Shopsmith Forums

Administrator:

I agree with Ed. You have missed the boat. The on-line educational features are a great way for woodworkers of all experience levels to become introduced to the Shopsmith.

Now. About your comment about the web site being oriented to those who might be new buyers. Again, you have missed the boat and have gotten all wet. Many times in the past I have mentioned to Moyra Hennesey that it is difficult to near impossible to get to the point where someone could click "add to cart" and purchase a new MK V machine. It is there. But you have to go to great lenghths to find it. Most potential buyers will lose interest long before that.

Also, every catalog that you send out should have the basic MK V machine pricing and ordering information right on the first page. I don't care it it is an accessory catalog or a brochure strictly intended for us old Shopsmith users. After all, we often pass on our catalogs and brochures to family members and friends.

I don't enjoy being critical to those on the Shopsmith staff whom I have great respect and admiration for. However, I want to see Shopsmith's turn-a-round efforts succeed. It is high past time for you to make it a lot easier for someone to buy the basic machine.

rkh2 wrote:I just received an email from Shopsmith telling about their new re-designed home page.

Speaking of email, I have stopped receiving all email from Shopsmith. I used to get several email specials a week, it seemed. That has all stopped. I contacted SS and Dave called to confirm my email, but I haven't received anything since. Has anyone else had this problem?

8iowa wrote:Administrator:

Now. About your comment about the web site being oriented to those who might be new buyers. Again, you have missed the boat and have gotten all wet. Many times in the past I have mentioned to Moyra Hennesey that it is difficult to near impossible to get to the point where someone could click "add to cart" and purchase a new MK V machine. It is there. But you have to go to great lenghths to find it. Most potential buyers will lose interest long before that.

8iowa - When I was new to Shopsmith I made the same argument and I soon learned that we had been down that road before, even had online MARK V specials but learned that unfortunately many folks that are interested in a new MARK V are NOT ready to buy immediately. Most need to see it in person or get some initial exposure and since a MARK V isnt exactly an impulse purchase showing the capabilities of the machine and what makes it unique take precedance over throwing a big add to cart button in their face. As for the catalog, you may have a point, but we also have a direct mail series built around the MARK V exclusively.

I like the Festool videos.. Please take a moment to visit the Festool site and take a look at their webpage and especially the videos that demo their products. Here's a link: http://www.festoolusa.com/faster.aspx
These videos properly introduce an uneducated browser to the Festool tool line is a modern, attractive and informative manner. Shopsmith needs to do the same - an up-to-date video presentation of the Shopsmith Mark V and all of its accessories, in an appealing and engaging manner. I do realize that Shopsmith has budget constraints, but I hope you are shooting for something along these lines in the future. Best wishes for the success of an excellent company! Alec

easterngray wrote:I like the Festool videos.. Please take a moment to visit the Festool site and take a look at their webpage and especially the videos that demo their products. Here's a link: http://www.festoolusa.com/faster.aspx
These videos properly introduce an uneducated browser to the Festool tool line is a modern, attractive and informative manner. Shopsmith needs to do the same - an up-to-date video presentation of the Shopsmith Mark V and all of its accessories, in an appealing and engaging manner. I do realize that Shopsmith has budget constraints, but I hope you are shooting for something along these lines in the future. Best wishes for the success of an excellent company! Alec

I too like the Festool videos. I think the biggest thing I like is the narrator, his voice is clear and they mimimize the tools noise so you can hear him. Festool is a premier tool and they are marketing it as a premier tool. I believe Shopsmith is also a premier tool and I believe they too should market it as such.
Ed

You can also check out
http://www.woodcraft.com/videos.aspx
For videos some done by Scott Philips