I see that Gundam_Pilot_ and justabum both had very nice scores at Nintendo Service Centers.  I imagine now is a good time to get some Gamecube stuff (maybe some other stuff too) since the Wii just came out.  How do you find out where Nintendo Service Centers are, and is it the kind of thing where you can just walk in and propose to the owner to buy all the old stuff?

Any help, or discussions, greatly appreciated.

I've tried getting info on this too, Nick. Got nothing as people just don't want to tell you where they are. I don't blame 'em though. Get the stuff for cheap and make a killing off of all of it.

Well, I know that.  But you can only try the service centers in your area though, correct?  And seeing as how we're all spread out in different areas of the world, I was hoping maybe somebody who did this before in their area can help me in my area.  Hell, the entire board could benefit from this information.

I have bought out my far share of repair centers :P I think I have to hold the record for the most test station anyone has ever owned at like 12 or something.  I bought out the one here in Knoxville, but it was actually the last one I bought out.  I bought some out in FL, ND, CA and one other state that eludes me.  It is always a risk, but the rewards are great.  I don't pass around the info either, I had to work VERY hard to find it.  Good luck on you quest.
~~NGD

I tried several but here don't have anything left. Really irritating, i tried several ways to get some info and such but with out result. :'(

I've been inspired by these finds to go out and actually talk to people.
There's a repair place about a 2 minute walk from where I work.  I got my TV repaired there a while back and I emember seeing the Nintendo Authorized Rapair sticker on their bulletin board.
I just stopped over, left them my contact information and the manager is going to take a look to see if they have anything.   I'll post if I get anything. I'm not holding my breath.     I'd be pleased to just get a repair manual.

Al

NationalGameDepot wrote on 11. May 2007 at 12:28:

I have bought out my far share of repair centers :P I think I have to hold the record for the most test station anyone has ever owned at like 12 or something.  I bought out the one here in Knoxville, but it was actually the last one I bought out.  I bought some out in FL, ND, CA and one other state that eludes me.  It is always a risk, but the rewards are great.  I don't pass around the info either, I had to work VERY hard to find it.  Good luck on you quest. ~~NGD

now that just seems mean, well maybe not meaning but some other word I can't figure out :-? :P :-/. You should pass the info if you got to HELP out. I would be more than happy too if I new something someone else wanted to know. I dont see telling your info would hurt you or stop you from buing more, like Burnambill said we are all in different areas so everyone could possibly benefit. I dont see the reason behind it. I mean no disrespect or trying to be mean or anything, just had to put my two cents in on the topic

Well, I figured you could only try this for service centers in YOUR area, but NGD said he cleared out some in several different states, so perhaps I am wrong in that assumption, in which case I understand why they don't want to give out the info.

Seems way to easy to get screwed over if you give out info you have, weather it is something like this or anything similar.

Hey limbo we have the same ammount of posts....wait now I'm one higher  :).

Yeah NGD stated he cleared out some from other states but he is taking the time to do all that.  well, eh if he doesn't want to share thats fine, just think about this way people (whoever is gonna try and find the old service centers) when/if you finally do and you get a big score, you will feel alot more accomplished knowing you went through all the work to get it

TheFinalDayComes wrote on 12. May 2007 at 00:15:

Hey limbo we have the same ammount of posts....wait now I'm one higher  :).

The sad thing is, look how long it took me to make mine.  I do beat you if you take my old account and add it to this one though...back on topic, think about it this way...it you knew a bunch of places where there were potentially prototypes of games available, would you tell everyone about it and not check them out yourself?

Normally I am all about sharing info on stuff, I love to help people out when I can.  But I done HOURS of research to get the stuff I have, and I would be shooting myself in the foot if I gave it out.  I done all the legwork and then somone else would reap the rewards.  It is not an easy task to accomplish finding the info either, trust me.
~~NGD

I have a list of all the service centers in the country at around 1992 ish.  That probably wont help me too much now though.  

Limbofunk wrote on 12. May 2007 at 00:26:

TheFinalDayComes wrote on 12. May 2007 at 00:15: Hey limbo we have the same ammount of posts....wait now I'm one higher  :). The sad thing is, look how long it took me to make mine.  I do beat you if you take my old account and add it to this one though...back on topic, think about it this way...it you knew a bunch of places where there were potentially prototypes of games available, would you tell everyone about it and not check them out yourself?

If they were in my area I would check them out myself. If they weren't then I woudn't go and get them so why notl tell someone. Besides I don't collect protos, test stuff or whatever, but like I said I would tell people IF it wasn't near me. I wouldn't even drive 1.5 hours if I new, I get lost easily so it would take me alot longer :)

I don't think anyone could directly accuse NGD of being reticent with NES information. There is "the list" you know :)

NGD is right in his caution in sharing that information. I have bought a couple of Service Centers....and they don't just fall into your hands. I live only a few hours from NGD....we have almost bumped on other buys. Any info he might devulge would put his next discovery at great risk....from me ;) ;).  On rare and unusual stuff, you need to be there first, biggest, and with cash. There are many of us who would take advantage of that extra knowledge....and it would not be the wrong or dishonest thing to do. Hence, sharing that info would be foolish.  

Yea but if you're not in the "in crowd" when it comes to collecting you're screwed.

I don't know about an "in crowd"  but the more contacts and friends you can establish definately helps when it comes to collecting.  I've been collecting for just about two years now and I wouldn't have half  the stuff I have if it wasn't for finding good honest collectors to trade with and making some good friends along the way.

Bryan

Well, that's the exact point. I don't want any contacts because I want to do it on my own but like this example. Nobody will give out any info because you have  to be in to found out about this info.

They're not giving out the info for a reason. If there wasn't a in crowd then there would be no reason not to give out the info.

I guess what goes around comes around.

I still don't understand your point petrosky.  I happened to find this one in my home town but if I knew of one in say North Dakota and knew I could buy $2000 worth of stuff for $200 I would probably drive to North Dakota.  Why would I give that info out for any random person to cash in on.  From what I can tell, info on where old service centers are is very very hard to come by.  I don't expect anyone who has gone through all the research and work to find out where one is to disclose that information to me.....even if they were a good friend of mine.

Bryan

Well the NES community is not as close as you say and it still comes down to the all mighty dollar.

oooooo look what I started, 'm rollling  ;D

There's nothing started really, just two different opinions.


I can understand about being hush hush about an ebay auction because unless it's a NWC Gold anyone can come bid on it and sneak it out from under you but
for example a Repair Center in North Dakota, I live in Pennsylvania I would never drive up there for something like unless it was given away for free and then I would still have my doubts about doing it. Even if I could get it shipped to me the shipping would be outrageous.

I like collecting and the ole NES means a lot to me but not that much.

Petrosky, do you collect anything else, or have you experienced the culture of any other collection hobby? Coins, stamps, baseball carts...after having been in all of those circles I can safely say that VG and in particular, NES collecting is the most civilized of any of them, hands down. From my experinece in cards/coins/stamps, the nice honest people are few and far between, are generally very new to their respective hobbies, and don't last long as the sharks will pick them right out of the water. Nasty things like unloading useless merch on them, promising it's a great deal, providing false info to profit monetarily, or just outright stealing from one another. I travelled on a sports card circuit for a time and experienced some horrid people. When I was younger I attended coin/stamp cons with my mom. There are some collectors at the top of each hobby who rise above the rest and provide a good example. But the middle of the pack is very vast, very competitive, and can be very dishonest.

While NES is not exempt from the foul few, they indeed are just that, the minority. The middle-of-the-pack syndrome just doesn't seem present...online, at cons, anywhere. Among the established collectors who have been communicating with each other and bidding against each other, there is a healthy rivalry, and a lot of competition for the best of the rarest...but rarely does it become bitter. What's fair and equitable is entirely subjective, of course...but when an entire community is watching the deeds of its constituents carefully and communication happens at the speed of light, situations are discussed and resolved quickly. Perhaps not to the satisfaction of everyone, but at least those involved. I'm speaking vaguely about a situation that happened 4 or 5 weeks ago on another message board; no need to detail, but the people involved were established collectors, and after a flurry of discussion that couldn't have lasted more than 48 hours things settled down.

As far as an in-crowd, I don't see that. There are, as I said before, established collectors who have a mutual respect for one another...and even a fortunate few who can really call each other friends after having communicated so long. But I think to intimate that there's a constant stream of privileged communication flying just above our heads, out of reach to the huddled masses...is paranoia. Yes, hookups do happen...but a lot of times they're for two reasons - to repay favors, and to deal safely. eBay/Paypal is simply not safe (and very expensive) for top-dollar transactions...but when you have known someone for years and respect them as a rival collector...there's no better person to sell your high-ticket rarity to.

As far as living on the west coast and finding a Service Center in PA...I really don't think that would just happen accidentally. The info doesn't exist on the net, therefore you'd be looking through local business records, placing phone calls, closeby your own state. I think your statement implies that one might uncover a "master list" of addresses for service center locations; while it may, I don't believe that information is in the hands of a collector right now...and if it is, it's either out-of-date (and thus inaccurate) or has already been fully exploited.

I just think someone should of helped him out. Like he said everyone could benefit.

I'm not that interested in buying out a repair center 1). I wouldn't have the money 2). Only things that interest me is test centers 3) I would of no use for all the extra stuff

I don't like using ebay if I don't have too because of all the fees and it's more hassle then anything else. If I was interested in buying out a repair center and someone did help/direct me I'd repay them with whatever they are interested in for almost nothing. I'm not like that, I'm not out to buy everything then make a killing off of it. That kinda defeats the purpose of collecting if you're out just to make as much money as possible IMO.

Because what it seems like to me is whoever has the biggest wallets and contacts get whatever they want then they help out whoever is asking for it. So therefore the one with the most money wins out.

I've had no help in collecting what so ever I never asked for any, I never had anyone take me under their wing. I use ebay once in a while and the rest I do is foot work. I'm not saying it's the right way but it's how I do it.

I feel alot of this is directed towards me, which is fine cause I have prob. had the best luck buying out repair centers.  It has nothing to do with being in the "in crowd" as you said.  I have stayed up for hours on end doing searches, making calls, digging through whatever I can find.   Anyone could do exactly what I have done, but most people are to lazy.  Why should I reward someone elses lazyiness for my hardwork.  That is like going to work everyday only to give your paycheck back to your boss, which no one would do.  This is no different than "real life" those who work the hardest and put in the wrench time will reap the benefits.  Those who want stuff and won't do any work to get is will complain about it.  Is that harsh, maybe, but so is life in general.  

As for an in crowd, I think that is BS in general.  Some people may have an elitest attitude, but most do not.  Collecting is all about making friends and new contacts to do business with.  If you don't do that then you are really missing out on collecting.  I have made numerous life long friends from collecting, Dain, Wizard, Dangevin, Necrosaro420, Hounder and several other guys I talk to alot.  As Dangevin said, those who help me I will repay in the future when I can.  I have tried my best since I have been around to draw the community closer together.  Making the game list for all to use and enjoy.  Running the contest of this site.  Keeping the WarpZone alive.  Helping with NintendoAGE and so many other little things.  Getting all things NES on your own is impossible, I don't think anyone could actually do it on there own in a lifetime without help.  You said no one ever took you under there wing to help you, have you ever asked anyone too help?  

I feel like I have been called out for doing the hardwork and being an elitest which I don't think I am.  Just my .02.  :P
~~NGD

Why is this directed towards you? if it was I would of said it was.

I was what the only one who donated towards your list and now I'm being made out to be some bad guy.

It's just my opinion and for it to turn out to be this big discussion is ridiculous.


It's seem like you don't like me and that already puts me in a whole for anyone on any collecting NES site which is fine and you can call me lazy but you know nothing about me.

Maybe I'll just leave the collecting scene in general since I disagreed with the popular opinion I'll be considered a troll.

Considering there has only been like 4-5 people I know who bought out repair centers it can't be directed at many people.  Me, Gundam, Limbofunk, Earlyworm, justabum, and maybe dreamtr.

I never called you or anyone a bad guy, I was just trying to justify my logic behind why I didn't share my info, I can't speak for the other guys.  You spoke your opinion so why can't I speak mine :P Discussions is what make forums interesting so people can share different ideas.  

I have never had a problem with you man, in fact I sent you a Carmen Sandiego manual for free to help you out a long time ago.  No ones dislikes you or anyone else.  I don't have beef with anyone who collects unless they screw me or fellow board member over.  Didn't you read all those posts over at Nintendoage when you said you were quitting collecting?  I never called you lazy either, I implied people in general are lazy and want something for nothing, that is a fact.  Hell I would love to take some new leads on stuff for free, who wouldn't, but that isn't a realistically going to happen.

I don't want anyone to give up collecting, ever.  It is a hobby and nothing to get pissed about.  If people get pissed that takes the fun out of the hobby and what is the point then?
~~NGD

I don't have a problem with anyone either. Never will. I just feel out of the loop on the boards at times because the people here are the only ones I know that do collect and that I can relate to and I like that.

I just feel out of the loop I guess and not to be rude but I don't have or spend as much money as others and I'm not as knowledgeable as others so I feel out of the topics at times.


I'm not saying my opinion is right about this nor am I on some crusade to convince people it is. When I said about the in people I guess maybe I didn't mean to sound rude as it was and maybe I'm just having a bad day. I'm just forgetting about everything. No harm no foul.

You shouldn't feel out of the loop, just collect what YOU want to collect.  It isn't about who has the biggest dick (biggest collection) it is what you do with it.  I have only been collecting for a few years myself and I had to learn all the stuff I know myself.  I just spend more time than most on NES cause I love it so much.  I still learn new NES stuff on a daily basis.  Anyone who claims they know everything about NES is full of crap, some know more than others but it doesn't matter.  Were all in it for the same end goal to have fun.  

I do spend a lot of money, but others spend more than me.  It does boil down to who has the most money most of the time, but you can find great scores for cheap if you watch ebay a lot and work at it.  The best way to find good stuff is to socialize and make new friends.  I have had people send me stuff for free cause I let them pick at my brain for a while.  Is that expected at all, of course not, but it was a nice gesture saying they appreciate the effort.  One instance that I recall was when michael242 sent me a cheetahmen II comic book for Action 52 to me for a lot of advice I gave him.  It was worth about 10-15 bucks, but the repespect factor I had for him went up 10 fold.  I should be all about helping each other out and respecting people who have helped you out.  I have spent over 120 bucks with michael in the last few days on ebay for games I didn't necessarily need, but it helps him out in the process.  

My suggestion is to find a fellow member who close to your same collecting goals in mind and become friend with them.  Share finds you both get, send emails, even talk on the phone.  That is what me and Dain have done and he is one of my best friends now and we talk often on the phone.  Our NES goals are the same and we get along great because of that.

We all have our bad days, just part of life.  Just by your posts over at NA, you kinda sound like you are having a rough time a little so it is understandable.  As you say no harm no foul :D
~~NGD

I'd like to collect everything lol  There is so much I want right now it's sad.

NES is my fav all time system and always will be. I love the games for it, not too short and not too long.

I'm open up to be friends with anyone. I tend to read more then I post as well. I wish I could help out more at times but right now I got no doubles and nothing spectacular to share. I'm not mad and I'm sorry if I sounded like I was, I wasn't sitting here cussing up a storm or anything.   I guess it's hard to tell through a comp as well.

Quote:

I just feel out of the loop on the boards at times because the people here are the only ones I know that do collect and that I can relate to and I like that.

Well let me extend you an open invitation to the nesworld chat room.  I'm usually in there between 10pm and 1am central time about 3 nights a week.  There is an influx of people who stop by to chat.  Somenights no one but other nights we get 6-8 people to stop by and shoot the shit.  Hope to see you there.

Bryan

I make regular visits to the chat room as well so you will probly see me in there "DutchBoy".

Don't take what NGD said the wrong way I didnt feel he was directing anything towards you or anyone imparticular.

NGD - I don't think people are being lazy about trying to find the info (yeah I'm sure there are some, ok maybe alot) but most may have no clue on where to start looking or can't come up with other ideas. Its no big deal to me. But I will agree with you %110 about the NES community, trying to bring it together and make friends and just have fun collecting, thats why I do it. I don't know anyone personally who collects besides the fellow collectors on this site and I like it.

all in all, I love collecting I love the community and I love this site, I visit it daily, no one hates anyone, its the best place for the NES enthusiest.

I'll try my best to make it there. I went there a few times but nobody was there. I'll be under this same name.

A lot of people show up?

Its hit and miss as far as who stops by and when.  I hang out in there whenever I'm online and people pop in and out.  Some nights its just me in there other nights we got 6 people chatting.  If you stop in and I'm in there by myself but don't respond right away, wait a few minutes.....I'm probably bumming around ebay or something.  :)

Bryan

Ok sounds good. I don't remember the last time I ever actually chatted in a chatroom. I think 99' :-?