Selling Safely
Selling arcade games and pinball machines brings its own set of challenges. Whether you are thinning your collection or running a business, these tips help you avoid common seller scams and build buyer confidence.
Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent Buyers
Sellers are targets too. Watch for fake payment confirmations, overpayment scams, and social engineering.
- Verify payment before releasing the item. Never ship or hand over a machine based on a screenshot of a payment confirmation. Confirm the funds have actually cleared in your account, bank, or payment processor.
- Watch for overpayment scams. A buyer “accidentally” sends too much and asks you to refund the difference. The original payment turns out to be fraudulent, and you lose both the refund and the machine.
- Be wary of unusual shipping requests. A buyer who insists on using their “own shipper” or a very specific logistics company may be running a scam. Stick to reputable, established shipping options.
- Keep all communication on the platform. Scammers often try to move conversations to text, WhatsApp, or email where there is no record. Tilt & Token's messaging system provides a searchable history that helps resolve disputes.
- Trust your instincts. If a buyer is pressuring you, making unusual requests, or the situation feels off, it is okay to decline the sale.
Creating Trustworthy Listings
A detailed, honest listing is the best way to attract serious buyers and avoid disputes after the sale.
- Use your own photos of the actual item. Take clear, well-lit photos showing all sides of the cabinet, the playfield, backglass, coin door, and any areas with wear or damage. Avoid stock photos or images from the internet.
- Disclose all known issues. Mention dead LEDs, playfield wear, non-working features, cabinet damage, replaced parts, and any modifications. Buyers appreciate honesty and are less likely to request returns or file complaints.
- Describe the item accurately. State the manufacturer, year, model, and condition clearly. If you replaced the power supply, upgraded the monitor, or did a full restore, say so.
- Set a fair price. Research comparable sales. Overpricing drives buyers away; underpricing attracts lowballers. Use the price field honestly and note in the description if the price is negotiable.
Local Pickup Safety Tips
Most full-size arcade and pinball sales involve a buyer visiting your location to inspect and pick up the machine. Here is how to stay safe:
- Meet in a visible area. If possible, have the machine in a garage or front area rather than deep inside your home. Have another person present during the transaction.
- Confirm payment before loading. Do not help the buyer load the machine onto their truck or trailer until payment has fully cleared. Cash is the simplest for local deals. If accepting digital payment, wait for the funds to appear in your account.
- Document the condition at pickup. Take photos or a brief video of the machine with the buyer present before they load it. This protects you against claims of damage that happened during transport.
- Be cautious with personal information. Your address is necessary for pickup, but avoid sharing additional personal details beyond what is needed for the transaction.