Festool is getting expensive!

[mastercabman]

WOW!
I was looking at the price list increase coming up and I  can't believe how much it is costing after I first got into it
I remember getting my ts55 in 2005 for a little over $400 and now it is going for $660.00!
The Kapex is a little shy of $1500.00
I do like Festool but it is getting too rich for my blood
If I ever need to replace any of my Festool I think I will be looking at other brands
Even the blades,papers,accessories are getting up there
Maybe if I had more money to burn it wouldn't be so bad!!! [unsure]

 

[blaszcsj]

To put it in perspective $400 in 2005 dollars is $485 in 2016 dollars.

 

[ewils91]

I paid $425.00 for my TS55 to beat the price increase to $450.00. Wow who'd thunk it would be over $600.00 [eek]

 

[Wooden Skye]

I do like my Festools, but I agree it has me on the tipping point of no longer considering Festool as an option.  I could justify the increases more if you actually got more.  For example if on the drills you got the extra chucks included, a decent amount of abrasives included with sander purchase, etc., I could rationalize an increase over a year or 2. 

There are a few tools I want, but won't be able to swing before price increase, so maybe I should save even more so I can prepare myself for next years increase.

 

[ewils91]

Hmm, perhaps my TS55 has appreciated in value and I could sell for a profit from the 2005 price.  [big grin]

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

I remmember when the precursor to the TS55, the ATF55e, cost around $300 or $325.  Compared to a circular saw from Milwaukee or Porter Cable, both of which were manufactured in the USA back then, the price seemed really high, since the USA saws could probably be purchased for between $100 and $150.  The $325 price would be about $400 now according to an inflation calculator.

 

[ear3]

On the bright side, Mafell is starting to look a little less ridiculously priced.

 

[ewils91]

Edward, you are right, I didn't see it from that point of view...would you please explain that to my wife? I think it would sound more reasonable coming from you.

Eddy

 

[copcarcollector]

Here's my view - yes it is getting more expensive to get into the Festool system, or maybe to add another tool or vac... but the cost increase on the vast majority of items on Shane's list is $1.00 - $5.00.

Consumables like sandpaper, Dominos, etc... I would think that many people already involved with Festool are buying more consumables or parts than new tools each year. Is $1.00 more on a box of sandpaper really that big of a deal... even if technically it is a ~4% increase?

Starting from scratch, that's a different, pricey story-

 

[Reokeane]

Factor in that the US dollar has strengthened 40% against the euro in the past five years and has strengthened against it even in just the past few months and I struggle to understand why the US customers are being charged more in USD

 

[Corwin]

Yep, they've finally priced themselves out of the market for me too. I had thought of repurchasing some of the tools that I had sold when I first became somewhat disabled -- like the Dominlo, OF1400 and a few other items that I really wish I hadn't sold -- but more recently I've come to question the wisdom [or lack thereof] in repurchasing these tools at their current prices, let alone after any price increase. It's not like these Festools are heirloon quality tools. Oops, guess you can see where my tool dollars have been going.  [wink]

 

[Staniam]

On the bright side, Mafell is starting to look a little less ridiculously priced.

Haha way to find the silver lining  [big grin]

 

[KBJ]

I do like my Festools, but I agree it has me on the tipping point of no longer considering Festool as an option.  I could justify the increases more if you actually got more.  For example if on the drills you got the extra chucks included, a decent amount of abrasives included with sander purchase, etc., I could rationalize an increase over a year or 2. 

There are a few tools I want, but won't be able to swing before price increase, so maybe I should save even more so I can prepare myself for next years increase.

I agree it's getting a little over the top. I see other companies now taking more of a system approach and taking dust collection more seriously.  So I think with this coming increase they may start seeing more competition.  The consumables and accessories continue to add up too.  I really do like all of my Festool stuff, I do believe they are superior in many ways, but at some point it gets hard to justify the price difference... especially as it continues to grow!

 

[anthonyz]

My Tools have paid for themselves since I have moved into the Festool realm. So I can't complain. I know every year on April 1st it's going to happen. From my understanding Festool here in the US, cost less than they do in Europe and other places, yet in America, we seem to be the only ones who complain. I stopped complaining about buying quality. I am done buying tools which only have a one year life span, which never worked, as well as, my Festool set up. It has made me appreciate spending my money smartly, rather than just to have stuff. I would rather save, spend more to have a quality item, which last long and work great, with less aggravation. This includes appliances, furnishings, etc. Maybe we need to stop the downward spiral and go back to demanding quality rather than quantity, maybe some of those manufacturing jobs would come back this way. Just my opinion, If you think Festool is not worth the money, go back to the Chinese made brands with lower specs for higher profit margins, and terrible customer service. I will hang with Festool.

 

[Nat X]

I'd have to buy a bigger house if I wanted to switch to more traditional stationary tools, and even if I could afford one, there simply aren't any for sale.

I'd also have to make more trips to the ER if I tried machining walnut in my tiny garage without near total dust extraction since I'm horribly allergic to it.

1%-5% is pretty manageable in comparison. Anyone who's just buying things they don't actually need for the sake of buying them has bigger problems than the strength of the dollar.

 

[Lout]

You guys should have a look at australian prices...just paid $1600au for a domino.

 

[sancho57]

You guys are looking at it all wrong. When  I bought my  Kapex it was for roughly $1300. That was quite a bit more expensive to say a Makita. But now since the price is at $ 1500,  I got a deal. Plus now if I wanted to sell it ( which I do not) I can get all my money back by selling it for $1300.

See Festool apreaciate in value during every price increase, not depreciate

 

[Locky]

I sold my ATF 55 festo which was about 10-15 years old last year for $660 it was in good condition as I look after my tools, but I didn't pay that brand new so I think I got good value

 

[#Tee]

no biggy they paid for themselves, the increase is pure gas money or a round of drinks with the guys.

 

[windmill man]

I am not wishing to start a war and these comments are only valid in the UK.

Are Festool Expensive? NO

Festool are professional grade tools marketed to the Professional (those that make a living with them)
So depending on the size and setup of your business, you can reclaim 20% of the purchase cost (VAT) within 12 weeks and depending on how my accountant wants to deal with the purchase . The cost can be written of against my  tax liability over 1>3 years .Consumables are classed as overhead so are fully tax deductable 

So in essence the tools cost me nothing in the end .

It sucks for the hobbist and diyer and amatuer but i am sure there must be similar tax breaks for the professional globaly