Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Flips Unlimited? â–Ľ
Flips Unlimited is run by people who live and breathe pinball. We started this company because we love the game and wanted to share it with more families, fans, and businesses in St. Louis.
Our goal is simple: bring the fun of real, full-sized pinball machines right into your home or event — without the hassle of owning one.
- The best games – We pick up brand-new or almost-new machines from top makers like Stern and Chicago Gaming Company. Check out our lineup →
- Easy setup – We bring the machine to you, set it up, and make sure it’s ready to play.
- Stress-free fun – If something breaks, we fix it fast or credit you for downtime.
- Fresh experiences – When your lease is up, you can keep your machine longer or trade it in for something new.
Why rent instead of buy? Pinball machines cost thousands of dollars up front and need regular upkeep. And if you buy, you’re locked into just one game. Renting lets you enjoy the fun without the huge expense — and gives you the freedom to swap machines so the experience always stays fresh.
Right now we serve the greater St. Louis area (City, County, and St. Charles). Families, pinball fans, and local businesses are already enjoying the Flips Unlimited experience — and we’d love for you to join them.
What types of pinball machines do you offer? â–Ľ
We rent out high-quality machines from the best names in pinball, including Stern and Chicago Gaming Company.
Our lineup includes both the latest releases and fan-favorite classics, so there’s always something exciting to play.
You can browse our lineup anytime on the website to see what’s available. We’re also growing and adding new machines regularly, so the selection keeps getting better.
Do you rotate machines regularly? â–Ľ
Yes! We’re always rotating and expanding our lineup.
When your rental ends, you can swap to a different machine to keep things fresh. We also add new titles on a regular basis, so there’s usually something new to try.
If a specific machine you want isn’t available right now, you can join our waitlist and we’ll let you know as soon as it opens up.
Can I request a specific machine or one you don’t currently offer? ▼
Absolutely! If the machine you want isn’t available right now, you can join our waitlist and we’ll notify you when it opens up.
If there’s a title we don’t currently carry, let us know. If it’s something other customers are excited about too — and we can find one in great condition — we may add it to our lineup in the future. When that happens, we’ll do our best to give the customer who requested it first dibs on renting it.
Can I buy the machine I’m renting? ▼
In some cases, yes. If you fall in love with your rental and want to own it, let us know. When possible, we may offer a rent-to-own option or give you the chance to purchase the machine outright. Availability depends on the title and our current lineup needs, but we’re always open to discussing it.
How much does it cost to rent a pinball machine? â–Ľ
Our rentals start at $150 per month for standard models. Premium machines with extra features usually run $175–$200 per month.
That monthly price covers:
- Use of a full-sized pinball machine during your rental
- Delivery, setup, and leveling
- Service and maintenance while it’s in your home
The only extra charge is a $50 delivery fee per machine, which applies at the start of each new rental.
How long can I rent a machine for? â–Ľ
The minimum rental period is 3 months. After that, rentals are month-to-month.
After your first 3 months, you can swap your machine for a different title at the end of any rental month—just give us 30 days’ notice so we can schedule pickup and delivery.
We also offer short-term rentals for special events (subject to availability).
Do you deliver and set up the machine? â–Ľ
Yes! Every rental includes white-glove delivery and setup. We bring the machine to your home or business, install it, and make sure it’s leveled and ready to play.
There’s a $50 delivery fee per machine, which applies at the start of each new rental.
When you create your account, we’ll ask about your space — including stairs, door widths, and tight hallways — so we can plan ahead and confirm that delivery is possible.
How soon can I get my machine after reserving? â–Ľ
Reservations are made by the month. When you reserve a machine, you’re locking it in for the future month(s) you select. Delivery usually happens at the start of your rental period, but exact dates can vary depending on weather, scheduling, and when the previous renter’s term ends. We’ll coordinate with you to set a delivery time that works.
How should I prepare my space for delivery? â–Ľ
- Clear a path – Remove obstacles from doorways, hallways, and stairs so we can bring the machine in safely.
- Check the fit – Standard doorways are usually fine, but let us know if you have tight turns, narrow doors, or steep stairs.
- Choose the right spot – Machines need to be in a climate-controlled indoor space (not garages, sunrooms, or areas with extreme heat, cold, or humidity).
- Allow enough room – A pinball machine is about 28" wide, 56" long, and 76" tall. We recommend at least 3 ft by 6.5 ft to play comfortably.
- Power ready – Place the machine near a grounded 3-prong outlet. No special wiring is required.
- Wi-Fi (optional) – Newer Stern machines come with Insider Connected, which lets players log in and track their progress online. If you’d like to use this feature, make sure Wi-Fi is available where the machine will be set up.
Do you offer a service guarantee? â–Ľ
Yes! Every rental comes with our service guarantee. If your machine has an issue, we’ll make it right.
- Fast response – We’ll get back to you within 24 hours, including weekends.
- Repair goal – Most issues are fixed within 2 business days.
- Fair credit – If your machine is down for longer than 2 business days, we’ll credit your rental for each extra day of downtime.
- Covered costs – All normal wear and tear is included. Charges only apply if the machine is damaged by misuse, neglect, or accidents outside of normal play.
Our goal is to keep you playing, not waiting — and to make sure you never pay for time you can’t enjoy your machine.
What are my responsibilities as a renter? â–Ľ
- Keep it indoors – Machines must stay in a climate-controlled space (no garages, sunrooms, or outdoors).
- Don’t move it – Please leave moving and setup to us. If you need it relocated, just contact us.
- Be careful with cleaning – If the glass needs a touch-up, only use a soft cloth with water or an ammonia-free glass cleaner. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasives.
- Keep food and drinks away – Spills can damage the cabinet and playfield.
We handle all the maintenance and repairs, so your job is just to take care of the machine while it’s with you and enjoy the game.
What happens if the machine is damaged accidentally? â–Ľ
Normal play and wear are fully covered by your rental. We expect machines to get used and enjoyed.
If damage happens because of misuse, neglect, or accidents — like spills, moving the machine without our help, or rough treatment — you may be responsible for repair costs.
Either way, if something happens, just let us know right away. The sooner we can check it out, the easier (and usually cheaper) it is to fix.
How do I cancel my rental? â–Ľ
After your initial 3-month commitment, rentals are month-to-month. If you ever need to cancel, just give us 30 days’ notice. We’ll work with you to schedule a pickup at a time that’s convenient.
Do you require a deposit? â–Ľ
In most cases, no deposit is required. For certain machines or special delivery situations, we may ask for a refundable security deposit. If that applies to your rental, we’ll tell you up front before you confirm your reservation.
How do I pay? â–Ľ
Once your reservation is approved, you’ll receive a contract and invoice by email.
We currently accept cash, checks, or Venmo. If you need a receipt for your records, just let us know and we’ll provide one.
We’re also working on adding credit card payments in the future to make things even easier.
Do you rent to businesses or for events? â–Ľ
Yes! In addition to home rentals, we also provide pinball machines for businesses and special events.
- Offices & lounges – Add something fun for employees or guests.
- Parties & celebrations – Birthdays, graduations, weddings, and more.
- Corporate & community events – Trade shows, festivals, and fundraisers.
Event rentals are usually short-term (daily or weekend rates) and depend on machine availability. We’ll work with you to confirm pricing, scheduling, and logistics.
For businesses and events, we also cover delivery, setup, and pickup. If insurance or liability coverage is required, we can provide the necessary details.
Where can I set up a pinball machine? â–Ľ
- Room size – A machine is about 28" wide, 56" long, and 76" tall. We recommend at least 3 ft by 6.5 ft to play comfortably.
- Climate control – Machines must stay in a climate-controlled indoor space. Garages, basements without HVAC, or sunrooms with big temperature swings aren’t suitable.
- Stairs & tight spaces – Standard doorways are usually fine, but let us know if there are stairs, narrow doors, or sharp turns so we can confirm delivery is possible.
- Power – Place the machine near a grounded 3-prong outlet.
- Wi-Fi (optional) – Some newer Stern machines support Insider Connected, which lets players track their progress online. If you’d like to use this feature, make sure Wi-Fi is available where the machine will be set up.
Is a pinball machine loud? Is it safe around kids and pets? â–Ľ
Pinball machines make sound — that’s part of the fun! Most customers describe the volume as similar to a TV or stereo. You can adjust the game’s settings to make it quieter if needed.
As for safety, pinball machines are sturdy and stable. They’re designed for players of all ages to enjoy. We just recommend keeping food and drinks away to avoid spills and making sure young children are supervised while they play.