I thought I'd bring this thread back from the grave.

I just noticed that Dave at espressotech is now advertising the GS-3 at about $5,700, which is considerably lower than the $7,500 price tag we've come to expect. This is not a one-time deal, but apparently his standard price on the machine. Is the price dropping because of the bad economy, decreases in material prices, or just plain low demand? Are any other merchants following suit?

At any rate, while the GS-3 isn't exactly cheap, at least it's closer to the originally announced price of $4,500, and somewhat more competitive with the other machines in its class (Elektra A3/T1, La Cimbali Junior, Nuova Simonelli Appia). It also makes me wonder if other high-end machines will have similar price drops soon.

The exchange rate might have something to do with it too. I know that US - British Pound has changed quite dramatically from last year to this year. Something that cost $180 now costs us $130.

I've seen him advertise it at 5500, so it's been less than the current price before. I'm sure there are a number of influences that determine the final cost, not the least of which is what a vendor wants to get as a margin.

Beezer wrote:I thought I'd bring this thread back from the grave.

I just noticed that Dave at espressotech is now advertising the GS-3 at about $5,700, which is considerably lower than the $7,500 price tag we've come to expect. This is not a one-time deal, but apparently his standard price on the machine. Is the price dropping because of the bad economy, decreases in material prices, or just plain low demand? Are any other merchants following suit?

At any rate, while the GS-3 isn't exactly cheap, at least it's closer to the originally announced price of $4,500, and somewhat more competitive with the other machines in its class (Elektra A3/T1, La Cimbali Junior, Nuova Simonelli Appia). It also makes me wonder if other high-end machines will have similar price drops soon.

Just for clarification's sake, the GS/3 has been available for around that $5,700 since it became widely available - it just wasn't publicly advertised at this price. So I don't think this is a change to pricing, as much as a change to MAPP rules (assuming these folks are following them).

networkcrasher wrote:I've seen him advertise it at 5500, so it's been less than the current price before. I'm sure there are a number of influences that determine the final cost, not the least of which is what a vendor wants to get as a margin.

Other factors:

1. Does the price include onsite dealer service? Remote service? Any service?

2. Does it include pre-installed fixes for the problems described here: http://coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/machines/345476?

At the right price, these may be minor issues for engineers and tinkering hobbyists, but be important questions for others.