Your 2025 Guide to Damage-Free Delivery & Setup
You’ve found the perfect pinball machine for sale in Europe—great!
Now comes the big question:
How do I ship it safely to my home, game room, or venue—without damage, stress, or hidden costs?
At House of Pinball, we’ve shipped hundreds of machines across Europe—from Germany and France to the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Scandinavia.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ship your pinball machine safely, legally, and cost-effectively within the EU.
📦 Why Pinball Shipping Requires Extra Care
Pinball machines are not like TVs or furniture. They’re:
- Heavy: 110–140 kg
- Tall and awkward: Up to 190 cm
- Fragile: Contain glass, electronics, solenoids, and moving parts
- Expensive: A €2,000–€12,000+ investment
Without proper packaging and handling, your machine can arrive scratched, cracked, or completely non-functional.
That’s why professional pinball shipping matters—especially across countries.
🧳 Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Pinball Machine in Europe
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Shipping Method
There are 3 common ways to ship pinball machines within Europe:
| Method | Best For | Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Curbside Freight | Budget-conscious buyers | 150–350 |
| White-Glove Delivery | Home setup with full service | 350–600 |
| Self-Transport | Short distance, local pickups | Varies |
📦 House of Pinball offers both curbside and white-glove options across the EU.
✅ Step 2: Prep the Machine for Transit
Whether you’re shipping yourself or using a carrier, proper preparation is key:
What to do:
- Remove balls from the machine
- Lower and secure the backbox (fold or detach if needed)
- Secure flipper buttons and plunger with foam
- Use zip ties or foam to protect loose cables
- Wrap the entire cabinet in:
- Bubble wrap
- Heavy-duty stretch film
- Corner protectors
- Place on a custom-fitted pallet if possible
💡 We professionally prep every shipment to prevent transit damage—down to the last screw.
✅ Step 3: Protect the Playfield & Glass
The glass top is one of the most fragile and expensive parts of the machine.
- If possible, remove and ship separately in padded box
- If kept in place, secure firmly with foam pads
- Lock or tape down coin door and service buttons to avoid damage
🚫 Never let a courier handle an unpackaged machine.
✅ Step 4: Choose an Insured, Experienced Carrier
Not all shipping companies understand arcade machines.
Make sure yours:
- Has experience with large electronics or gaming equipment
- Offers in-transit insurance up to machine’s value
- Provides tracking and delivery confirmation
- Uses hydraulic lifts or pallet jacks
🚚 House of Pinball works only with vetted, experienced transport partners in the EU.
✅ Step 5: Track Delivery & Prepare Your Space
On delivery day:
- Ensure doorways, elevators, and hallways are clear
- Measure dimensions: Pinball machines are ~75 cm wide
- If upstairs, verify there’s no narrow staircase turns
- Prepare power outlet (220V/50Hz) and a stable floor
Once delivered, let the machine rest for 1–2 hours to settle before powering on.
🎯 House of Pinball Shipping: What’s Included?
| Feature | Included with Every Order |
|---|---|
| 220V/50Hz-ready machine | ✅ Yes |
| CE-certified equipment | ✅ Yes |
| Full pre-shipping inspection | ✅ Yes |
| Palletization & wrapping | ✅ Yes |
| EU-wide delivery options | ✅ Yes |
| Insurance & tracking | ✅ Yes |
| Optional white-glove setup | ✅ Available |
💬 Real Buyer Concerns (and Our Honest Answers)
“Will my machine arrive damaged?”
Not with us. Every unit is professionally wrapped, insured, and protected.
“Can I ship to Spain, Italy, or Scandinavia?”
Yes—we deliver to all EU countries (and even some non-EU like Switzerland or Norway).
“What if something goes wrong during shipping?”
We handle all claims directly with the carrier. You’re fully covered—no stress.
🚫 Common Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s Risky |
|---|---|
| Using a non-specialized carrier | Increases risk of drop/damage |
| Not removing balls or securing parts | Leads to internal breakage |
| No insurance or tracking | No recourse if machine is lost/damaged |
| Buying from sellers with no EU support | You deal with shipping alone |
🔑 Final Tips Before You Buy
✅ Always ask the seller who handles shipping and setup
✅ Make sure voltage is 220V/50Hz ready (important in Europe!)
✅ Choose white-glove delivery if you’re not comfortable unpacking or lifting
✅ Buy from a trusted EU-based pinball dealer
🎁 Why Buy from House of Pinball?
When you buy from us, shipping is never an afterthought—it’s part of the full-service experience.
We provide:
- Certified pinball machines for the EU market
- EU-wide shipping with insurance and tracking
- White-glove setup available in select cities
- Lifetime customer support
- Transparent pricing with no surprise VAT or customs fees