Shopsmith sold??

[jalex7672]

Just received a 42" hood kit for my DC3300 that's been on backorder for over a month and a half, and the template in the instruction packet had, at the bottom,

RLFSHOP, LLC. dba Shopsmith
6350 Poe Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45414

Anybody else seen this? Did Shopsmith sell out to a conglomerate? Might explain why everything you order nowadays is backordered or made to order.

Also of note, the template was dated 2012 RLFSHOP,LLC.

[rcplaneguy]

Shopsmith filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and reorganized under the RFL Shop name.

[dusty]

Just received a 42" hood kit for my DC3300 that's been on backorder for over a month and a half, and the template in the instruction packet had, at the bottom,

RLFSHOP, LLC. doing business as Shopsmith
6350 Poe Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45414

Anybody else seen this? Did Shopsmith sell out to a conglomerate? Might explain why everything you order nowadays is backordered or made to order.

Also of note, the template was dated 2012 RLFSHOP,LLC.

Nope, it does not explain that at all. Shopsmith is still in business (under that new name) under the same top management as it has been. I suspect that the back order is a byproduct of a JIT stocking plan. They maintain a minimum inventory except for those things for which demand is well known.

[jalex7672]

Thanks for the responses, RCPLANEGUY and DUSTY. I was just kinda shocked to see another companies name doing business as Shopsmith. And since its been since 2009, guess that shows how often I order stuff, doesn't it? LOL

[dusty]

I suspect that we all had that same reaction back in 2009 when the name change took place. I don't understand all that I think I know about bankruptcy law but when a business files for reorganization, they must undergo some sort of name change in order to go back into that same business (supposedly to alert their customers of a change).

[JPG]

Back ordering has been a reality since before the 'reorganization'.

Not necessarily JIT , but lean for sure. They sold the building they owned then and leased back a smaller portion of it. So they had a 'fire sale' back then and reduced inventory as well as got rid of 'historic' items.

Sad it was necessary, but apparently necessary to survive.

Then was when I began stockpiling parts.

[jobe05]

Sad it was necessary, but apparently necessary to survive.

It's sad that many companies and small businesses have restructured, downsized or closed since the recession started in 2008......

Shopsmith is like The Baily's Building and Loan (It's a Wonderful Life).... They make a great product that last literally a lifetime, which leaves them with making Nickels and Dimes from the parts and supplies. Top shelf company with top shelf people who will always do the right thing for as long as they are here, which I hope is a long time!