I'm wondering if you all feel it would be difficult to resell my Salvatore One Black once I receive it. I'm not planning on opening the box, so it would be brand new and unused. I got the lower price just before the price increase. I would sell it for what I paid for it + shipping. Difficult financial times right now so we can't afford the machine. It would cost us $300 to cancel the contract, so it looks as if we may have to accept the One Black. Please let me know what ya'll think.

We could cancel the contract, but it doesn't make sense for us to lose $300. I'm torn as to what to do.

Given your circumstances, I would first ask Salvatore about annulling the contract. From all accounts he's backordered, so it would be no loss on his part and avoid the hassle/expense/potential of (re)shipping damage.

HB wrote:Given your circumstances, I would first ask Salvatore about annulling the contract. From all accounts he's backordered, so it would be no loss on his part and avoid the hassle/expense/potential of (re)shipping damage.

Did that. They are firm on the cancellation penalties. I was surprised they would not bend for our circumstances. In these hard times many folks are going through this. I thought they would have a little mercy.

I had the same thoughts regarding the back order situation. They have a waiting list, so I didn't think it would be a problem. I'm sure the next person down on the waiting list would be delighted to receive their machine a little sooner. I was told in a very firm manner, that they have the 30% restocking fee because of merchant credit card fees, inventory and schedule based on committed orders, time making phone calls and sending emails (huh?, I called at my expense a couple of times.) Emails, how much could that cost them? I don't know. I'm trying to do the math...does all this add up to $300?!!

Seems a bit odd. Not the best publicity...

Linda ordered at the old price. Right there's $100 of the cancellation overhead since if they are indeed back-ordered her's can now be sold at the new price. I guess I'd like to hear Wendy and Salvatore's defense of the cancellation fees.

Bruce, I wasn't planning on going public with this, but we are desperate as to what to do. I have the email she sent me, but it would not be cool to publicize it. All I can say is, I was shocked by the response. I didn't know about the 30% restocking fee up front when I placed the deposit on our credit card over the phone.

If anything good comes of these posts, I think future buyers need to be aware of this 30% restocking fee policy before they commit to a purchase.

linnysue wrote:I'm trying to do the math...does all this add up to over $150?

I assume they don't want to be bothered with ambivalent buyers; a steep cancellation fee assures that only serious buyers are on their production list. Given your circumstances, I find their policy rather Draconian, but it is their policy. Thanks for letting us know.

If they absolutely won't compromise, I recommend selling it prior to shipment. I'm sure you would have no trouble "selling your spot" at cost if you post on CoffeeGeek's Buy, Sell, and Trade forum. I will happily link your thread from HB's announcement page to maximize your exposure. It would be pointless to ship it to your house then turn around and reship it.

PS: Salvatore, if you're listening... your policy is not cool.

HB wrote:I recommend selling it prior to shipment. I'm sure you would have no trouble "selling your spot" at cost

This is how I purchased mine. However, I knew the previous buyer personally and simply reimbursed him...which Salvatore was aware of and preferred anyway.

Bests,
Mickey

Has the machine actually been shipped? If not, no "re-stocking" to do. They should simply cancel the order and be done with it. In fact, no company should charge your card anything until the order ships.

That being said, you could likely easily sell your machine, especially if the warranty is in effect.

I agree with Dan that a machine listed on CG that has never left the factory is of higher value than one that a seller lists as "never used" because the buyer knows it is true that it was never used. Since you are buying it at the lower price I would imagine someone who was considering paying the higher price would jump at the chance to get a discount on a new machine (and have a shorter wait than they'd have if they signed up now).

I wonder if Salvatore would compromise and let you substitute in the new buyer if you were the one who found him or her (ie they would pay Salvatore directly instead of you and Salvatore would ship it to them directly). It seems like a reasonable compromise and saves you trouble and doesn't cost them anything.

Hugh

No, the machine has NOT shipped. It's not even completed yet, and I've been on the waiting list since January. I believe it was about another month away from shipment. Your ideas of selling the machine before it ships are very helpful. I didn't realize this has been done before. You don't know how much I appreciate all of you trying to help.

I just sent them another email pleading with them to try and negotiate the terms of the 30% restocking policy, so I'll keep you all posted on this situation.

Also, please know I am not trying to bash this company in any way. I know every company has their policies and we need to be willing to accept their terms, but restocking policies should be clear to the purchaser BEFORE they commit. In my case, they were not.