Products Not Available in NZ

[ChipMonk]

I am thinking about purchasing some Festools, but before making the plunge, I would like to get a sense of what to expect or not from Festool New Zealand.

My concern is the availability of Festool products.  For example, Festool does not sell the FS 1900/2 Guide Rail (491503) in NZ and I heard that many other Festool items (I don't know which) have been recently removed from the NZ price book.

From my initial enquiry, the FS1900 is the only item on my current list that I won't be able to get.  However, as a newcomer to Festool I can't foresee what accessory I may need later on.

I am well aware of all the challenges companies face trying to stock and support their products in a remote part of the world with low population. However, considering that the Guide System is so integral to the majority of Festool products, removing any of the rails from the catalog seems pretty odd.

Is anyone aware of other Festool items NAINZ (Not Available in NZ)?

Sure would like to get a better idea about these type of things before I invest into Festool.  Limited selection of rails is not a good invitation.

 

[Kev]

You may be better off making a return trip to Sydney and getting stuff ordered and ready before you fly!

 

[Holmz]

I was thinking that 1900 rail is about the same length as a 1/2 a pair of 190cm skis.
A surf board bag is another option.

 

[Kev]

I was thinking that 1900 rail is about the same length as a 1/2 a pair of 190cm skis.
A surf board bag is another option.

[member=40772]Holmz[/member] exactly .. no size issue if checked.

 

[dibnah]

I am thinking about purchasing some Festools, but before making the plunge, I would like to get a sense of what to expect or not from Festool New Zealand.

My concern is the availability of Festool products.  For example, Festool does not sell the FS 1900/2 Guide Rail (491503) in NZ and I heard that many other Festool items (I don't know which) have been recently removed from the NZ price book.

From my initial enquiry, the FS1900 is the only item on my current list that I won't be able to get.  However, as a newcomer to Festool I can't foresee what accessory I may need later on.

I am well aware of all the challenges companies face trying to stock and support their products in a remote part of the world with low population. However, considering that the Guide System is so integral to the majority of Festool products, removing any of the rails from the catalog seems pretty odd.

Is anyone aware of other Festool items NAINZ (Not Available in NZ)?

Sure would like to get a better idea about these type of things before I invest into Festool.  Limited selection of rails is not a good invitation.

If you are used to Festool service in other parts of the world you might want to revise your expectations. I found out the following the hard way:

  "As we do not have a Festool subsidary in New Zealand we use an import partner that takes care of all of the service and repair issues. Our partner is in charge of their own service terms and conditions"

I have also heard concerns about availability of machines from another user on here, something along the lines of waiting weeks for a carvex.

Want any advise about a particular machine? where in NZ are you..

I recall seeing a 2400 guide rail on trademe last week, I have one myself but get the longer 2700 if you plan ripping sheet goods

Cheers Dibnah

 

[ChipMonk]

You may be better off making a return trip to Sydney and getting stuff ordered and ready before you fly!

I was thinking that 1900 rail is about the same length as a 1/2 a pair of 190cm skis.
A surf board bag is another option.

Hmmm.... perhaps an excuse to visit Wineglass Bay?  I see that there are quite a few dealers in Hobart  [smile]

... Want any advise about a particular machine? where in NZ are you..

I recall seeing a 2400 guide rail on trademe last week, I have one myself but get the longer 2700 if you plan ripping sheet goods ...

Thank you for the offer, I am on the West Coast.

The Festool rep suggested to cut the 2400 to suit.  I think I would rather cut a 2700 and end up with 800 and 1900, don't see much use for 500.

 

[Acrobat]

Hi ChipMonk,
I'm up in Auckland, on the North Shore here, so have found no real issues with my local dealer here. If he doesn't have it in his small shop he just places an order from his supplier - I think its over in town somewhere in south Auckland. Once in a while he's told me they didn't have a part and were waiting on delivery arrival from overseas orders. Usually 2 weeks for accessories that they don't have in stock. So far I have been happy and have also had good service from them and had repairs done within a week and smoothly too. Occasionally I have also ordered from the US-Amazon site and use NZPosts Youshop service (for festool accessories). Under $400 and you don't pay GST.- Just check exchange rates but you can get some things a bit cheaper this way. I buy the power tools at my dealer to get full warranty etc, and accessories either online or from him too.
Check out "Hindin Marquip"  website re Festools. I think it shows what they have in stock, quite a list of stuff there. You might be able to order direct from there.
I've no idea what the service and stockists range is way down your way being a bit isolated there it may mean your nearest would be Christchurch I guess?
Otherwise as mentioned above, a trip to Sydney on one of those deals they always seem to have these days and get a few goodies there.

 

[ChipMonk]

Thank you for all the suggestions Acrobat.
Hindin Marquip is the Festool Import Partner the NZ dealers order products from.
My closest dealer is Motor Rewind Specialists shop in Nelson, they are very helpful.

 

[Acrobat]

No matter where you buy a Festool from, be prepared to pay a hefty price, especially herein NZ! We must be amongst the highest charged but it I guess it depends also on our exchange rate too as well as the tyranny of distance to get anything to our shores.