FestoolRecon.com coming VERY soon (US)

[HarveyWildes]

My God, my RO150 is beat up (from the recon sale). Didn't expect that. All of my Festool tools are in use but I keep them in great condition. Looks like this one was tossed around a bit.  I don't even want it in my collection.
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So a different business, but Dell distinguishes between "Refurbished" and "Scratch and Dent".  Refurbished means that any damaged parts are replaced, even if the damage is minimal and cosmetic, and then tested to work within specs.  Scratch and Dent means tested to work within specs, but otherwise sold in the condition in which it was returned.  I never buy Scratch and Dent, always Refurbished.  There is an intangible benefit to something that looks and feels new, even if I know that it was pre-owned.

 

[Cheese]

Just goes to show different strokes for different folks. I’d never buy at 10-20 off but I’d buy 40% off all day

Ya exactly...with the previous sales I only purchased at the 30% & 40% levels, under that, I had a difficult time with the warranty being axed to only 1 year. So this sale is a conundrum for me at the 25% level, especially seeing the condition of the 2 sanders mentioned.

Even at the 40% level, the cosmetic issues with the tools I received was nonexistent. The stuff I purchased at 30/40 off appeared to be new.

 

[TylerC]

[member=40343]T. Ernsberger[/member] - I got your email. I'll hit you back shortly and make sure you're taken care of.

 

[James Biddle]

My God, my RO150 is beat up (from the recon sale). Didn't expect that. All of my Festool tools are in use but I keep them in great condition. Looks like this one was tossed around a bit.  I don't even want it in my collection.
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This brings up an interesting question; why can't FestoolRecon post a pic of the actual too for sale?  If there are 5 of something for sale, you know when the first one is allocated and can switch to pic #2.  You already have this counter in the program anyway to know when you ran out.  Or better yet, if you have 5, post pics of each with an 'Add to Cart' under each?  You can describe any blemish in the description.

SVS speakers have sales on their returned or blemished speakers once or twice per year.  They show the new pics of each, generic descriptions of the condition of the speaker, and a pic of any blemish.  You know what you're buying, and they can batch the sales rather than making them continuous, reducing the labor overhead from continuous sales.  It's a great model.

 

[nclemmons]

FF - you might try wiping the sander down with some WD-40 or Beoshield on a rag.  I'm amazed at how they will clean up.

 

[Cochese]

My God, my RO150 is beat up (from the recon sale). Didn't expect that. All of my Festool tools are in use but I keep them in great condition. Looks like this one was tossed around a bit.  I don't even want it in my collection.
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This brings up an interesting question; why can't FestoolRecon post a pic of the actual too for sale?  If there are 5 of something for sale, you know when the first one is allocated and can switch to pic #2.  You already have this counter in the program anyway to know when you ran out.  Or better yet, if you have 5, post pics of each with an 'Add to Cart' under each?  You can describe any blemish in the description.

SVS speakers have sales on their returned or blemished speakers once or twice per year.  They show the new pics of each, generic descriptions of the condition of the speaker, and a pic of any blemish.  You know what you're buying, and they can batch the sales rather than making them continuous, reducing the labor overhead from continuous sales.  It's a great model.

With how fast most of this stuff sells, they’ll spend more time taking the pics than having them available.

That, and this is the first time I’ve heard of someone getting a badly damaged product. My Midi at 30% was basically new.

 

[Cheese]

I will say that both the RO150 and Domino 700 from the recon sale that I received were packaged well with bubble wrap around the systainers within each box. I had no damage to the systainers whatsoever.

That's good to hear...it reminds me of my prior experiences with past Festool recon sales. I'd highly recommend the previous sales. They offered used equipment at the 20%, 30% or 40% discount level and everything I received, appeared to be in an as-new condition.

Sorry to say, but the photo I saw earlier of the RO 150, was horrendous. Frankly, that condition is way beyond my comprehension. Why would anyone when presented with an actual photo of that tool knowingly purchase it for a 25% discount and a 66% reduction of warranty?

The answer is they wouldn't. They may purchase it at a 40% discount, but certainly not at 25%. Wow...what happened to Festool integrity?

At the risk of sounding like a broken record and just regurgitating everything I've said in the past (while at the same time receiving multiple negative reviews)...I am very disappointed with this particular biennial tool sale. This is not what Festool as a manufacturer should aspire to be.

Remember, the original intent of this new recon sales format was to make this recon sale easier for everyone involved. However with late emails, nonexistent emails and the recently revealed photos of damaged goods, I have my doubts if the original goals have been achieved.

There has been some discussion as to why the FOG has recently seen so many negative comments, may I suggest...that this may just be a mirror reflecting the general Festool attitude towards their customers.

 

[antss]

Why would anyone when presented with an actual photo of that tool knowingly purchase it for a 25% discount and a 66% reduction of warranty?

The answer is they wouldn't. They may purchase it at a 40% discount, but certainly not at 25%. Wow...what happened to Festool integrity?

This isn't really accurate. One can take a look at eBay and Craigslist sales to find people snapping up similar offers and many have no warranty at all.  I think we can safely assume that none of them have been inspected by qualified tech either.

I'm not sure festool's integrity is in question here. Their disclosure in the recon FAQ say something to the effect that you should expect marks ect.....it should also be noted that "all sales are final".  Earlier posts here may make it seem like the std. 30 day return policy is available.

Given that dealers hate recon sales, the angst this one has created, and the perceived low volume of gear available anyway - I'm surprised FT even bothers trying to dispose of this stuff themselves. Especially in a well publicized sale. I'm sure they could dispose of the stuff quietly in Indy with little exposure.

 

[grbmds]

Has Festool been contacted concerning the condition of the recon RO150 that was beat up on receipt? If not, why not? Do that. If nothing is done about it, then is the time to be putting Festool down and be angry about it and complain.  I have only bought 2 reconditioned tools from Festool. Both were in like-new condition. That generally seems to be the norm for these tools. While it shouldn't have been shipped in the condition that the picture shows, Festool should be contacted or Tyler emailed about it. Why does the FOG have so many negative comments? It's easy to be negative instead of taking appropriate action.

It's exhausting to read the negative posts where people exert as much effort posting as they would just returning the tool or sending it in for warranty repair. These days, there is very little new information posted on the FOG which is of any value to beginners or people who have legitimate questions about how to use a tool or the best technique. Mainly it's used to "pile on" when someone has a problem. And, of course, anyone asking a question always runs the risk of being put down for the question or verbally abused for even asking it. The best course of action when you have a problem is to use the resources available to fix it; not complain about it.

The recon program isn't for everyone. To me they aren't worth it for anything less than a 30% discount and that's borderline. Given they have been in use (possibly by someone who didn't use them correctly and returned them) and losing 2 years of the warranty, it just isn't worth it.

People expect perfection from Festool. That doesn't exist in the real world. In all the Festool tools I have bought I have only had one with a defect. Instead of complaining on the FOG, I returned it within 30 days to the retailer and got a new one. That's what the return policy is for. If it had been after the 30 days, I would have sent it in for warranty repair and just lived with the fact that I was too stupid to use it within the first 30 days. No company is perfect. Maybe Festool pushes that expectation because of the price of their tools, but they, like all other companies, make mistakes, manufacture bad tools, install parts that fail, etc. Festool has always responded positively to my requests for warranty service and other questions I've had. At least give them the chance before running them down as a company.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I have a sander that looks as bad as that RO150.
It's an RAS 115 and by far the worst looking sander I have but I bought it on ebay for less than half of the new price (no warranty and no tax).

 

[J0hn]

I would be very disappointed if I received that sander....

Maybe Festool should take a page from the Amazon Playbook

Call it "Festool Warehouse Sales' and you list an item with the original picture, but you also describe the condition.  ie Amazon will say something like '10% cosmetic damage on the side" etc.  You offer a 30-day return policy if it is defective or not as described.  You start the item at a small discount and then every week you just drop the price a bit until it sells.  Works for them and I have gotten some really good deals that way

Here is an example - a 8mm cutter for the domino (Festool 493492)  Current price is $44, but you can get it for $27
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0017VF1YG/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

"Minor cosmetic imperfection on top, front or sides of item (affecting less than 1% surface area). Item will come in original packaging. Packaging will be damaged"

You want a Carvex for $295?  That is currently 21% off, it may go lower or someone may buy it.  (it has cosmetic damage and the case appears to be missing)  and from what I understand - the Festool warranty is transferable?  So there is a good chance there is some warranty left on thishttp://smile.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00DRF284Q/?ie=UTF8&condition=all

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[grbmds]

It still would be nice to hear whether Festool was notified about the RO150 recon sander and what their response and follow up action was. From my experience and from what I've read on the FOG, a recon tool in the condition in the picture is rare and is not consistent with the Festool policy on recon tools. If Festool hasn't even been contacted, then I'd say they have been indicted and convicted without being allowed to take any action.

 

[James Biddle]

"What is the condition of refurbished tools?
Reconditioned tools can include gently used tools and discontinued items. Used tools are inspected by Festool trained technicians. All tools meet Festool’s high performance and quality standards. However, you should expect them to have visual blemishes."

Can include "gently used tools", but also can include "beat to hell"?  That RO150 certainly falls in the "visual blemish" category.

"Why does Festool need to sell reconditioned tools?
We receive reconditioned tools from a number of sources. A majority from dealers since we have a very generous return policy that plays a key role in offering top of the line customer service for both our dealers and end users."

How did that tool make it's way back to Festool?  Does not look like a 30 day return or demo unit, does it?

"What is the return policy for tools bought on festoolrecon.com?
All sales on festoolrecon.com are final."

So, you can't see it, you can't return it, you only get a one-year warranty, and you have to trust Festool's opinion that it's been gently used.

 

[antss]

JOhn - that reinforces my point exactly.  Less warranty (or none), no thirty day no hassle policy and by the time you add in the price of the missing SYS2 you have spent the same as shiny new carvex.

James , FAQ clearly says the sale can include USED tools. What do you think happens to gear sent in for repair ,but then declined because of cost ? 

That sander could have easily been thirty day'd  back to a dealer after it sanded a deck or a boat. Beat to heck to me would be a cracked housing, broken vac port , frayed cord , faded plastic.  That one looks like it was heavily used and not babied. It's a tool, not a safe queen as the gun collector like to say.  We've all seen worse.

I wouldn't be happy with that sander either.  But , I wouldn't be cross with Festool. I'd be mad at myself for falling for the hype and fever pitch that a Festool Sale generates.  To me , this one hardly represents a good buy or value.  But that's me. Some guys just like paying a few bucks less, and that's their highest priority.

Given the disclosure , and lack of accurate description of each tool sold , I wouldn't bite at 40% 0ff either. I'm also surprised we went this deep into the sale before someone got a runt.

I'm curious whether we'll see another item on Monday, or do we have to wait til the all the conturos sell off  ?

 

[Brandon]

You’d think Festool could have just replaced the entire black plastic housing on that Rotex, cost would be very minimal and the tool would look only lightly used in the few remaining exposed areas.
I’ve been enjoying reading through this thread. Various complaints, many of which are valid. This sale just isn’t for me. The risk outweighs the reward

 

[grbmds]

Negative assumptions. No facts about whether the purchaser took what would be the most sensible and logical action; contacting Festool. And, if Festool were contacted, what did they do about it? Just reinforces the comments concerning how negative this forum has gotten and how little truly useful information is being supplied on the whole.

 

[J0hn]

Negative assumptions. No facts about whether the purchaser took what would be the most sensible and logical action; contacting Festool. And, if Festool were contacted, what did they do about it? Just reinforces the comments concerning how negative this forum has gotten and how little truly useful information is being supplied on the whole.

Who said the 'purchaser' wanted any action taken?

In my opinion - he was posting his experience with a product that he purchased from the 'recon' sale

re·con·di·tion
overhaul or renovate.  To restore to good condition, especially by repairing, renovating, or rebuilding.

I certainly wouldn't describe the condition of that sander as 'good'. 

His post is very useful - basically, buyer beware.  Even though they describe the reconditioned tools as  "tools can include gently used tools and discontinued items" the 'purchasers' post makes it clear that you can also receive tools that were beat to sh*t - and remember, all sales are final

 

[grbmds]

The point is that it doesn't appear that the problem is typical of Festool reconditioned tools. The tool was sent out before it was in the desired condition. An error was made. It's only "buyer beware" if Festool refuses to correct the problem.

 

[ScoFF]

I just picked it up Saturday morning and am waiting until Monday to contact anyone. Nothing can be done over the weekend.
I wonder how much replacement housing would cost if I replaced it to look decent.  Probably not cheap.

 

[Gregor]

I wonder how much replacement housing would cost if I replaced it to look decent.  Probably not cheap.

47€ for all three parts.