How much to offer for used Nuova Simonelli Oscar?

[seanconnery]

I have a chance to buy a 4 year old, heavily used (20 perday) office Oscar.
What should be prepared to pay to get it checked and 'tuned' up? How much should I offer for it?

My thanks

[ron45]

Hi I certainly wouldn't offer any more that the cost of a new Expobar Office Pulser [699.00 at HLL] Dealer cost on a new machine is 735 or so and the pulser is probably it's equal in every way except plastic. The pulser falls way short of the plastic use of the Oscar. Sadly, the Pulser is mostly stainless. :^) Both are HX machines. The Pulser is an E61 clone and the Oscar is the real thing I think. I had the new Simonelli for about 8 hours. I'm not a plastic fan. Also didn't like their website or techsupport. HLL is pretty good to deal with. Just my .o2.

Ron

[HB]

Warning: I'm no authority on used espresso equipment. If I were interested in a four year old machine, I would start at 60% retail for one in mint condition and mark down from there (unless it was a rare find or brand with usually good value retention). A beat up office machine with questionable maintenance? I would hesitate to pay more than $200. It could be choking with scale.

[barry]

i'd give 'em $50, maybe, if it is working.

[wookie]

That's pretty harsh. 60% doesn't sound unreasonable, unless the market dictates that the going rate is higher. But $200 is perhaps 25% of the new cost. I agree that caution is advised due to the known heavy use, but for a working machine 25% is a wish not an offer. A lot will depend on the sellers view of it's value, it's possible that the business views it as completely depreciated asset. So it's not impossible that he could get it for $200 or even Barry's $50 deal. But it certainly wouldn't be the norm.

[barry]

it's not harsh if you consider it might take several hundred $$ to refurbish. twenty shots per day for four years is a lot of action for a home machine, even a fancy home machine. what water was used? how often was it backflushed? how often was it cleaned? was the steam wand purged properly after every milk drink? are there any missing/broken parts, panels, or trim?

[stevendouglas]

That's pretty harsh. 60% doesn't sound unreasonable, unless the market dictates that the going rate is higher. But $200 is perhaps 25% of the new cost. I agree that caution is advised due to the known heavy use, but for a working machine 25% is a wish not an offer. A lot will depend on the sellers view of it's value, it's possible that the business views it as completely depreciated asset. So it's not impossible that he could get it for $200 or even Barry's $50 deal. But it certainly wouldn't be the norm.

Even 50-60% of retail value ($400 - $500) might be a lot. Four years of heavy use is a fairly long time, and while it's possible it was properly maintained and operated by all of the office staff, it's not likely. I don't think $200 is necessarily an unreasonable starting offer even IF it's in good shape (four years of heavy office use almost assures that it won't be in "mint" condition).

I wouldn't worry at all about the market rate. If they can get more, then they will (and should) sell it to someone else. It's rare that in a limited market like espresso machines (or virtually anything but cars and houses), that the seller will take a walk on hearing the offer. It's far more likely he (or she) will counter. Of course, all bets are off if you're in a position of trust with the seller (i.e., if it's your mom or your little sister).

I'm not sure where you live, but Craig's list (http://www.craigslist.com) has some pretty good deals at times. You have to be patient but if you live near a bigger city, it's likely you'll find a great deal on a used machine within a couple of months.

[wookie]

it's not harsh if you consider it might take several hundred $$ to refurbish.

The 60% "rule" is usually thrown around for a working machine in average condition. If we take your $50 offer + the assumed $200 to refurbish it, that's a $250 cost to the buyer for a refurbished machine. It usually sells around $900 new, so we're looking at 28% of the new cost for a refurbished machine. That is harsh. Even Dan's offer of $200, plus this presumed $200 refurb is only 44%. Cold hearted bargain hunters, both of you. Not trying to offend you, but you are throwing really low numbers around. Maybe you just run across too many deals or giveaways in your line of work, Barry.

[barry]

Cold hearted bargain hunters, both of you. Not trying to offend you, but you are throwing really low numbers around. Maybe you just run across too many deals or giveaways in your line of work, Barry.

could be i've bought a bunch of used machines, and have some idea how much can go into a refurb. $200 would be a very conservative figure, especially if you're paying retail for parts.

although, i guess having seven marzoccos at home does sort of shade my opinion of a machine's value.

[miKe mcKoffee]

Cold hearted bargain hunters versus ruthless money grubbing sellers, depends on point of view! IMO if seller and buyer mutual agree on a negotiated price it's never too low or too high. In negotiating prices as a buyer always make a first offer that you're embarrassed by because it's so low and as a seller always first ask more than you expect to get.

[wookie]

All right, I know when I'm outnumbered. Chisel away!

[barry]

All right, I know when I'm outnumbered. Chisel away!

anybody interested in a rebadged faema 2-group? it's getting dropped off here tonight and i don't have any room/need for it.

[stevendouglas]

anybody interested in a rebadged faema 2-group? it's getting dropped off here tonight and i don't have any room/need for it.

Will you take $50?

[barry]

Will you take $50?

yes.

[HAL9000]

What model Faema?

[miKe mcKoffee]

yes.

You're too easy!

[barry]

What model Faema?

i don't know. i haven't seen it yet. i'm not even positive it is a faema, but that's what i was told.

[stevendouglas]

Will you take $50?

yes.

OK, I'll give you $15, but you have to include shipping, a 30-day no regrets policy (with return shipping), and a naked portafilter.

[miKe mcKoffee]

OK, I'll give you $15, but you have to include shipping, a 30-day no regrets policy (with return shipping), and a naked portafilter.

Negotiating mediator says bad boy, you already offered $50!

[stevendouglas]

Negotiating mediator says bad boy, you already offered $50!

Au contraire Mr. Mediator, no offer was proffered by me. I simply asked if he would take $50, but made no commitment.