You’ve finally found the perfect pinball machine for sale—whether it’s a brand-new premium model or a refurbished classic. But before you can start flipping and scoring, there’s one crucial step: shipping it safely to your home.
Shipping a pinball machine isn’t like shipping a TV or a sofa. These machines are heavy, delicate, and expensive—meaning a single mistake can lead to costly damage or delays.
At House of Pinball, we’ve shipped hundreds of machines across Canada. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to avoid the most common (and expensive) shipping mistakes, plus what to look for when buying a machine online.
🚛 Why Shipping Matters When Buying a Pinball Machine
Pinball machines:
- Weigh 200–300 lbs
- Include fragile components (like playfields, backglass, displays)
- Have sensitive electronics that can be damaged in transit
Whether you’re buying new, used, or refurbished, poor shipping can turn a dream purchase into a repair nightmare.
That’s why it’s critical to understand:
- How pinball shipping works
- What shipping options to choose
- What to avoid at all costs
🧠 Step 1: Understand the Anatomy of a Pinball Machine
Before shipping, it helps to know what parts are most vulnerable:
- Backbox (top display): Can fold down, but must be secured
- Playfield: Needs to be locked or supported
- Legs: Typically removed for transit
- Glass & plastics: Fragile and must be packed correctly
At House of Pinball, we prep every machine for safe shipment with all components carefully protected and secured.
📦 Step 2: Choose the Right Shipping Option
There are 3 common ways to ship a pinball machine:
🚚 1. White-Glove Delivery (Recommended)
- Machine is delivered, unpacked, assembled, and tested in your home
- Best for first-time buyers
- Less chance of damage
- Professional handling included
✅ Offered by House of Pinball
📦 2. Curbside Freight Delivery
- Machine is shipped on a pallet
- You’re responsible for unpacking and setup
- Cheaper, but riskier if you’re inexperienced
- May require a loading dock or liftgate
🚐 3. Local Pickup
- Arrange your own transport
- Requires a vehicle with ramps or lift capability
- High risk if not properly packed
If you’re not familiar with moving heavy, sensitive electronics—avoid DIY transport.
🧰 Step 3: Packaging Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do:
- Wrap machine in furniture blankets
- Secure with industrial shrink wrap
- Use a pallet with straps to avoid tipping
- Lock or brace the playfield
- Use corner guards and padding for backglass
❌ Don’t:
- Leave legs attached during transit
- Ship without wrapping glass or plastics
- Trust basic “fragile” stickers—use actual protection
- Let the machine rest on its side or back
💡 All House of Pinball shipments include professional packing with reinforced materials.
💸 Step 4: Watch Out for Hidden Shipping Costs
Not all retailers are transparent about shipping fees. Here’s what to ask before you buy:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Is shipping included in the price? | Avoid surprise add-ons |
| Are there extra fees for stairs? | Many carriers charge extra |
| Is the machine insured during transit? | Protects you from loss/damage |
| Is setup included or just delivery? | Critical for first-time buyers |
✅ At House of Pinball, we offer flat-rate shipping with full transparency—no hidden charges.
⚠️ Step 5: Common Shipping Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Mistake #1: Using General Movers
Pinball machines are not furniture. Movers unfamiliar with pinball may damage it by lifting incorrectly, tilting, or dropping parts.
✅ Solution: Use only pinball-experienced shippers or white-glove delivery.
❌ Mistake #2: Skipping Insurance
Even reliable carriers have accidents. If your machine isn’t insured, you could lose thousands.
✅ Solution: Confirm insurance is included and covers the full value of the machine.
❌ Mistake #3: Buying from Unverified Sellers
Private sellers often don’t pack properly, leading to broken machines, missing parts, or costly repairs.
✅ Solution: Buy from a verified pinball dealer with a track record of safe deliveries and customer support.
👉 Shop Trusted Pinball Machines for Sale at House of Pinball
🛠️ Bonus: What to Do When Your Machine Arrives
When your machine arrives, follow these steps:
- Inspect immediately. Take photos before unpacking
- Check for external damage (dents, cracks, glass issues)
- Power it on before signing off, if possible
- Keep the packing material until you’re sure it works
- Contact support if anything looks wrong
✅ With House of Pinball, if there’s an issue, we’re just one call away—with real humans, not robots.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Safe Shipping = Happy Pinball Ownership
Shipping your pinball machine the right way is just as important as choosing the right model. Damage during transit is avoidable—if you plan correctly and work with a team that cares.
At House of Pinball, we handle every step:
- Expert packing
- Trusted carriers
- White-glove delivery
- Transparent pricing
- Support before, during, and after delivery
We ship across the world, and our machines arrive ready to play.
🛒 Ready to Buy a Pinball Machine?
Explore our collection of expertly shipped pinball machines for sale and get it delivered safely—no headaches, no surprises.