Straight answers, before you call.
Honest answers to what café operators and prosumer owners ask most. If your question is not here, just call.
Service Calls
How quickly can you respond? +
Same-day phone. On-site as soon as the schedule allows. Bitterroot and Flathead trips are routed by drive day. Call for a real window. We will tell you what is honest, not what sounds good.
Do you carry parts on the truck? +
Common consumables yes (group gaskets, shower screens, dispersion screens, 3-way solenoid kits, OPV gaskets). Specialty parts are ordered the same day. Most repairs are completed in a single visit.
Can you service machines under manufacturer warranty? +
In many cases, yes. Ask when you call and we will confirm authorization with the OEM before scheduling so the warranty stays intact.
What if my machine is not on your list? +
Call with the model number. We work on most of the common commercial and prosumer brands. If a machine is outside our scope, we will tell you and refer you to someone who can help.
Preventative Maintenance
How often should a commercial machine be PM'd? +
Volume dependent. A busy two-group is generally on a 90-day cadence. Higher-volume bars closer to 60 days. Lower-volume programs every six months.
What is included in a "deep clean"? +
We avoid that phrase. A real PM is: group gaskets, shower screens, dispersion screens, full detergent backflush, OPV check, steam wand teardown, water filter check, and a group rebuild on any group that needs it.
Does PM void my OEM warranty? +
No. Most manufacturer warranties require documented preventative maintenance. Our written service logs are accepted as proof of upkeep.
You did not mention descaling. Why? +
If your machine is on a properly speced water filter with the softener regenerated on schedule, you should rarely need to descale. If we are descaling commercial machines often, the water is wrong. We address the water, not the symptom.
Pricing and Billing
How do you bill for a service call? +
Diagnostic visit, parts, and labor are quoted in writing before any repair begins. No surprise charges. After-hours and emergency rates only apply when you specifically ask for after-hours service.
Do you require a deposit? +
For commercial repairs, no. For full vintage restoration projects, a deposit is typical and is applied to the final invoice.
What forms of payment do you take? +
Bank transfer, check, and major cards. Commercial accounts can be invoiced with Net-15 terms.
Residential and Vintage
Do you service residential machines? +
Yes, as the commercial schedule allows. Prosumer and high-end residential machines are welcome. We do not service single-serve, capsule, or drip coffee equipment.
Is it worth restoring my vintage machine? +
Often, yes. Vintage La Marzocco, Faema, La Pavoni, and similar classics are usually worth more after a proper restoration than the cost of the work. We will tell you straight if it is not worth the investment.
How long does a vintage restoration take? +
Parts-dependent and scope-dependent. We give you a realistic timeline at sign-off. We will not promise a date we cannot hold.
Question not answered here?