Typewriters 101's
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, please read this page before contacting us. You may find the answer you're looking for! If you do not find it, then feel free to contact us!
Question: Why are your typewriters so expensive? Do you have any typewriters for sale in the sub-$200 range?
Answer: Most typewriters available on eBay or at garage sales are of course much cheaper, but you won't be able to use them right away, and you will need to have skill as well as time to get them in reliable working condition. And if you have neither skill nor time, you will likely have to spend upwards of $150-$200 in order to get your machine professionally serviced, not including any possible mechanical issues that could have been hidden in an eBay sale or emerged from improper packing for shipment.
We've already invested the time and money required to get our typewriters to the point where they are ready to be reliably used for years to come as soon as they are unpacked, which requires money and specialized skill. There are very few people with the proper knowledge, tools, and experience who are able to do legitimate work on typewriters. Unfortunately the vast majority of those who spent a lot of time in the typewriter repair industry have either long retired or passed away.
The fact is, it is no longer becoming economical for anyone who services typewriters to sell our machines for under $200, unless they are in somewhat questionable condition or are not a desirable model. To begin with, it is becoming especially hard to find "as-is" typewriters from antique stores, garage sales, flea markets, etc. that are fairly priced and allow people like myself to even bother working on and re-selling. People selling typewriters, even if they are non-functional and are not serviced, still know that there has been an increased interest in them lately, and so prices have gone up a lot in recent years, and continue to do so. In years past in particular, a lot of people simply discarded typewriters into the trash because they figured they were worthless and nobody would want to buy them. Some typewriters continue to be lost to that, although what is probably a more common typewriter killer nowadays is improper shipping practices. Typewriters can easily be damaged to disrepair if they are not carefully packed. This all leads to an ever-decreasing amount of supply.
As such, along with other factors, my prices continue to rise with the increasing demand (spurred by an ever-increasing interest in typewriters) and a decreasing supply of fairly-priced machines that I am able to purchase to service and turn around to a buyer.
My typewriters are not completely torn down, restored or refurbished. Instead, they are cleaned and serviced so that they should be functional for many years to come with proper care, and look great at the same time.
Question: What exactly do you do to "professionally clean/service" your typewriters?
Answer: In most cases, my work involves taking off the main covers of a typewriter in order to thoroughly clean out the mechanisms and have proper access to the insides of the machine for lubrication and to ensure everything is fully functional. A vacuum and brush is used to remove all dust or other debris that collects inside and on top of typewriters. I then remove old oil/lubrication that may be present before applying new lubrication. Any repairs that I am not equipped or experienced enough to make on my own are handled by Hometown Business Machines. Depending on the condition of the rubber parts, feed rollers, platens, or rubber feet may or may not be replaced. This will always be stated in the description if they are replaced, since it will inevitably make the typewriter a bit more expensive. In some cases, vertical type alignment is also adjusted. I also give the body/covers that I removed previously a light cleaning (usually dish-washing liquid and water) using a brush or cloth depending on the paint finish. For glossy paint finishes, I may use wax as required in addition to bring out a deep shine. However for newer, non-glossy paint finishes, not much attention and time is paid to cosmetics other than the light surface cleaning.
I of course also install a new ribbon, whether it be directly installed, or re-threaded into the original spools so the typewriter not only types like new, but prints like new as it should.
The carrying case, if the typewriter has one, is cleaned as appropriately. Sometimes this means a thorough cleaning is necessary, while most times it is a little more basic. The case is first vacuumed out for dust/debris, then lightly cleaned with a damp cloth (soap/water). The outside of the case is similarly cleaned, but sometimes I am able to use larger amounts of water combined with other cleaning products for a more thorough clean (depending on the condition of the carrying case and what it is made out of). For example, a metal Smith-Corona case is something that I am able to very thoroughly clean with a disinfectant, mild bleach, dish-washing liquid, or soap and water depending on what is required for how dirty the case is.
Question: If I want to return a typewriter for any reason, how do I go about doing this?
Answer: If for some reason you feel the need to return a typewriter, please contact me first about the issue. (You never know if something is an extremely obvious and easy "fix," such as the margins being set incorrectly, the carriage being locked, or the ribbon color selector being set on the stencil selection)
If you still decide to return the typewriter, the buyer must pay return shipping. I do not charge restocking fees, so consider the return shipping the equivalent of any return fees. Once I have received the typewriter, and it doesn't appear to be damaged or altered in any way (unless it happened to have been damaged in shipping originally) then I will proceed in sending the buyer a refund for what they paid for the typewriter.
Question: "Do your typewriters have new ribbons installed?
Answer: Yes, every typewriter (only exceptions being machines under the parts/as-is for sale page) has a fresh ribbon installed. Additional ribbons other than the one already installed are available for purchase on their respective for sale page on this site.
Question: "Do you ship internationally?"
Answer: As of now, my website is only set up to ship to the lower 48 states (exception of Hawaii and parts of Canada). For ribbons, shipping is only to the lower 48 states, unless you contact me and are willing to pay additional international shipping fees not charged directly through the website.
I can separately arrange shipping to other parts of the world, but please keep in mind that shipping a typewriter internationally can cost anywhere from $150-$300 and possibly even $500+ in certain circumstances. Please contact me if you are outside of the lower 48 US states in order to arrange shipping to you.
Question: "If I need any help using my new typewriter, could you help?
Answer: Yes, of course! At any time after a typewriter is purchased, I will gladly provide help with the operation your typewriter or answer any other questions regarding your machine. If your machine is not working properly or as described, please contact me so we can figure out a solution!
Question: "How long will it take for my typewriter to arrive?"
Answer: A shipping map can be viewed on the "Contact Us'' page which shows the estimated amount of days that typewriters will arrive after they are shipped via UPS ground from Pennsylvania. If you have just purchased a typewriter, you will get a message after I ship the typewriter which gives you the tracking number.
Question: "Do you use 'stock' images, or other pictures of typewriters to represent the machines you have for sale?"
Answer: No, all pictures of typewriters that I have for sale are all mine. They were taken with my camera, and the pictures of the machine you see is the same machine you will receive. I figure that the buyer deserves to see exactly the same machine that he/she is getting, not another typewriter that happens to just be the same model.
I also try to be as transparent as possible with the photos I take, and so I show many different angles on each typewriter.
It's also helpful to know that for any of my product images, you can right-click on a picture, click "open link in new tab" and the picture will open in full size on a new tab where you can view the image and enlarge it to your liking.
Answer: Most typewriters available on eBay or at garage sales are of course much cheaper, but you won't be able to use them right away, and you will need to have skill as well as time to get them in reliable working condition. And if you have neither skill nor time, you will likely have to spend upwards of $150-$200 in order to get your machine professionally serviced, not including any possible mechanical issues that could have been hidden in an eBay sale or emerged from improper packing for shipment.
We've already invested the time and money required to get our typewriters to the point where they are ready to be reliably used for years to come as soon as they are unpacked, which requires money and specialized skill. There are very few people with the proper knowledge, tools, and experience who are able to do legitimate work on typewriters. Unfortunately the vast majority of those who spent a lot of time in the typewriter repair industry have either long retired or passed away.
The fact is, it is no longer becoming economical for anyone who services typewriters to sell our machines for under $200, unless they are in somewhat questionable condition or are not a desirable model. To begin with, it is becoming especially hard to find "as-is" typewriters from antique stores, garage sales, flea markets, etc. that are fairly priced and allow people like myself to even bother working on and re-selling. People selling typewriters, even if they are non-functional and are not serviced, still know that there has been an increased interest in them lately, and so prices have gone up a lot in recent years, and continue to do so. In years past in particular, a lot of people simply discarded typewriters into the trash because they figured they were worthless and nobody would want to buy them. Some typewriters continue to be lost to that, although what is probably a more common typewriter killer nowadays is improper shipping practices. Typewriters can easily be damaged to disrepair if they are not carefully packed. This all leads to an ever-decreasing amount of supply.
As such, along with other factors, my prices continue to rise with the increasing demand (spurred by an ever-increasing interest in typewriters) and a decreasing supply of fairly-priced machines that I am able to purchase to service and turn around to a buyer.
My typewriters are not completely torn down, restored or refurbished. Instead, they are cleaned and serviced so that they should be functional for many years to come with proper care, and look great at the same time.
Question: What exactly do you do to "professionally clean/service" your typewriters?
Answer: In most cases, my work involves taking off the main covers of a typewriter in order to thoroughly clean out the mechanisms and have proper access to the insides of the machine for lubrication and to ensure everything is fully functional. A vacuum and brush is used to remove all dust or other debris that collects inside and on top of typewriters. I then remove old oil/lubrication that may be present before applying new lubrication. Any repairs that I am not equipped or experienced enough to make on my own are handled by Hometown Business Machines. Depending on the condition of the rubber parts, feed rollers, platens, or rubber feet may or may not be replaced. This will always be stated in the description if they are replaced, since it will inevitably make the typewriter a bit more expensive. In some cases, vertical type alignment is also adjusted. I also give the body/covers that I removed previously a light cleaning (usually dish-washing liquid and water) using a brush or cloth depending on the paint finish. For glossy paint finishes, I may use wax as required in addition to bring out a deep shine. However for newer, non-glossy paint finishes, not much attention and time is paid to cosmetics other than the light surface cleaning.
I of course also install a new ribbon, whether it be directly installed, or re-threaded into the original spools so the typewriter not only types like new, but prints like new as it should.
The carrying case, if the typewriter has one, is cleaned as appropriately. Sometimes this means a thorough cleaning is necessary, while most times it is a little more basic. The case is first vacuumed out for dust/debris, then lightly cleaned with a damp cloth (soap/water). The outside of the case is similarly cleaned, but sometimes I am able to use larger amounts of water combined with other cleaning products for a more thorough clean (depending on the condition of the carrying case and what it is made out of). For example, a metal Smith-Corona case is something that I am able to very thoroughly clean with a disinfectant, mild bleach, dish-washing liquid, or soap and water depending on what is required for how dirty the case is.
Question: If I want to return a typewriter for any reason, how do I go about doing this?
Answer: If for some reason you feel the need to return a typewriter, please contact me first about the issue. (You never know if something is an extremely obvious and easy "fix," such as the margins being set incorrectly, the carriage being locked, or the ribbon color selector being set on the stencil selection)
If you still decide to return the typewriter, the buyer must pay return shipping. I do not charge restocking fees, so consider the return shipping the equivalent of any return fees. Once I have received the typewriter, and it doesn't appear to be damaged or altered in any way (unless it happened to have been damaged in shipping originally) then I will proceed in sending the buyer a refund for what they paid for the typewriter.
Question: "Do your typewriters have new ribbons installed?
Answer: Yes, every typewriter (only exceptions being machines under the parts/as-is for sale page) has a fresh ribbon installed. Additional ribbons other than the one already installed are available for purchase on their respective for sale page on this site.
Question: "Do you ship internationally?"
Answer: As of now, my website is only set up to ship to the lower 48 states (exception of Hawaii and parts of Canada). For ribbons, shipping is only to the lower 48 states, unless you contact me and are willing to pay additional international shipping fees not charged directly through the website.
I can separately arrange shipping to other parts of the world, but please keep in mind that shipping a typewriter internationally can cost anywhere from $150-$300 and possibly even $500+ in certain circumstances. Please contact me if you are outside of the lower 48 US states in order to arrange shipping to you.
Question: "If I need any help using my new typewriter, could you help?
Answer: Yes, of course! At any time after a typewriter is purchased, I will gladly provide help with the operation your typewriter or answer any other questions regarding your machine. If your machine is not working properly or as described, please contact me so we can figure out a solution!
Question: "How long will it take for my typewriter to arrive?"
Answer: A shipping map can be viewed on the "Contact Us'' page which shows the estimated amount of days that typewriters will arrive after they are shipped via UPS ground from Pennsylvania. If you have just purchased a typewriter, you will get a message after I ship the typewriter which gives you the tracking number.
Question: "Do you use 'stock' images, or other pictures of typewriters to represent the machines you have for sale?"
Answer: No, all pictures of typewriters that I have for sale are all mine. They were taken with my camera, and the pictures of the machine you see is the same machine you will receive. I figure that the buyer deserves to see exactly the same machine that he/she is getting, not another typewriter that happens to just be the same model.
I also try to be as transparent as possible with the photos I take, and so I show many different angles on each typewriter.
It's also helpful to know that for any of my product images, you can right-click on a picture, click "open link in new tab" and the picture will open in full size on a new tab where you can view the image and enlarge it to your liking.
Question: "What makes your typewriters different than ones you can buy on eBay or Etsy?"
Answer: Typewriters may be cheaper on eBay or maybe Etsy, but nine times out of ten, they are not ready to be used out of the box. Whether it be anything from a simple cleaning and new ribbon to a major repair and thorough cleaning, it's rare to find a machine that's ready to be used without any work. There may be one or two sellers who do the same thing I'm doing on eBay (buying as-is machines and servicing them into working order) but they are also getting the same kind of prices that I am. The majority of typewriters on eBay are described "as is" which means that they don't know if it works or not, or they are acting like they don't know if it works or not, but actually know that something is not properly working in order to avoid having to refund the buyer when they find it arrived in non-functional shape. Most of the sellers you'll find don't know a whole lot of typewriters, so any problems with their typewriter that they're selling will go unaddressed, and you'll likely have no idea until you unpack it and sit down with it yourself. My machines have already been serviced and are ready to be used right out of the box, and if they aren't 100%, any issues will be noted in the description and visible in the pictures depending for maximum clarity.
Most typewriter repair shops will charge $150-$200+ for a simple cleaning and servicing, not including any additional repairs that may be required to get your machine in functional shape.
It's also worthy of noting that these repair prices are much higher sometimes, and will be in the future as the demand of typewriter repair services increases with interest, while the supply of experienced repairmen slowly decreases.
Question: "How are payments made?"
Answer: We accept payments via PayPal, and we've most recently begun accepting credit and debit card payments thanks to Square.
If you are meeting me in person to pick up a typewriter, payments are to be made in cash if you did not pay through PayPal prior. PA residents must pay sales tax (6%) which is automatically calculated and included in the total when you go to pay for a typewriter.
Answer: Typewriters may be cheaper on eBay or maybe Etsy, but nine times out of ten, they are not ready to be used out of the box. Whether it be anything from a simple cleaning and new ribbon to a major repair and thorough cleaning, it's rare to find a machine that's ready to be used without any work. There may be one or two sellers who do the same thing I'm doing on eBay (buying as-is machines and servicing them into working order) but they are also getting the same kind of prices that I am. The majority of typewriters on eBay are described "as is" which means that they don't know if it works or not, or they are acting like they don't know if it works or not, but actually know that something is not properly working in order to avoid having to refund the buyer when they find it arrived in non-functional shape. Most of the sellers you'll find don't know a whole lot of typewriters, so any problems with their typewriter that they're selling will go unaddressed, and you'll likely have no idea until you unpack it and sit down with it yourself. My machines have already been serviced and are ready to be used right out of the box, and if they aren't 100%, any issues will be noted in the description and visible in the pictures depending for maximum clarity.
Most typewriter repair shops will charge $150-$200+ for a simple cleaning and servicing, not including any additional repairs that may be required to get your machine in functional shape.
It's also worthy of noting that these repair prices are much higher sometimes, and will be in the future as the demand of typewriter repair services increases with interest, while the supply of experienced repairmen slowly decreases.
Question: "How are payments made?"
Answer: We accept payments via PayPal, and we've most recently begun accepting credit and debit card payments thanks to Square.
If you are meeting me in person to pick up a typewriter, payments are to be made in cash if you did not pay through PayPal prior. PA residents must pay sales tax (6%) which is automatically calculated and included in the total when you go to pay for a typewriter.