everyone makes room for a 2049.

[Vigilante]

This “bigger isn't better” lesson reminds me of a conversation about a Ferrari F355 3 monitor unit (http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?letter=F&game_id=7770) that was FS. People wanted it, but everyone who could transport the unit couldn't move/fit the damn thing inside their house (those that could fit it through a door couldn't find room for the thing in their gameroom). I believe the machine's ultimate fate was a good dissection of the monitors/boards/parts and the cabinet destroyed, which is depressing in a way as I think it is a cool machine.

Only exception to this rule is a Rush 2049. Everyone makes room for a 2049.

Hell, I'll get rid of the wife and kids for a 2049! LOL