How Do I Get You My Machine?
We require that you contact us before you send us your machine. Simply contact us by email or phone with what you have and what you need done, and we'll let you know if we can help. This contact is how you get our mailing address, additionally we try, whenever possible, to talk you through repairs and adjustments that might solve your issues prior to your having to send the machine. (This assistance has always been abused to some level but recently it's been very heavily taken advantage of - current levels of off-site advice might be restricted.)
Please make sure to let us know if this is your only machine and whether or not it is needed for your business. We don't bump customers but we can try to fit your machine in as a priority if you need it back immediately.
Please make sure to let us know if this is your only machine and whether or not it is needed for your business. We don't bump customers but we can try to fit your machine in as a priority if you need it back immediately.
How Long Does It Take For Me To Get My Machine Back?
At Time Machine Repair we understand that many of you need your machine to keep your business running. Therefore we strive to have your machine ready to be mailed back in two weeks; payment & shipping times may be additional. Machines with serious problems, those that require special repairs, or those that require us to order parts may take longer, and occasionally life interferes, but we do our best to keep the time to 14 days from arrival to us notifying you it has been fixed.
Vari-Matic cleaning machines that require seal changes are the exception to the speedy turnaround policy. Each time we change a seal we have to wait to make sure it's solid before moving on, and if adjustments are needed, then we have to start the waiting process over again. This can not be avoided if we are to guarantee that the new seals are solid and stable.
Vari-Matic cleaning machines that require seal changes are the exception to the speedy turnaround policy. Each time we change a seal we have to wait to make sure it's solid before moving on, and if adjustments are needed, then we have to start the waiting process over again. This can not be avoided if we are to guarantee that the new seals are solid and stable.
What Does It Cost?
At this time there is no charge for us to assess your machine and diagnose what it's going to need. Then we'll contact you with what the repairs will be, and what they will cost; shipping is additional, and you always have the opportunity to tell us to go ahead, or to decide to say no. Many machines simply need a good cleaning, to be readjusted, and to have minor fixes done. We have an initial charge for that cleaning, adjustment, & the labor involved, which does vary by machine depending on how much work is involved in taking it apart and working with it. Any parts, extra cleaning, repairs, or rebuilds are additional and will be explained and cleared with you prior to being done.
Shipping costs vary by machine and postal area, but we will be happy to try and help you figure that out in advance. You may ship us the machine however you want, but return shipping for the units is done via UPS, or USPS Priority Mail for the smaller shipments. Full value coverage is mandatory. Please note we are located in New Jersey, the more shipping zones crossed the more expensive the shipping becomes.
The Vari-Matic is the only unit that has a cost to get the machine to us - we do bill for the cost of mailing the custom-made box to you, but only the ACTUAL cost we are charged in the mailing. Provided you use the box to send us the machine the cost of making the box is still covered by us.
We have recently put together a Tempo Mailing kit that we can send that includes the box and all the materials with instructions needed to safely pack it. This is entirely a convenience as we do have instructions you can use to pack it yourself so if you choose the kit you do have to cover the mailing of it.
NJ Residents Will Have Tax Added To Their Work Or Purchase Total - Including Shipping Costs.
Shipping costs vary by machine and postal area, but we will be happy to try and help you figure that out in advance. You may ship us the machine however you want, but return shipping for the units is done via UPS, or USPS Priority Mail for the smaller shipments. Full value coverage is mandatory. Please note we are located in New Jersey, the more shipping zones crossed the more expensive the shipping becomes.
The Vari-Matic is the only unit that has a cost to get the machine to us - we do bill for the cost of mailing the custom-made box to you, but only the ACTUAL cost we are charged in the mailing. Provided you use the box to send us the machine the cost of making the box is still covered by us.
We have recently put together a Tempo Mailing kit that we can send that includes the box and all the materials with instructions needed to safely pack it. This is entirely a convenience as we do have instructions you can use to pack it yourself so if you choose the kit you do have to cover the mailing of it.
NJ Residents Will Have Tax Added To Their Work Or Purchase Total - Including Shipping Costs.
What Is Covered By The Warranty?
Our warranty is for 90 days for both serviced and refurbished purchases - see below.
For serviced machines - the warranty covers only defective or reoccurring problems associated with what we just fixed. We cannot guarantee that something else won't go wrong now that the machine is back in use. However should the problem be associated with what we just serviced the machine for, we will gladly fix it for you for free, then ship it back to you free of charge. Should you send the machine back to us and the problem is something completely new, then we will follow our regular process of assessing the cost and then clearing the repair with you prior to doing any of the actual work.
For purchased refurbished machines - the warranty covers the entire machine for any problems not associated with usage errors, shipping damage, or acts of god.
B200 Timing Machines - Only the B200 Timing Machines have a 6 month warranty providing full coverage minus usage errors, shipping damage, or acts of god.
Vari-Matic EXCEPTION - We no longer can guarantee to cover the return shipping for the Vari-Matic units. We will judge the cause of the problem and if it is clearly related to the work we did, or a refurbishment issue, we will likely mail it back to you on us, but if it's a shipping issue (even if there is not enough visible signs of damage to file a claim) we do not promise to cover any of the mailing costs, only Parts and Labor. We hate to instigate this policy but we simply do not want to raise our rates to cover the rare occurrences when a unit might arrive with issues, particularly from shipping when we go out of our way to make it as safe as possible.
For serviced machines - the warranty covers only defective or reoccurring problems associated with what we just fixed. We cannot guarantee that something else won't go wrong now that the machine is back in use. However should the problem be associated with what we just serviced the machine for, we will gladly fix it for you for free, then ship it back to you free of charge. Should you send the machine back to us and the problem is something completely new, then we will follow our regular process of assessing the cost and then clearing the repair with you prior to doing any of the actual work.
For purchased refurbished machines - the warranty covers the entire machine for any problems not associated with usage errors, shipping damage, or acts of god.
B200 Timing Machines - Only the B200 Timing Machines have a 6 month warranty providing full coverage minus usage errors, shipping damage, or acts of god.
Vari-Matic EXCEPTION - We no longer can guarantee to cover the return shipping for the Vari-Matic units. We will judge the cause of the problem and if it is clearly related to the work we did, or a refurbishment issue, we will likely mail it back to you on us, but if it's a shipping issue (even if there is not enough visible signs of damage to file a claim) we do not promise to cover any of the mailing costs, only Parts and Labor. We hate to instigate this policy but we simply do not want to raise our rates to cover the rare occurrences when a unit might arrive with issues, particularly from shipping when we go out of our way to make it as safe as possible.
What Isn't Covered Under The Warranty?
Time Machine Repair's Warranty does not cover user error, or damage sustained from improper use or abuse of the machine. This includes but is not limited to:
Failure to follow proper usage instructions and warnings that come with the machine – this includes
instructions that come from the original user’s manual - if we had it to provide, any instructions or
warnings that Time Machine Repair included, and any instructions or warnings affiliated with fluids or
accessories involved in the use of the machine.
Dropped, improperly handled, or water exposed machines.
Damage from electrical surges, machines used with improper electrical current, or machines that are
used with damaged power cords.
Damage sustained from the attempted cleaning of improper items.
Machines that have had improper parts or fluids used.
Failure to follow proper usage instructions and warnings that come with the machine – this includes
instructions that come from the original user’s manual - if we had it to provide, any instructions or
warnings that Time Machine Repair included, and any instructions or warnings affiliated with fluids or
accessories involved in the use of the machine.
Dropped, improperly handled, or water exposed machines.
Damage from electrical surges, machines used with improper electrical current, or machines that are
used with damaged power cords.
Damage sustained from the attempted cleaning of improper items.
Machines that have had improper parts or fluids used.
What Do I Have To Send?
For Timing Machines that you don't know the problem of, we do recommend sending both the pickup and the machine. (If you have a clock pickup or use the ear piece, please include them as well for evaluation - these are not always repairable.)
For Cleaning Machines With Glass Jars we ask that you send the machine without the jars; we have them here.
For Cleaning Machines That Have The Metal Cleaning Containers, we do need the jars to be sent as they contain transducers which are necessary for the operation of the machine.
For Vari-Matic Machines we ask that you send the entire machine unless you are certain that the ultrasonic generator is not a problem. As this item's weight makes it a bit of a challenge for shipping, we will send you a special box with instructions on how to pack the base machine inside for its trip. The glass jars should NOT be sent.
For Cleaning Machines With Glass Jars we ask that you send the machine without the jars; we have them here.
For Cleaning Machines That Have The Metal Cleaning Containers, we do need the jars to be sent as they contain transducers which are necessary for the operation of the machine.
For Vari-Matic Machines we ask that you send the entire machine unless you are certain that the ultrasonic generator is not a problem. As this item's weight makes it a bit of a challenge for shipping, we will send you a special box with instructions on how to pack the base machine inside for its trip. The glass jars should NOT be sent.
How Do I Send My Machine?
You may choose to send us the machine by any means you desire, but we will not be responsible for any damage or additional repairs it might need if you do not choose to ship it to us with insurance. Shipping the machine via a method with some form of tracking is advised to prevent against the machine becoming lost. We only ship items back to you via a tracked & insured method.
We must have had contact with you prior to you sending us your machine so that we will know that it is coming and that you are going to include everything needed for us to diagnose it properly. It is also possible that your problem might be a matter of adjustments or simple tweaks which we can walk you through over the phone.
For Vari-Matic cleaning machines we have a special box which we will send you in advance that is to be used for the base. When the packing instructions are followed, this has been proven to be a safe and effective shipping method despite its weight. Please note since the change to dimensional pricing of all package carriers, we can no longer send this box gratis, and the mailing cost of it must be covered before we mail. This is more unfair to our West Coast customers, but we simply do not charge enough in repairs to cover the ever-increasing costs of the empty box being mailed. However the box and instructions have eliminated almost all but the simplest of adjustments being needed after shipping.
Additionally we have designed a set of guidelines for mailing Tempo Cleaning Machines - both packing and unpacking. And now we have a kit including all materials needed for a safe mailing - this can be purchased by covering the mailing and a small fee.
We must have had contact with you prior to you sending us your machine so that we will know that it is coming and that you are going to include everything needed for us to diagnose it properly. It is also possible that your problem might be a matter of adjustments or simple tweaks which we can walk you through over the phone.
For Vari-Matic cleaning machines we have a special box which we will send you in advance that is to be used for the base. When the packing instructions are followed, this has been proven to be a safe and effective shipping method despite its weight. Please note since the change to dimensional pricing of all package carriers, we can no longer send this box gratis, and the mailing cost of it must be covered before we mail. This is more unfair to our West Coast customers, but we simply do not charge enough in repairs to cover the ever-increasing costs of the empty box being mailed. However the box and instructions have eliminated almost all but the simplest of adjustments being needed after shipping.
Additionally we have designed a set of guidelines for mailing Tempo Cleaning Machines - both packing and unpacking. And now we have a kit including all materials needed for a safe mailing - this can be purchased by covering the mailing and a small fee.
What Forms Of Payment Do You Accept?
At the moment we are not accepting electronic or credit payments for repairs, but are accepting payment through Paypal for purchases. (We have modified for COVID and are accepting credit and electronic through PayPal for repairs in some circumstances - please discuss with us.) However for repairs you can pay by check (business, personal, or bank must clear) but money orders and cashier's checks are the same as cash and we can ship immediately. (Deposits during COVID are being largely done by APP and this adds a business day or two to clearance.)
Payment is not due until we have fixed the machine and tested it as ready to be mailed back, however when you agree to allow us to go ahead with the work, you do agree to send us the payment in a timely fashion. In certain cases we are willing to work with you as to the timing of payment.
I do offer flexibility in how you purchase either a new, or refurbished machine from us. Please call and inquire as to your options. We understand the cost of the investment and are willing to work out solutions.
Payment is not due until we have fixed the machine and tested it as ready to be mailed back, however when you agree to allow us to go ahead with the work, you do agree to send us the payment in a timely fashion. In certain cases we are willing to work with you as to the timing of payment.
I do offer flexibility in how you purchase either a new, or refurbished machine from us. Please call and inquire as to your options. We understand the cost of the investment and are willing to work out solutions.
Do You Just Sell Parts?
NO! Only in the rarest of cases is that an option and only expressly at our discretion. You would also have to have, or be willing to bring in someone with the necessary skills to do the repair and there would be no liability to us - due to recent issues and stories we have limited this even more to nothing that would involve electricity or wiring - we apologize if this means a machine has to be mailed, especially a large unit, but this choice isn't unique to our industry and you won't find an electrician handing you the parts and instructions for safety reasons either.
We also do not provide schematics that did not come with the original machine or in the user's manual, no technical or repair manuals will be provided, and we do not provide electronic copies of manuals (this is at our discretion,) though a paper copy of any user's manual we have can be purchased.
We will be happy to go over your issues with you over the phone to attempt a preliminary evaluation to your problem, and if it's adjustments or a simple tweak, we may be able to fix the machine with you during that call. (Due to gross abuse of this service we are no longer able to promise to be as helpful as we had been.)
Jars and baskets for vintage machines are NOT available for purchase from us; BUT we do offer the non-scratch basket options manufactured by Lititz Precision Products - please see our new products page to see these affordable options for meeting contract requirements.
We also do not provide schematics that did not come with the original machine or in the user's manual, no technical or repair manuals will be provided, and we do not provide electronic copies of manuals (this is at our discretion,) though a paper copy of any user's manual we have can be purchased.
We will be happy to go over your issues with you over the phone to attempt a preliminary evaluation to your problem, and if it's adjustments or a simple tweak, we may be able to fix the machine with you during that call. (Due to gross abuse of this service we are no longer able to promise to be as helpful as we had been.)
Jars and baskets for vintage machines are NOT available for purchase from us; BUT we do offer the non-scratch basket options manufactured by Lititz Precision Products - please see our new products page to see these affordable options for meeting contract requirements.
Why Isn't Your Mailing Address On The Site?
For the simplest of reasons, people were just sending machines. This included machines we don't service, machines we could have told them were beyond repair, incomplete machines, or machines that were clearly going to be cost prohibitive to service. If you've done business with us in the past, and already have our mailing address, please still follow our policy and contact us before sending us additional machines.
For the simplest of reasons, people were just sending machines. This included machines we don't service, machines we could have told them were beyond repair, incomplete machines, or machines that were clearly going to be cost prohibitive to service. If you've done business with us in the past, and already have our mailing address, please still follow our policy and contact us before sending us additional machines.
I can't believe I have to add this - but people have proven to be very difficult lately. We are not obligated to help you fix your unit without us; recently multiple people have spent hours trying and getting advice from our people pleading poverty and the need to get the unit working to stay in business, then immediately selling the units online, or getting angry when it turned out they would need proprietary parts, technical information, or their repair attempts didn't work and then wanted us to provide more assistance.
We are a business - we pay taxes, have insurance, location overhead, a payroll to meet, provide healthcare for our people, and always do what we can to keep costs down, keep you from having to send your whole unit, and go out of our way to be helpful. But if we keep getting taken advantage we will no longer be able to offer phone assistance and all units will have to be sent at first contact. I hope people will reconsider attacking, abusing, and threatening us to get what they want, when they don't get what they want, or when we can't/won't violate our clearly stated policies. We love handy people - we wish them well, but we aren't going to sell or offer them the expensive custom parts we had made.
Additionally all deals made will have to be done so in writing, and agreed upon by the Office Manager and the Owner, even if the deal comes from our head tech. We have had multiple people again take advantage of our offers to trade, or discount, by not sending what they promise when they promise, or even at all. Now everything will have to be done formally - no more conversations or text deals, and no more deals are official until run past the Office Manager and the Owner. We reserve the right to modify any informal agreement upon careful consideration of all information.
We still will offer the same excellent service and low prices as always, but no longer can assure you'll get a two hour conversation to help you test and identify your issue to hopefully figure out ahead of mailing what would have to be mailed and the likely pricing. It's terrible we've had to state this, and have over the years hit a few of these issues, but it's just been crazy lately.
We are a business - we pay taxes, have insurance, location overhead, a payroll to meet, provide healthcare for our people, and always do what we can to keep costs down, keep you from having to send your whole unit, and go out of our way to be helpful. But if we keep getting taken advantage we will no longer be able to offer phone assistance and all units will have to be sent at first contact. I hope people will reconsider attacking, abusing, and threatening us to get what they want, when they don't get what they want, or when we can't/won't violate our clearly stated policies. We love handy people - we wish them well, but we aren't going to sell or offer them the expensive custom parts we had made.
Additionally all deals made will have to be done so in writing, and agreed upon by the Office Manager and the Owner, even if the deal comes from our head tech. We have had multiple people again take advantage of our offers to trade, or discount, by not sending what they promise when they promise, or even at all. Now everything will have to be done formally - no more conversations or text deals, and no more deals are official until run past the Office Manager and the Owner. We reserve the right to modify any informal agreement upon careful consideration of all information.
We still will offer the same excellent service and low prices as always, but no longer can assure you'll get a two hour conversation to help you test and identify your issue to hopefully figure out ahead of mailing what would have to be mailed and the likely pricing. It's terrible we've had to state this, and have over the years hit a few of these issues, but it's just been crazy lately.