What Festool Dealers Do You Like? Dislike?

[BMH]

I live in Portland Oregon. Was introduce to festool by Rockler in Beaverton and soon outgrew their selection and knowledge. I now get tall of my stuff locally at Woodcrafters on NE 6th. Decent knowledge of the Festool system, very good selection of consumables/tools and good service. I used Bob Marino once recently, great experience, will use again. Used McFeely a couple of times while ordering other supplies with my Festool with no problems.

For me, a quality dealer needs to have a good knowledge of the Festool system but also a good supply of consumable. My problem with some of the dealers in the area is, that they have a small selection of tools and consumable. This makes for a very frustrating experience calling around town to see who has the right sand paper or attachment. I suspect this has frustrated more then one buyer in Portland.

I was recently in France and the Festool France website rated the local dealers by the selection of Festool goods they carried and stoked. It also had a rating showing if the store had a demonstration area. This would be helpful for new buyers.

Bruce

 

[Steve R]

An interesting read----I've had mixed responses from stores such as Rockler and Woodcraft and of course great service from Bob.  I believe we tend to expect that all employees of stores should be experts in all items sold by companies such as Rockler and Woodcraft - which is probably beyond reasonable expectations. 

Truck90278,

I would like to reflect on two of your comments.

I have only had one order from Bob, it was for 4 Qwas dogs and 2 Rail dogs. about a $100. I had checked via a call to Bob on the product and was told it would be in and shipped in a couple of days.... The order then was made online.... after about 10 days and had not seen it or gotten an email I called and left a message wondering when I would get them. I got a prompt reply...with a another in-stock date... well played that game about twice more. I was told that the supplier was not able to meet there delivery dates....

I understand that things happen. What I did not appreciate was I had to make contact to find out what was going on every time, never did a get a proactive email or call telling me that things were slow.

When I did finely get the product, one rail dog didn't let the bolt go fully into it.... so had to wait for another to be set and he did pay for return postage.

Just have to say never had this lack of proactive info from a supplier before or ever received any product that did not work from any other vendor.  I have had shipping damage stuff before, but that was not the issue here... so.... 

Will I order from Bob again... not sure... a quick phone reply when I have called, is one thing but getting the product when it is promised and in a working state is also important.

I do understand that retailers are at mercy or their supplier....but as a consumer that is not my problem.... Just make proactive contact with me and I will stand by you.....but make me call several times to find out what is going on .... I don't call that great service.  He made it right...but weeks after it was suppose to have been there when I ordered it.

As a former retail exec, I know what manufactures can and do require of a company/store to allow their product to be placed into and sold by a company at each store. Reality is not all stores may be able to sell the product as they don't meet standards.

Rockler's name has come up too many times here on FOG, for me to not believe that my Business partner and my, 10ish experiances is not a just us......but really is a Rockler company issue. Too many people here have talked about a problem with Rockler's ablitity to understand and present the product.

It is not my place to ask why does Festool USA sell at Rockler?  But I would rather drive farther to get what I need/want from a knowledge dealer.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[truck90278]

Steve, i suspect we are probably in general agreement on our points.  So far, i have had very good service from Bob.  I certainly agree with you that if there is s problem it is reasonable to expect a proactive response from the supplier - especially when it happens more than once.

Regarding Rockler and Woodcraft - the small Rockler store near my home tries to be responsive to any requestes I have made, but does carry a limited supply of Festool items, including sandpaper. Which also includes limited knowledge of the tool line - frequently resorting to the use of the catalogue.  Unfortunately, only one employee in that store is "reasonably" knowledgeable in the Festool line.  I believe the stores like Rockleer and Woodcraft probably pay a lower scale than more specialized stores do (i.e. catering to professionals) and therefore the employees are not as familiar with all tools and their applications.  Fortunately, my slide into Festools began with a gentleman who spent extra time with me (knowing i would not buy from him) at a Rockler store i Michigan.  Do I support my local Rockler store - yes, do i also support suppliers like Bob - yes.  If the level of service decreased to an unsatisfactory point - probably not.

I travel a lot for extended times and find the Rockler's and Woodraft type stores vary significantly in knowledgeable folks - particularly when discussing a particular line of tools such as Festools. 

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I both like and dislike Amazon.  As a Prime member I get 2 day free shipping which is great.  I have their credit card and most small purchases can be paid for with 'points.'  Downside is they show a lot of stuff on there website as "in stock" but its not.  A couple of times I have ordered and a week later got an email saying they were having trouble filling the order and could not give a definite ship date.

I think the problem is not when buying from Festool dealers who also sell on Amazon (though you probably won't get 2 day shipping free then), but when Amazon is the dealer itself.

So any big orders and most stuff that I can wait a week for goes to Bob, but that router bit I need for the project on the bench goes to Amazon (with my fingers crossed).

Since Woodcraft in Albuquerque closed (no big loss, they never had anything in stock either), the closest local dealer is 500 miles away in Denver.  I guess that would be "2 day pick-up at the store". [huh]

 

[Jesse Cloud]

An interesting read----I've had mixed responses from stores such as Rockler and Woodcraft and of course great service from Bob.  I believe we tend to expect that all employees of stores should be experts in all items sold by companies such as Rockler and Woodcraft - which is probably beyond reasonable expectations. 

......

I have only had one order from Bob, it was for 4 Qwas dogs and 2 Rail dogs. about a $100. I had checked via a call to Bob on the product and was told it would be in and shipped in a couple of days.... The order then was made online.... after about 10 days and had not seen it or gotten an email I called and left a message wondering when I would get them. I got a prompt reply...with a another in-stock date... well played that game about twice more. I was told that the supplier was not able to meet there delivery dates....

....
Cheers,
Steve

Not making excuses for either Qwas or Bob here, but the QWAS operation is one man who does this as a sideline.  He's a heck of a good guy and has treated me well, but I also think its wise to expect some occasional delays and other hiccups. 

OK, now maybe an excuse for Bob, this really isn't representative of dealing with Bob.  I hope you will give him another chance.

 

[andvari]

I both like and dislike Amazon.  As a Prime member I get 2 day free shipping which is great.  I have their credit card and most small purchases can be paid for with 'points.'  Downside is they show a lot of stuff on there website as "in stock" but its not.  A couple of times I have ordered and a week later got an email saying they were having trouble filling the order and could not give a definite ship date.

I think the problem is not when buying from Festool dealers who also sell on Amazon (though you probably won't get 2 day shipping free then), but when Amazon is the dealer itself.

So any big orders and most stuff that I can wait a week for goes to Bob, but that router bit I need for the project on the bench goes to Amazon (with my fingers crossed).

Since Woodcraft in Albuquerque closed (no big loss, they never had anything in stock either), the closest local dealer is 500 miles away in Denver.  I guess that would be "2 day pick-up at the store". [huh]

I have mixed experience with Amazon also. Not about stocking issues, but with occasional shipping problems. Especially with heavy items not being packaged appropriately arriving damaged or items that I'm looking to arrive on Saturday. My experience ordering a TS55 through Amazon's fulfillment was definitely unfulfilling. But smaller items they have been pretty good. And oddly their handling of the FS3000 I had delivery by truck freight and it worked very well.

One of the things about Amazon that I really like is that your username/password is global. So if I want to order a toolie or pocket knife or some other NAINA green koolaid I could in theory just pop over to Amazon.co.uk and order it there. Of course the UK Festool prices are such that you wouldn't want to get anything significant that way.

I've done it for DVDs a few times, not wanting to wait for 9 months for some BBC item already out in England to get to the US.

Just remember though - Royal Mail is more like Royal Fail.

 

[Kev]

I both like and dislike Amazon.  As a Prime member I get 2 day free shipping which is great.  I have their credit card and most small purchases can be paid for with 'points.'  Downside is they show a lot of stuff on there website as "in stock" but its not.  A couple of times I have ordered and a week later got an email saying they were having trouble filling the order and could not give a definite ship date.

I think the problem is not when buying from Festool dealers who also sell on Amazon (though you probably won't get 2 day shipping free then), but when Amazon is the dealer itself.

So any big orders and most stuff that I can wait a week for goes to Bob, but that router bit I need for the project on the bench goes to Amazon (with my fingers crossed).

Since Woodcraft in Albuquerque closed (no big loss, they never had anything in stock either), the closest local dealer is 500 miles away in Denver.  I guess that would be "2 day pick-up at the store". [huh]

I have mixed experience with Amazon also. Not about stocking issues, but with occasional shipping problems. Especially with heavy items not being packaged appropriately arriving damaged or items that I'm looking to arrive on Saturday. My experience ordering a TS55 through Amazon's fulfillment was definitely unfulfilling. But smaller items they have been pretty good. And oddly their handling of the FS3000 I had delivery by truck freight and it worked very well.

One of the things about Amazon that I really like is that your username/password is global. So if I want to order a toolie or pocket knife or some other NAINA green koolaid I could in theory just pop over to Amazon.co.uk and order it there.

I've done it for DVDs a few times, not wanting to wait for 9 months for some BBC item already out in England to get to the US.

Just remember though - Royal Mail is more like Royal Fail.

Amazon shipping is pathetic. Three large books shipped from US to Sydney in nothing but a little corrugated cardboard.

Damaged of course!

You  would think they could get shipping books right. But no  [mad]

No doubt I could go through the effort of return and replacement - but my time is worth more to me. I shop online for such things to save time ...

I'll only shop from Amazon as a last resort, if nobody else has what I want.

 

[adubeau]

Well.... my experience has been hit or miss with local salesmen some own the tools and know a great deal and others just know the standard sales pitch...  Prior to buying any tool I have done months worth of research and when it comes time to buy I just go get the tool and avoid dealing with the sales pitch.. Whoever is the lucky guy or gal they get the commision if any for just being at the right place at the right time...

 

[MrMac]

There are three Festool dealers in my area. (Vancouver region, Canada) The original "Ultimate Tools" is my go-to place. Why? I can go in a browse, try stuff out and not be pressured to buy anything. I did anyway

Lee Valley tools is also handling Festool, but I haven't yet seen them in their stores. Not to say they are not there, as I am usually rushing by on my way somewhere else.

A large local tool dealer is now also handling Festool. My initial impression of them was not so great, as I found one day explaining how the TS55 worked to a fellow customer while one of the sales reps looked on ???? (edit: this was last year, and when I stopped in yesterday the Festool guy was really up to speed on Festools)

I am staying with my original dealer, "Ultimate Tools" as his service is outstanding. The others might be good as well, but I am a conservative guy- I go where I feel "safe" ie: I know that I will get the straight goods, and I can (Very important!!) try the tools out.

It all started a few years back, I needed to make a tapered cut. TS55...... then came the CT26, then the RAS, Domino, Kapex, 1400 router,  and some accessorie kits. Oh, several rails for the TS as well

Mentioned to my wife that my old drill set was dying (batteries, chuck) and that there was a Festool drill..... LOL

bottom line: I ain't getting a new drill anytime soon. I can hear that 15V calling out to me!

 

[Dave Hale]

Love Uncle Bob. He's still nice to me even after I backed into his gate.  [eek]
ToolNut (festoolproducts.com) has never done me wrong either. I use them when I want to avoid the tax.  [wink]

Now Woodcraft. I have bought from them a few times, just supplies, but I'm finished with them after the last encounter.
Walked into the store ready to buy a MIDI and some supplies. They didn't have one in stock. I suggested I still buy
and they could ship to me. They said, 'Sure, but you'll have to pay a shipping charge'. ?? If I ordered from WC online, there
wouldn't be one. If I ordered from any Festool dealer online, there wouldn't be one. Fail. I walked out and won't buy
, at least Festool, from them again.

 

[avcustominteriors]

Ive bought from woodcraft locally a bunch of times but for an item they didn't have in stock they wanted to charge me shipping and tax. tax was fine, but shipping? most places are were free at the time, so I bought somewhere else. I shouldn't have to drive back a forth to pickup the item when others will ship to my door free. I don't buy from them anymore. They weren't really knowledgable on the products I was interested in and I always felt like I was wasting my time and money with them.

I bought a few times from Mcfeelys, although service is great, the few times I wanted things, they ended up on backorder and I wasn't told before I made my purchase until I contacted them a week later wondering what was going on. I prefer the courtesy of letting me know before I purchase something with someone when I will expect  or at least saying the item is out of stock, you can cancel or wait until we get in stock. I haven't bought from them since.

They last year or so I have tried Amazon, for 5-6 months I had no problems. Everything arrives fast and usually in 2-3 days until I ordered the TS55 kit and the tracks came damaged. Id say those aren't packed the best by festool, but UPS could handle better too IMO. No problems on returns and replacement came the next day. Amazon service it pretty good. I still buy from them and I would have bought on my next purchases but they didn't not have or have in stock at the time.

I then put an order through Beaver tools for planex, ct 36 ac, blast gate. A week goes by and nothing. Then I contacted to ask when my items are shipping because I need them for a job and they said the ct 36 ac was on backorder. Again, another dealer who never mentioned on their website if the item was on backorder or sent me an email telling me until after I contacted them. They had told me they didn't know when to expect it in. I told them Id like to cancel the order. They never said I could cancel so they quickly sent out the planex out. I said the planex is no good without the vacuum. They said I can use any vacuum. I said I know, but didn't have one to use. I then reiterated myself saying I wanted to cancel. They never once offered to cancel my order. I said other dealers have the vacuum in stock and our ready to ship. So 4 days later the ct 36 ac shows up.

Again, its a hassle to go through the process of communication with beaver tools. It really is ridiculous and a waste of my time. Their responses are slow and they never fully answer all of my questions. Ive sent multiple emails and never get a response on when Im asking about purchasing something and having a problem at checkout. And why bother telling me Ill get a t-shirt or cap with my purchase but never send.

On a side note I have communicated with tool nut & tool-home. Both have communicated very well with me and extremely promptly. They have always been quick to respond and always answer my questions. Their service is what I should be counting on.

Like many of you do, I purchase a lot of festool products. I spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on festool. Im probably close to 100k. Im just looking for a dealer who communicates with me well, answers my questions promptly, ships my products in a timely manner, and provides great service. Is that asking too much? If they can throw in a shirt and cap here and there for my crew thats great. Im sold on Festool products and their quality and service is great which I why I spend 80-90% on their products. I wish they made more tools, because I would buy them.

Meanwhile, from now until the next 2 months I will need to purchase a Kapex with mobile cart CT -36 AC, Planex (probably 2 or 3 because as of now I'll be returning my order with beaver tools.), a couple drill sets, a couple mft tables, track saw, jig saw, routers, ETS & RO sanders, and tons of accessories. Because I have 4 or 5 crews I usually will need one for each crew depending on what I already have and who needs and like what.

Sometimes I wish festool sold festool,  it seems like it would be much easier to deal and work with someone direct.

I appreciate dealers who like to earn my business and communicate on a personal level than just push me off as someone who just its an order through online. Im not just a one order purchase guy.

Thanks for all opinions and help. I greatly appreciate it.

 

[GPowers]

I have bought form both Bob and Tom both are great Festool dealers.  Very knowledgeable, great service and fast shipping.

Rockler is another story very limited supply on hand and special orders take FOREVER!!!!!

 

[tallgrass]

I am a huge fan of Anderson plywood. Culver city.

 

[txrpls]

Without a doubt Tom Bellemare www.tool-home.com. Beware as a hobbyist drugs might be cheaper [eek]

 

[tallgrass]

I would add Allen Kingsley is great and a fantastic asset for Festool.

 

[jvang]

CU Woodshop, Champaign IL        the whole team is friendly and very knowledgable, if they don't know they find out.

 

[Kodi Crescent]

How about Festool Junkie?  Is that place any good?

 

[builderbob]

How about Festool Junkie?  Is that place any good?

Festool Junkie doesn't exist anymore!

Bob

 

[Kodi Crescent]

I guess he wasn't any good then.