Rockler is DROPPING Festool

[GPowers]

Well I heard it from one source and saw it with my own eyes this AM. I was picking up so Jet tools at the 15% off sale at my local Rockler and the manager was taking down the Festool display. I talked to him and he said it was official no Festool for Rockler. Asked if there would be any great deals. He said they might have 10% off the floor models. So not even any deals.

That is a bummer as now the closest dealer is 20 miles west of here at Eagle tools in Glendale.

[sad] [sad] [sad] [sad]

 

[JSlovic]

Interesting
I was at the store in Atlanta the other day and the display was gone they were rearranging the store and I just assumed they hadn't gone back out yet

 

[Kev]

Are you sure who dropped who?

 

[JSlovic]

Interesting
I was at the store in Atlanta the other day and the display was gone they were rearranging the store and I just assumed they hadn't gone back out yet

 

[AlexThePalex]

Always sad to see a dealer quit, and inconvenient.

I've been shopping for Festool for the last 5 years now, and you'd be surprised how many dealers drop Festool after a while.

When I ask them about it, I always get the same answer: "Too much hassle."

 

[gkaiseril]

Does this mean Rcockler stores will not stock Festool products or that Rockler will not sell Festool products.

Festool is still listed in their 2014 catalog but not as prominently as in the past.

2 of the 3  Festool items it bought  from Rockler required a special order from Festool and I had to have them shipped to the store. It is obvious Rockler does not inventory many Festool products. This probably is because of the cost to hold the items in inventory and provide storage space.  They also want upfront payment. I am aware that other manufacturers are now requiring stores or vendors to pay 100% upfront for inventory items. I think the it is more work for the store staff to place the order and  follow-up for pickup upon delivery.

There is no indication on the Rockler web site about the change.

I liked the ability to pickup the orders at the store especially for large dollar items since the delivery service leaves the boxes on the front porch for all to see.

I am lucky since there are 2 other Festool dealers within the distance to the Rockler store.

 

[Kev]

If Rockler were the ones that actively dropped Festool, I'd be curious about the real reasons ... though we'll probably never know for sure.

Could it be that the 30 day trial policy in the US is seen as a high business overhead? Could it be that the knowledge and product range investment is see as too high relative to the returns?

In Oz we have premium Festool shops, they seem to "stick" ... then there's a few that stock some lines, but offer no expertise. We don't have the same level of online sales activity in Oz as is evident in the US today either.

..

Focusing only on the products that are easy to sell and give you a solid return is an understandable approach to business, but it's not necessarily a good long term business strategy!

 

[deepcreek]

I just confirmed with my source that it wasn't really Rocklers choice.  My understanding is Festool took action to protect their dealer network after Rockler committed several sales infractions.  Hopefully, after a few months of penance they can get Festool back in the stores.  That's why they're not liquidating their inventory even though they had to take the Festool displays down.

 

[alpastor]

It looks like they are running through their inventory online. If it's in stock, they will sell it to you (at full price), but if it's out-of-stock you'll get "no longer available", such as with the 1400 router Festool OF 1400 EQ Router with New T-Loc Systainer

 

[SittingElf]

While I realize that having a retailer within driving distance may be a benefit, Rockler has rarely ever offered free shipping on any product except as specials. PLUS, you have to pay sales taxes if bought in the store.

Being a Florida resident, I really have only used Rockler for very limited purchases, and usually only when they have the free shipping special going on.

ToolNut, Bob, and other online Festool dealers ship quickly; don't charge sales tax if you are out of their state, and the shipping is free.  I can't speak for the masses, but I'm willing to wait a few days for delivery if I am saving 8-12% on my purchases. Even Amazon will ship two day for free with a Prime membership, and no tax unless they have a facility in your state. (Which as of 1 May, they DO in Florida...ugh!)

Adios Rockler. No great loss while there are many others to fill the void!

Cheers,

Frank

 

[rljatl]

That Rockler store in Atlanta is fairly close to me, about 15 minutes away.  I think of Rockler more for small parts or other items that not everyone carries.  I don't think the sales staff has the depth of knowledge to properly sell Festool anyway.  I prefer Woodcraft or Highland Woodworking or one of the FOG sponsors for Festool stuff.

Always tough decision choosing between local and web.  I like to support local stores because I want them to stay in business, but I also want the FOG web stores to stay in business. Plus, usually the web stores do not charge tax.

P.S.  Thought I saw an email notice that the Atlanta Rockler store was moving?

 

[Bigchasbroon]

Do you guys get discounts on festool in the US or do festool set the price?

 

[Brandon]

I'm surprised more companies don't drop festool. To many rules and extremely low margins. Paying sales tax makes it even worse.

 

[deepcreek]

Do you guys get discounts on festool in the US or do festool set the price?

I believe the French term is "Prix Fixe" which is nice way of saying, "No discount for you!"

 

[rst]

I don't think Rockler moves enough merch to justify keeping the brand my local dealer still has a lot of items in the old style Tanos latch systainers.  Unfortunately, nothing I need and I don't think they discount even those.

 

[Ajax]

I live just a few miles from a Rockler store in Seattle.  I've outgrown them and rather buy across town at the Woodcraft store or go a few miles in the other direction to a mom-and-pop hardware store that carries Festool.  The hardware store actually sells individual abrasives rather than having to buy a whole box.  This makes it easy to experiment with the whole range of Festool abrasives.

 

[epicxt]

Yeah, Hardwicks & Sons rocks!!  I usually get stuff from them or from Eli at Woodcraft if I'm working in the southern Seattle area.

 

[Jerry68]

From what I understand, it is more like Festool  is dropping Rockler.

 

[nickao]

Strange, but only yesterday I was thinking how downhill Rockler has gone. Form service to what they carry to what the salesman know. I used to purchase at least once a month now I can't remember the last time I made a purchase from them.

As for reasons, it's simple. Business is about making money, even if it were a "hassle" if money was being made Festool would be staying. Either Festool, Rockler or both were not making money. It's a rare thing when money is being made and a relationship stops.

 

[peter halle]

I don't believe that it is money thing.  I believe it is about enforcing dealer agreements.  If dealer agreements are not enforced uniformly than there is in the future the risk of a claim of selective enforcement of the terms of the agreements.  If litigated there is a chance of a ruling that would invalidate the agreements which would be detrimental.

Please note that all of this is just what I would term a guess on my part.  I have no knowledge of why.  I just have to deal with enforcement and contracts on a regular basis in one of my companies and have received a ton of legal advice.

Peter