Expert: Rodger Knutson - 3/26/2011

Question
I have a 1967 Williams Beat Time Bootles pinball machine.  I read your correspondence with another owner from 07' and you said his was worth about $1,175 in good working condition.  I have mine on Craig's list for $300.  It is not in working condition, but looks like it can be restored.  The backglass appears to be okay...am I in the right ball park for price?

Answer
Hi Ian,

Well as of 2010-11 the value for a average condition, complete and working, 1976 Williams Beat Time is $900.00. They made 2,802 of these units. So what you need to do to figure value is take your best shot at what it might cost to get it fixed, and take that figure off it's value of 900.00, and you will be in the ball park on value OK? So right now your asking price reflects a  value in buying this for up to a 500.00 repair job and anything less will make the deal better for the buyer. I think you about right on your figure, taking in consideration the problems you will run into for finding a repair guy, arrange repairs, returning the machine home after repairs, and then the problems and costs of selling it. If you ask market value you can expect to take some time in selling it, so at 300.00 it might be the best and easiest way to handle this. Also at that price if you lived I'm my area you would have my attention!, but in your area you may not have people who can fix it?

Thank You
Rodger Knutson

http://www.coinslots.com