If you have never participated in an online auction here are a few things you should consider:​

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1. Sign Up Ahead of Time -  Be sure to register a few days before the auction to ensure you will be able to bid. Credit card information will be required.

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2. Hammer Price versus Actual Price - Every auction will have a "Buyer's Premium", usually ranging from 15% to 30%. This fee will be added on to your final winning bid. This can dramatically raise the price you pay. That $2,000 bargain actually may cost you $2,500.

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3. Logistics - Most online auctions will not be in your hometown. Auctions usually require pickup of the machine at a specific time on a specific day, often 1-3 days after the auction. Auctions will NOT ship pinball machines.  Consider carefully how you are going to get the machine before you bid as your credit card will be charged shortly after the auction closes.

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4. Technique - There is no need to bid early. Bidding early drives up the price for everyone. Most online auctions allow you to set it and forget it by entering the maximum amount you would like to bid ahead of time. That way, if you forget or aren't available for live bidding, you will always have the lead bid up to your maximum.

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