planning to buy a Vitamix, help.

[maddbovine]

OK, so my husband and I have decided to sell stuff around the house (and garage) and all money goes to the Vitamix fund. Now that I am seriously considering the purchase, I really want to get the best deal.

So where is the best place to buy a Vitamix? I know they sell them at Costco and sometimes have deals but I don't know if that is the best deal. Also we live in Washington state and our sales tax is over 9% now. If I can find an online place where I don't need to pay tax, that may save me.

I would love any help I can get! My current blender is pretty sad!
Lindy

[T-Bird]

I can tell you that vitamix.com charges salestax.


Alissa sells the 4500? on her site - not sure about the taxes.

[Revvell]

Call Sue Harpster at at Vita-Mix ~ 800-848-2649, ext. 2308, give her my number ~ 06-002171 and ask if there are any specials running currently. Asked about the refurbished ones as well.

People do sell them on eBay but not sure if the warranty is transferable (ask Sue). At least with the refurbished you'll get a warranty.

Also, remember this. I've had mine (purchased new) for at least 12 years and have had NO problems. Divide the cost by 12 years, then divide that by 12 months and realized this is a tool you'll be using almost daily. The cost after 12 years is negligible. You don't need the dry blade, just the wet. If you've got the funds, get the small container as well. I use it often for grinding seeds and making things like dressings where the larger container is not needed.

Enjoy!

Revvell (http://LetsTalkRaw.com)

[Ilse W.]

I bought my refurbished 5000 directly from Vita-Mix last December. It came with the 7 year warranty and the DVD and recipe book just like the new ones. It cost $299. Can't beat that. You probably get free shipping with Revvell's number. I used Eva's at the time. I can't remember about the sales tax, though. However, if they charge sales tax, it's only the straight WA tax without all the county and local taxes added on. I think it's 6.5% or thereabouts.
I LOVE MY VITA-MIX!!!:D

[Revvell]

According to information I have, Wa tax is 7%.

[maddbovine]

I left a message for Sue (apparently she is on vacation till Monday) but I am eager to find out what kind of deal I can get! Free shipping and no tax on a refurbished one could be fabulous!! We will see! I don't really want to buy one on ebay. I feel more comfortable getting a refurbished one directly from the company. My thinking is that if I am going to drop that much money, it better come with a guarantee!!

Thanks for the tips I can hardly wait!!
Lindy

[Mary Kay]

Like Revvell, I have one of those numbers and am known as an "affiliate." But I don't think we can compete when someone like our local Costco, had the new 5200's on sale for $390. A handful of my Holistic Mom Org friends went there, rather than buying through me - can't blame them.

I agree with her advice on getting the small cannister as well.

I've overheated mine (5000 - the precurser to the 5200) numerous times though, and would probably buy the Vita-Pro --3 hp motor, if I had to do it over again. Second thought, mine's still under warranty --maybe I'll see what they have to say about trading it in! I called them once and they talked me out of it because it only has a 1 yr warranty. But they're built so well, I don't worry about it.......Hmmm

Mary Kay

[Ilse W.]

I think for a start the dry blade canister or the small one are totally unnecessary. I'm alone, but the small one wouldn't be big enough for even just myself. Green smoothies take up a lot of room.

[rkk]

Hi Mary Kay,

I have the 5000 model, and afterward I suggested my parents the 3HP professional version thinking it might be better. However, I see no difference at all in their model as it seems to run the same. I called up the company and they told me that there is little differences except that the 3HP is for commercial use. Now I have regrets, since I wish I had suggested them to purchase something with a longer warranty (as their warranty is already expired, and I bought mine with an extended 10 year warranty). Plus theirs costs $100-150 more than mine did. I seriously am hoping that theirs works great for another 20-30 years, but who knows. So I personally wouldn't recommend the 3HP... but then I really don't know if there is any difference or not. This year my parents bought my sister a Vitamix and they bought her the 5200 model, so at least she gets a 7 year warranty. After using the Vitamix, you cannot go back to a regular blender again.... everyone in my family (including me!) loves our Vitamixes.

Hi Lindy,

I bought my 5000 model new about 3 years ago on eBay for $350 including shipping... then paid an extra $75 to the company to get an extra 3 years warranty (for a total of 10 years). It was a really good deal, and I haven't seen a deal like that since. I don't know if getting the extended warranty was worth it or not (we'll see!), but getting the Vitamix was great. You can keep checking on eBay, but if you don't see anything come up - your best best would either be to call the Vitamix company asking about refurbished models, or to just buy new from Costco when they have the road shows where you can currently get them for just under $400. For my sister's Vitamix, there was no good deals on eBay at the time, so my parents just went to Costco to gift a Vitamix to my sister.

[Funkalicious]

Based on fews reviews I read at this site, I just ordered the commerical 3hp from ebay for $460. Couple folks around here has ordered it from this ebay seller named Prima Supply. They also has the 2hp vita mix for $394. The warranty is short for the commerical 3hp blender vs 2hp blender, but I'm not too worried about it. My mom has had her Vita-mix for 30 years and it still keeps on ticking.

[maddbovine]

Has anyone had to have their Vitamix repaired after the warranty expired? Just curious if Vitamix does repairs reasonably. I am hoping to get 20 years out of this investment and don't know if I would buy a $75 3 year extension.

[rawstrength]

I broke my vitamix top out of my own stupidity (turned the blender on while there was a metal spoon in it) and vitamix didn't help repair it at all. I had to buy a new top.

Basically, unless you do something to cause it harm, such as dropping it or blending it while the spoon is in it, then it won't break. It's a very sturdy machine - near indestructable.

This has been my experience. I've had my vitamix for 5 years.

[Myca]

Call Sue Harpster at at Vita-Mix ~ 800-848-2649, ext. 2308, give her my number ~ 06-002171 and ask if there are any specials running currently. Asked about the refurbished ones as well.

Revvell (http://LetsTalkRaw.com)

Can we all call Sue and give her your number?

[appifanie]

i got the used 5200 from the VM site - free shipping so w/ tax it was like $398. the used one has the same warranty as new.

[Revvell]

Can we all call Sue and give her your number?

Absolutely!

[maddbovine]

I hope Sue calls me today!! I can't wait to see how much more money I need to save to get my Vitamix!! I am dreaming of smoothies and almond butter!!

[Revvell]

I'd make almond mylk in mine but not almond butter. Almond butter I'd make in an fp or through a juicer. Almond butter seems as though it would be wayyy too thick for the VM and one would have to use too much fluid to make it buttery.

Revvell

[sjpersonal]

Hi

I have read your posts because I was trying to find someone close to my weight when they started I am 185. I am looking for motivation. Regarding the Vitamix, another option is the Blendtec, which is what I have, I have a friend who has a Vitamix and we could not find any difference. Try pricing them both out, also try EBAY

Good luck

[Revvell]

Hi
Regarding the Vitamix, another option is the Blendtec, which is what I have, I have a friend who has a Vitamix and we could not find any difference. Try pricing them both out, also try EBAY


I have them both. Main differences between my two ~ 1) size of containers. The VM can hold twice the amount no matter what anyone says. If I put as much into the BT as I put in my VM, it would come out the hole in the top. 2) I prefer dials to buttons so I can maintain the speed and put stuff in, get it started w/out it all spurting out. 3) Now VM has a smaller container which I use for dressings, dips and seed/nut grinding.

Personally, I take my BT when I travel. If it gets lost or stolen, I wouldn't miss it as much as my VM.

Revvell

[maddbovine]

I talked to Sue today and a reconditioned one is $399 and $100 for the extra small pitcher (yikes!) it is free shipping but still have to pay WA state tax of 9%!!

I am going to call a friend of mine who got the number of the Costco rep and see if they can do better. I might have to wait on the small pitcher as that is more than I want to pay for an extra.

Thanks for your help!
Lindy

[RaeVynn]

You might drive on down to Oregon and go to Costco and get one... no sales tax.

Just sayin'

I've had my VM for well over 20 years, and it still works like new. I did replace the container because they came out with those new-fangled see-through containers, and I like being able to see my smoothies go round and round :p
VM is a good investment. Really.