I'm in the process of purchasing a second hand very heavy E61 machine. It will be well packed but can anyone recommend a carrier that might treat it with care? Thanks everyone!

@"Grahamsphillips"#p34644 It is a lottery Graham. By that I mean you pays your money you takes you choice. The firm might be reputable but when it is being handled. Perhaps if you know any retailers who sell machines you could ask them their experiences. I once used a One Man and his van arrangement. It was very good but a bit pricier and some time ago!

When I sold my Bianca last year I ended up using Parcelforce via the Post Office (this was pre strikes…) Fortunately it arrived next day with no issue. I took a huge gamble as it was only insured for £1000 I think and still cost an absolute fortune to send. I packaged it incredibly well with a view to protecting it even if dropped. My biggest concern was it going ‘missing‘. Insurance adds the biggest premium. Most of the reputable carriers were quoting £200+ for a fully insured service if I remember correctly.

My Minima was sent to me from Black Cat Coffee via: https://apc-overnight.com/ A lot of couriers won't insure coffee machines, so be careful who you do choose

Also if you do go Parcelforce be prepared for the third degree from the Post Office… “What’s inside?” “£1500 for a coffee machine?!!! What makes it so special, I’m very happy with Nescafé”

I know Machina coffee use DHL premium for shipping machines but they have different shipping arrangements than a regular customer. APC don't seem to insure coffee machines, but they have been the been very reliable for my friends brewery. You could try a pallet delivery service like palletways, I guess it depends on the weight, size and value of the machine

It is indeed a bit of a lottery, but if I was to recommend one over others it would be APC Overnight. They are a conglomerate of independent couriers and my experience of them has been overwhelmingly positive. They seem much more customer focussed than any of the big names.

I used ups to send a machine out, double boxed padded Still arrived broken Rochdale company apex APC do a special service to collect fragile stuff. I thought you were getting another londinuim lol or do you fancy that Vesuvius of Jonny's that's popped back up.

@"Cuprajake"#p34671 There are some people who should never use couriers….🤣

I got quotes from many couriers through Shiply that seemed competitive. I didn’t end up using them though so can’t comment on reliability

UPS may be an option as they will ship most things but may have a complication on insurance - in their original packaging. That of course being ok. ;) Having seen Piccino's original packing I don't think they would be happy. Parcel Farce are as good as anybody really, RM special delivery is handled entirely separately but there are size limits. Biggest problem really is heavy items. They need heavy shipping containers. I believe there are packaging companies around but have never tried to find them, Sheets of thickish polystyrene can be bought - intended for insulation, Cling film can be used to prevent things like drip trays bouncing around. Bits in bubble wrap the same. Thick strong cardboard boxes may be hard to find, LOL From coversations with @"DavecUK"#1 some time ago I suspect he knows how some are packed from new. In some cases they may even arrive on small pallets,

Couriers!

Grahamsphillips

Yeap.. I blame @DavecUK for the Niche and the Vesuvius, @lancehedrick for the GEVI and the Tricolate and much else besides. James Hoffman for the Breville Precision ….Not sure whom to blame for the L1 ! I know, I know !

LMSC

Grahamsphillips

Giphy - Excuse GIF by MOODMAN 😁

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