"Our country is in great peril, demanding the loftiest views, and boldest action to bring it speedy relief. Once relieved, it's form of government is saved to the world; it's beloved history, and cherished memories, are vindicated; and it's happy future fully assured, and rendered inconceivably grand."
Abraham Lincoln
Emails without the word "typewriter" in the subject go directly to my SPAM folder and are not answered.
1.21.2025
Hoping the New Year will bring much needed change to our country, economy and the world. I know times are tough and money is tight. The website analytics show that the two most popular pages on my site are '$150-$250 Typewriters" and "VTS Lay-Away Plan". I'm working on others for the site but they'll be just as expensive and one will be a lot more.
So, instead of focusing on website offerings, I've been working on requests (major, major backlog!) and mostly services and refurbs. It's these interactions that prompted me to post this update.
Over the past few weeks, I've been inundated with requests from those who received, or purchased for themselves, a typewriter for Christmas. I'm talking about over 60 emails and phone calls specific to this topic. Many have been from locals. That in itself is unusual. I've met in person with over a dozen in just the past 10 days. Whew. The typewriters have been, for the most part, beyond economical repair. Some have been in extremely rough, "as is" condition and some were even purchased from online sellers offering professionally serviced/refurbished typewriters. One such machine still had old correction fluid on the platen. Another clearly had nothing more than some oil sprayed on it. The buyers had spent anywhere from $60 to $500 for these typewriters. I know most of what I have to offer is currently beyond most budgets. I get it. I really do, but please, please, please be careful when purchasing a typewriter. Pictures can be edited. Videos can be manipulated. Seller credentials can be fabricated (including feedback). It has sucked to have to explain this to every single person I've met with. To be the bearer of truth e.g. bad tidings. Some took it well, others, not so much. Understandably so. I've not taken in one machine for service or refurb because the added expense would go beyond what the typewriter would be worth upon completion. Heirloom? Maybe that's not an issue. College kid on a strict budget wanting a cool typewriter for school use? Definitely.
Look, if you really want a typewriter but have a hard budget keeping you from purchasing one of mine, reach out. I have often worked with people to help them find a good machine online. I've had them send me links to ebay listings and I've looked over everything. Seller feedback (looking for red flags or sus FB), looking through the dirt and grime to see the true potential, looking for trouble areas most aren't aware of, and excessive pricing. I can see the potential. Some of the machines I pull from my inventory are visually horrendous! One is now listed on the site and turned out amazing! This is what I've done for decades, be it typewriters, classic vehicles (shout-out to my two International Scout II's), clocks or vintage tools. Obviously, I can't offer this service to everyone, but I do it a few times a week on a first come, first served basis. If I can't help with that directly, here's a little something that might help regarding shipping damage. Include the following message to the seller via the payment page and then directly through ebay message. I do this with every purchase and it helps tremendously. I hate seeing someone get ripped off. It happens. With typewriters, it seems to be happening more. Buyer beware and I hope you all get something you want, as described and with little to no shipping damage. All the best :-) Scott
"Please be sure to use plenty of soft padding, especially INSIDE the case with the typewriter. This heavy model is known for ripping loose from the * internal * locks and arriving severely damaged. These old * cases will also crack/split/break easily during standard shipping processes if not padded well. Thanks so much :-)"
*"four" internal locks (Royals), *"two" internal "spring" locks (Olympia's), internal "spring" lock (LC Smith), etc. Being specific shows you know about the machine, how it's secured in the case and will, hopefully, convince the seller to follow your instructions. It's 70/30 for me which is why every one I purchase is considered a parts machine until it arrives.
*"wooden", "thin", "fragile" cases, whatever meets the criteria.
