Auctions

FreshCoffee2

What do you think about auctions (be they internet or regular auctions) as places to buy used espresso machines, commercial or domestic. Any good? Do they represent a place to get a good bargain, or a place where you get what you pay for?

Reschsmooth

FC - knowing you and reading previous comments, that sounds very much like a loaded question. Interestingly, a few months back I was watching a Mazzer Mini on the central coast (NSW) go on ebay for $480 - it was 12 months old. I personally thought it was a bit pricey compared to retail. I have heard a number of cases where it really is a case of caveat emptor. P (PS. FC, did you get my email?)

FreshCoffee2

Hi Patrick, I have been experiencing problems with email service provider, had emails bounce back at me so sent a reply to you via the internal system here...of course, heaven forbid I might use outdated technology...like...the telephone...gasp horror!!!!! ;D Actually, I would like to know what others think with regard to the auction thread. However with regard to your advice about someone paying 480 for a 1 year old MM, that sounds pretty good in the scheme of things, particularly as I would expect this machine, albeit a small commercial (which really means too small or "too basic" for commercial use) would in home use represent "as new" condition or, "suit a new machine buyer". This means only the warranty is missing on a unit that will last both of us out in domestic use... Compared to an RRP of around $699, that's not bad! Cheers, FC.    

AJzCafe

Hi All! Firstly, a brief new member introduction - My name is James and I'm a coffeeholic..........Fairly new to the scene but am rapidly learning   FC, I am currently facing the dilema of purchasing my first HX machine and as any good consumer, I am checking prices online daily from different outlets Aust. wide.   I recently purchased my Cunill Tranquillo grinder on Ebay for $280.  I believe this was a bargain.  The transaction went smoothly and the retailler, although in Sydney, contacted me a number of times before and after the sale.  On top of the super price and high standard of service, it has restored my faith in purchasing from online retailer after an inital bad experience. The above all said, I have noticed that prices on machines vary greatly, sometimes as much as $500!  (I refer to HX machines ~$2000) To me, $500 is a lot of money.  Since discussing the Diadema line of machines with FC via e-mail however, I have since realised the importance of a knowledgeable retailer.  For the investment I am looking at, I would expect that I can have my purchase delivered AND receive some sort of tuition/walkthrough on how to use/maintain my machine etc.  I suppose you just can't get that type of service from an online purchase.. Should I choose the Diamdema for example, I will be happy to fly/drive into Canberra, just to receive the service I need.......but the dilema that most people will face is that although the service may be important; $500 saved and a couple of Kilos of wasted beans used to 'teach yourself' is another.  Food for though here..... Regards, James

sharkboy

For me every auction is a gamble, so the odds need to be fair to good. That means the item has to be priced well below RRP so that even if repairs are needed the resulting cost still represents good value. As you may have guessed from that statement I have never bought a second hand machine at auction. A local caffe tech guy I chat to at any opportunity is always dubious when I mention machines on eBay. I'm planning on buying a machine from him in the near future and will be happy to pay a slightly higher price knowing that his aftersales service will be excellent. He is local and knows his stuff. Last time I was in his workshop he was testing a new machine for a buyer, making sure all was well and adjusting the pressurestat down a little. To me the vendors knowledge, time and expertise are worth the extra cash. Eight or nine hundred dollars for a used commercial machine seems cheap when compared with $2400 for your typical domestic E61 type machines, but there's plumbing in to consider, expensive roatary pump failures and overall size. For all but the most dedicated coffee enthusiast it appears to be overdoing it. Having said that, if I wasn't in a rental property I'd probably investigate plumbing a machine in... You don't seem to see to many prosumer type machines on eBay...? Where are the lightly used Giottos, Diademas, etc