PowerPro Demand Exceeding Supply?

[algale]

So,if you go to the page for buying a PowerPro headstock, http://www.shopsmith.com/shopsmithpower ... rchase.htm, there's a new message: Expect a 5-6 week delay because, "demand for the Shopsmith PowerPro has exceeded our supply of DVR motors." I don't recall seeing a message like that before. I wonder whether there's a surge in demand or whether something is up with their DVR supplier.

[rjent]

I would imagine that the demand is just high. They probably aren't adding any new people for building the units, and I have heard (through a grapevine) that they really need to add some people to keep up with build demand.

I would imagine the motors are pretty much built and waiting.

I hope there is a huge demand that is causing this, keeps the mothership in business!

[sawwood]

I ordered my PowerPro DIY kit back in mid February through one of the demo's late on a Saturday evening and it was delivered via FedEx the following Friday, 6 days!!!!!!!!

Contrary to rumors? of backorders, delays, ie "Item may be on back-order or is made upon ordering", everything I have ordered of late, "specials" (March 2015) has arrived fairly quickly with NO problems.

[djr]

Contrary to rumors? of backorders, delays, ie "Item may be on back-order or is made upon ordering", everything I have ordered of late, "specials" (March 2015) has arrived fairly quickly with NO problems.

No rumor here:
556224 PREMIUM CASTERS W/TEMPLT
(Currently Out of Stock) 1 42.99 42.99
Subtotal For Items 42.99
Shipping and Handling 10.99
Sales Tax 0.00
Total 53.98

[Gene Howe]

So,if you go to the page for buying a PowerPro headstock, http://www.shopsmith.com/shopsmithpower ... rchase.htm, there's a new message: Expect a 5-6 week delay because, "demand for the Shopsmith PowerPro has exceeded our supply of DVR motors." I don't recall seeing a message like that before. I wonder whether there's a surge in demand or whether something is up with their DVR supplier.

On one hand, I'm sorry you have to wait. On the other hand, I'm happy for the reason....if it's truly a supply/demand problem.

[dusty]

So,if you go to the page for buying a PowerPro headstock, http://www.shopsmith.com/shopsmithpower ... rchase.htm, there's a new message: Expect a 5-6 week delay because, "demand for the Shopsmith PowerPro has exceeded our supply of DVR motors." I don't recall seeing a message like that before. I wonder whether there's a surge in demand or whether something is up with their DVR supplier.

On one hand, I'm sorry you have to wait. On the other hand, I'm happy for the reason....if it's truly a supply/demand problem.

Why do we so often doubt what we are told? Is this just like my doubts that the carrier and its flotilla has positioned off the coast of Yemen just to ensure the smooth uninterrupted flow of ships in the shipping channels.

If Shopsmith was to tell detailed production numbers for the Power Pro, I doubt that I would be able to take them at face value. Why? Because they won't even share part numbers with us let alone tell us production quantities. I think they changed serial numbering schemes to make it near impossible to determine production quantities.

Just like in the military - NO NEED TO KNOW.

[benush26]

My "wild ass guess" is that Tekna is ramping up production for their new drill press and between the lathes and drill press with the shift of production from Australia to China, they are making Shopsmith wait longer to get their motors. If in fact Shopsmith IS being made to wait.

No knowledge, no facts, just pure speculation based on wild ass guessing. Maybe I should try and get a job as a government economist!

Be well,
Ben

[Ed in Tampa]

Be my guess Shopsmith has to buy a shipping container full. I have no idea how many fits in your everyday shipping container but I'm guessing it is a lot. Be my guess Shopsmith doesn't want to order that much until they have a certain number sold. It gets expensive having extra sitting around.

I don't know their target number but I will guess it is close to 1/4 of the total. If my pricing guess is correct 1/4 sold at current price will pay their cost for the rest.

[dusty]

Be my guess Shopsmith has to buy a shipping container full. I have no idea how many fits in your everyday shipping container but I'm guessing it is a lot. Be my guess Shopsmith doesn't want to order that much until they have a certain number sold. It gets expensive having extra sitting around.

I don't know their target number but I will guess it is close to 1/4 of the total. If my pricing guess is correct 1/4 sold at current price will pay their cost for the rest.

You are kidding, of course. There is no way that Shopsmith is running at a 75% profit margin. Maybe the other way around.

If they were running at a 75% profit margin, there is no way they would allow themselves to be short on inventory required to build. Lost production time is much too valuable (especially at that margin).

[JPG]

Be my guess Shopsmith has to buy a shipping container full. I have no idea how many fits in your everyday shipping container but I'm guessing it is a lot. Be my guess Shopsmith doesn't want to order that much until they have a certain number sold. It gets expensive having extra sitting around.

I don't know their target number but I will guess it is close to 1/4 of the total. If my pricing guess is correct 1/4 sold at current price will pay their cost for the rest.

You are kidding, of course. There is no way that Shopsmith is running at a 75% profit margin. Maybe the other way around.

If they were running at a 75% profit margin, there is no way they would allow themselves to be short on inventory required to build. Lost production time is much to valuable (especially at that margin).

Considering Ed's past history, I doubt he was kidding.

BTW that was a 300% markup! == 75% margin.