Where You Buy Your Equipment Matters

We see our work with you as the beginning of a long-term partnership, not just a one-time sale. At Harmony, service doesn’t stop at delivery; it continues for as long as you need support. When you purchase equipment through us, you receive:

• Tier 1 service rate of $120/hr (standard Tier 2 rate is $140/hr)

• Preferred Customer status, making you our top priority during emergencies

• FREE bench testing of all new equipment (over $250 value)

• FREE installation of your new equipment (over $1000 value)

• FREE training on your new equipment

• Full manufacturer-aligned warranty support, where we handle all claims and coordination on your behalf

• Specialized expertise in specialty coffee equipment, not just general repair service

• Ongoing support, with availability by call or text for questions, guidance, and emergencies

Our goal is to work alongside you to ensure your equipment performs reliably and your business is set up for long-term success.

Do not purchase the machine without a thorough inspection from a qualified technician.

Many machines are no longer serviceable due to limited parts availability or outdated electronics. Claims like “working when stored” or “recently serviced” can be misleading, as storage conditions can significantly impact equipment, and there is no consistent standard for what prior service may have included without detailed records.

It’s also important to note that we cannot evaluate a machine based on a listing or photos alone. At best, we can confirm whether the make and model is one we currently support. Even if it is, a full in-person inspection is still necessary before purchase to properly assess condition and potential repair needs.

Working on used equipment can present serious safety concerns. When opening a machine with an unknown service history, we must take additional precautions to protect both our technicians and your business. We have encountered unsafe wire splicing, electrical shorts, evidence of rodents and insects, failed safety components, unrepairable water damage, and machines with severe cleanliness issues. Our inspection rate reflects the extra care and time required to properly evaluate whether a machine is safe, sanitary, and suitable for operation.

When we sell new equipment, the level of risk is significantly lower. Even so, every machine is thoroughly bench tested before installation to ensure no damage occurred during shipping or transport. This testing process is included in the upfront cost because we believe every customer should start with equipment that is safe, reliable, and ready to perform from day one.

While the initial purchase price plus estimated repairs may still be lower than the cost of a new machine, it also comes with all of the associated risks of used equipment.

Because of the unknown condition and service history of used machines, our inspection rate is billed at $250/hr, and any repairs identified during the inspection are billed at that same rate. In our experience, repair quotes for used equipment commonly range from $1,000–$4,000.

Installation costs should also be considered. Used equipment installations are billed at the same labor rate and include a four-hour minimum. Unlike new equipment installations, where the site has typically been reviewed in advance and coordinated with contractors to ensure proper utility requirements, used equipment installations often involve unfamiliar spaces that may be missing important electrical, plumbing, or filtration requirements.

By the time inspection, repairs, and installation are completed, the additional costs of used equipment can add up quickly. That “great deal” you found online can often end up costing $5,000 or more once repairs and installation are factored in, includes no warranty, and is often several generations behind current equipment standards. Out of the many machines we’ve inspected, only a very small handful have proven to be worth repairing.

Maybe?

General contractors and kitchen appliance technicians are typically not familiar in the specifics espresso machines, and there is a huge risk of improper install that could have lasting and costly damage to your equipment.

Espresso machines involve much more than a simple plug-in installation. Modern machines and grinders include advanced features and programming that require proper setup to function correctly. If not configured properly, the result is often a frustrating experience for baristas and underutilized equipment capabilities.

Espresso equipment is specialized, and its installation should be as well.

Not all espresso machines are created or supported equally, and there are several important factors to consider before making a purchase.

Whether you’re starting a new business or replacing existing equipment, it’s essential to understand exactly what you’re buying, and what is (and often isn’t) included.

Many brands sell machines with unreliable access to parts or technical support, which can make ongoing service challenging. When parts are difficult to source, even routine repairs become complicated, and emergency service can lead to extended downtime and lost revenue.

Online retailers may advertise perks like free shipping or “included installation,” but this does not include bench testing, a site inspection to ensure utility requirements are correct, specialized programming, or hands-on training. In many cases, the equipment is simply delivered to your door. Installation still requires a qualified technician, and we are usually the team called in to complete the job anyway. When that happens, work is billed at our Tier 3 rates, and those installation costs may still be passed along to you.

Without proper setup and post-sale support, businesses are often left without a reliable partner to help maintain or repair their equipment, which can put long-term performance and consistency at risk.