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  • importing rocket giotto evoluzione

    OK, Ive just imported a new Rocket Giotto Evoluzione from Italy, 230v/50hZ model.
    There is another thread on this but I cant figure out how to reply to it(maybe its closed...)
    Anyway, I realise there are some strong opinions around this but I also felt that some members would be interested in the actual costs in importing a machine and some of the costs indicated in the other thread were well off the mark.
    The risks and pitfalls are well covered in the other thread, importings not for everyone but it is for me.
    The actual costs were
    Evoluzione $1688.19
    Freight and insurance $271.98
    Import Duty $84.40
    GST $204.46
    Govt charges $55.00
    Admin charge $16.50
    TOTAL ALL UP COST $2320.53
    There were no other costs.
    The machine arrived 4 days after I ordered it, in perfect condition.(courier was DHL express)

  • #2
    Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

    Who is going to fix it if you have a "warranty" issue :-/

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

      Originally posted by 312A35362D2A31450 link=1308581681/1#1 date=1308596793
      Who is going to fix it if you have a "warranty" issue :-/
      With a suggested retail price of $3500 here in AU I guess he will have almost $1200 in his pocket to cover any warranty repairs that may, or may not, be required

      It is a gamble of course but that amount of spare change should leave him feeling relatively safe

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

        Gday Jack and welcome.

        Congrats on the new machine.

        First jobs with the remaining cash will be to have the wiring loom modified to add the extra tank isolation switch used to choose between plumbed and tank operation. The single, small EU switch failed Australian compliance and modifications to all machines imported into Australia were required. These modifications consisted of a new bracket, second switch and alterations to the wiring loom. The mods are installed by Rocket in Milan now. In the meantime, it might be worth giving your insurance guys a buzz to inform them of that as they will need to know.

        In addition, your machine will be set to extract at 96 deg. C (sometimes more) to suit the high robusta content of Italian espresso. You might want to see if you can find a techie with a Scace II device who is prepared to do some work for you. Have the machine configured to Australian coffee which is best extracted at a much lower temperature. All this work will take quite some time so may not be cheap...

        I am not trying to discourage others from following in your footsteps, but it is important to go into these endeavours well educated and with open eyes to what youre actually purchasing.  :-?

        Buyers looking for cheap Giottos on "the bay" etc should also be asking these questions. The giveaway is generally that the power plug has been changed to an Aussie one and a hot running machine. You want apples if that is what you think youre buying.

        Ultimately though, the EVO is a great machine. Enjoy.

        Chris

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

          Jack, I am not sure where you are located, but all that chris has said may or may not be necessary. As I understand it personal imports have different rules to commercial and, to further complicate matters each state in Australia had slightly different regulations. Seems to me that you need a registered electrical contractor to advise you, taking Chris post as a basis. I would imagine any professional espresso machine service centre would have a suitably qualified electrician who could set the machine up (for a fee) and ensure it is producing the best coffee it is capable of.

          If any of this is not correct, I am sure someone will advise.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

            Regardless of the potental good or bad of importing, thank you for posting the results of your import. When presented with facts we can make a more educated decision if its right for us.

            I would be interested in hearing how you go with the issues mentioned above and how this impacts the overall saving.

            Congratulations on your purchase.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

              Originally posted by 6A626C64667C7C606C640F0 link=1308581681/4#4 date=1308612028
              I would imagine any professional espresso machine service centre would have a suitably qualified electrician who could set the machine up (for a fee) and ensure it is producing the best coffee it is capable of.
              Espresso machine service centres are able to fix broken coffee machines. They generally arent in the business of re-designing a coffee machines electrical system to pass electrical compliance (which is the process Chris refers to and which did, in fact, take place with the Australian specd Evo - with the aid of an electrical engineer).

              As to Scacing/calibrating and modifying the HX circuit to nail the right brew water temperature shot after shot - you could probably count the places that could do this on one hand. (And Ive still got fingers left over

              charlie

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

                Charlie - fair enough point. Still worth getting it done though after spending all that money on a machine, would be a waste to have it performing below par.

                Depending on OPs location, Im sure snobs can recommend a suitable service centre.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

                  Originally posted by 486776406E63616941636467020 link=1308581681/6#6 date=1308616227
                  As to Scacing/calibrating and modifying the HX circuit to nail the right brew water temperature shot after shot - you could probably count the places that could do this on one hand. (And Ive still got fingers left over
                  Me too Charlie...I have at least 1 finger left...

                  Now whether Id agree to doing the work would of course depend on my principles and whim at the time  ;D

                  Bottom line is that its not the bargain it may seem and its why we choose to pay the $$$ and buy Australian calibrated machines rather than save by going grey.

                  I think when embarking on this venture, you have to assume that youre own your own in terms of support, warranty, repairs and parts. Maybe you get lucky, maybe not. Each to his own I guess

                  Cheers

                  Chris

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

                    Originally posted by 2028262E2C36362A262E450 link=1308581681/7#7 date=1308625486
                    Depending on OPs location, Im sure snobs can recommend a suitable service centre.

                    You might find that they wont do any work on a machine brought in as a grey import. Or the may charge accordingly as there is no "goodwill" involved with the original purchase, which competes with the products that they them self sell.

                    edited to add: it took me a long time to reply to this and at the time I started the reply the post previous to this did not exist, but Ill leave this one here anyway :P

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

                      I think this is a very useful thread with clear facts rather than emotion and conjecture.  Anyone wanting to go down the path of importing a new machine themselves can go in with their eyes wide open.

                      For me its a no-brainer....buy locally from a registered retailer who tests, calibrates and supports the equipment.   I just couldnt be bothered going to all that effort and, if you place a value on your time, then you might not be saving anything.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

                        Originally posted by 6B706F6C77706B1F0 link=1308581681/1#1 date=1308596793
                        Who is going to fix it if you have a "warranty" issue :-/
                        In effect I will have NO warranty.
                        Cost of returning to base would be prohibitive.
                        I rationalise that risk by the lack of warranty issues Ive had over the years with a broad range of purchases, so Im prepared to "take the punt".
                        Any repairs Id have to find a suitably qualified person/outlet prepared to work on a grey import, possibly not easy.
                        In any case Id be prepared(of course) to pay full tote for any repairs, amd maybe even a little punishment rate for my transgression...

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione



                          Originally posted by 06333E390D113D34343737520 link=1308581681/3#3 date=1308604068
                          Gday Jack and welcome.

                          Congrats on the new machine.

                          First jobs with the remaining cash will be to have the wiring loom modified to add the extra tank isolation switch used to choose between plumbed and tank operation. The single, small EU switch failed Australian compliance and modifications to all machines imported into Australia were required. These modifications consisted of a new bracket, second switch and alterations to the wiring loom. The mods are installed by Rocket in Milan now. In the meantime, it might be worth giving your insurance guys a buzz to inform them of that as they will need to know.

                          In addition, your machine will be set to extract at 96 deg. C (sometimes more) to suit the high robusta content of Italian espresso. You might want to see if you can find a techie with a Scace II device who is prepared to do some work for you. Have the machine configured to Australian coffee which is best extracted at a much lower temperature. All this work will take quite some time so may not be cheap...

                          I am not trying to discourage others from following in your footsteps, but it is important to go into these endeavours well educated and with open eyes to what youre actually purchasing.  :-?

                          Buyers looking for cheap Giottos on "the bay" etc should also be asking these questions. The giveaway is generally that the power plug has been changed to an Aussie one and a hot running machine. You want apples if that is what you think youre buying.

                          Ultimately though, the EVO is a great machine. Enjoy.

                          Chris
                          Thanks Chris,

                          I appreciate your comments.
                          To be fair, I would not expect any help or advice from any commercial entity on this site, that would be particularly rude and ignorant of me.
                          I went the way I did and took my chances....
                          I do have one of Erics adapters on the way, which should give me some pointers with the temp issue, we shall see.
                          If my evoluzione runs hot, catches on fire, burns the house down, and scalds the dog, well....I guess Ill never buy grey again!!
                          Anyone going down this path is best to assume
                          -they may pay and not receive the goods ie total ripoff
                          -the goods may arrive damaged, big drama
                          -the machine may not work well/requires work $$$
                          -please dont expect help from retail outlets with advice on any issues, thats simply not fair...

                          Im a risk taker and assume none of the above will happen but if you cant stand the above possibilities, its not for you...Importing something this substantial is probably only worth it for a very small minority ( Ive been importing personal goods since the early 80s.)

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

                            I guess when you can make what seems like a significant saving, its understandable that some will take whatever risk, known or unknown, is involved.

                            It seems to have worked out for you to date Jack and I wish you all the best.

                            In the meantime, I reckon the guys at Espresso Company Australia must be wondering what they have to do to keep what is meant to be exclusive dealership in AU and make a living.

                            When you imagine the cost of importing these machines, advertising the product, promoting and supporting your reseller network, stocking spare parts, being a Sponsor on this very website to see people openly advise others how to circumvent dealing with them, the legitimate importer, well I think thats got to hurt. I also think that it more than justifies the local asking price for the Evo.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: importing rocket giotto evoluzione

                              i have noticed a few of these for sale at "new reduced" prices recently and i think someone is circumnavigating the ECA exclusivity somehow.

                              Comment

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