Festool Uk, Training Workshops and other Stuff.

[windmill man]

Hi
This post is primarily aimed ant FOG members in the UK.

Today I was at the new 2010 tool launch at my local dealer and there were the usual reps there and for once a chap from Festool UK head office. So in the spirit of good banter I gave them a bit of flack over their none proactive attitude to their customers. I sighted the activities of Festool USA and asked why dont we get the same deal. I asked about tool point and all sorts of other stuff. Did you know that there is all sorts of Festool merchandise available in the UK! I did  not [mad]. Well I got my bluff called . So i would like to know from you guys in the UK some info that i can pass on and lets see what happens.

Would you like to attend training workshops similar to the guys in the USA?

Would you be prepared to contribute to the expenses of the training days?

How far would you be prepared to travel?

If you are a Trades Person (politically correct that description  [eek]) would you be interested in an accredited qualification, that would allow you to use this accreditation on your workwear, vans and letterheads?(this is my hobby horse this one , if i have thousands of pounds invested in festool tools it would be great to be able to use it to promote the quality of my company.

Any other things that you would like to see? Sensible suggestions please! I suggested Festool tools for free [wink], got a blank on that one.

Once I have got some info from you guys , I will take it back to them. Got to say they seemed interested but it may take some work.

Regards John

 

[ajones]

workshops a big thumbs up from me [thumbs up] were you at fixy?

 

[joiner1970]

As a pro I wouldnt really want to take classes not saying I know everything but I have learnt a lot in my 20+ years as a carpenter. What I most like is picking up hints and tips here and various other forums, I would have thought some of the DIYers here will jump at the chance though.

They should maybe train some of their dealers better as well, sadly I know more about Festool tools than my local dealer does I end up telling him things that I have read here and other places.

 

[windmill man]

Yes , it was very interesting. Where you there?

 

[windmill man]

Hi joiner.
There were some comments about their dealers lack of knowledge and commitment. If you are not interested in training what about some sort of practical skill swap.I have found we all work differently and i am sure that we could pick up new and better ways of working. I know i am not to set in my ways to learn from others

 

[ajones]

Yes , it was very interesting. Where you there?

Hi No I was on the phone to Peter re my parallel guide purchase and he said he was busy with a open day....

Never to old to learn

 

[ajones]

the rep that demo'd the domino to me was fairly ham fisted and I was using it better than demo'd in 3 minutes

 

[woodguy7]

Hi John

It sounds good but because of my location (10 miles from John o Groats) I don't think it likely there would be one near me.  I would be willing to travel about 100 miles to Inverness for one, if i thought i could justify it.  Like Joiner, I have been doing this for a living for over 20 years & although i am sure there would be a few tips i could pick up I don't think i could justify a high price for the course.

Good on you for pushing them for it though, i feel in that respect we do lag behind the States.

Cheers, Woodguy.

 

[jonny round boy]

I'd be interested in training courses at Festool UK. To be honest, whilst I probably would learn something new my main reason for going would be networking/getting to know the Festool staff and the other attendees. Festool UK are a good few hours from me, but I think it would be worthwhile. As for contributing to the cost, I'd be prepared to pay ?50 or so - any more than that, and with the cost of hotel, meals etc it would probably be too expensive (although I'm not working much at the moment so everything seems more expensive than it did when I was employed!).

As for the dealers, I had a great relationship with the Festool guy at my usual dealer. He was very enthusiastic about the products, but openly admitted that although he had been on courses etc he didn't know as much as some of his customers. He even got me to come in & set up his OF2200 CMS module when he got one in for demos! I also did some demo's at one of his open days. Also, he got 90% of his info on new product releases from me (which, of course, I got from the FOG!).

Unfortunately, he left them a few months ago. I went to another local dealer when I was looking to get my Domino, but the Festool guy in there seemed completely useless & not very helpful, and I haven't been back in since.

 

[windmill man]

Hi to All
This is just the beginning of the road. I will go back and to talk to them , they seem to be keen on using experienced end users as demonstrators. i just want some sort of feel for the general mood in the UK. My reps admits that they dont have the hands on experience to demonstrate festool stuff in real world situations.

 

[windmill man]

Hi Jonny.
One Problem seems to be that not all dealers are equal or as interested as they should be. i suggested that they adopt regional centers of excellence, based around pro active dealers.That got some grimaces as they said they had to treat every dealer the same. Lot of politics are involved I think. My dealers are great and i think with some support from Festool and a bit of pushing they may pilot something. long way to go i think . But if you dont try you dont get. How you doing by the way?

 

[Guy Ashley]

I had reason to speak to a member of the Festool UK marketing dept a little while ago and suggested that they should think about having "reference customers".

The concept is simple in that some tradesmen are hesitant to commit hard earned cash on Festool kit when they can get Dewalt/Makita etc at lower prices and we are all having to watch cashflow.

Converts like us who are Festool users can give practical hands on demos at our workshops or elsewhere with the kit we actually own and use. If the prospective purchaser then buys something you get a freebie or voucher.

I am a reference customer for Hammer(Felder) machinery which I have in my workshop and have had people visit and see it in use. I have had a couple of sets of planer blades and bandsaw blades out of this and you also feel that you are helping the buyer to make an informed choice from a practitioner as opposed to someone who is chasing sales targets.  

The response I got was apparently positive but didn't hear any more.

 

[ajones]

Hi to All
This is just the beginning of the road. I will go back and to talk to them , they seem to be keen on using experienced end users as demonstrators. i just want some sort of feel for the general mood in the UK. My reps admits that they don't have the hands on experience to demonstrate festool stuff in real world situations.

That not a suprise; they are salesmen not carpenters

 

[windmill man]

Hi Guy ,
Their marketing dept is a bit like a black hole but a new chap has started at head office so that may change. They like the concept of end users being involved as it adds more weight to a demo and its not just the old salesman routine. I have Felder in my little shop 1994 BF6 31 still going strong and as good as the day i got it.

 

[windmill man]

Well Festoolfootstool, at least my rep will admit it. He is very good at his job and any problems he has sorted very quickly. I have even given him uses for some stuff that he and Festool have not thought of. But he seems keen.

 

[woodguy7]

That sounds good as long as Festool can hang on to him.  I have a Felder planer/thicknesser & they seem to change sales reps every year.  Quite frustrating.  My Festool rep used to come visit every 2 to 3 weeks but i have not seen him for at least 3 months now.  Its lucky the shop he works for have a good team behind him.

Woodguy.

 

[windmill man]

Felder are a bit frustrating to deal with. My rep from festool has been with them about 11 years. Festool just dont seem to have got their act together. Good rep and not so good reps , good dealers and poor ones. I m am lucky i think ,i have a good rep and two good dealers in my area.

 

[Mac]

Hi,

I'd definitely be interested in training workshops, and would happily pay towards these.

Cheers,
Rick

 

[windmill man]

Thanks for that Rick .

 

[Mac]

No problem, it's just really great to see someone who might be able to help this happen!

Thanks again,
Rick