Cost justification of VST tampers

#1: Post by **r.rowlan** » March 25th, 2016, 10:30 pm

What makes a VST basket tamper worth more. I've looked at Cafelat tampers around $60, La Marzocco Craftsman tamper at $139 and a Pergman Pullman at $179. What makes one convex stainless steel flat bottom tamper worth more than another once the handle material is factored in?

#2: Post by **shawndo** » March 25th, 2016, 11:14 pm

Those tampers come from all different parts of the world. Cost of materials and shipping/taxes has to figure into it.

#3: Post by **Marcelnl** » March 26th, 2016, 3:16 am

Probably not the cost of goods but brand value, the time invested in their unique features and the numbers made are IMO likely drivers of these prices.

#4: Post by **billt** » March 26th, 2016, 5:12 am

It's a veblen good.

There is no reasonable justification for its price, but the upper reaches of the home espresso coffee market have reached the level at which some people will spend a lot of money on an artifact just because it costs a lot of money (then try and justify it).

#5: Post by **Kipp** » March 26th, 2016, 12:12 pm

CoffeeComplements on eBay will make you a very nice custom tamper any size and shape out of stainless steel for around $50

#6: Post by **TheCastanza** » March 26th, 2016, 9:43 pm

I recently got a cafelat tamper to match my vst basket perfectly from Chris coffee. It has made a noticeable difference in my shots. So I think one made specifically for vst is a good pick

March 26th, 2016, 9:54 pm

I'll second that. I've had my VST Cafelat tamper for about two months and it really helps consistency. If the tamp isn't level, the tamper will not spin in the basket.

#8: Post by **weebit_nutty** » March 27th, 2016, 12:33 am

billt wrote:There is no reasonable justification for its price

The costs associated with validation and testing of each product they sell doesn't come free.

#9: Post by **Marcelnl** » March 27th, 2016, 4:14 am

I'm not saying they don't but validation for a tamper? I'd consider that overkill to be honest....would be interested to see a validation plan.

#10: Post by **weebit_nutty** » March 27th, 2016, 4:49 am

I was not talking about tampers. VST is about the consistency in holes, not tamper. Tampers are designed FOR the specific size baskets, not the other way around.