What if Festool got into "Mono-Brand-Stores" and selling online - directly.

[six-point socket II]

Hi!

It's an idea that has been floating in my head for quite some time now. And it got triggered again by two things: Festool Sedge's current video and my recent visit to my local Hilti store.

The "Mono-Brand-Stores" (or Boutiques) and direct online sales (from the manufacturer) have been around for quite some time now, especially in the luxury (accessories) sector/market. There are brands that do it like forever, and then there are some who hopped on the train only some years ago. I admit, I'm an admirer of Jean-Claude Biver and his knowledge, unconventional-innovational ideas, understanding of the (this) market and overall approach to life and business. But that's a whole different sector/market - I just wanted to hint where I'm coming from, idea wise. And currently, he strongly urges "specialization" for multi-brand dealers in this market in order to being able to compete with mono-brand boutiques and direct online selling.

So a couple of days ago I was at my local Hilti Center again, to pick up some small items. Normally I would order these online but I guess no one can blame me, I like the shopping experience there. I was close by anyway.

What I love about it is the whole experience, from the buildings design/"architecture", display of almost all tools and accessories - and of course the large amount of Hilti's own consumables. The possibility of testing products on the spot and very friendly and helpful staff.

Upon entering the first question was not: "How may I help you?" or what I was looking for - it was if I wanted a coffee or glass of water. (Yeah, first page of the seller's textbook, I know ... But it works.)

I didn't want to occupy the sales assistants as I was shopping for some small items only, anyway - so I declined and said I just wanted to window shop for a bit and pick up some small items upon leaving. So I went on my way through the isles, looking at different consumables picking up ideas/solutions for further projects. When I stopped at their new very small battery powered vacuum someone immediately gave me a small introduction to it, as they had it sitting there, ready for use.

Now, I've said it before and I say it again - most of the Festool dealer's in my area are way, way and far above average and do a great job. But who can blame them for not heaving everything at hand/ in stock and focussing on their customer base when selecting what they display/sell. Add the roadshow which greatly makes up for it and is awesome - but it's only once a year and depending on location it has to deal with many visitors so time is limited - at least it feels that way.

Then, seeing how much fun people like Sedge (and I hope many other too, at Festool) have, giving tips, working with the tools and educating - imagine meeting someone like him at a Festool "Mono-Brand-Store". It wouldn't be down to just buying a tool, consumable or plain window shopping - but you're leaving with a handful of great tipps and tricks that actually help you.

I mean, take the current video - which is totally awesome by the way -https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi7JlvcHXss/?taken-by=festoolsedge - How many dealer's could offer this tip right now, how long would it take someone to figure this out on his/her own?

And then, if such a store is operated/funded by Festool itself, you're paying for it with every Festool purchase - no matter where. Which takes away (for me) the awry feeling of taking advantage of "someone" ...

I could totally see this. A cool place, partly visible wooden structure, partly "industrial" steel/rivets visible, sheet metal in Festool Blue ... All tools, testing area, walls full of accessories, true experts who love what they do and offer their real-world advise, a TV or two with Sedge's tipps/tricks/hacks looping ...

I'd love that. I'm allowed to dream - right? And I also admit, I'm simple like that  [eek] [tongue] [big grin]

Anyone else feeling the love for a Festool owned "Mono-Brand-Store"?

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[TinyShop]

Thought provoking idea! That said, brick & mortar stores are largely going the way of the dinosaur with online sales increasingly dominating the retail landscape. This is due to the fact that they are incredibly expensive to operate (especially when compared to only wholesaling and/or operating digital stores). I really have to wonder how Hilti is able to make the economics work, though I bet it has something to do with more and more of their tools being produced in China (amazing how paying workers practically nothing and looking the other way in terms of environmental destruction frees up the bottom line). If Festool wants to avoid the race to the bottom they'll stick with wholesaling while possibly considering pursuing the direct-to-consumer model.

 

[sancho57]

Good Idea Oliver.

But here is the states I dontknow if its practical. I can say that some dealers such as Anderson Plywood have a complete festool shop set up. So if I need to learn how to do something Don who is plain awesome will take his time and show you how to do something. recently when I bought the Undulating head for my planer, I asked him if their was a method to using the head. He took a out 850 planer and showed me some pointers on useing it. Another time and more recent I needed some rustic Hickory Plywood. They were the only ones I found that had it since they got it on a special deal it was a very good price.

So I stopped by to get some (1 hour drive each way) and got to talking with Don. Im making some legs for this bed set Im building (photos to come) and wanted to know how to use the domino to join  45s together. He cut some scrap took a domino 500 and explained and showed me how to set up the domino to make the cut.

So what Im trying to say is I may not get a cup of coffee. But we do have dealers who are set up to give us tips etc.

Thats last trip is when I saw the connector set up close and personal. Wow its nice. Almost bought one right then and there. Sure could of used it for this bedroom set Im building.

I got another one to build so maybe Ill get the set and use it on that one.

 

[Birdhunter]

I buy my Festool products from Highland Woodworking in Atlanta, Ga. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly.

It is very seldom that I shop there simply for a Festool product. I usually have a shopping list of tools or supplies.

A "Festool only" store would not be ideal for me. I get the expert advice I need on everything from tools to finishes.

 

[six-point socket II]

Hi!

Thank's for the replies so far!

One thing for clarification, please don't get caught up in the coffe/water thing or tipps/tricks/advise in general too much, I know that there are dealers who can and will offer that.

My personal focus is clearly on the full range of tools and accessories. So if in the US (or anywhere else for that matter) dealers stock all of the available stuff - that's very cool. It's rather seldom here. What do I mean by that: I've made it a habit to call and check for availability before I drive anywhere, because more often than not, I learned the hard way and finally had to drive to 3 dealers to get what I wanted.

So this is basically my key point if you want: I would love a store where I can get any and everything readily available of the shelf from a single brand. And staff that is focussed on this one manufacturer, rather than on 3, 4 or 5 different ones.

There are so many sources with experts for everything else around here, but the tools and accessories seem to come short.

At least that's my impression. If I wanted some advise on a paint, wax or oil - no problem. But when trying to talk tools in the same location it's like: I can look that up in the catalog for you. I don't blame them at all, but that's why I would prefer to buy from a more tool focussed source/location.

Maybe makes my thoughts more tangible?

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Cheese]

So Oliver, you’re proposing the Festool equivalent of an Apple store. An interesting thought.  [scratch chin]

Now, if only Biver would change brands. [popcorn]

 

[six-point socket II]

While I hadn't thought of Apple, but yeah same recipe.

Speaking of Biver, he is the type of man who can (could) make it work - absolutely. I'd bet my last shirt. Foremost because he would sit down with true enthusiasts to catch the fire and carry it on - among many other things.  [big grin]

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[McNally Family]

While I hadn't thought of Apple, but yeah same recipe.

Speaking of Biver, he is the type of man who can (could) make it work - absolutely. I'd bet my last shirt. Foremost because he would sit down with true enthusiasts to catch the fire and carry it on - among many other things.  [big grin]

Kind regards,
Oliver

It could work, but only after the ongoing debate regarding online sales tax play's out.  I doubt even Festool could compete against out of state online dealer sales operations, as long as they don't charge sales tax.  When you are selling expensive items, the sales tax adds up fast. 

 

 

[Birdhunter]

I’m not sure I’d go to a Festool only store when my current store offers everything Festool plus just about everything else Woodworking.

 

[sancho57]

When I go to Anderson they are not a festool only store. however they have everything Ive needed in stock so far. It is hard to find a festool only store that is brick in mortar.

Now in the UK Toucan tools though not a festool only store, had about every festool known to man. I saw stuff I didnt know festool had, box cutters for example all the little things I never expected

 

[tallgrass]

Anderson is a very good example of what I would call the ideal. I high end store with knowledgeable staff and a pleasant atmosphere. I am in there all the time and Don is a wonderful resource. I do not think that a single brand store is particularly efficient hence financially viable. It would place the single brand store in direct competition with mail order  and that for various reasons is a difficult proposition. however Festool would be well served by looking for opportunities Like Anderson Plywood. They have seminars, and specialty days which are fantastic. For example this weekend they will have the Old tool swap meet. A tremendous event and they bring out the festool for demonstration. Just my cents.

 

[Midnight Man]

This is an interesting discussion to read.

I'm based in Australia, and the first thought in my head was "But Festool already sell direct to consumer" - then I realised, this is possibly something in Australia only.

Our local Festool site (www.festool.com.au) offers any tool, and any consumable, to be purchased direct.  If I recall correctly, delivery is subsidised or removed depending on purchase amount.

 

[Birdhunter]

Apple stores sell lots of non-Apple items.

 

[McNally Family]

Apple stores sell lots of non-Apple items.

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member]

A visit to  Highland Woodworking in Atlanta, Ga., is on my bucket list. 

 

[leakyroof]

Apple stores sell lots of non-Apple items.

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member]

A visit to  Highland Woodworking in Atlanta, Ga., is on my bucket list.

. Me too, and Im in Atlanta every once in a while for training classes.... I just need to rent a car and get it done while I’m there...

 

[rst]

My local Sherman Williams has put up Festool displays but has told me that only one store per district will be stocking.  My closest stocking dealer is 45 minutes away in Williamsport, Pa.  Hermance has been at machinery seller and manufacturer since the initial logging days in the 1800's.  They stock most items and have a large display and customer try out area.

 

[Rip Van Winkle]

This is an interesting discussion to read.

I'm based in Australia, and the first thought in my head was "But Festool already sell direct to consumer" - then I realised, this is possibly something in Australia only.

Our local Festool site (www.festool.com.au) offers any tool, and any consumable, to be purchased direct.  If I recall correctly, delivery is subsidised or removed depending on purchase amount.

Festool used to sell directly to consumers in the USA. I forget exactly when they started selling somewhat thru dealers. I think it might have been 2000, give or take. Woodcraft in the USA was the first chain I’m aware of that carried the Festool tools, although there were some other independant dealers before then. According to the salesman at my sort of local Woodcraft, Festool was trying to build up a network of dealers at the time, and encourage them to carry as full a line of tools and stock as possible, rather than order the tools in for customers.

 

[jeh]

Festool used to sell directly to consumers in the USA. I forget exactly when they started selling somewhat thru dealers. I think it might have been 2000, give or take. Woodcraft in the USA was the first chain I’m aware of that carried the Festool tools, although there were some other independant dealers before then. According to the salesman at my sort of local Woodcraft, Festool was trying to build up a network of dealers at the time, and encourage them to carry as full a line of tools and stock as possible, rather than order the tools in for customers.

It was later than 2000, maybe like 2006 or so. Early on (2001 or so) McFeely's carried them and you could buy on the Festool site. I also had a local dealer who carried a decent number of their tools. As soon as I found the Festool website I switched to ordering from there. At some point the site let you select your local retailer and I believe they received some type of credit for it.

 

[Birdhunter]

Highland Woodworking has a large area dedicated to Festool. I can buy Festool products and supplies, hand saws, chisels, glue, sandpaper, etc with one trip.

Additionally, a Festool Boutique is a tad too la de dah for most woodworkers I know.

 

[mcooley]

One thing which has never been clear to me is where Festool's market is headed. I enjoy the tools mostly. But annual price hikes seem extremely reliant on remaining a boutique company. I could see them come out with a line that is cheaper and maybe that would make sense having two tiers to choose from. This is a simple example but look at the new 500 domino tenons for the new connector system and ask yourself why are those assortments priced so much lower than the other standard sizes? It seems to me they have some ironing out to do if they are to break into the contractor market or more general wood working markets. I think when the Pro sander was offered at $90 it got many of us thinking why not incorporate this in some meaningful way into the brand and not simply as a promotional strategy?

I believe the entire company has 20 engineers and only 2 designers. That tells you something about how they are organized and what oversights and limitations might be built into that type of corporate structure.