Dragon's Lair Fans - Arcade Lifestyle
General Chat => 'Business' Area : Buy/Sell/Trade => Topic started by: ckong on November 11, 2009, 01:12:40 PM
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Does someone has any experience with importing cabs from the USA. I don't mean one or two, but a container full of them. If so, is it doable if you are located in Europe?
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everyone has thought about this at least one time I think, but has anyone even ever tried?
I dont know exactly what the costs are, but I think the whole operation will be a big hassle, because otherwise Europe would already be the home of a lot more Donkey Kong, Popeye, Q-bert etc. cabs
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It sure will be not easy to do, but at the moment I am in contact with a few Americans who might point me to a number of cabs. I know that I have to act really careful with this kind of deal, but it may be worth a try. I mean, who doesn't dare, doesn't win. Or, never a shot fired will always be a miss hit (or something like that). Maybe it works out, maybe not.
So if any reader, perhaps a US forum member, has some useful information, particularly with regard to locating cabs, export- and shipping procedures, feel free to spill it :)
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can't see it being much different to japan?
best if all the cabs are at the same location or be consolidated at the same location. the seller really need to arrange on your behalf a local freight forwarder to come collect and fill in the paperwork for seafreight, it's not that difficult if it's handled locally. you need to get a copy of this paperwork for you to instruct your own forwarder to go collect on your behalf at the port in your own country.
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Not an easy task :-\ Example right here (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=592.0).
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Not an easy task :-\ Example right here (https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=592.0).
Somehow that topic didn't scare me 8)
I know that a lot of work etc. is involved. But it could be worth it: prices of cabs in the USA have decreased dramatically the last two years (-60% and more), container shipping prices are also cut in half almost, the exchange rate is very favourable for us, and added tax (19% in NL) is calculated over a far lower value than 2 years ago.
As I said earlier, maybe it doesn't happen, but I'm still on it. The first shipping quotes I got make me laugh a bit. And I will of course travel overseas at a certain moment to take care of some things locally. And as I didn't go on holiday yet this year, this is a nice opportunity.
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Man.......if you find a Q*bert.......I'm going to kiss you ! ;D ;D ;D
Not really of course... :D
I know it can be done. Stefano from Italy just imported a container full of machines (yes, including a Q*bert, but of course he keeps that himself). I do think it's really necessary to go over there though...
Your arguments are all valid Ckong. I've also checked for a 20' container from NYC to Rotterdam about 4 years ago. It was about 1700 euro's then. That was warehouse to warehouse. Would have to do the local pick-up myself.
If you need a truck + chassis + driver to get the container from the port to your place I might be able to arrange something as I have family in that business.
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Thanks for the support :)
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my guess is that you would have to pay AT LEAST the same amount of money you're paying for the cabs for import taxes, shipping costs, etc.! i would stick to europe for now, there are still wonderful cabs out there waiting to be found (see andré's warehouse raid).
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You don't scare easily do you .....
Nice quality in life. Could you keep me in the loop regard this ..... miss DK much, u see .......
Also a nice cocktail-table would be ace.
Anyhoo you know where to find me.
Best of luck E.
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maybe unnecessary to add, but if you are willing to give it a try, I'am in for it to sponsor you with money for a nice cab in return. But is money really the problem in this case? you have to accidentally run into a warehouse full of nice cabs with a seller who is willing to ship. Anyhow, if you try, I hope you can pull it off.
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Hi guys,
This idea of mine entered the next stage. I got into contact with someone on the other side of the big pond who has experience with raids and bulk buys, and who is willing to help me.
The possibility that this will happen has increased (considerably). My goal is to get a container full of nice cabs to Europe, to The Netherlands to be precise. I aim at late 70's and early 80's cabs, vector and raster, but there could also be some nice late 80's and 90's cabs in the deal. Who knows, it's not like you walk in a groceries store and can pick whatever you want. And the cabs should be in decent and working order.
I am still not sure that it will happen, and I don't know when it will happen, but I do have a positive feeling about this. :)
I won't keep all the cabs myself of course, the idea is to sell most of the cabs to you guys (and arcade fans on other forums). So, in which cabs would you be interested?
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ckong, have you recently arrived to my country by steamboat and did you grew a large beard? ;D ;D I hope so
80's;
-popeye
-burgertime
-donkey kong ( & jr)
-ms pacman
-Q-Bert
-vs. the Goonies or vs. Castlevania
plus lots more I guess
90's:
-street fighter 2
-mortal kombat 1 or 2
-timecrisis stand up
-terminator 2
-the punisher
anyhow, I think if you import a lot of cabs from the USofA, I would definately be interested to buy one from you. Can also give you money in advance.
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If it should be one cab:: Burgertime
but I would take the plunge for a nice Tron too
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Ronald, I'm sorry but those cabs won't fit through the chimnee :D Or I will have the 'beukpiet' smash it in tiny pieces. Don't worry, you will get some glue with it.
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the 'beukpiet'
:lol: ;D :lol: :D
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You already know what I want..... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
But just in case:
-Quantum (Wahahahaha, 0 chance)
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Any Atari Vector
-Q*bert
-Anything Nintendo
-a gigantic gameroom
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i'd be in for a TAPPER - this is one of the nicest cabinets ever made. BURGERTIME would also be fabulous.
but how is this going to work (if the deal ever comes through)? are you going to make a list of the games people want and then "order" them from the states or are you telling your contact "get whatever you can" and whatever he gets is sold to the highest bidder over here?
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but how is this going to work (if the deal ever comes through)? are you going to make a list of the games people want and then "order" them from the states or are you telling your contact "get whatever you can" and whatever he gets is sold to the highest bidder over here?
It will not be a matter of ordering specific wanted cabs, but it won't also be just a blind buy. Just wait and watch this space. But I will add tapper to my wanted list, you never know how a cow catches a hare.
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hmmmm, beginning to sound VERY interisting....
R-Type Dedicated please...!
And a nintendo cab (DK,DKJ,DK3,MB,Popeye)
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YES - R-TYPE :-*
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You guys can have the R-type, I'll take the Burger Time (forgot to put that on my list) :)
Sinterklaas kapoentje, gooi wat in mijn schoentje, gooi wat in mijn laarsje, dank u Sinterklaasje !
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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So many choices ???
Well:
Track & Field
DK
Galaga
Star Wars
Q*bert
Any of those would be sweet ;D
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still don't know how this is supposed to be going down. we have many people wanting a burgertime for example. let's say you get ONE - what next? highest offer gets it? just curious ...
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still don't know how this is supposed to be going down. we have many people wanting a burgertime for example. let's say you get ONE - what next? highest offer gets it? just curious ...
That's easy, if we just have one ....... it's mine :D
No, the idea behind this is that I want to import some nice games, in first instance for myself. And I considered bying a few from the US, but that's actually no option because of the high purchase price (bying one or two cabs is much more expensive than bying a bulk) and the additional shipping costs, which is also very high for just a few cabs.
Then I decided to try to go for a container load. Costs per cab will be much lower and I have more choice. But obviously most games will be sold again, and that's why I want to know upfront which cabs are generally wanted.
So, don't consider this as a group buy or something like that, I will not take orders upfront, nor will I take advance payments. I will decide which cabs I will sell in which way after I bought the cabs and also probably after I have them here and visiually inspected them. But you can be assured, I will sell cabs in a decent way, so everybody gets a fair chance to get the cab they desire.
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Just in case, I'm ok for a Joust ;).
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I'd be interested in Guerrilla War 8)
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I would we interested Double Dragon
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:arrow: hey guys! I am doing the exact same thing, my boat is actually in the middle of the ocean right now. I don't know about customs in netherlands or belgium but I am in Italy, and this could be a real suicide. I know a guy who abandoned a container full of em pins because customs asked him more than what he paid including shipping :o. so there is a good chance my games will rot in some deposit near genova...another thing: ever received a pcb or a marquee from usa in an empty carton box without foam or chips or even bubblewrap? imagine 20 cabs inside a big metal box bouncing and shaking for 2 weeks... ;D so make sure your contact is a good contact! :!:
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Hi, yes, I heard that you are doing this. That's great. Did you have to pay export tax because you transpor cabs to another country?
...... so there is a good chance my games will rot in some deposit near genova
:o Don't tell me that you didn't look into this on forehand? Before I will execute my idea, I will know pretty sure which 'overhead' costs I can expect to have.
so make sure your contact is a good contact! :!:
Yes, I know how important that is. Fortunately I think that I have a very good contact. In fact, I will meet him myself because I intend to go to the USA when I buy the cabs, and I will pack and supervise the packing myself. I will combine my trip with a short holiday, visit a nice location in New Hampshire amongst others.
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Hi, yes, I heard that you are doing this. That's great. Did you have to pay export tax because you transpor cabs to another country?
...... so there is a good chance my games will rot in some deposit near genova
:o Don't tell me that you didn't look into this on forehand? Before I will execute my idea, I will know pretty sure which 'overhead' costs I can expect to have.
so make sure your contact is a good contact! :!:
Yes, I know how important that is. Fortunately I think that I have a very good contact. In fact, I will meet him myself because I intend to go to the USA when I buy the cabs, and I will pack and supervise the packing myself. I will combine my trip with a short holiday, visit a nice location in New Hampshire amongst others.
Get all the cabs there and we're done ! Instead of a container charter an entire ship :D
By the way there never are taxes for exporting stuff, only for importing. Import taxes depend on the value you import. Of course, you may value the stuff differently than customs do.
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You already know what I want..... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
But just in case:
-Quantum (Wahahahaha, 0 chance)
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Lunar Lander
-Any Atari Vector
-Q*bert
-Anything Nintendo
-a gigantic gameroom
If you want a Quantum I will sell you mine.
Oliver
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If you want a Quantum I will sell you mine.
once again my question for oliver: is there a cab that you don't have? EDOT, quantum, cosmic chasm - i'm sure you also have an original pong, right? where did you get al those games?
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yes I have an original Pong :-)
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Hi, yes, I heard that you are doing this. That's great. Did you have to pay export tax because you transpor cabs to another country?
you will have to pay a number of things, not sure about export taxes.
...... so there is a good chance my games will rot in some deposit near genova
:o Don't tell me that you didn't look into this on forehand? Before I will execute my idea, I will know pretty sure which 'overhead' costs I can expect to have.
you are very lucky to live in the netherlands my friend, you can't do such a thing in italy. this is the land of chaos.
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yes I have an original Pong :-)
did you import all those games from the usa?
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yes I have an original Pong :-)
did you import all those games from the usa?
Hi, I imported a few over the years from the USA yes. I'l be honest, I bought most of my machines (I have somewhere around 75-100) from Germany :D I found a good warehouse in Germany from person that became a good friend.
Pictures here: http://www.arcadeoll.com/wh/01.jpg upto 21.jpg
Oliver
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I'l be honest, I bought most of my machines (I have somewhere around 75-100) from Germany :D
OMG !!! :o :o
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holy sh**!!! why can't i "find" a warehouse like that? trons, gauntlets, defenders - you name it, it's there! do you have a gameroom for all your games or are they just stashed away in storage?
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On topic please 8)
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I have imported from the USA a few times. I have done single machines via air freight. That usually works out to be around 800E after taxes.. Not cheap...
I also imported a 20ft container, pics here: http://www.arcadeoll.com/pics/container/
That was £1900 + taxes
Oliver
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Nice photos. Did you pack those cabs yourself, or did someone else do it for you?
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I had a friend in the USA that looked after all the cabs and generously loaded up the container also. I then emptied the container at my end in the UK.
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Hi guys,
A little update. The first lead which I had in the USA is unfortunately not working out. :( It was not possible at all for me to select certain games, I had to go with a bulk of 28 cabs, with no knowledge of the technical condition and hardly any information on the exterior condition. Sure, there were 2 Galaga's, a Pac-man and one or two Ms. Pac-man's, but most other games involved were not that interesting for me and for you.
So I had to pass on that one. 8)
However, I do have another lead which could be more interesting. This guy claims that he can get most of the cabs which I want. See for instance this list which I did send him, with his remarks:
Asteroids (yes I can get one or more)
Asteroids Deluxe (yes I can get one or more)
Black Widow (yes I should be able to get one)
Bump ‘n jump (yes I should be able to get one)
Burgertime (I have one now)
Centipede (yes I can get one or more)
Commando (yes I can get one or more)
Crystal castles (yes I can get one or more)
Defender (yes I can get one or more)
DigDug (yes I can get one or more)
Disc of Tron (yes I should be able to get one, but will cost $$$)
Donkey Kong (yes I can get one or more)
Donkey Kong 3 (yes I can get one or more)
Donkey Kong jr. (yes I can get one or more)
Dragon's Lair (yes I should be able to get one, but will cost $$$)
Frogger (yes I can get one or more)
Galaga (yes I can get one or more)
Galaxian (yes I can get one or more)
Gorf (yes I can get one or more)
Gravitar (yes I should be able to get one)
Joust (yes I can get one or more)
Joust 2 (yes I should be able to get one)
Mappy (yes I might be able to get one)
Marble Madness (yes I can get one or more)
Mario bros. (yes I can get one or more)
Millipede (yes I can get one or more)
Missile Command (yes I can get one or more)
Moon Cresta (yes I can get one or more)
Moon Patrol (yes I can get one or more)
Ms. Pacman (yes I can get one or more)
Outrun (yes I can get one or more)
Pacman (yes I can get one or more)
Phoenix (yes I can get one or more)
Pole Position (yes I can get one or more)
Pole Position 2 (yes I can get one or more)
Popeye (yes I can get one or more)
Qbert (yes I can get one or more)
Qix (yes I can get one or more)
Road Blaster (yes I can get one or more)
Robotron (yes I can get one or more)
R-Type (yes I might be able to find one)
Scramble (yes I can get one or more)
Simpsons (yes I can get one or more)
Space Duel (yes I can get one or more)
Space Invaders (yes I can get one or more)
Star Wars cockpit (yes I might be able to fine one, but will cost $$$)
Stargate (yes I can get one or more)
Streetfighter II Ch. Edition (yes I can get one or more)
Super Cobra (yes I can get one or more)
Super Zaxxon (yes I can get one or more)
Tempest (yes I can get one or more)
Time Pilot ‘84 (yes I can get one or more)
Track ‘n Field (yes I can get one or more)
Tron (yes I can get one or more but will cost $$$)
Turbo Outrun (yes I can get one or more)
Zaxxon (yes I can get one or more)
Any games on the list which you would like? It will take some time for me to ‘investigate’ this lead, price-wise and attainability wise, but I’m still on it.
What I am aiming for is to get cabs over here which are technically in 100% working order, and which exterior is decent to good. Of course it mostly will depend on the prices.
It might be that I will have to change the plan with regard to financing it all, with which I mean that I might go for the route to take pre-orders for cabs with prepayments. Nobody should however be afraid that they will do a complete blind buy, there will be cab descriptions and pictures before committing to a purchase. As I said, I might do that, and I still have to work out the rules, but would you consider this as an option? Besides the financial reason another reason is that in this way people commit themselves to take a cab (I often hear people say “sure I want that”, and then later pull back for various ‘reasons’). I want some nice games also, but I don't want to get stuck with 35 of them, which is the amount in a 40ft. container.
I will keep you informed.
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A very detailed text Erik, you can rely on me for a Joust as I said upper ;).
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i would be up for BURGERTIME and MILLIPEDE. if the price is right i might be interested in even more, but those two would be perfect! and of course MOON PATROL (if i don't get it from the person who promised it to me ;))
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punch-out and burgertime :P :-*
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I simply almost copy/pasted superullys text:
i would be up for Donkey Kong, R-Type and Play Choice 10. if the price is right i might be interested in even more, but those two would be perfect!
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No Lunar Lander ?
The other games I would consider getting rid another cab for are:
Burger Time
Q*bert
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you are very lucky to live in the netherlands my friend, you can't do such a thing in italy. this is the land of chaos.
robotype,
i agree with you
but i can say for my container experince in the last 6 years that:
Italy is for sure quite problematic for taxes (but if you pay is all OK)
but othe other side the custom relelase almost everything
(not as the north europe:Germany, France, etc.) where the customs are very strict on imports: certification ISO , bills of etc)
I know that because for example many china or old ages toys like mazinga has been block in all europe (but not in Italy!)
Every country has its upside down
Mav
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No Lunar Lander ?
The other games I would consider getting rid another cab for are:
Burger Time
Q*bert
One consideration that may be useful for all of you guys
Ebay.com you can find lot of cabs with different prices and different conditions
Quite for sure you'll find the cab you want right there
would not be better that the single person bid(for example: level 42, buy and pay for his game (es: q bert with paypal) and then
only then the person who organize the shipping, provide just the container
Isn't it better and simpler?
just my simple idea
Hope this helps
Mav
Is would even better for ckong who would not have the responsability to guarantee teh functionality and conditions of the single games
1 person:
choose 1 item,
bid on 1 item,
pay 1 item,
deliver 1 item to the container US port through NAVL
and wait for the item chosed and paid :)
Simple, no?
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Hi Mav,
At first I thought that is indeed simple. But after a second thought that could turn out quite expensive and complex. first of all it is a bit expensive because the cabs will have double transport charges, first the national transport costs from the seller to the container location, and then the international container shipping costs. Plus not all sellers will be prepaired to pack and ship the cab ( I see a lot of E-bay cabs which are only pick-up). And there is a greater risk on transport damage (twice loading and unloading, twice transport, insufficient packing). A final disadvantage of this method is that a lot of people are dependent from each other. If one or a few people hesitate or have some problem with there cab in the US, it will effect the situation of all people. And 30+ people would have to make payment arrangements and shipping arrangements.
This would only be very simple and cost efficient if all cabs are bought from a centralized location. However, thanks for your input, you brought me on an idea which I will investigate further.
Edit: Oh, and paperwork for customs, both sides, would be much more complicated as there are more owners for the container content, the risk of differences in taric classification because of differences in supplied information by sellers, etc.
And organizing the insurance would also be more difficult because again there are multiple owners of the conatiner content.
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for example many china or old ages toys like mazinga has been block in all europe (but not in Italy!)
are you talking about soul of chogokin and similar? in italy too it happened they sent them back to china often because they lack of CE mark and certifications, it happens also with original nintendo soft for wii and maybe other games.
btw my container arrived in genova a few days ago but to have it transported here in milano and clear customs etc seems to be very complicate. also, the computer selects the containers for customs inspections and this would add time and costs. hope is not my case.
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About Arkanoid : you can find a nice Romstar dedicated cab ?
If you can have one, I'm ok for sure :spaceace: (no more, two is the limit for me!).
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Hi Mav,
not all sellers will be prepaired to pack and ship the cab ( I see a lot of E-bay cabs which are only pick-up)
Hi chong,
they don't need or have to
NAVL will care in a very professional way for the crating, pick and shipping of the game to the US navy port
So no problem at all for my friends
I used to collect in this way and more happy because I know what I'm buying
I buy what I see
and especially what i want at how I want
Edit: Oh, and paperwork for customs, both sides, would be much more complicated as there are more owners for the container content, the risk of differences in taric classification because of differences in supplied information by sellers, etc.
It wouldn't becuase they will be imported by just 1 person not many
And organizing the insurance would also be more difficult because again there are multiple owners of the conatiner content.
No you just need to send the proofs of payment not other
Customs look for money, so send the real value with paypal payments and everything will work smoothly:)
Proceed in this way,
It is better
Collectors prefer to choose paying something more instead of having the game a little bit cheaper but with some imperfection
Mav
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are you talking about soul of chogokin and similar? in italy too it happened they sent them back to china often because they lack of CE mark and certifications, it happens also with original nintendo soft for wii and maybe other games.
Sure, in these cases we are talking about not authorized imports,
So No certification= No import
No authorization= NO import
There can be also a law suit for illegal import due to violation of copyright and trade (even if original items because you exported an item for an another country)
Japanese companies like nintendo are extremely firm on this matter
btw my container arrived in genova a few days ago but to have it transported here in milano and clear customs etc seems to be very complicate. also, the computer selects the containers for customs inspections and this would add time and costs. hope is not my case.
that's because - in my 6 years import experience - probably you don't have a good shipper
About inspection is a duty, custom officers must follow the procedure as you have to either
Hope this helps
Mav
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As Muerto and Superully (almost) earlier said:
I would be in for Track & Field and Donkey Kong, maybe more depending on price :)
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Well, I think my 'must have' list is complete :P ...no wait... I'm still looking for a PONG! ::) :P
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Do you want a Pong, or would a Ric-o-chet be OK too ?
(http://gallery.me.com/andre.huijts/100635/P6020089-JPG/web.jpg?ver=12573767360001)
http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=12706
I love the weird set-up with the pinball legs, and the total thing is so ugly that it become beautiful again :)
And it's SOOOOO 70's.....
Oh and it's 4 player !
There's one for sale in your country. And it's supposed to be working. Did we power it up when we were at the warehouse last time guys ? I don't remember !
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There's one for sale in your country. And it's supposed to be working. Did we power it up when we were at the warehouse last time guys ? I don't remember !
Yes we did, the seller (very nice man btw) said it was working, so when he wasen´t looking we powered it on.... nothing happend..... for like 10 sec......... and then...... still nothing..... but... weeeeh! - picture!!!!! and the game seemed to be working.
couldent get it started cuz we needed a coin to put credit on it....
and to anwser your question short:
It Worked!
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Yep, now I remember. We should have taken a picture of us playing that machine ! I remember now I suggested that but we never got to do it ! :D
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Do you want a Pong, or would a Ric-o-chet be OK too ?
Well, I'm looking for the original Atari's PONG.
I had the opportunity to buy Midway's winner ...
(http://www.klov.com/images/11/1178572056.jpg)
...which is almost a Pong, but definitively not the original one ;)
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Well, I'm looking for the original Atari's PONG.
who isn't? ;D
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....... only then the person who organize the shipping, provide just the container
....... deliver 1 item to the container US port through NAVL
This could also be an interesting option. But how to organize this through NAVL? I mean:
- How to arrange NAVL to go to the seller’s location, let them pack the cab and transport it to a central and temporary storage location in a port area (which must be the same location of course for more cabs)?
- Will these costs not be huge?
- How to arrange the central storage location? Also through NAVL? If yes, how to organize this?
- Will there not be considerable overland transport costs and storage costs?
- How to provide the container at the storage location? Does NAVL has a role in that?
It would be nice if you could elaborate on this and share your experience.
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With pleasure ckong,
First of all soon as the Ebay's auction ends, the winner tells you where the game is located,
you - as the leader - first take contact with the seller by phone
then phone NAVL at this number 1-800-369-9115 and transmit the exact adress, measures, zip code and city for the cab's shipping quote and pick up
NAVL will give you the estimate cost from the cab's location (around the US country) to NY (where usually container leave USA)
The usual cost is around 300$-$500 (it depends on the location)
** and the winner will be more than happy to pay this because he has personally chosen the cab, his conditions and paid what he though it was the right price,
so no problem: after all look for quality cabs for life time than broken or rubbish old cabs**
they will ask you to pay by credit card
and you pay
Game arrive at the storage facility of your European shipper in NY (that will provide the container service)
Soon as all the games are collected: the container leaves USA!
When the container arrives in Europe: things became tricky and reeeally expensive for taxes, documentations, custom duties, certifications
When the custom duties release the container (After youi paid them all)
you can personally unload the container to your shipper's facility
Easy and fast
Mav
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.. Of course pro english skills and some experience in container's shipping is required as to deal with custom duties
Since if - for any damn reason - something is going wrong at the european custom (and the 1st time is very easy, believe me!)
netherlands as long as I remember is also extremely strict on imports (see CE and ISO certifications for toys) and law matters (not like here in Italy where everybody break the rules! :?)
the container cames back at your expense !
And you see nothing!
So, I appreciate much your passion and will to make something on this matter
But I've got to advise you for all the risks you can have (for sure) dealing with All these kind of things
It is not like organizing the shipping of a PC engine coming from Japan (..unfortunately!)
So beware
It is a beautiful passion but in this case It is A JOB with risks and problems
you'll have also to deal with different fuse time
because you'll have to call USA each time a game is on the verge to arrive in NY or must still be picked up (for any uncomprihensive reason the loacl shipper has not done)
(for example in the night to catch the US's shipper boss to ask for updates, I did it many times at the point bat wings has grown on my back! ;D)
** Be sure that the commitment you take in front of the members doesn't collide with your regular job & problems and your private life otherwise you'll have serious problems**
Legally you answer for any problem as financially.
So pay particular attention on what you're going to do.
Easy and fast for people with the specs listed above
Maybe IMHO is better that oliver (alpha1) takes this BIG responsability (he is also from Uk so he can phone in USA with no problem at all and made 10 times more than me)
or it would be better you first make some shipping from Usa alone to make some experience and get used with it
as I used to in the last 6 years or jason did
Just my idea
Hope this helps
Mav
** IMPORTANT: I was missing this particular: the NY shipper will require a phone number (no mobile) where to get in touch with you in any moment - day and night - and be sure to be there **
For them it is job too
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Maverick, are you trying to scare the hell out of me? :shock: Like the guys at jamma+?
I appreciate the time and effort you take to supply me with your info and knowledge, but you make it sound more difficult than getting the high score on Donkey Kong!
Fortunately a lot of your arguments are true ...... if I would do it your way. So If you don't mind, I won't. There are too many issues when 35 people are buying cabs on Ebay, 35 shipping arrangements have to be made, duration of this operation, etc. etc.
By the way, I do think a lot of people hesitate to pay $ 300 $ 500 for overland shipping.
So I decided to do it according my first intention, if I do it at all (depends mostly on total price per cab, not because of organisational reasons).
In short my procedure will be as follows:
1. I have a contactperson in the USA
2. He locates the wanted cabs (he has numerous sources and has also some cabs in stock) according my given demands (technical and esthetical) and he makes photos of them
3. He sends me the photos and description of the cab, on which I decide to buy it or not (if needed I will ask ‘approval’ from the one who expressed serious interest in a certain cab, let’s say mr. X)
4. I pay my contact person (perhaps I ask a prepayment from mr. X) and he buys the cab
5. He collects the cab, which will mostly be not far away from him)
6. He stores all the cabs in a storage facility nearby him
7. After all cabs are gathered, which shouldn’t take too long according my contactperson, he or I will make the cabs ready for transport
8. A transport company will bring a container to the storage facility, and the cabs will be loaded, again by my contactperson or by myself.
9. The container will be picked up an transported to the port, loaded on board, shipped, unloaded at the destination in The Netherlands. This is not a wish, I already have one quote for such a procedure, very easy (most paperwork will be taken care for) and at a reasonable price.
10. Mr. X can come and pickup the cab he bought.
That’s it in short. This procedure is not how I want to do it, but how I will do it. I already spoke about this with my contact person. As soon as I know more financial wise I will get back on this subject.
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Maverick, are you trying to scare the hell out of me? :shock: Like the guys at jamma+?
Ckong, I would never,
since form the beginning I said before I appreciate your efforts
but even since - from your words - this whole thing is totally new to you
(and this thing is not like have a supe famicom shipped from Japan)
Maybe - like people who did this before like me (this jamma+ forum people you mentioned)
we wouldn't like to see you involved in BIG issues (no container arrival approval, custom duty problems, high taxes required, container under siege for lack of documentation, container coming back to USA etc..) that explained before can happen easily,
Then, the fact you want to do in your way it is Ok for me
I mean, I followed the easiest and fast procedure (also trasparent let me say) to make this thing easier for everybody
But I mean, you have to follow yours if you think it is better than mine
you're free to do what you want to do
My experience brings me to give you the best advice to avoid problems and most of all errors
(but beware my buddy if something goes wrong you're in big troubles man.. :-[)
Mav
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By the way, I do think a lot of people hesitate to pay $ 300 $ 500 for overland shipping.
No, if you give them the freedom to choice (the best cab they prefer for price and condition) they would be more than happy to pay, believe me
Ebay gives great freedom of choice
Everybody would find the best cabs they want at HOw they want
If the collectors are happy, it means you're doing the right thing
So I decided to do it according my first intention, if I do it at all (depends mostly on total price per cab, not because of organisational reasons).
Let me point also the condition of the cabs,
and most of the people buying from USA want them working
One thing you have not mentioned in your procedure (the most common case of all shipping problems and particularly arcade cabs)
if a game arrive damage or broken (non working =DOA)
will you give back the money to the collecotr?
i.e will you personally refund the money?
who is going to pay if something is going wrong?
It is better to state this important point for everybody
before collecotrs start sending you the money and would feel unsadisfied
you would find in the same situation of nic andrews for the Cliff Hanger restoration project (a legend of nowadays that only thanks to Jeff kinder luckly finished in the right way after 3 years of waiting..
(jason was one of the people who trusted this guy and waited years before see something - ask him what has been his experience with that)
See old post:
http://www.d-l-p.com/community/forums/archives/default.asp?Action=View&MessageID=43720&Archive=Yes&Keywords=cliff+hanger|project
http://www.d-l-p.com/community/forums/archives/default.asp?Action=View&MessageID=42058&Archive=Yes&Keywords=cliff+hanger|project
hope this helps
Mav
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All right guys, my idea of importing cabs will not materialize. I have two reasons for it:
1. Although prices are pretty low in the States, the price for a cab in good condition is still is so high, that after adding all other costs to get the cab in Europe, the price difference is not that big anymore. Of course I can find good (low) prices for individual cabs on Ebay US or Craigslist, but then the effort too gather a container load of cabs is too high and too expensive. And bulk cab sellers charge too much unfortunately.
2. This is the most important reason: in the short time that I am collecting dedicated classic cabs, I found out that there are enough nice cabs floating around in Europe, sometimes around the corner, sometimes a bit further away, but often in pretty reasonable distance (which for me is about 1,000 km one way). And buying cabs in europe has several advantages, of which one is that you get to meet nice people and can built on a good arcade friends network. ;D
Although I still think that it could be done pretty easy organisational wise, above reasons made me reconsider my idea. :)
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Too bad .... not that I was in the market for one but I know you could have pulled it off and would have been a blast following that story.
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That's a wise decision ckong. You'll be able to find all your 'must have' games here in Europe. Sure, it'll take more time... you'll have to 'road trip' a lot... I may be also expensive (huge road trip are expensive) ... but you'll meet friends, you'll have a lot of stories to tell... and you'll more appreciate all of your games... 8)
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That's a wise decision ckong. You'll be able to find all your 'must have' games here in Europe. Sure, it'll take more time... you'll have to 'road trip' a lot... I may be also expensive (huge road trip are expensive) ... but you'll meet friends, you'll have a lot of stories to tell... and you'll more appreciate all of your games... 8)
You're quite right. But hey, I'm missing a few replies with some good humour in it. Somebody afraid that others don't understand humour?
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i saw it this afternoon, i would say indeed the best reply ever, but in a humorous way ofcourse.
Also i forsaw a upcomming discussion.........
some time ago there was something simular, and that ended..... thanx god
so i will not say more :D
Lets continue on topic
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i saw it this afternoon, i would say indeed the best reply ever, but in a humorous way ofcourse.
Also i forsaw a upcomming discussion.........
some time ago there was something simular, and that ended..... thanx god
so i will not say more :D
Lets continue on topic
Yes, please do. :)
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Hi there,
I was just wondering, as there are many nice cabs in the US, sometimes well priced. Do you guys sometimes do a sort of "group-import"? Like have a container waiting somewhere, everyone has his buys sent to the container, which is then shipped over here a shipping costs split. Or is there some other way you do it?
How much does it roughly cost to bring a cab over here?
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https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=1092.0
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Oh well then, ok, maybe not...Scary stuff.
:-)
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The key to do it is to have someone in the US crazy enough to spend loads of time to organize it on that side. Which is very unlikely, time=money,esp. in the US.
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I told you that a friend of mine is living in Florida and he will Be appreciated to help us !
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Not for me my friend....game room is almost full and will be completely full very soon !
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I've done it before and I think at least one other UKVAC'er has done it before also. In my case it was back in 2001. The way that it worked is that over the previous year or so UK folks would have their US purchases shipped to me in the US. They accumulated in my garage in the US with a plan that the whole lot, 24 or so games plus boxes of parts etc, would go in a 20ft container. The UKVAC folks planned to attend CalEx in September 2001 and the container was booked to load during their stay.
As it turned out, the world changed on Sept 11th and only one UKVAC'er got out before air was shut down. Despite that little bump, me the VAC'er, the truck driver and my dad managed to get all the stuff on the container and off it went. It arrived in the UK OK and a few of the UKVAC'ers managed the drop-off, collection and distribution of the contents accross the UK.
So it's doable, but not for the faint of heart...
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https://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=1092.0
Yes, topics now merged 8)
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Hey Paul, you owe me 1 ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D
Seriously....if you find a Gravitar, let me know !
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if i hadn't missedthat wonderful tapper (http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=197451&highlight=gravitar), you could have jumped aboard with the gravitar. it is still available for 350 bucks. i have found a very cheap shipping company from the usa to germany, but i'm waiting for the right first game to show up to give it a try. that right first game would have to be something like tapper or lunar lander ...
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...only 23 more Zac's to find and that's enough credits to earn yourself a 20ft container ;D
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I just got a quote of 1700 usd from the States for a cab, that is insane.
I guess a bulk buy would be much cheaper.
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It IS insane because I got that price for a 20' container a couple of years ago when I asked for an offer. That wasn't door to door though but port to port.
A regular cab was about 900 or so a year or two/three ago (US to Belgium, at least that's what a friend payed).