RECON TOOL SALE - MORE THOUGHTS

[Gary in Texas]

There are several thoughts on issues related to the recon sale. 

First off, most everyone knows the hoops the dealers had to jump through to try and get their customers the tools desired at the 40% discount. Many or most dealers sacrificed a lot of time and effort to snag tools for their customers, sometimes successfully, other times not.

Secondly, Festool created a monster when they announced the 40% sale.  The increased discounts created a huge demand for the reconditioned tools as this was an unprecedented discount and made a lot of customers cross that barrier where a discount of up to 30% wasn't enough to tip the scales and forego the three year warranty. 

Lastly, the 30 Day money back guarantee - as long as Festool keeps this guarantee in effect, there will be tools available for purchase as reconditioned tools.  (I wonder how often this guarantee is abused by individuals not interested in keeping the tools, but take advantage of this offer to complete a project?).  I doubt Festool wanted to go to such a discount (40%), however, can only speculate they were driven to that level of discount due to increasing levels of inventory of recon'ed tools. 

One common theme throughout this ordeal has been people voicing their reluctance to purchase that recon'ed tool, many times barely used, at a discount of 10 or 20 percent, and forego the three year warranty.  Perhaps in future, and to prevent offering these tools at such high discounts, Festool can offer a better warranty than the one year - no return policy.  I for one would agree with the no return, IF offered with a 2 or 3 warranty for those tools that have seen no or little use, and are within 1-6 months new - speaking of those tools currently offered at 10% discount.  Those at twenty percent discount could have a two year warranty, and those at 30% remain as currently offered.

To me, it doesn't look as if the current model is working.  Going to a 40% discount, dealers up all night, customers getting irate when they don't snag the good deal, just doesn't add up to the Festool reputation. 

What would it take for you to purchase a recon tool at a 10 or 20 percent discount deal?

 

[crsowa]

Just posted this in the other thread... and BTW, the T15 I got could have passed for Brand New!  The packing slip said "5% T15 set".  Still waiting on the others...

"Have I missed a few of these deals because the phone lines were tied up?  Sure.  Am I distraught about it?  Nope, life goes on.  I missed out on the CT 26 two times today... c'est la vie.  I'll keep checking periodically, I'll get one eventually.  However, I have been on the ball and been able to get 4 tools so far (TI 15, C15, T15 set and a cordless Carvex) for right around $1000... so I can't complain.  I would like to thank all of the dealers for being patient, and "on the ball also". Shout out to US Tool and Fastener, WoodCraft, and Tools for Working Wood."

-Chris

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

As I have stated several times already, the 40% deal is a one time thing. There is no expectation that this will ever happen again. So, the only option moving forward, assuming we continue to offer reconditioned tools, will be at the previous discount levels.

That said, I'm glad that it has given many the opportunity to experience Festool who would have otherwise never pulled the trigger.

Also, the feedback from customers on the forum has been received loud and clear regarding the way the program has been conducted. Apologies to anyone who has experienced frustration with the process.

Shane

 

[justaguy]

I'm new here..

I've made three purchases during the 40% sale. The dealers have been very helpful. I was surprised by the quick responses and after hours emails and calls. I don't have any issue with the sale format. I get that it's first come first served. I was able to purchase some items that I wanted and I missed out on others. It's just the nature of the sale.

Just my opinion.

 

[crsowa]

Agreed... 100%

 

[Grasshopper]

Shane,

I don't know you personally, but I just thought I'd say THANK YOU for the Recon sale.  Zero complaints here with the format, roll-out, etc.

As a newbie to Festool (but a long time deal junky), I can only say thanks for such a deep discount this one time.  Tons of new tools en route to my house and I am super grateful. 

Bottom-line, when a company says to us (the customer), "hey, we are going to liquidate stock at our largest discount ever" (at deeper discounts than the products sell for used on eBay and Craigslist), I respond with a huge THANK YOU!

That's it…thank you.  First come first serve, lottery, raffle, random drawing, I really cannot care or complain with how you choose to hook us up in a big way.

For me, it was fun watching my screen and refreshing to see if my goodies where available.  Sort-of like when charlie opened his bars of chocolate hoping for that golden ticket (sorry, cheesy reference.)

When I eat dinner at my mother's house and she serves me for free, I can't in good conscious tell her how to cook, or criticize her in any way.  I ought to simply thank her for going above and beyond.

Similarly, after reading some of the criticisms, I just wanted to be a voice that said "Thank You!".  Thanks to you and Festool for liquidating some recon stock at unprecedented prices for those who were lucky enough to seize the limited stock.

Thanks!

As I have stated several times already, the 40% deal is a one time thing. There is no expectation that this will ever happen again. So, the only option moving forward, assuming we continue to offer reconditioned tools, will be at the previous discount levels.

That said, I'm glad that it has given many the opportunity to experience Festool who would have otherwise never pulled the trigger.

Also, the feedback from customers on the forum has been received loud and clear regarding the way the program has been conducted. Apologies to anyone who has experienced frustration with the process.

Shane

 

[AlexThePalex]

To me, it doesn't look as if the current model is working.  Going to a 40% discount, dealers up all night, customers getting irate when they don't snag the good deal, just doesn't add up to the Festool reputation. 

I don't understand why you and other people keep repeating that this model doesn't work. Obviously it works VERY well.

1 - There are a lot of happy customers with nice tools for a bargain price.
2 - There are a bunch of dealers who had to work like crazy but made a very nice profit in a short time.
3 - Festool management is laughing all the way to the bank because they got quite some money back on tools that would otherwise be a total loss.

And then there are some unsatisfied customers. They are mainly unsatisfied because they missed out on their cheap toys.

If a lot of hands grab in a box of candy, some of those hands will get out empty. And that's never going to be different no matter what shape or form Festool would do this sale.

You talk about a monster, but I don't think Festool created a monster, they just gave an opportunity for the monster to get out of some people. The monster that's in all of us, called greed, which nobody can deny. Most people have it under control, only some don't, and they make an ugly sight.

I don't have any stake in this, the 40% sale is on the other side of the world for me. I am happy for those who got some nice bargains and I feel sorry for those who missed out. But I am appalled by some of the reactions I've read here over the last two weeks.

 

[mouppe]

I think the recon sale is a terrific promotion. It gives people the opportunity to buy tools that may have been out of their reach price-wise, or provides a necessary incentive to own a tool that they may have been on the fence about.

I picked up a CT Midi in the 40% sale merely because I have always wanted a CT vac for use at home. It saves me having to bring my CT22 from the workshop when I want to do some work at home, which isn't very often but nonetheless it happens from time to time. Would I have paid full-price or even 10% or 20% off for one? No, but the 40% sale gave me a chance to pick one up with no regrets.

I didn't get it the first time I spotted it, but a few days later some more appeared and I filled the order.

I like the way Festool run their promotions. The router discount a while ago, the domino 10% off, the package promotion, the recon sales. Everything is fair, well-advertised, the dealers are on the same playing field, and the incentives are considerable.

I would say that the recon sales enhance Festool's reputation for looking after their customers, rather than detracting from it.

 

[erock]

Alex....... WELL SAID !!!

Eric

 

[mike_aa]

Shane,

I just wanted to also echo my thank you to you and Dealer Tom Bellemare for a great sale.  I bought several items on the 10-30 percent sale and some more items when you went to 40 percent.  No regrets with either.  I even upgraded from the TS55 EQ I bought early on to the TS55 REQ when the 40 percent sale started.

Tom has been super at tolerating my bad jokes and incessant questioning about the products.  I almost feel bad every time I call him.  I'm still a newbie (had no Festool at all a year ago).  I've asked Tom lots of questions and he has always been very polite and he's done his best to steer me in the right direction.

If I were a contractor who depended on my tools I might go for full price and the three year warranty, but I'm a hobbyist and I really appreciate the more affordable price.  I have no complaints about this sale.  It has provided me an opportunity to seriously upgrade my tools.

Mike A.

 

[Gary in Texas]

My apologies, I rambled in my original post, mentioned details already hashed over time and again, and should have gotten directly to the point.

I was simply trying to question what it would take for anyone to get off the fence, and buy a reconditioned tool at the standard discount program?  The one time offer at 40% discount definitely reduced the recon tool inventory!  (And I was able to purchase what I wanted to; a TS 75, C15 set and T 18 set, so, I'm extremely happy!!!). Many have posted they wouldn't participate in buying recon, at any discount, at the loss of two years warranty.  I am, for the most part, in that camp.  I would definitely consider buying a recon'ed tool, particularly one with little or no use, like new in box, if it came with a longer warranty.

The sole intent of my original post was to question what changes, if any, would it take for you to purchase a recon tool at the 10 or 20 percent discount? 

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I am, for the most part, in that camp.  I would definitely consider buying a recon'ed tool, particularly one with little or no use, like new in box, if it came with a longer warranty.

Except for those three 40%ers.  [poke]

For some people, the discount of 10-30% is worth the shorter warranty. We have such a low warranty repair rate, that it's a risk I would personally take. But, each person needs to evaluate the pros and cons for themselves. The recon program is really a good opportunity for first time buyers, in my opinion.

I appreciate all of the posts expressing thanks for the program. It still won't change the fact that this is the one and only 40% off recon sale. [tongue]

 

[wow]

...what changes, if any, would it take for you to purchase a recon tool at the 10 or 20 percent discount?

With Festool now charging tax in my state, I would only save about 2% by buying a 10% off tool compared to buying new from one of the many fine dealers here. Not at all worth it.

Then there's the 20% off, which ends up being about a 12% discount compared to what I could buy a new tool for. I doubt that I would even consider that, as the longer warranty is worth that much to me. IF the 20% off tool also had a 3-year warranty I *might* consider it.

That leaves the 30% off, which ends up being about a 22% discount compared to what I could buy a new tool for. I definitely WOULD consider that, depending on the tool.

 

[Samo]

I am 100% satisfied  [big grin]

 

[Iceclimber]

Im gonna buy a Kapex in the next week or two. Although a 40% offdeal and i have seen more than one is tempting i just would never do it.

With all the problems i have been able to dig up about people having problems with the kapex i want every bit of the 3 year warrantee!

Now 180 sander or $290 CT well im my mind thats a bit more easy to swallow.

 

[RJNeal]

I have purchased four tools off the Recon sale. Two - year ago or so.
On the first way of the 40% off I emailed Bob that night for a carvex basic (thinking that my c15 batteries would work fine). If the order didn't go though or the jig saw was already sold I didn't really care. After the carvex showed up a I realized the batteries really wouldn't work. I was looking into picking up so 18v batteries.
Enter the second wave of 40% off sale. I immediately calle Bob and got his voice mail ( his box was full). Two minutes later I was talking to Aldo from the Festool store. T18 with 4.2ah on its way.
Thank you Festool, Shane,Bob,and Aldo

To moral here is to try other dealers if your preferred dealer is busy helping their other customers.

Rick

 

[Samo]

I have purchased four tools off the Recon sale. Two - year ago or so.
On the first way of the 40% off I emailed Bob that night for a carvex basic (thinking that my c15 batteries would work fine). If the order didn't go though or the jig saw was already sold I didn't really care. After the carvex showed up a I realized the batteries really wouldn't work. I was looking into picking up so 18v batteries.
Enter the second wave of 40% off sale. I immediately calle Bob and got his voice mail ( his box was full). Two minutes later I was talking to Aldo from the Festool store. T18 with 4.2ah on its way.
Thank you Festool, Shane,Bob,and Aldo

To moral here is to try other dealers if your preferred dealer is busy helping their other customers.

Rick

Hey Rick!

What's the deal with the Carvex and the 14 volt batteries?  I was thinking of the same approach.

Sam

 

[Runhard]

I have purchased four tools off the Recon sale. Two - year ago or so.
On the first way of the 40% off I emailed Bob that night for a carvex basic (thinking that my c15 batteries would work fine). If the order didn't go though or the jig saw was already sold I didn't really care. After the carvex showed up a I realized the batteries really wouldn't work. I was looking into picking up so 18v batteries.
Enter the second wave of 40% off sale. I immediately calle Bob and got his voice mail ( his box was full). Two minutes later I was talking to Aldo from the Festool store. T18 with 4.2ah on its way.
Thank you Festool, Shane,Bob,and Aldo

To moral here is to try other dealers if your preferred dealer is busy helping their other customers.

Rick

The 15v batteries that come with the C15 should work in the Carvex.

 

[Samo]

I have the 3.0 Ah Li and was under the same impression.

 

[RJNeal]

That's what I was hoping for. But cutting time was not very good.
So I looked at a 4.2 battery and charger. $255 I think then I thought pick up a drill, twin batteries and charger for 300 and change. So the only drill on the recon was the 3.0 batteries. I was trying to decide which way to go when I checked out the recon sale and the second way was added.
Rick