Recon tools - the final stretch - 40% off all tools

[GreenGA]

Alex, realizing where that scene was going, I laughed my arse off. [thumbs up]

Thank you very much.

Now to the matter at hand..., nothing else could have encapsulated it, and the frustration of FOG members, so well.

I forgot to add.  this is going on my, or my daughter's, FB wall because it's exactly what happens while attempting to purchase PAX East tickets; set to go on sale later this month. [wink]

 

[Greg M]

The recon tools are already a loss for Festool. Should they sink even more money in it to develop a web interface that's only needed for a one-time limited run?

It's FAR from a loss.  What do you think their margins are on new tools?  They are selling refurbished tools at as little as 10% off and finish at 40% off.  Many of these tools are as much as 6 years old.  How in the world can they be loosing money?  They still make a profit on most of the recon tools they sell and the ones that they don't make a profit on are old stock (refurb and new) that they probably kept for exchanges for warranty or repair orders.

They aren't loosing anything.  They are just making a smaller profit on excess used stock that they no longer need.

 

[laanguiano]

A company that rarely has sales is giving 40% off merchandise and people have the indecency to complain?

Cry me a friggin river.

 

[mcooley]

List sure has been temperate for awhile now though.  [sad]

 

[grbmds]

A company that rarely has sales is giving 40% off merchandise and people have the indecency to complain?

Cry me a friggin river.

Not sure why I even am posting on this anymore. I didn't really feel that most were complaining about the limited availability, but rather the process. It seems a difficult process for the retailers as they are trying to satisfy demand from a constantly changing limited supply. I personally didn't have a problem. If I didn't get what I wanted, I didn't get it. I do feel, though, that it makes it very diffcult to buy something when you don't know if it actually still exists in the avaialble supply. It kind of puts us all in the position of competing with each other. Buying new, it's a different situation. You buy from a determined supply. The retailer knows what he has available or access to (if not immediately in stock) and the customer is ordering based on the knowledge that the retailer has it in stock or can get it in a reasonable period of time. I think it's just a frustrating situation, that's all. While I did buy some tools, I will not likely ever buy reconditioned tools in the future again. The price differential (except for the 40% off tools) isn't really enough to justify the risk on loss of 2 years of warranty. It was tempting and I admit to succumbing to the temptation, but would not really do it in the future again. It took some of the enjoyment of having a new tool away from the purchase process. And, let's be honest, that is half the fun of buying a new tool.

 

[ScoFF]

Is there going to be any more tools to be added other than drills, dust extractors, and sys500's?

 

[crsowa]

Is there going to be any more tools to be added other than drills, dust extractors, and sys500's?

I'm hoping so, seeing as how there is still 2 weeks left in this sale.... I'm keeping my eye out as well.  I will agree though, it has become quite stagnant.  I'm biding my time lol.  Hoping some of you all will lose interest and I can jump on a domino or kapex whilst you all are napping  [big grin]

 

[PA floor guy]

How about one item per phone call. At least the odds of getting one again would give the rest a chance. There shouldn't be allowed a guy buying 3 dust collectors and 2 kapex's on one call.  Clearly they're just going to sell one.

Are you talking about me buying 3 midi's. I did everything by the book, I waited, I called, I checked this site a million times just like you. Worry about yourself and you will be fine, I DO plan on using all the vacs I bought, I do this for a living, I often use 5-6 festool vacs at a time or staircase restorations.  There is no need for you to get angry with people because they got what you wanted, I only got 1/3 of what I wanted, besides your Canadian, use there system instead.  Sam

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Everyone, the complaints have run their course at this point. If you have a question, please feel free to post it. If you have a complaint, email me directly. I will delete posts and/or lock the thread if they continue.

I have posted that we have clearly received the feedback on the order process. If we do the recon sale again in the future, I would expect it to change based on that feedback. So, thank you for sharing that. But, let's move on. Thanks.

I have no insight on what will be added to the list of available tools over the next two weeks. I have said that we will added tools between noon and 1:30pm Eastern on days where there are more tools to add. Watch during those times.

Thanks,
Shane

 

[PA floor guy]

Shane,
  I hope you didn't take my post as a complaint, I'm not that way at all.  I am thrilled to get this opportunity to buy at such a discount, as I have stated many times.  I have always taken advantage of these sales, I realize you can't please everyone, but I feel you and festool mgmt have done a great job trying to please everyone.  Thanks. Sam

 

[ScoFF]

Are you talking about me buying 3 midi's. I did everything by the book, I waited, I called, I checked this site a million times just like you. Worry about yourself and you will be fine, I DO plan on using all the vacs I bought, I do this for a living, I often use 5-6 festool vacs at a time or staircase restorations.  There is no need for you to get angry with people because they got what you wanted, I only got 1/3 of what I wanted, besides your Canadian, use there system instead.  Sam

No I'm not pointing you out, and no I'm not even angry.  I'm just making a suggestion for possible future sales to make things so that more people get a chance to own a nice discounted tool, or even their first one they might not otherwise afford as hobbiests.  I got a sander, I'm happy and I'd like to try again if I can another time for another item if there are some left.

 

[PA floor guy]

Than my appologies to you man.  I look at this sale as a lottery each day, if I get another item, great, if not, well then I am prepared to pay full price. Like Shane is saying, there has been so much negativity towards this sale. This has been the best thing ever for me, and it concerns me that this negativity will keep festool from giving us this opportunity again.  "can't we all just get along".  Sam

 

[AlexThePalex]

The recon tools are already a loss for Festool. Should they sink even more money in it to develop a web interface that's only needed for a one-time limited run?

It's FAR from a loss.  What do you think their margins are on new tools?  They are selling refurbished tools at as little as 10% off and finish at 40% off.  Many of these tools are as much as 6 years old.  How in the world can they be loosing money?  They still make a profit on most of the recon tools they sell and the ones that they don't make a profit on are old stock (refurb and new) that they probably kept for exchanges for warranty or repair orders.

They aren't loosing anything.  They are just making a smaller profit on excess used stock that they no longer need.

There are more costs involved in reconditioned tools. Tools have to be send back, that costs money. Somebody has to inspect them. Paperwork has to be done. Tools have to be cleaned and if necessary repaired with spare parts. All costs more money. Of course Festools new tools have a hefty mark up. But if they sell them at 40% off, with all costs I mentioned above and a nice precentage for the dealers who have to sell them, there is not gonna be much of a profit left.

And from a business perspective, whether your profit is 100 dollar or just 5, if you could have sold it for 100% but now have to be satisfied with only 60%, you've just lost 40%.
 

 

[Bob Marino]

The recon tools are already a loss for Festool. Should they sink even more money in it to develop a web interface that's only needed for a one-time limited run?

It's FAR from a loss.  What do you think their margins are on new tools?  They are selling refurbished tools at as little as 10% off and finish at 40% off.  Many of these tools are as much as 6 years old.  How in the world can they be loosing money?  They still make a profit on most of the recon tools they sell and the ones that they don't make a profit on are old stock (refurb and new) that they probably kept for exchanges for warranty or repair orders.

They aren't loosing anything.  They are just making a smaller profit on excess used stock that they no longer need.

There are more costs involved in reconditioned tools. Tools have to be send back, that costs money. Somebody has to inspect them. Paperwork has to be done. Tools have to be cleaned and if necessary repaired with spare parts. All costs more money. Of course Festools new tools have a hefty mark up. But if they sell them at 40% off, with all costs I mentioned above and a nice precentage for the dealers who have to sell them, there is not gonna be much of a profit left.

And from a business perspective, whether your profit is 100 dollar or just 5, if you could have sold it for 100% but now have to be satisfied with only 60%, you've just lost 40%.

I just wanted to mention  a few (more) things about the recon sales in general. The majority of tools being sold as recon tools are as a direct result of the 30 return policy.  The recon program provides a means of Festool to continue to maintain that policy. As Festool's sales grow here in the USA, so do the amount of returned tools ending up as recons. In years gone by, Festool used to donate or (IIRC) sell some of these tools to schools having woodworking classes as well as offering them as recon tools.

I have no idea (nor should I) of what  Festool's costs and profits are on the tools and yep, it costs money to inspect, process and ship the recons, but even a smaller profit is better than having them fill their Indy warehouse, earning no profit. Implementation aside, the recon program is a win win for Festool and customers.

Bob

 

[Dan J]

My 2 cents. I never owned Festool until this sale. Even though I have had my eye on a couple things, I never thought I could take the plunge. Now I am 9 tools in and still looking for 2 more items. The process is a bit frustrating, especially when you call a vendor and they say, in a not so polite tone "can you call back, we're kind of busy". Perhaps this 40% sale may be a bit of a headache for some vendors, distracting from their normal business. Regardless, I am grateful for the whole thing. I might not have taken the plunge otherwise. Just means a bit of time monitoring things and trying to be quick to call when something shows up. I can handle that for a few weeks.
Thanks Shane and others.

 

[ewils91]

I might be off base; at least to some. I have a list of tools that I want to buy sometime during the next couple years or so. I will buy these items eventually, I currently have 7 and many accessories. I look at these sales as an opportunity to knock a tool or two off my list. If I get one I save a some money and am grateful, if not I'll just wait a little longer and buy at retail or if I can't afford it maybe I'll strike it rich on the next sale. I still get my work done with my current Festools and a large selection of their competitor's tools.
Thank you for these sales and keep them coming please, they also help me buy what I want and not necessarily what I need...lol

 

[laanguiano]

Thanks for the Recon Sale Shane.  I would not be able to afford the products otherwise.

I would wait long lines in rain, sleet, and snow like a crazy iphone person to drink some green juice for 40% off.

You just tell me what mountain to climb and Ill put on my boots.

 

[brentmorris]

Thanks for the Recon Sale Shane.  I would not be able to afford the products otherwise.

I would wait long lines in rain, sleet, and snow like a crazy iphone person to drink some green juice for 40% off.

You just tell me what mountain to climb and Ill put on my boots.

+1 to this! I was able to buy a couple of quality tools at a price I could afford. I'll jump through any kind of hoops for deals like this.

 

[crsowa]

Thanks for the Recon Sale Shane.  I would not be able to afford the products otherwise.

I would wait long lines in rain, sleet, and snow like a crazy iphone person to drink some green juice for 40% off.

You just tell me what mountain to climb and Ill put on my boots.

+1 to this! I was able to buy a couple of quality tools at a price I could afford. I'll jump through any kind of hoops for deals like this.

What he said ^

 

[mark60]

Thanks for the Recon Sale Shane.  I would not be able to afford the products otherwise.

I would wait long lines in rain, sleet, and snow like a crazy iphone person to drink some green juice for 40% off.

You just tell me what mountain to climb and Ill put on my boots.

+1 to this! I was able to buy a couple of quality tools at a price I could afford. I'll jump through any kind of hoops for deals like this.

What he said ^

I'll jump on the same bus, Thanks to Shane, Festool, and certainly Bob. I grabbed a TS55REQ that I've wanted for a while but was always too cheap to buy. Now that I've had a little time to play with it Bob will be getting an order for a longer track and clamps initially, then a MFT and I'm sure a Domino isn't too far into my future. To say I'm happy with my tracksaw would be an understatement and it's sucking me into more parts of the "system". I kinda like the color too and even had some matching Frog tape (green painters tape) to aid in DE laying around.