Expert: Larry Bieza - 7/30/2011

Question
QUESTION: Dear Experts,  I have come in contact with a 1950's united manufacturing (Chicago or  California?) bowling machine with real balls and 10cent operated.  It's in great condition and works.  I live in St Joseph Michigan 49085 and would like to know the process of selling this the most profitable way of course or I should say advice from professionals so I get the value of the machine. From your previous website I did get an approximate figure on what it may be worth. Can someone help me please? This is my first time with a collectible and someone said put it on craigslist but I don't feel that's the right approach.  Thank you,   Meg Witte  

ANSWER: Hi Meg, I would say ebay is actually the best place for someone like yourself to sell this.  Restored, these games can bring $2500-5000, but there's a big difference between working and restored.  I would expect yours to bring between $1000 and $1500.  Larry

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QUESTION: Thank you Larry!  What is the difference between restored and working?  All I know is that it works and it has been in one place, a safe,dry, heated and air conditioned room it's whole life and seldom used. I actually am finding an interest in antiques and restoring etc just in tooling with an idea! On ebay do you give them your top dollar and go from there? Would it make a difference if I sent a picture on this site? Like I said I don't want to cheat myself and you come highly recommended.  Thank you so much!   Megan

Answer
Megan, Restored is where someone disassembles all the scoring units and other electrical components and cleans them and gets them into perfect working order.  Then they replace/repaint/repair any damaged cosmetic things, essentially making it like new.  This process typically takes 10-20  hours, so that's where the added value comes from.  Coin op machines, like the economy is down from what it used to be, at least on the more common items, such as your game.  I would suggest starting it at $1000 to protect yourself and just let it sell.  Larry