Reselling Old Festools

[The Woodentop]

I recently sold one of my early Festool purchases and I have to say the price I got on ebay was nothing short of magnificent. For this reason I am not too happy to find companies offering discounts on new Festools as it undermines the value of my investment. Does anyone agree or am I on my own here?

 

[nickao]

I do not  disagree woodentop. But if the discounting is once in awhile I do not think it will effect the value, unless it gets like the carpet commercials where everything is always on  sale. Maybe a once a year discount would be nice.

I kicked it on ebay with my older Festools also. I sold an ets 150 for 200.00 with no systainer. Factoring in the cost of the systainer, I basically got a new sander for free.

Nicka

 

[The Woodentop]

Well I'm glad I'm not alone. I am sure we will all be better off if we manage to stamp out discounting except, as you said, once a year say.

 

[vteknical]

I do wish that Festool themselves would embrace a product or products of the month idea.   Not just to move old inventory for the sake of bringing in the latest greatest. 

Something like C12 current price 345$ April fools sales event 300$ plus 25% off any C12 related consumable

OF1400 current 450$ Summer Sizzler 400 plus 25% off Consumables
Registered existing OF1400 owners can purchase product of the month's consumable at 15-25% off.

The idea is to keep the website and organic and draw traffic to it.  I've seen some dealers on other products I purchase offer a door buster deal of the day in hopes the consumer put one other item in the cart.

Let's also try to understand why some dealers are willing to cut under the table deals in hopes of closing a deal.  The days where the small guy offering the best service are slowing diminishing in the Festool world.  These are proven products, most consumers know they are going to commit to a Festool purchase.  As a result the 800 pound gorilla's sometimes win over customers that the small guy spent hours fluffling based on loop hole on the Dealer agreement. 

This really upsets Ma and Pa tool company but sometimes can work in their favor.  Example, I went to Woodcraft 3 years ago to buy about 2k worth of Festool.  I wound up buying from Bob M because of his service.    Now that the dynamics have changed and I am much more Festool informed, I would be more likely to buy from Woodcraft again based on an impulse.

Let's face it US economy is hurting, perspective customers riding the Festool fence need an incentive to push them over.  Some small guys are hurting too and they will do what it takes to survive.  Not saying it's right just what it is.

Victor

 

[tvgordon]

I did like when they discounted a new tool for a limited time (introductory price - buy now and save $$$ over the regular price).  They didn't do that with the new routers or table.
I also agree with Victor that providing a little discount on consumables or even accessories when you purchase the tool wouldn't hurt either.

Tom.

 

[poto]

One of the reasons I bought my tools in the first place was 1) discount on package deals, and 2) a $50 rebate they were offering at the time. I'm all for occasional sales and discounts, though it should be clear that these are the same at all stores. I think it's important for the buyer to be confident that they are getting the best price - which means the same price everywhere.

 

[Fred West]

I too would not be the least bit upset by an occasional across the board minor discount or introductory discount but generally I am much more in Woodentop and Nickao's court. I want great resale value and consistent pricing. Festool is great and will only stay that way by maintaining it's current quality and consistent pricing. Monkeying around with pricing is always ultimately bad for business. This is not the same however as offering a slight discount for a group or bundled purchase such as a CT33 and whatever. Fred

 

[Brice Burrell]

I don't think we are going to see discounts anytime soon here in the States, but we can hope right. Resale value can be factor in to the overall value of a tool. If you can do what Nick did you really make out.

Hey Fred, I think the post above is your first ever without a single smilely icon.

 

[Fred West]

Brice, it actually may be my third or fourth as I was stupid enough to try and speak nicely to festeringtool and used none then. But just for you. ;D 8) : Fred

 

[merklebob]

i disagree.  i like the festools and own several starting less than 4 months ago.  the market should be free to determine the true price of the tools.  black and decker found out the hard way in the 60s.  they were charged and convicted of price fixing.  not being a laywer i feel festool is close to that point by restricting a dealer's price.  only time will tell.