Buying your first pinball machine for sale is exciting—whether you’re building a home arcade, outfitting a game room, or starting your collector journey. But while the sticker price might be your focus, there are several hidden costs that can impact your total investment.
At House of Pinball, we help buyers understand the full picture. Below, we’ll break down all the unexpected expenses that come with pinball ownership—so you can make a smart, confident purchase without surprises.
🧾 1. Shipping & Delivery Fees
💡 Average Cost: $200 – $500 (depending on location & size)
Buying online? Whether new or used, pinball machines weigh between 250–350 lbs and require specialized freight shipping.
- Curbside vs. White-Glove Delivery: Basic shipping drops the machine at your curb. Want it brought inside and set up? That’s extra.
- Crating: Some shippers require the machine to be crated (boxed for transport), adding ~$100–$150.
✅ Pro Tip: Always ask if delivery and setup are included in the price at checkout or request a quote.
🔌 2. Electricity Usage
💡 Average Cost: $4–$10/month per machine
Pinball machines don’t draw a lot of power, but they still use 100–200 watts/hour when active.
- Home Use Impact: If you play frequently, your energy bill might go up slightly.
- Commercial Use: Expect higher costs if the machine is on all day.
✅ Tip: Use a smart plug to monitor power usage and turn off your machine remotely.
🛠️ 3. Ongoing Maintenance & Repairs
💡 Average Annual Cost: $100–$300 (DIY), $300–$800 (Pro serviced)
Pinball machines are mechanical by nature, so they will require upkeep:
- Burned-out bulbs
- Stuck flippers
- Worn rubber rings
- Broken coils or switches
Vintage machines typically require more frequent service than newer models like Stern or Jersey Jack.
✅ Tip: Consider our Maintenance Schedule Generator Tool to get a personalized upkeep plan based on your machine model.
🔧 4. Spare Parts & Upgrades
💡 Typical Costs:
- Flipper rebuild kits: $25–$50
- Rubber ring kits: $20–$40
- LEDs: $50–$100 per machine
- Playfield glass: $100+
- Boards/IC chips: $50–$300 depending on damage
You might also want to customize or upgrade your machine with mods like:
- Color displays
- Custom toppers
- Interior art blades
- LED lighting kits
✅ Tip: Explore our Pinball Spare Parts Finder Tool to easily price and locate parts.
📍 5. Space & Storage Costs
💡 Consideration: Room Size, Accessibility, Temperature Control
A standard pinball machine is over 6 feet long and nearly 3 feet wide—not including the space you need around it for gameplay.
If you live in a smaller home or apartment:
- You may need to rearrange or renovate
- Climate control is key (avoid garages or damp basements)
✅ Tip: Make sure you measure your entryways and space before buying.
👨🔧 6. Professional Setup or Assembly
💡 Cost: $100–$300 if not included
New machines typically come partially assembled. If you’re not handy or don’t have tools, you’ll need someone to:
- Attach legs
- Level the playfield
- Set the tilt angle
- Connect displays or sound systems
✅ Pro Tip: House of Pinball offers in-home setup services in select areas—ask us at checkout.
💰 7. Resale Fees or Value Loss
Not every pinball machine holds its value equally. If you plan to sell or upgrade later, factor in:
- Depreciation (especially on newer or less popular titles)
- Marketplace fees (eBay, Facebook, auction sites)
- Shipping and handling on resale
✅ Tip: Use our Pinball Machine Value Calculator to estimate future resale value before buying.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Total Cost of Ownership Matters
Pinball ownership is rewarding—but it’s not just a one-time purchase. Between shipping, parts, power use, and maintenance, hidden costs can add up fast.
Here’s a sample ownership breakdown for a $2,900 machine:
| Cost Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $2,900 |
| Shipping & Setup | $300 |
| Maintenance (1st Year) | $200 |
| Spare Parts/Upgrades | $150 |
| Electricity (Yearly) | $60 |
| Total 1st-Year Cost | ~$3,610 |
🛒 Ready to Buy? Let’s Make It Clear and Simple
At House of Pinball, we’re committed to transparent pricing and buyer education. That’s why we:
- List full specs and conditions on every machine
- Offer shipping estimates up front
- Provide expert advice to match you with the right machine
👉 Browse Pinball Machines for Sale
👉 Ask Us for a Full Cost Breakdown