At Least the Traing Classes are Reasonable

[Deadskins]

Opinion: My previous, high-tech technical classes are a rip-off compared to Festool Classes!

Throughout my 30+ years of "high-tech" employment, I have probably been sent to 40-50  really high-end technical training classes.  A typical five-day course is $3-5K, plus travel and expenses.  When I was an IBM reseller, I would often throw in an IBM Training Card on large $100K orders.  This would allow the power sponsor of the project, usually the hard working Systems Administrator, unlimted IBM Training for 12 months.

This leads me to compare an advance router class.  I could currently pay CISCO Systems $2,995 for a five day router and systems essentials class.  This would be an excellent, six person class introducing the user to the this industry leader's latest tools and techniques.  It would also probably lead to additional purchases down the road by the new and an enthusiastic user.  But, I am all over those classes.  Instead, I could pay Festool $500 for a five day router and systems essentials class.  This would be an excellent, six person class introducing me to this industry leader's latest tools and techniques.  It will probably lead me to buy a new router, CVS and LR32 and continue being an enthusiastic user.

I think I shall choose the latter router class.

Coincidentally, the $2,500 savings will just about cover the new tools

 

[Sparktrician]

The relatively small fees for the Festool end-user classes are more than a bargain.  You will most certainly get your money's worth.  Go for it, and enjoy your new tools. 

[smile]

 

[GPowers]

The real cost is all the tools you buy after the class. But that's what makes it so fun.

 

[RKA]

Totally agree!  The prices aren't the problem.  Availability and scheduling is.  Before I have a chance to check multiple calendars/schedules for home and work, the class is full.    I will get to 1 or 2 eventually!

 

[woodie]

I was told recently that classes were going up to $350 (2 day) starting next year.  That doesn't sound like much but when you factor in transportation, lodging and missed work it adds up.

 

[GPowers]

I was told recently that classes were going up to $350 (2 day) starting next year.  That doesn't sound like much but when you factor in transportation, lodging and missed work it adds up.

That would be a shame to raise the cost that much.

Guess I was lucky, I got to go to two of the very early classes. First class was $100 and the second class was $150. They we great classes, and yes I did buy several tool after the class. So Festool made money in the long run. So did Woodpecker.

 

[Deadskins]

Let's face it.  If not for marketing in classes, the cost would be much higher.  You think we saw or used HP stuff at an IBM class?  I plan to read Greg Paolini's Cabinet book prior to the Festool sponsored class.  I wonder if his tools will have changed.

 

[RKA]

Nobody likes to pay more, but I would think the increase in productivity more than offsets the cost of the class, even for the hobbiest.

 

[Slappy]

for me I'm looking at the Las Vegas classes ,
Vegas without the wife & with Festools  dbb win-win

 

[peter halle]

Festool isn't making money on these classes even though they easily could.  To get access to one of the trainers in a small group can be one of the best things that you can do.  Even if you have read and remembered every post ever made here.  I have been to three classes and certainly consider them frankly ridiculously cheap even with the added costs.  And I even flew and rented a car.

Peter

 

[Slappy]

Festool isn't making money on these classes even though they easily could.  To get access to one of the trainers in a small group can be one of the best things that you can do.  Even if you have read and remembered every post ever made here.  I have been to three classes and certainly consider them frankly ridiculously cheap even with the added costs.  And I even flew and rented a car.

Peter

I'm hoping that the Las Vegas offers that combo class again real soon
I'd sign up in a heartbeat right now , there was a opening Dec 16th IIRC  just weeks ago due to a cancellation but the timing was bad for me .
still kickin' myself I couldn't go , got a Kitchen remodel planned this summer  [cool]

HINT HINT plan a new class PLZ !