Buying Festool over seas

[ForumMFG]

This may sound like a stupid question to some people or this question may have come up before but I can't find it.  Is it possible to buy Festool products from over seas and bring them to the United States?  I don't know if it is illegal or if Festool has a policy against it?  I know that you would have to convert the power, etc.  I just always wondered about this.

Thanks.

-Dave

 

[Brice Burrell]

I believe it is against Festool's sales agreement for the European and Australian dealers to sell outside of the continent.   

 

[Dan Clermont]

People bring tools across the pond with them all the time. Don't know if dealers overseas are allowed to ship to North America.

Obviously the tool won't meet UL approval and also remember parts and servicing may be difficult as well.

Dan Clermont

 

[dirtydeeds]

festool hate it and prevent it by any means possible

remember guys the germans are VERY good at record keeping

 

[AlexThePalex]

I tried to order Festool sanding paper from an American website that claimed to ship all over the world, but I was notified that they could ship every brand they had across the border ............. except Festool. Because Festool forbid them to.

I'm not entirely sure if Festool sales policies are all that kosher when you look at national and international trade laws.

 

[ForumMFG]

I also have Shane Holland looking into this issue as well.  I will let you guys know what he says once he replies to this question.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I also have Shane Holland looking into this issue as well.  I will let you guys know what he says once he replies to this question.

Did you ask about Festool USA servicing tools form overseas. As Dan mentioned there is no UL approval on tools bought outside of the US, just one more element to consider. 

 

[ForumMFG]

Yeah, Shane is getting all the details for me.  I'll let you guys know.

 

[ForumMFG]

Here's the deal,

Festools dealers are not allowed to ship overseas but you can travel over seas and purchase a product and bring it back.  The warrenty is still covered in the US as if it was over sea's.  The only down side is that if you need something repaired you can expect to wait a long time as Festool USA does not stock any 230 volt components.  You can also have a friend or family member buy the product for you and have them ship it to you.

 

[Neill]

Here's the deal,

Festools dealers are not allowed to ship overseas but you can travel over seas and purchase a product and bring it back.  The warrenty is still covered in the US as if it was over sea's.  The only down side is that if you need something repaired you can expect to wait a long time as Festool USA does not stock any 230 volt components.  You can also have a friend or family member buy the product for you and have them ship it to you.

Dave,

Why?

Neill

 

[Tom Ryan]

For most Festools, the US price is lower than the price overseas (strange as that may seem), so WHY would you want to buy overseas?

Tom in SE Pennsylvania

 

[AlexThePalex]

Because a lot of Festools aren't sold in The States?

 

[ForumMFG]

That question answered itself.

 

[woodcanuck]

You could bring a 110 volt unit from the UK and just use a spare N American cord. Apparently the UK does not allow 240V units on construction sites and they use 110V units. If you can get a friend or family member to purchase a 110V unit it should work over here.

David