The sinking value of the US Dollar - Page 2

[zin1953]

That's the difference between "old" inventory prices at Chris' Coffee and "new" inventory prices at 1st-line. You were wise to act now, it's only going to get worse.

That's exactly why! Originally, I was thinking it would go up a couple of hundred dollars, and that I could deal with -- so I was waiting to re-model the kitchen. When I saw, however, that the cost went up nearly $1,000 . . . OUCH -- I jumped!

[HB]

I have been helping a friend shop for espresso equipment. For months he has hemmed and hawed about this or that espresso machine, unable to decide and fretting about the price. Remember the Gaggia Factory blowout sale for less than $400 new? He watched it go by and has since lamented each price increase of his latest possible setup.

My (indecisive) friend is stewing again.

He noticed that 1st-line's prices for Mazzer grinders moved up a couple weeks ago and now others are following suit. Vendors must adhere to minimum advertised pricing (MAP pricing), so if you can find lower prices, they represent units from pre-price hike inventory. Great Infusions is still showing the previous price of $525 for the Mazzer Mini and Chris' Coffee Service is advertising $575. The new price at WholeLatteLove, espressoparts.com, and 1st-line is $659.

A twenty percent price hike... double ouch.

[espressoed]

New pricing out for the Isomac Venus, too. Now $799 U.S. One more step out of reach pour moi.

[narc]

Right now waiting for the "better deal" on anything imported from Europe may be a mistake. Everything for real and unreal reasons seems to be going against the US$. Even if the US$ was on equal basis to the Euro, the increase costs of material, labor and energy has to increase the costs of the products. Of course if the the US$ was equal to the Euro the price of oil would be closer to ~$80/barrel, steel prices (assuming no manipulation of the market) might be a bit lower.

At least for most of us it's just an increase in costs. The products are available. Imagine a situation where the things we desire were not even available.

[EspressoObsessed]

Chris' Coffee has the Cimbali Max Hybrid grinder back in stock as of today. The price went from $795 to $895. Pre-orders received the lower price but it looks like it's too late if you were waiting...

http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/home/grinders/maxhybrid

Mary

[ppopp]

I just pulled the trigger on my new Andreja Premium from Chris' yesterday for this reason. They were nice enough to throw in the bottomless pf that I ordered at no charge.

On a related note, I ordered an Espressocraft tamper from Espresso Parts, and picked up a Synesso basket and a few other accessories totalling about $125. I was disappointed that standard shipping (ground) was $14 for this order. If the tamper had been available elsewhere I would have walked away. Seems a little excessive to me.

The AP is scheduled for delivery on Friday, but I'm not sure if the tamper will be here for the weekend (sigh). I might have to find something else around the kitchen to tamp with.

[shadowfax]

that is my biggest gripe with EPNW. I hate UPS! they charge so much, and it takes 5 days for stuff from the NW to get here. I ordered a knockbox from EPNW on eBay and USPS was an option for shipping. It was half the price and it got here in 3 days. What gives, eh? I don't really give a crap about tracking if it doubles my package's transit time. Why doesn't everyone use USPS? I know Dan has said that vendors avoid it because they aren't as serviceable for businesses, but at some point it seems like you have to do what's best for your customers. You could charge a bit more for handling and make the money for your efforts, with USPS, and STILL come out with cheaper shipping for your customers, and faster transit times.

At least, for small items (like coffee and parts/accessories orders). On a related note, fuel prices are driving USPS rates up. I think they jumped this week, actually, but I am having trouble figuring out by how much.

[narc]

I hate UPS! they charge so much, and it takes 5 days for stuff from the NW to get here.

Flat rate USPS Priority Mail Boxes depending on the size and total mass of the item is usually lot less than UPS. Plus it's relatively fast service. USPS is still one of the best service for your US$.

[HB]

Heads up... A little birdie told me that Rancilio has just announced another price increase that is going to take effect July 1st.

[cannonfodder]

I had a co-worker ask me about a decent entry lever machine. I came up with $1200-1300 for a modest machine and grinder at the current prices. A year ago it would have been in the $700-900 range. He had a bit of sticker shock. I told him the prices will only be going up for the foreseeable future, if you want it, best get it now or next month it may be another couple hundred.

[Marshall]

The WSJ reported this week that fears of inflation were finally pushing the Bush administration and the Fed to stop the slide of the dollar (which actually stabilized and gained 1 or 2% against the Euro over the past two months). Rising commodity and fuel prices may be a bigger factor in any U.S. price increases over the next year (although, they, too have largely resulted from the falling dollar).

[BobS]

I told him the prices will only be going up for the foreseeable future, if you want it, best get it now or next month it may be another couple hundred.

While the price of energy and materials will go up, there are some that expect the Euro to drop
back to a 1-to-1 with the dollar in two to four years. But if that happens the variety of available
machines may decrease significantly.

Bob

[Spresso_Bean]

Heads up... A little birdie told me that Rancilio has just announced another price increase that is going to take effect July 1st.

Wow, lots of Rancilio price increases the last year or two. It'll be interesting to see what the new Silvia and Rocky prices will be and how they affect the demand.