The problem with Festool - poor instruction manuals

[Ken Nagrod]

I agree that the manuals are lousy. I get annoyed every time I buy a new tool. However, I have a theory that they do it on purpose.

Festool is so on top of their game that I find it hard to believe that they couldn't produce a decent instruction manual if they wanted to. They position themselves as the high-end, exclusive choice of people who really know what they're doing. How do you make something exclusive? Make it expensive, and make it require some effort and insider knowledge to use.

Yes, they make great products, but that isn't enough. A major, major asset that Festool has - that most companies would kill for - is a rabidly loyal customer base. This forum is evidence of that. Festool isn't a brand, it's a lifestyle. Forcing people to research in order to learn the tools just pulls them further into that lifestyle, and it further cultivates the user community.

Like most things Festool, I think that it's brilliant.

Maybe you are, but I'm not.  [big grin]

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[PaulMarcel]

Oh, so the shot worked, Ken?  [poke]

 

[Tinker]

Manual? they come with manuals? 

[scared] [eek] [blink]

+1   [laughing] : [embarassed]
Tinker

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Oh, so the shot worked, Ken?  [poke]

I've built up an immunity.

 

[Steve R]

Oh, so the shot worked, Ken?  [poke]

I've built up an immunity.

So you are not apart of the loyal Customer base? [scared]  Or are saying the shot didn't work [eek]... and you are beyond help? [poke]  Hmmm

Cheers,
Steve