The Elektra A3 typically costs $4,513-$4,800 when purchased online domestically (US). http://www.espressocoffeeshop.com has the price is around $3,000 shipped. This site is from Italy and I may have to deal with poor customer service or the expense and headache of shipping back a damaged machine. At a savings of over $1,500, it seems like a great deal.

I've also considered the La Spaz Vivaldi II, Domobar Super Auto and the Alex Duetto II like so many others. I prefer the Elektra because it's commercial quality and likely more serviceable.

Am I missing something here? It seems like the savings are too good to be true. Any advice is welcome.

Shipping price and taxes?

Elektra, Vivaldi and Alex are all available at ChrisCoffee. Shipping is free and customer service is at its absolutely best.

It's actually cheaper than that. Including shipping and with the 17% non-vat discount, it comes to $2735. If you pay via credit card you should be somewhat protected.

estimated shipping cost is 150 euros = $205. because i live in alaska, i'd have to pay for shipping either way. the VAT applies only to EU member states leaving only a 4% customs charge. it's actually cheaper than $3k as ben z. pointed out.

i don't understand why it costs almost $2000 more to order the same machine from chriscoffee. i would definitively use a credit card.

Yes my reply was a bit... I'm sorry
(edit) ya, inaccurate - by 'taxes' I meant also duty and din't notice the shipping nuances.

elmwood wrote:estimated shipping cost is 150 euros = $205. because i live in alaska, i'd have to pay for shipping either way. the VAT applies only to EU member states leaving only a 4% customs charge. it's actually cheaper than $3k as ben z. pointed out.

i don't understand why it costs almost $2000 more to order the same machine from chriscoffee. i would definitively use a credit card.

Price seems to be the highest in the states for this machine. It appears this machine is one of the few that is less expensive here (Canada) too.

elmwood wrote:estimated shipping cost is 150 euros = $205. because i live in alaska, i'd have to pay for shipping either way. the VAT applies only to EU member states leaving only a 4% customs charge. it's actually cheaper than $3k as ben z. pointed out.

i don't understand why it costs almost $2000 more to order the same machine from chriscoffee. i would definitively use a credit card.

Have you considered calling Chris' to ask why? If there's a good reason for it, I suspect they'll share it.

Have you considered calling Chris' to ask why? If there's a good reason for it, I suspect they'll share it.

they did tell me they don't match prices outside of the u.s. or when the item is out of stock. i think she told me they were out of stock of the elektra a3. they didn't seem interested in explaining why there was such a cost difference but then again i never asked explicitly.

My questions:

- Are you clear on the voltage compatibilities?
- Are you clear on the wattage? (It says 2200 watt element which means you'll need 220v.)
- What kind of plug will it come with? (Euro, none, US 110, US 220 3 wire, US 220 4 wire....)
- What language is the owners manual & supporting documentation in?
- Are you sure of the customs brokerage charges? (I work in this field and it still surprises me what you can end up paying to process something into the USA. $50 for documents, $40 for courier, $75 service fee etc.)
- Are you sure of the duty rate?
- What is the shipping method and how long will it take to get there? (I assume ocean to an East Coast port and then trucked to AK? That is a hell of a lot of truck time before the ALCAN highway and more than a couple terminal transfers - pack it as though it were being thrown out of a second story window and then left in the rain.)
- What is your tolerance for shipping damage? Fully insured?
- How is it getting from the terminal to your house? It should be on a pallet and 100lbs - can you get it off of the truck idling in your driveway?
- Are you forgoing most/all/functional/english speaking warranty support?

WES

My memory is already fading, but I think the US part of our Nino group buy came from EspressoCoffeeShop and it went smoothly. I believe there is also a US address for repairs.