Which online vendor should I buy my equipment from?

[sygyzy]

Hi,

First post here. I posted this in another forum (link) without much help so I am hoping HB-ites can help me out.

I was wondering if anyone had any first hand experience purchasing a Silvia online? I assume the two most popular vendors are WholeLatteLove and 1st-Line.

WholeLatteLove
Pros: 2 year warranty
Cons: Did not answer two (separate) inquiries I had about products

1st-Line
Pros: Comes with bottomless portafilter
Cons: Only 1 year warranty.

I am sure there are others, but any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Mark08859]

Good things have been said about Chris' Coffee Service. Try to contact them.

[HB]

I recommend vendors who actively support the online espresso community. Not just because they help make sites like HB and CG possible, but because engaged vendors are more likely to address potential problems with vigor knowing that their reputation is as much "on the line" as they are "online." For advice and minor repairs, online forums are frequently owners' first choice. For warranty repair, it's the reseller not the manufacturer who provides service. The attention to customer relations and quality of service are as much a part of an expensive espresso equipment purchase as the box that shows up on your doorstep.

HB has fantastic sponsors that are worthy of your first consideration. Below are examples of how they've supported the HB community:

• SwagFest
• HB Tamper Roadshow
• 1,000,000 message view countdown contest
• Holiday Wish List Gifts
• HB Anniversary Celebration
• Titan Grinder Project

Unbelievably these are only the highlights of the last two years!

[bobdc]

I've dealt with many HB vendors and have had no bad experiences. Chris's Coffee and 1st line are two of my favorites; I'm buying a machine too, from 1st Line in about 1 week.
I am surprised that you got no reply from 1st Line. Jim always gets back to my queries quickly, and even on weekends. Often he is readily available by telephone. I suggest you might try once more. Also, he frequently monitors this site and that gives me confidence in the products and service. I am not inclined to buy coffee or machines and equipment from a vendor not participating here. These vendors are known for standing by their products with outstanding service. Checkout some of the forums here. Best wishes. Hope you will stay active with HB.

[bobdc]

Sygyzy,
OPPS! I guess 1st Line did reply, I misread. But, my point is that most of these vendors are active participants here because they are interested in offering the best machines and equipment to a pretty demanding audience. With these guys you'll find it difficult to make an error.

[sygyzy]

Thanks for your answers guys. I guess I can't really go wrong! I will try to support the site as much as possible.

[Niko]

I agree with all of the above.
One thing I'd like to mention is that in my opinion, there is no man on this earth that is more readily available than Chris of Chris' Coffee Service, period.

[scottyg514]

Chris Coffee is the bomb!

[Sleepless]

I bought my Vivaldi II from Chris and have been very happy with them. I would be reluctant to make such a high priced purchase from an on-line vendor for something that might require support - but Chris Coffee is both on-line and has a walk in facility. If you can, visit them. You can look at and try out many of the units they sell and they are very patient.

I drove to Albany to avoid having my unit damaged in shipment, and it was nice to meet their staff.

- Steve

[Scotto]

After some less than stellar service from another vendor, I have happily dealt with 1st-Line since. Great company to deal with.

[Spresso_Bean]

I'll post my experiences:

Whole Latte Love - good prices, discounts. Customer service not on par with some of the others I've tried but they did call me back when they said they would and handled my issue pretty well even though it took some time going back and forth. You can find some good deals there but for service I'd feel better using another vendor. They also seemed to have some issues with email responses and the best way to contact them is to call directly.

1st-Line - have not bought from them yet, but question were always answered promptly and even by the owner (Jim). Good variety of parts and equipment.

Chris Coffee - questions answered very promptly, phone calls were not rushed and they took the time to answer all the things I asked about and had good knowledge of what they sold. Ordered some parts, had an issue with one being blemished from the supplier, and they handled it beyond expectations. Chris even answers emails which I thought was another good thing.

[Fullsack]

I buy everything I can from 1st-Line, Jim has been terrific. IMO, 1st-Line has the better machines.

[sygyzy]

Tough decisions guys. Will keep you updated.

[Fr. John]

My votes:

I bought my Vetrano (which I wholly endorse!) from Chris Coffee. Would do it again without a second thought. Great prices (they will give you a great price with full warranty on returned but new machines) and excellent service. Call and ask for Mary, she is stellar. Chris is good too

Another vote though for 1st Line. A close friend bought his Vivaldi from Jim and had some problems with it. Jim took care of it pronto and without difficulty.

[Niko]

sygyzy,

What we should've asked you in return is what machine(s) are you looking to buy? The best online vendor depends on what particular type and brand machine you're buying.

[edna713]

great vendors?

chriscoffee.com
1st-line.com

and the 2 year warranty from wll? b.s. -- the "2nd" year covers almost NOTHING.

W

[Randy G.]

I was wondering if anyone had any first hand experience purchasing a Silvia online? I assume the two most popular vendors are WholeLatteLove and 1st-Line.

As with all advice sought such as this you need to take it all with a grain of salt. At least one response was from a person who has a large commercial relationship with at least one of the resellers that the person recommended.

You have already begun your homework finding that one of the resellers had communication difficulties with you. Check archives and see what folks say about their actual experiences. The most important messages are those concerning problems that were encountered and how they were resolved. Then call the vendors and ask questions. Make your decision based on those factors.

If it is a home machine, don't worry too much. They are easy to repair and relatively inexpensive to ship. For larger heavier machines it can be another thing to consider - if there is a problem, shipping can be expensive, so choosing a seller who is either closer or has a local (to you) repair facility might be necessary if you can't do repair work yourself.

[mitchjayg]

I just don't get it. I have written on 2 separate occasions in the last 2 months to WLL. Both were inquiries about the Expobar Brewtus. They simply do not answer emails written to the sales department. Perhaps they have a new theory of better selling through ignoring.....

As my "upgrade-itis" combined with my ineptness at temperature control on my Tea (even with Eric's thermometer) frustrates me (it would be good for me to obsess on something else for a change), I am thinking about a double boiler. Looks like both the Brewtus and La Spaziale's are both well admired machines.

I think the folks at WLL have been extremely helpful in the decision. I have to imagine the lack of eagerness to be helpful and responsive in the sales process does not bode well for the moment when service may be needed. I have done business with both Chris at Chris Coffee and Sebastian at Great Infusions and have always found each of them very responsive and helpful. La Spaziale it is! Now, the easier decision will be which of these excellent folks to buy from!

[HB]

I just don't get it. I have written on 2 separate occasions in the last 2 months to WLL. Both were inquiries about the Expobar Brewtus. They simply do not answer emails written to the sales department.

Some companies prefer e-mail inquiries, some prefer phone calls. WholeLatteLove is firmly in the latter camp. If you call, they will be happy to spend as much time as needed answering your questions. To prove the point, I just called them. A sales rep answered within a minute and she didn't hesitate to hand me over to a technician when I asked questions beyond her experience (it wasn't special treatment as I never gave them my name).

[CaptPat]

I've purchased an Elektra A3 and a Macap grinder from Chris' Coffee--all aspects of the transaction was flawless.

I have also had good luck with 1st Line.

Both Chris and Jim answer email promptly--even on the weekends. Can't say enough good about either vendor.