Posted Thu Aug 13, 2009, 4:11am Subject: Coffee Italia Australia??
Hi there CGer's Just wondering if anybody here has dealt with the company Coffee Italia. I have seen an item I would like to purchase, but the site looks rather dodgy and cheap. The link is http://www.coffeeitalia.com.au/index.php Anybody?
Rancilio Senior Member Joined: 12 Dec 2008 Posts: 422 Location: New Jersey Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Giotto Premium Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Back to Basics Popcorn...
Posted Thu Aug 13, 2009, 6:55am Subject: Re: Coffee Italia??
In my opinion it's hard to tell by a poorly constructed website with uncorrect english language. They have a contact phone number for Australia, it might be worthed to call and get the feeling, unless someone here will give you an answer to your question. Mr.T
Posted Fri Aug 14, 2009, 2:56am Subject: Re: Coffee Italia??
Thanks for the response, but I have posted this here in the Australasian section for good reason. Forgive me if I'm wrong and theres a New Jersey somewhere in Australasia, but the only one I know of is hanging on a hanger in Hallensteins.
Posted Thu Aug 20, 2009, 1:11am Subject: Re: Coffee Italia Australia??
Just as an update, I have tried to call the company in Australia several times during working hours with no response. Unless they also adhere to the Italian holidays, I'm beginning to doubt the reliability of the company. Also the listed physical address seems to belong to a Piano warehouse. Pity because they have possibly the best price on a professional conical grinder I have seen anywhere.
potisteve Senior Member Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 6 Location: AUSTRALIA Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Thu Aug 20, 2009, 1:25pm Subject: Re: Coffee Italia Australia??
I have called several times for help. I've spoken with a Donna and a Greg. They prefer email but they are real. they're also starting to sell parts and when I complained about the bid price not working I was told that a new website wass coming soon. That was 2 weeks ago.
potisteve Senior Member Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 6 Location: AUSTRALIA Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Thu Aug 20, 2009, 1:27pm Subject: Re: Coffee Italia Australia??
I have called several times for help. I've spoken with a Donna and a Greg. They prefer email but they are real. they're also starting to sell parts and when I complained about the bid price not working I was told that a new website wass coming soon. That was 2 weeks ago. They don't have a showroom but work at the back of a pianoshop. Not sure what the arrangement is but they are in Melbourne.
Posted Fri Aug 21, 2009, 2:46am Subject: Re: Coffee Italia Australia??
Hey thanks for that, its always nice to talk to somebody rather than rely on an email as they really could be anywhere. The pianoshop part could be conceivable, will have to try again but unfortunately I've ordered a new grinder from Italy now for heaps more $$$$$$. Thats one vote now for Caffe Italia.
John, I think you are right about them being a global retailer. They seem to ship most goods direct from Italy. I'm from the UK my new espresso machine has just been dispatched from there. I don't see this as a problem given the lower price they offer but the main risk is for warranty repairs. The (UK) coffee italia website says that they have a license from Rancilio to sell to Europe so it should be possible to get repairs.
Looking at the Coffee Italia UK address on Google Street View it looks like it's in a very small industrial estate unit in London. This sounds similar to Australian piano shop address set up. I wouldn't be surprised if the Italian set up is similar. A lot of internet retailers are just fulfillment agents with the goods themselves being sent direct by the manufacturer. I'm not saying Coffee Italia do this but from the comments here indicate that they are certainly working on a shoe string budget outside of Italy - hence the lower prices I suspect.
I think that Coffee Italia should be more open about the shipment from Italy. The UK web site several tell tale statements that allude to this but nowhere is it clearly stated.
E61Shuttle Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2010 Posts: 7 Location: Sydney Australia Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Shuttle
Posted Thu May 20, 2010, 1:48am Subject: Re: Coffee Italia Australia??
What Coffee Italia appear to be doing is called grey importing. This means that they probably purchase from an agent, wholesaler or, very rarely, from the manufacturer. When a sale is made the goods are shipped directly from the agent/wholesaler/manufacturers warehouse to Coffee Italia's customer. The advantage to the grey importer is that it is not subject to the requirements a manufacturer may have of a traditional distributor. The main requirements avoided are to purchase large volumes, invest in marketing and generally commit to a long term relationship with the manufacturer.
There are significant cost savings selling this way. The grey importer or Seller (in this case apparently Coffee Italia) doesn't incur finance costs to finance container loads of machinery, warehouse overheads to store and manage the stock and wages are significanly less than traditional distribution companies because less staff are required. All this means that the retail price should be closer to the wholesale price. A big win for the consumer.
What is often left out of the grey importer sales process, however, is bench testing or calibration of the machine prior to the customer receiving it and sometimes the warranty process may not be as simple as when a machine is purchased from a retailer supported by a distributor in Australia.
For example if a machine under warranty needs to be replaced and the grey importer doesn't hold stock then a new machine must be requested from the manufacturer. If the grey importer is dealing with a agent or wholesaler, and not directly with the manufacturer, then there may be a further delay.
I am not for one moment suggesting that this would be the case with Coffee Italia, merely, passing on my thoughts and experience.
Another disadvantage with purchasing from a grey importer is that, by definition, the business operation is lean. This may mean that someone may not be always available to answer the phone immediately or provide the level of customer service offered by a traditional distribution company or a retailer.
Having said all that it seems that these days we purchase more and more over the internet and look harder for the "best price"
I would suggest that if your purchase decision is dictated primarily by price then consider purchasing from a grey importer. If you are making a significant investment and expect the best possible service and after sales support then perhaps a traditional retailer or distributor would be the better option.
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