9+ Planet Moolah Slot Machines: Buy Now!


9+ Planet Moolah Slot Machines: Buy Now!

This phrase signifies the provision of a particular gaming machine within the secondary market. It represents a specific mannequin, probably identifiable by branding and options, supplied for buy. An instance can be a on line casino decommissioning older items or a personal collector promoting a machine.

The provision of such gear supplies alternatives for people or smaller venues to amass gaming machines with out buying new ones. This may symbolize important price financial savings. Traditionally, the secondary marketplace for these machines has offered a platform for lovers and collectors. The sale of those machines contributes to the broader panorama of gaming system circulation and possession.

Additional exploration will cowl subjects reminiscent of rules relating to possession and operation, evaluating the situation of used machines, and understanding pricing issues inside this area of interest market.

1. Legality

The legality surrounding the sale and possession of gaming machines, together with these just like the “Planet Moolah” mannequin, varies considerably relying on location. Rules exist at each the nationwide and regional ranges, creating a fancy authorized panorama. Understanding these rules is essential for each patrons and sellers to keep away from potential authorized ramifications.

  • Licensing Necessities

    Many jurisdictions require particular licenses for proudly owning and working gaming machines, even inside non-public residences. These licenses typically contain background checks, software charges, and ongoing compliance necessities. Failure to acquire needed licenses can lead to fines, confiscation of the machine, and even legal prices.

  • Permitted Use

    Rules typically dictate the place and the way gaming machines can be utilized. Some areas could limit their use to licensed casinos or particular leisure zones, prohibiting their operation in non-public houses or companies. Understanding permitted use is essential to make sure compliance and keep away from authorized penalties.

  • Age Restrictions

    Authorized age necessities for playing range by location. Possession of a gaming machine would not essentially suggest permission for underage people to make use of it. Adhering to age restrictions is important to forestall authorized points and promote accountable playing practices.

  • Interstate Commerce

    Transporting gaming machines throughout state strains can introduce further authorized complexities. Federal legal guidelines could intersect with state rules, creating an internet of necessities that should be navigated fastidiously. Understanding interstate commerce rules is essential for each patrons and sellers concerned in transactions that cross state strains.

Navigating the authorized panorama surrounding the sale and possession of gaming machines requires diligent analysis and adherence to relevant rules. Potential patrons and sellers ought to seek the advice of with authorized professionals or related regulatory our bodies to make sure compliance and keep away from potential authorized points. Overlooking these authorized elements can have important penalties, highlighting the significance of thorough due diligence earlier than partaking in any transaction involving a gaming machine.

2. Pricing

Pricing a pre-owned gaming machine, notably a particular mannequin like “Planet Moolah,” includes a fancy interaction of things. The promoting value displays not solely the machine’s inherent worth but additionally market dynamics, situation, and perceived desirability. A number of key components affect pricing selections:

  • Market Worth: Establishing a baseline market worth requires researching comparable gross sales. On-line marketplaces, public sale websites, and specialised sellers provide insights into prevailing costs for related fashions. This analysis supplies a benchmark in opposition to which to evaluate the reasonableness of asking costs.
  • Situation: A machine’s bodily and operational situation considerably impacts its worth. Elements reminiscent of beauty put on, performance of elements, and the presence of any defects affect pricing. A meticulously maintained machine instructions the next value than one exhibiting indicators of neglect or harm.
  • Rarity and Demand: Shortage will increase worth. If a specific mannequin is discontinued or extremely wanted by collectors, its value could exceed the everyday market worth. Restricted availability coupled with excessive demand creates a premium.
  • Modifications and Upgrades: Modifications, reminiscent of enhanced lighting, sound methods, or up to date software program, can both improve or lower worth relying on their perceived desirability {and professional} set up. Unauthorized or poorly executed modifications can negatively impression pricing.
  • Included Equipment: The inclusion of authentic manuals, keys, spare components, or different equipment can affect the ultimate value. An entire package deal with all authentic elements is mostly extra enticing to patrons and may justify the next value level.

Understanding these elements permits each patrons and sellers to navigate the market successfully. Consumers could make knowledgeable buying selections, avoiding overpaying for a machine. Sellers can value their machines competitively, attracting potential patrons whereas maximizing returns. A sensible pricing technique, primarily based on market analysis and a radical evaluation of the machine’s situation and options, is crucial for a profitable transaction.

In conclusion, pricing a “Planet Moolah” or any pre-owned gaming machine requires a nuanced understanding of market forces and the machine’s particular attributes. A well-informed pricing technique advantages each patrons and sellers, facilitating clean transactions and making certain honest market worth. Neglecting these pricing issues can result in unrealistic expectations and hinder the profitable sale or acquisition of a gaming machine within the secondary market.

3. Situation

The situation of a “Planet Moolah” slot machine considerably impacts its worth and desirability throughout the resale market. A radical evaluation of the machine’s situation is essential for each patrons and sellers to make knowledgeable selections. A number of key sides contribute to a complete understanding of a machine’s total situation.

  • Beauty Look:

    The outside situation, together with the cupboard’s paint, decals, and any seen put on or harm, immediately influences perceived worth. Scratches, dents, or fading can detract from the machine’s aesthetic attraction and doubtlessly point out underlying mechanical points. Examples embody chipped paint on the cupboard, light or peeling decals, and visual indicators of rust or corrosion.

  • Mechanical Performance:

    Correct mechanical operation is paramount. This encompasses the performance of the coin mechanism, spinning reels, inner gears, and digital elements. A machine with malfunctioning components considerably diminishes its worth and usefulness. Examples embody jammed coin slots, reels that fail to spin persistently, or erratic digital shows.

  • Inside Parts:

    The situation of inner elements, together with the wiring, circuit boards, and energy provide, impacts reliability and longevity. Indicators of damage, corrosion, or earlier repairs can point out potential future issues. Examples embody frayed wiring, corroded connectors, or proof of earlier repairs utilizing non-standard components.

  • Software program and Firmware:

    For digital slot machines, the software program and firmware variations affect performance and gameplay. Outdated software program could lack options or include bugs, impacting the consumer expertise. Examples embody outdated recreation variations, incompatible firmware, or lacking software program elements. Guaranteeing compatibility and performance requires verifying software program variations and addressing any recognized points.

Cautious analysis of those sides supplies a whole image of a machine’s situation, enabling patrons to evaluate potential dangers and sellers to precisely symbolize their product. A radical understanding of situation facilitates honest pricing and knowledgeable decision-making throughout the secondary marketplace for “Planet Moolah” slot machines, mitigating potential disputes and making certain a passable transaction for each events.

4. Authenticity

Authenticity performs a vital position within the “planet moolah slot machine on the market” market. Verifying a machine’s authenticity protects patrons from counterfeit merchandise and ensures they obtain a real product with the anticipated options and efficiency. Counterfeit machines could make the most of inferior elements, lack correct licensing, or provide altered gameplay, doubtlessly resulting in monetary losses and authorized points for unsuspecting patrons. A real “Planet Moolah” machine, as an example, will possess particular producer markings, serial numbers, and inner elements that may be verified in opposition to official data. Replicas typically lack these particular particulars or exhibit inconsistencies upon shut inspection.

A number of real-world examples illustrate the significance of authenticity. Situations exist the place counterfeit machines have been bought with modified payout percentages, considerably decreasing the participant’s probabilities of successful. Moreover, utilizing counterfeit components in repairs can compromise a machine’s integrity and security. For collectors, authenticity is paramount. Proudly owning a real piece of gaming historical past holds considerably extra worth than a reproduction, no matter its outward look. Due to this fact, verifying authenticity isn’t merely a monetary safeguard but additionally preserves the historic and collectible worth of those machines.

In conclusion, verifying the authenticity of a “planet moolah slot machine on the market” is paramount. This course of protects patrons from fraudulent actions, ensures the machine’s worth and performance, and preserves the integrity of the gaming machine market. Due diligence, together with verifying serial numbers, inspecting inner elements, and researching the vendor’s status, are important steps in confirming authenticity and making a sound funding. Ignoring these precautions can result in important monetary losses and authorized problems, emphasizing the sensible significance of prioritizing authenticity in any transaction involving a pre-owned gaming machine.

5. Performance

Performance is a vital facet when contemplating a “planet moolah slot machine on the market”. A machine’s operational integrity immediately impacts its worth, playability, and total consumer expertise. Evaluating performance requires a complete evaluation of assorted elements, from the coin mechanism to the interior electronics. A totally practical machine ensures the supposed gaming expertise and justifies the funding, whereas malfunctions can result in frustration and monetary losses.

  • Coin Mechanism:

    The coin mechanism’s reliability is prime. It should precisely settle for and register legitimate forex whereas rejecting counterfeit or improperly sized cash. A malfunctioning coin mechanism disrupts gameplay and will require expensive repairs. An actual-world instance features a jammed coin slot stopping play or a mechanism failing to register inserted cash, resulting in participant frustration and misplaced income if supposed for industrial use.

  • Reel Operation:

    The spinning reels, central to the slot machine expertise, should function easily and persistently. Jerky or inconsistent reel spins disrupt gameplay and will point out underlying mechanical points. As an illustration, reels that stick or spin erratically can result in inaccurate outcomes and diminish the participant’s belief within the machine’s equity. This may be notably problematic in a “planet moolah slot machine on the market” context, as patrons anticipate a totally practical gaming expertise.

  • Digital Show:

    The digital show communicates recreation info, together with credit, payouts, and bonus options. A transparent, practical show is crucial for understanding gameplay and monitoring progress. A malfunctioning show, reminiscent of dimmed segments or inaccurate info, can hinder the consumer expertise and doubtlessly conceal underlying digital issues. For instance, a defective show may not precisely replicate the participant’s credit or misrepresent successful mixtures, resulting in disputes and dissatisfaction.

  • Sound System:

    The sound system enhances the gaming expertise via music, sound results, and successful jingles. A practical sound system contributes to the general environment and pleasure of play. Malfunctioning audio system, distorted audio, or absent sound results can detract from the enjoyment and doubtlessly point out wiring or part points throughout the machine. A “planet moolah slot machine on the market” with a defective sound system diminishes the general gaming expertise and will impression its resale worth.

Within the context of a “planet moolah slot machine on the market”, verifying these elements of performance is paramount. A totally practical machine ensures a satisfying consumer expertise, maintains its worth, and justifies the acquisition value. Overlooking these components can lead to a disappointing buy, expensive repairs, and diminished resale potential, highlighting the significance of thorough performance testing earlier than buying any pre-owned gaming machine.

6. Modifications

Modifications to “planet moolah slot machines on the market” symbolize alterations to the unique manufacturing facility configuration. These adjustments can vary from beauty enhancements to inner part changes, considerably impacting a machine’s worth, legality, and performance. Understanding the character and implications of those modifications is essential for each patrons and sellers within the secondary market.

  • {Hardware} Alterations

    {Hardware} modifications contain bodily adjustments to the machine. These can embody changing the reel strips with totally different symbols, upgrading the lighting system with LEDs, or putting in a distinct coin mechanism. Whereas some {hardware} modifications can improve aesthetics or performance, others, reminiscent of altering the payout mechanism, could increase authorized considerations. As an illustration, a machine modified to pay out extra ceaselessly than initially designed may very well be unlawful in sure jurisdictions. Consumers ought to fastidiously scrutinize {hardware} modifications to make sure compliance with native rules and keep away from potential authorized points.

  • Software program Changes

    Software program modifications contain altering the machine’s inner programming. This may embody altering the sport’s payout share, including new bonus options, or adjusting the reel spin speeds. Software program modifications can considerably impression gameplay and doubtlessly create unfair benefits for the operator or participant. An instance can be a modified machine programmed to set off bonus rounds extra ceaselessly, giving the participant a man-made edge. Such modifications will be troublesome to detect with out specialised information and instruments, making it important for patrons to train warning and confirm the software program’s integrity.

  • Beauty Adjustments

    Beauty modifications give attention to the machine’s look. This may embody repainting the cupboard, including {custom} decals, or changing the buttons and show. Whereas beauty adjustments usually don’t have an effect on gameplay, they’ll affect a machine’s worth. A professionally executed {custom} paint job may improve attraction to sure patrons, whereas a poorly performed modification can detract from its worth. Consumers ought to assess beauty adjustments primarily based on private desire and their potential impression on resale worth.

  • Peripheral Additions

    Peripheral additions contain including exterior elements to the machine. This may embody putting in a invoice acceptor, including a ticket printer, or connecting a progressive jackpot system. Peripheral additions can improve performance and comfort however can also introduce compatibility points or require further upkeep. For instance, a poorly built-in invoice acceptor might malfunction ceaselessly, disrupting gameplay. Consumers ought to fastidiously consider the compatibility and performance of any added peripherals to make sure seamless operation and keep away from potential issues.

Modifications to a “planet moolah slot machine on the market” can considerably alter its worth, legality, and performance. Consumers ought to totally examine any modifications earlier than buying to grasp their implications and keep away from potential dangers. Sellers ought to precisely disclose all modifications to make sure transparency and facilitate knowledgeable buying selections. Ignoring the potential impression of modifications can result in authorized points, sudden malfunctions, or a discrepancy between the perceived and precise worth of the machine, emphasizing the significance of due diligence in evaluating any pre-owned gaming machine.

7. Delivery

Delivery represents a vital logistical part throughout the “planet moolah slot machine on the market” panorama. These machines possess appreciable weight and dimensions, necessitating specialised dealing with and transportation issues. Delivery prices can range considerably relying on distance, chosen service, and required insurance coverage protection. Improper dealing with throughout transit can lead to harm to delicate inner elements, impacting performance and diminishing worth. Due to this fact, safe packaging and applicable insurance coverage are important. For instance, insufficient packaging could result in harm throughout transit, doubtlessly affecting the machine’s delicate electronics or inflicting beauty harm to the cupboard, leading to disputes between purchaser and vendor and potential monetary losses.

A number of elements affect delivery prices. Distance between the customer and vendor performs a big position, as longer distances incur increased transportation charges. The chosen delivery technique, reminiscent of freight or specialised transport companies, additionally impacts price. Expedited delivery sometimes carries premium pricing. Insurance coverage protection for the machine’s worth is one other essential consideration, defending in opposition to harm or loss throughout transit. Actual-world eventualities spotlight these elements; delivery a machine throughout the nation will price considerably greater than transporting it throughout the similar state. Choosing specialised transport companies designed for dealing with delicate electronics is likely to be dearer than customary freight however gives elevated safety and reduces the danger of harm.

Efficient delivery methods mitigate dangers and contribute to profitable transactions. Using applicable packing supplies, reminiscent of custom-fit picket crates and ample cushioning, protects the machine from harm throughout transit. Selecting respected carriers with expertise dealing with delicate gear ensures correct dealing with and well timed supply. Sufficient insurance coverage protection protects in opposition to monetary losses in case of unexpected occasions throughout delivery. Thorough documentation of the machine’s situation earlier than cargo and upon supply supplies proof ought to harm happen throughout transit. A well-defined delivery plan minimizes potential problems and ensures a clean transaction for each purchaser and vendor within the “planet moolah slot machine on the market” market.

8. Guarantee

Guarantee protection considerably influences transactions involving pre-owned gaming machines, reminiscent of “planet moolah slot machines on the market.” A guaranty gives safety in opposition to unexpected malfunctions or defects after buy, offering patrons with a level of monetary safety and recourse. The presence or absence of a guaranty immediately impacts a machine’s perceived worth and could be a deciding issue for potential patrons. A guaranty’s phrases and circumstances, together with period, protection scope, and the claims course of, require cautious consideration. As an illustration, a complete guarantee overlaying components and labor for a specified interval gives higher purchaser safety in comparison with a restricted guarantee overlaying solely particular elements. Actual-world eventualities display this impression; a purchaser may hesitate to buy a machine and not using a guarantee, particularly given the potential for complicated mechanical or digital points arising after buy. Conversely, a sturdy guarantee can instill confidence and improve a machine’s attractiveness within the secondary market.

A number of elements affect guarantee issues. The machine’s age and situation play a big position; older machines or these exhibiting indicators of damage and tear are much less prone to include intensive warranties. The vendor’s status additionally issues; respected sellers typically present warranties to display confidence of their merchandise and construct purchaser belief. The kind of guarantee supplied, whether or not manufacturer-backed or offered by the vendor, influences the extent of protection and the claims course of. A producer’s guarantee may provide broader protection and a extra established claims process in comparison with a seller-provided guarantee. Sensible implications come up from these issues. A purchaser buying from a personal vendor may want to barter guarantee phrases or settle for the next threat because of the absence of a manufacturer-backed guarantee. Conversely, buying from a good seller may embody a guaranty as a part of the sale, providing higher peace of thoughts. Understanding these elements permits patrons to evaluate threat and make knowledgeable selections primarily based on the obtainable guarantee protection.

In abstract, guarantee issues are integral to transactions involving “planet moolah slot machines on the market.” A guaranty supplies a security web for patrons, defending in opposition to potential defects and malfunctions after buy. The presence, scope, and phrases of a guaranty affect a machine’s perceived worth and may considerably impression buying selections. Cautious consideration of those elements, together with the machine’s age, situation, and the vendor’s status, empowers patrons to make knowledgeable decisions, mitigate threat, and guarantee a passable buying expertise throughout the pre-owned gaming machine market. Failing to handle guarantee issues can expose patrons to potential monetary burdens and complicate the possession expertise, underscoring the sensible significance of this facet within the secondary market.

9. Vendor Repute

Vendor status holds substantial weight within the “planet moolah slot machine on the market” market. Given the complexities and potential dangers related to buying pre-owned gaming machines, a vendor’s status serves as a vital indicator of trustworthiness and reliability. Respected sellers foster belief by offering correct machine descriptions, disclosing recognized defects, providing affordable warranties, and facilitating clean transactions. Conversely, sellers with poor reputations could misrepresent machine circumstances, have interaction in misleading gross sales practices, or present insufficient post-sale help, resulting in purchaser dissatisfaction and potential monetary losses. This cause-and-effect relationship between vendor status and purchaser expertise underscores the significance of researching a vendor’s historical past earlier than committing to a purchase order. Actual-world examples embody cases the place patrons have obtained machines considerably totally different from marketed descriptions or skilled difficulties acquiring promised repairs or refunds because of unresponsive or disreputable sellers.

Sensible implications come up immediately from a vendor’s status. A optimistic status, evidenced by optimistic buyer evaluations, trade affiliations, and a historical past of profitable transactions, will increase purchaser confidence and reduces perceived threat. This may justify increased costs and appeal to extra potential patrons. Conversely, a unfavorable status, typically mirrored in unfavorable evaluations, unresolved disputes, or reviews of fraudulent exercise, serves as a warning sign for potential patrons, doubtlessly hindering gross sales and diminishing market worth. Due diligence, reminiscent of checking on-line boards, reviewing suggestions on market platforms, and verifying vendor credentials, represents a vital step in mitigating threat and making certain a passable transaction. This analysis can reveal patterns of conduct, highlighting potential purple flags or confirming a vendor’s trustworthiness. Verifying vendor particulars via unbiased sources, reminiscent of trade associations or regulatory our bodies, provides one other layer of verification.

In abstract, vendor status constitutes a cornerstone of the “planet moolah slot machine on the market” market. It immediately influences purchaser belief, transaction safety, and the general buying expertise. A robust status fosters confidence and provides worth, whereas a unfavorable status presents important dangers. Due to this fact, thorough analysis right into a vendor’s historical past represents a vital step in mitigating potential issues, making certain a clean transaction, and making knowledgeable buying selections. Ignoring this facet can expose patrons to varied dangers, together with misrepresented merchandise, monetary losses, and authorized problems, highlighting the sensible and monetary significance of prioritizing vendor status within the pre-owned gaming machine market.

Steadily Requested Questions

This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to the acquisition of pre-owned gaming machines, particularly specializing in elements related to “planet moolah slot machine on the market” listings.

Query 1: How does one decide the legality of proudly owning and working a particular slot machine mannequin inside a specific jurisdiction?

Consulting with native gaming authorities or authorized professionals specializing in gaming rules supplies definitive solutions. Rules range considerably by location, necessitating particular authorized steering.

Query 2: What are the everyday value ranges for pre-owned “planet moolah” slot machines, and what elements contribute to cost fluctuations?

Costs range primarily based on situation, age, modifications, and market demand. Researching comparable gross sales information supplies perception into present market values. Respected sellers typically justify pricing primarily based on machine historical past and included equipment.

Query 3: How can one assess the situation of a used slot machine, and what are key indicators of potential issues?

Thorough inspection, together with visible examination and practical testing, reveals a machine’s situation. Key indicators of potential issues embody beauty harm, erratic mechanical operation, and outdated software program variations. Skilled assessments present skilled evaluations for complicated points.

Query 4: What steps will be taken to confirm the authenticity of a “planet moolah” machine and keep away from buying a counterfeit product?

Verifying serial numbers in opposition to producer data, inspecting inner elements for consistency with real components, and assessing the vendor’s status are essential steps in verifying authenticity.

Query 5: What are the vital elements of performance to judge when inspecting a used “planet moolah” slot machine?

Key practical elements embody coin mechanism reliability, constant reel operation, clear digital show performance, and a correctly working sound system. Complete testing ensures all elements function as supposed.

Query 6: What are the implications of modifications made to a “planet moolah” machine, and the way can one determine these alterations?

Modifications, encompassing {hardware}, software program, beauty adjustments, and peripheral additions, can impression legality, performance, and worth. Thorough inspection and inquiries directed to the vendor reveal modifications. Documentation of modifications supplies transparency and informs buying selections.

Thorough due diligence, knowledgeable decision-making, and cautious analysis of machine-specific particulars mitigate dangers and contribute to profitable transactions throughout the pre-owned gaming machine market. Understanding these elements empowers knowledgeable purchases and facilitates clear communication between patrons and sellers.

For additional info relating to particular elements of buying a “planet moolah slot machine,” seek the advice of the detailed sections above or search steering from trade professionals.

Ideas for Navigating the Pre-Owned Slot Machine Market

Buying a pre-owned slot machine requires cautious consideration to make sure a profitable and legally compliant buy. The next suggestions provide steering for navigating this specialised market.

Tip 1: Analysis Native Rules: Completely analysis the legality of proudly owning and working a particular slot machine mannequin throughout the supposed jurisdiction. Rules range considerably, and non-compliance can result in authorized penalties.

Tip 2: Confirm Vendor Repute: Examine the vendor’s historical past via on-line evaluations, boards, and trade affiliations. A good vendor supplies correct machine descriptions, discloses recognized points, and facilitates clean transactions.

Tip 3: Conduct a Thorough Inspection: Examine the machine in particular person each time doable. Assess beauty situation, mechanical performance, and digital elements. Request detailed pictures and movies if in-person inspection isn’t possible.

Tip 4: Authenticate the Machine: Confirm the machine’s serial quantity in opposition to producer data and examine inner elements for authenticity. Counterfeit machines can have altered gameplay and diminished worth.

Tip 5: Consider Performance: Take a look at all elements of the machine’s performance, together with the coin mechanism, reel operation, digital show, and sound system. Malfunctions can point out underlying issues and impression the gaming expertise.

Tip 6: Inquire About Modifications: Completely examine any modifications made to the machine, together with {hardware} alterations, software program changes, and beauty adjustments. Modifications can have an effect on legality, performance, and worth.

Tip 7: Perceive Guarantee Protection: Rigorously evaluation any guarantee supplied with the machine, together with its period, scope, and claims course of. A guaranty supplies safety in opposition to future malfunctions.

Tip 8: Safe Acceptable Delivery: Prepare for skilled delivery companies skilled in dealing with delicate electronics. Safe packaging and satisfactory insurance coverage are essential for safeguarding the machine throughout transit.

Following the following tips mitigates potential dangers and will increase the probability of a profitable transaction. Knowledgeable selections and cautious analysis shield patrons from fraudulent actions and guarantee a satisfying buy expertise.

The concluding part will summarize key takeaways and provide closing suggestions for navigating the complexities of the pre-owned slot machine market.

Conclusion

Navigating the “planet moolah slot machine on the market” market requires diligent analysis and cautious consideration. Key elements influencing profitable transactions embody legality, pricing, situation, authenticity, performance, modifications, delivery, guarantee, and vendor status. Every facet presents potential dangers and rewards, necessitating knowledgeable decision-making. Thorough due diligence protects patrons from potential pitfalls, reminiscent of counterfeit machines, undisclosed defects, and authorized problems. Sellers profit from transparently representing their merchandise, fostering belief, and maximizing market worth.

The pre-owned slot machine market presents alternatives for each patrons and sellers. Understanding the complexities and nuances of this market empowers knowledgeable selections, mitigates dangers, and facilitates profitable transactions. Prioritizing due diligence, transparency, and adherence to authorized and moral practices ensures a optimistic expertise for all events concerned. Finally, a well-informed method fosters a safe and sustainable market for pre-owned gaming machines, benefiting collectors, lovers, and companies alike.