Karl Business Machines — Local services in Hamilton Township

SUMMARY: great experience and Rick works hard to please customers without trying to suck their wallets dry REVIEW: Wow. To start, I had a wonderful experience meeting Rick and I felt confident leaving my typewriter in his hands for repair. Before I even get to the service, I want to take the time to explain how personable and kind Rick was to work with. I had been looking at a bunch of different places to drop my typewriter off for repairs, but Rick had lower rates and I decided to reach out. Not only did he answer right away, he gave me his number to send pictures of my machine to him to get a tentative quote before I drove a long while to get to his shop. When I got there, he helped me carry my machine and looked it over, explaining the things he could see needed to be repaired while also taking the time to listen to my requests. After filling out the paperwork, he then proceeded to show me the different machines he had around his shop, the different colored frames he had painted, and even pictures from movies or events that he provided machines for! (Look on the website to see what movies and shows he provided typewriters for!). When I mentioned that my little brother wanted a green typewriter but I couldn't afford it, he showed me some different color options and told me he could work something out with me in the future when I wanted to buy my brother a typewriter. For my long drive home, he offered me boiled water and even helped me carry things to my car. Overall, you could tell that he not only cared about my machine, but his occupation in general. He is very passionate about what he does. Now, my Smith corona that I dropped off was in pretty rough shape. The case was broken, the keys all got stuck, it was rusted, etc. But after getting my machine back, it's gorgeous and everything works perfectly! And I had mentioned to Rick that I was away at college, so I told him to take his time on my machine. A few last minute movies and stuff came up, and Rick expressed how sorry he was that I would have to wait longer for my machine. It didn't really bother me much considering I was at school anyway, but I thought it was nice that he took the time to express his apologies. And because he felt bad for me waiting, when I picked up my machine, he so kindly gave me a new carrying case and ribbons for free, which I am so incredibly grateful for. And considering he by no means had to do that for me, it shows how much he cares about his customers. Lastly, I want to mention that I brought a different machine to be cleaned when I piked up my repaired Smith Corona. When Rick looked at it, he gave me a quote that I couldn't afford. When I was deciding whether or not to let him clean my machine anyway, he stoped me. He told me not to leave my machine because it wouldn't be worth it. He explained that the machine I brought was relatively common, and told me to go and find the same machine in gray with less damage and then have the green plates put on the working body, which would save me money. But importantly, he told me this even though it wouldn't give him any money. He was honest with me instead of trapping me into an expensive repair job for a machine that was worth less than the repairs. That's notable. The only neutral thing I have to say is that because Rick is busy, make sure to call to check upon your machines every once in a while. He always answers and knows which machine is yours, but it's easier to call him than wait for a call because he does have so many customers. Thanks Rick for getting my typewriter...

I’ve been where you are now: skimming the reviews for Karl Business Machines, reading the testimonials on their web site, and perhaps entertaining the notion of contacting this small business. You might even wonder if all the glowing reviews are legit; one can scarcely find any negative comments or feedback concerning Rick and his team of experts. As it turns out, there is a reason (several reasons, actually) Karl Business Machines has a chorus of praise from its’ patrons.

For starters, you will not find a better typewriter shop anywhere in the region, possibly in the world. Everything you’ve heard about Rick’s legendary customer service, professionalism, and the quality of their work is real. It is a pleasure and an honor to join others in expressing appreciation and gratitude for Karl Business Machines in the hopes of promoting this exceptional company.

Let me clear: when you buy a machine from Rick, you’re not getting a worn-out typewriter somebody dusted off with a bit of compressed air, sprayed with rattle-can paint from the local hardware store, and over-lubricated with (dare I say it) WD-40. Perish the thought! What you’re getting from Karl Business Machines is a lovingly handcrafted hot-rod of a typewriter with buttery-smooth carriage movements and snappy keystrokes that can keep up with high-speed, caffeine-fueled bursts of creative writing. You’re also getting a machine with a custom, durable, baked-on finish that (adequately cared for) will last for generations. Finally, you’re getting a typewriter that looks exceptional and works just as hard as the writer.

A typewriter from Karl Business Machines is not a disposable commodity like the expensive, unreliable portable computing devices commonly used today. The typewriters Rick sells are heirlooms; these machines will outlive their owners with mindful use and storage. Try finding a writing instrument of this caliber on Amazon or eBay; once you discover how scarce and special this is, call Rick.

Rick called me to make sure I received parts he sent (at no cost) and I mentioned how fond I was of the custom typewriters on the Karl Business Machines website. I shared with him the volume of writing I do and my fast-paced “style” of typing. Rick promptly suggested the Olympia SM3 I am presently using to draft this review. Having spent some time with this typewriter, I’m pleased to report his recommendation was spot-on. It would seem Rick can pair a typist with a typewriter in the same way a renowned chef can pair foods and drinks into a delectable meal.

The Olympia SM3 De Luxe Rick and the team at Karl Business Machines put together for me is distinctive; it makes writing an absolute pleasure. It has a “touch” unlike any of my other typewriters. Somehow it managed to displace my beloved 1949 Royal Quiet De Luxe as my prized typewriter—the crown jewel of my small collection. If you order a custom typewriter from the artisans at Karl Business Machines, it will be worth every penny you pay for it and then some.

If there is one thing about Karl Business Machines that concerns me, it is the dread of a world without Rick and his team of experts. I can hardly imagine how many decades of combined experience they have in the art and science of servicing and restoring manual typewriters. Even so, I hope they find some passionate young apprentices devoted to learning their uncommon yet exquisite craft. If you want an heirloom-grade typewriter, I strongly recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later; this is a rare opportunity to own a world-class, high-caliber...

My 15 year old son has a hobby, typewriters specifically IBM Selectrics, the big electric ones with the ball that holds the font. He loves to find new fonts, explore different types of machines, and he enjoys the history and tinkering with them.

I had heard of Karl Business Machines, and I suggested to my son that we drop in and check it out. It was around noon and they close at 1pm. We hoped to get a quick look around. That was not to be the case, we knocked on the door and friendly gentleman let us in, introducing himself as Rick the owner. I quickly informed him of Matthew’s love for typewriters.

Instead of a quick tour, Rick took lots of time and introduced us to his business. Rebuilding and restoring typewriters and business machines. When I say restore, the typewriters looked better than new, and likely are. Beautiful paint jobs, clean insides and efficiently working. Matthew was allowed to wander through the store, and Rick regaled us with wonderful stories and pictures and videos of his different machines in Hollywood films and TV shows. Very cool to see them in their original settings.

Rick also gave us a good idea of what he charges to get an IBM Selectric running well, and his prices are very reasonable, my son and I look forward to visiting with Rick again, and having him breathe life into some of our machines. If you are out and about, and it is before closing time and you like typewriters, I suggest you drop in, it will be more than worth your while.

Thank you Rick! ...