So you’ve found your dream pinball machine for sale—but it’s hundreds (or thousands) of miles away. Now the big question is:
How much will it cost to ship a pinball machine to your door?
Great question—and one we hear all the time at House of Pinball.
Shipping a pinball machine is very different from shipping everyday packages. These machines are heavy, delicate, and need specialized handling to arrive safely. In this guide, we’ll break down what you can expect to pay, why shipping costs vary, and how to avoid surprise fees when buying your next machine.
🚚 Average Cost to Ship a Pinball Machine in the U.S.
💰 Typical Shipping Costs:
- Local delivery (within 50 miles): $100 – $250
- Regional shipping (within the same state or nearby): $200 – $400
- Cross-country (East to West Coast or vice versa): $400 – $650
- White-glove delivery (includes in-home setup): +$150 – $300
✅ At House of Pinball, we offer flat-rate shipping quotes with no hidden fees, and we’ll always help you choose the most cost-effective option.
⚖️ What Affects the Cost of Shipping a Pinball Machine?
1. 📍 Distance
The farther your machine has to travel, the more you’ll pay. Freight shipping across multiple states naturally costs more than local delivery.
2. 📦 Delivery Method
You typically have 3 options:
- Curbside Freight Delivery: Most affordable
- Inside Delivery: Costs more, includes liftgate and indoor placement
- White-Glove Service: Premium option with full in-home setup
3. 📐 Machine Size & Weight
Pinball machines weigh between 250–325 lbs and can grow to over 400 lbs when crated. Larger or widebody models may cost more to ship due to extra weight and space.
4. 🛠️ Packaging or Crating
- Standard shrink wrap + padding: Often included
- Custom wooden crate: +$100 to $250 (recommended for long distances)
At House of Pinball, we can advise whether crating is necessary based on your location and the machine’s value.
5. 🏠 Delivery Location
- Residential vs. commercial addresses
- Hard-to-access areas (like apartments, stairs, or rural roads)
- Liftgate required? Extra cost may apply.
🧾 Real Examples of Shipping Costs
| From | To | Service | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA → Phoenix, AZ | Curbside | ~$250 | |
| Chicago, IL → Dallas, TX | Freight w/ liftgate | ~$400 | |
| New Jersey → San Francisco, CA | Crated + Freight | ~$600 | |
| House of Pinball (local area) | In-home setup | $150–$200 |
📦 Note: These are estimates. For an exact quote, contact us with your ZIP code.
🛡️ What’s Included in Pinball Shipping from House of Pinball?
When you buy from House of Pinball, we don’t just hand off your machine to a random courier.
Here’s what you get:
✅ Safe, Professional Packaging
- Legs removed
- Backbox folded or detached
- Shrink-wrapped, padded, and protected
✅ Optional Custom Crating
- Recommended for long-distance or high-value machines
✅ Fully Insured Freight Shipping
- Peace of mind included
- Tracking and delivery scheduling provided
✅ White-Glove Options
- Delivery, setup, and testing done in your home
✅ Transparent Pricing
- Flat rates
- No surprise handling fees
- No “after checkout” upcharges
💡 Can I Pick Up My Pinball Machine Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re local to our warehouse or showroom, we offer:
- Free local pickup
- On-site loading assistance
- Tie-down recommendations for safe transport
Just bring a truck, van, or trailer and we’ll do the rest.
⚠️ Watch Out for Hidden Shipping Fees from Other Sellers
Some sellers advertise low prices on pinball machines—but make up the difference with shipping costs. Watch for:
- ❌ Undisclosed freight charges
- ❌ No insurance coverage
- ❌ Poor packaging or no crating
- ❌ No delivery support or communication
With House of Pinball, what you see is what you get. Our quotes are clear, competitive, and complete.
🧠 Pro Tips to Save on Shipping
- 🚚 Buy from a seller near your region (ask us what’s in your area)
- 📦 Ship more than one machine at once (bulk discounts may apply)
- 🛻 Pick up locally if you have the vehicle and manpower
- 🧾 Get a shipping quote before buying—we’ll help!
🕹️ Ready to Buy a Pinball Machine & Have It Delivered?
No matter where you live in the U.S., House of Pinball makes it easy to get your machine home, safe and sound.
👉 We handle:
- Professional prep and packaging
- Affordable, insured freight shipping
- Optional in-home delivery and setup
- Friendly, expert support throughout