If you’re shopping for a pinball machine for sale, one question always comes up:
“How will it get to me safely?”
Pinball machines aren’t your average package. They’re heavy, fragile, and packed with mechanical and electronic parts that need protection during transit. Whether you’re buying locally or across the country, knowing how pinball machines are shipped helps you make a safe, confident purchase.
At House of Pinball, we’ve shipped hundreds of machines to homes, offices, and arcades nationwide. This guide breaks down how shipping works—and why buying from a trusted seller makes all the difference.
🎯 Why Shipping Matters When Buying a Pinball Machine
Shipping isn’t just a logistical step—it’s a major part of your overall experience. A poorly packed machine can arrive:
- Damaged or scratched
- With loose or broken components
- Missing parts due to improper handling
- Non-functional due to jostled wiring
By contrast, a properly shipped pinball machine:
✅ Arrives safely
✅ Is easy to set up
✅ Plays as expected right out of the box
That’s what we guarantee at House of Pinball.
📦 Step-by-Step: How Pinball Machines Are Shipped
Here’s how we (and any reputable seller) properly ship a pinball machine:
1. 🧰 Pre-Shipping Inspection & Preparation
Before it leaves our shop, your machine goes through a final inspection:
- All components tested
- Software updated
- Playfield cleaned
- Screws tightened
- Loose parts secured
We then prep it for travel by:
- Removing pinballs
- Locking down moving parts
- Protecting sensitive components
🎯 Goal: Minimize movement and eliminate vibration damage during transit.
2. 🔒 Disassembly for Safe Transport
Most machines are shipped with:
- Backbox folded down (or detached, depending on model)
- Legs removed
- Lockdown bar and glass secured separately
This makes the machine more compact, stable, and much safer to ship.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep all small parts in a clearly labeled box—at House of Pinball, we include this automatically.
3. 🧊 Wrapping & Padding
We use professional-grade materials to wrap every machine:
- Shrink wrap: To hold parts in place and prevent scratches
- Heavy-duty blankets or foam padding: For impact protection
- Straps: To secure the machine during movement
If your seller doesn’t mention padding or protection, that’s a red flag.
4. 📦 Crating (Optional but Recommended for Long-Distance Shipping)
For cross-country or international shipping, we offer custom crating:
- Wooden crate built around the machine
- Added internal padding
- Moisture protection (especially during winter shipping)
🛡️ Crating offers maximum protection—and is especially important for rare or high-value machines.
5. 🚚 Carrier Pickup & Delivery Options
We partner with trusted freight carriers who specialize in large, delicate items. You can choose:
- Curbside delivery: Carrier drops off at your driveway or garage
- White-glove delivery: Full in-home setup by trained professionals (recommended for first-time buyers)
📦 Each machine is insured and tracked throughout its journey.
6. 🏠 Unboxing & Setup
Once delivered:
- You (or our white-glove team) reattach legs and backbox
- Plug it in
- Power on—and you’re playing in minutes!
We provide detailed setup instructions, or we walk you through the process via video call if needed.
📏 How Big & Heavy Is a Pinball Machine for Shipping?
- Weight: 250–325 lbs (with crate, closer to 400 lbs)
- Dimensions (uncrated): ~ 56″ L x 30″ W x 31″ H (with backbox folded)
- Crated Dimensions: ~ 60″ x 34″ x 40″
💡 Tip: Measure your doorways and staircases before delivery day.
💬 Common Questions About Shipping Pinball Machines
❓ How much does it cost to ship a pinball machine?
It depends on:
- Distance
- Delivery method (curbside vs. white-glove)
- Crating option
💰 Typical shipping cost ranges from $250 to $600 .
At House of Pinball, we provide flat-rate shipping quotes upfront, with no hidden fees.
❓ Can I pick it up myself?
Yes! If you’re local to our showroom or warehouse, we offer free local pickup. We’ll help you load and secure the machine properly.
❓ What if my machine arrives damaged?
We fully insure every shipment. In the rare event of damage:
- Take clear photos immediately
- Contact us within 24 hours
- We’ll work with the carrier and make it right—fast
🛠 Why Shipping With House of Pinball Is Different
When you buy from House of Pinball, you’re not buying from a random seller—you’re buying from passionate professionals who care about every detail.
✅ Fully refurbished machines
✅ Safe and secure shipping
✅ Delivery tracking and insurance
✅ Setup instructions or white-glove install
✅ Real human support from pinball pros
🕹️ Ready to Buy a Pinball Machine—Shipped to Your Door?
Don’t let shipping hold you back. Whether you’re across town or across the country, House of Pinball makes it easy to own your dream machine.