Olympia Express Cremina Espresso Cappuccino Machine researching to sell on Ebay

[Maria]

Hi,


I was packing for a move and came across this item. It came into our possesion through estate sale in Manhattan. I did a little research online and found very limited information. I know that only 160 are made a year and is made by the Swiss.

I wanted to know if anyone out there could tell me how old is this machine is? Any opinions on selling on Ebay?


Thanks

Maria

[Alchemist]

IIRC the last two digits of the serial number indicate year, so 1987.

Generally they go from $400 - $800 on ebay, depending on condition (leaks?), age (minor) and the moon phase (joke). A few a month are on ebay.

Have you powered it up and pulled any shots? The more information you can give, generally the better price you will get, but not always.

[bobcraige]

The first two digits of the serial number, not the last two, indicate the year of manufacture. Therefore, your machine dates from 1985.

[stgui2]

and sometimes the machines go for what was indicated to you $400 to $800 but I have seen them going as far as $1,200. I paid $780 for mine. Some simply did not sell... simply no offers at all. Why? God knows!!! submit your machine and if you are lucky you will be selling it for a good price. Since you seem not to be a coffee fan, all will be benefit for you.

[timo888]

These machines can be easily damaged during shipping if not properly protected. You might want to advertise that you will double-box the machine and put several inches of foam peanuts between the outer and inner boxes.

[Alchemist]

and sometimes the machines go for what was indicated to you $400 to $800 but I have seen them going as far as $1,200. I paid $780 for mine. Some simply did not sell... simply no offers at all. Why? God knows!!! submit your machine and if you are lucky you will be selling it for a good price. Since you seem not to be a coffee fan, all will be benefit for you.

Well, yes, but that is highway robbery (regardless that it is self inflicted robbery by the buyer). I didn't want to get her hopes up and out of line. That said, I got mine for $300. No accounting. And I have never seen a working machine not sell in an open bid. The only ones I have not seen sell are the Buy Now at $800 or more.

[mattwells]

The other alternative is to ask for what you are hoping to get on Coffee Geek and see if anyone bites. Its free to post there (as opposed to the fee on e-bay).

[starry]

Got mine on craigslist about a month ago. Advertised for $500. Paid $400. Good condition, but needed drip tray and double basket. Seller said he had lots of calls on it. This may be a good way to sell since there isn't any shipping, eBay or Paypal....

[mogogear]

Got mine on craigslist about a month ago. Advertised for $500. Paid $400. Good condition, but needed drip tray and double basket. Seller said he had lots of calls on it. This may be a good way to sell since there isn't any shipping, eBay or Paypal....

Starry, did you get yours from the seller on Bainbridge Island?

BTW, It looks as if we are getting together Jan 9th late afternoon or early evening. A beer, a coffee and for those that can or want to me eat a bite. NE 5th@ about Roy ( SE Queen Ann) - Caffe Vita, The Great Nabob, The Crow ( coffee, drink, eat)

[starry]

Got mine on Whidbey not Bainbridge. I think that's probably what you meant.

[stgui2]

when bidding, most machines were getting sold for some $700 or $800 and prices were raising. After my acquisition a Cremina was sold for $1,291 plus shipment. Thought I was lucky getting it for $780 but then prices dropped... well, after the rebuilt of my machine... I have a machine for some 25 more yrs which I will not outlive

[chopinhauer]

Tell me, how does the age of the advertised machine effect price? By this I mean, assuming the machine is in good condition, no leaks or major repairs needed, is age a big factor in price for a cremina 67. Thus would a good 1972 cremina be (much) cheaper than a good 1977 cremina or a good 1985 cremina. In other words, does age effect price on ebay, or do people just go on whether the machine is advertised in good or not so good condition.

This is just an academic question because I ain't selling my cremina...never, ever!!

[stgui2]

My comment will be a bit long.

Your question is whether there is a price wise difference in between a 20 yr old or a 5 yr old Cremina. But then: what is the mentality of your potential buyer? Is he oriented on a "newer is more expensive" approach or "older because of experience" is better. Will a potential buyer take a look of what he is buying? at the "solidity" of the older components? at the "sureness" of the results because of long time tested craftsmanship?

I disassembled my Cremina to replace all the gaskets.
Every part is easily accessible of course with Steve Robinson's guidance. His and other readers' suggestions were invaluable to my rebuilt. Even when you buy the replacing gaskets, they are packed so as to proceed orderly in their replacement. You can use their description sheet as a checklist of your stepwise replacement job.

Once you disassemble the Cremina, there is no possible doubt that the pieces can last forever, the width of the recipients and the "heaviness" of the parts. To my mind, my machine which is 25 yrs old will outlive me if Olympia still produces the gaskets and they get replaced in 10 yrs time.

Conceptually I don't think there is a considerable difference between a 20 yr old and a 5 yr old Cremina: more recent Creminas have 3 gaskets in the group head while older Creminas have only 2. Still your crema depends on the coffee grinding, water quality and pressure you apply. If I were to buy a Cremina today, I would get a 67. They have been tested for so long that you cannot go wrong. You hear in these forums about 20 to 30 yrs old machines in perfect shape and spares are still available.

You asked a question but probably you end up having more questions. But I think is important. Once you invest in a machine of that price, you are certain you will stay with it for long time whether it is 5 or 20 yrs old

[mogogear]

Got mine on Whidbey not Bainbridge. I think that's probably what you meant.

Starry- All those islands run together... I saw it in Craigslist- I resisted .. stupid me , like I ever need another project!! I should be banned from doing searches..

See above Starry- edited- the street names NE 5th at Roy- The places are Caffe Vita/ The Great Nabob/ The Crow

greg