Shopsmith = SPAM!

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:03 pm

There are few things I just don't understand.
Let me list them

1. I don't understand eveyone's vehement hatred of SPAM, I mean how long does it take someone to hit delete if they don't want to read it? If your getting so much SPAM that your being overwhelmed then I suggest you review your web viewing habits and start deleting some cookies from you temp files. I rarely get unsolicited SPAM, mainly because I keep my temp files clean, and I don't visit websites that offer lures to draw you in so they can capture you web address.

2. I don't understand Shopsmith's mistaken idea they need to offer a E-mail special every couple of days, especially if it is little more than a rehash of an existing sale. I would like to see them adopt a weekly special, monthly special and of course info to let me know of any new product or events.

3. I don't understand why any time someone voices a complaint about Shopsmith or a SS policy many get up in arms. I read every post in this thread and frankly I don't think Jeff got very nice treatment.

4. I don't understand why Nick sometimes seems to throw gas on situations instead of water. While I have not walked in Nick's shoes I think I can appreciate his frustration at times, but I think he says things that some people might take offense to. When I read Nick's post I shuddered slightly and smiled to myself saying that's Nick but I have heard and dealt with Nick for a few years on the forum. However a new guy could easily be offended particularily if he never communicated with Nick before.

5. And the last (I know some of you are saying finally) I don't understand the effectiveness of E-mail specials. I usually have a list of things that I'm on the look out for. If they go on sale I may or may not buy them. Frankly I'm more prone to respond to free shipping of items on sale than I am to extra percentage discount. Can anyone tell me how effective e-mail advertising is?

The things I don't understand
Ed

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:10 pm

Ed Said
5. And the last (I know some of you are saying finally) I don't understand the effectiveness of E-mail specials. I usually have a list of things that I'm on the look out for. If they go on sale I may or may not buy them. Frankly I'm more prone to respond to free shipping of items on sale than I am to extra percentage discount. Can anyone tell me how effective e-mail advertising is?

The things I don't understand
Ed[/quote]

Ed,

I for one purchase goods and services frequently after receiving an email special. For me they are valuable. Jim

seajay62 · Post by **seajay62** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:45 pm

Ed,

People are what make the earth go round. I've learned not to use myself as an example of what other people want or how they think and act. I know from experience that I don't think nor act like the masses most of the time. As a matter of fact, Shopsmith owners don't seem to be like the average woodworker, otherwise we would have and use regular table saws, albeit, bench top to grand master stand alone Delta or Powermatic. We see and like the advantages of using a Shopsmith.

Depending on what sites you go to and how you have your settings at your computer, spam can or can not be a big deal. If you were to receive about 50 or 100 spam emails per day, it could become bothersome. I have my MS Outlook screen a lot of the emails coming in. I get spam for "job opportunities", drugs, and occasionally porn. Most of it gets immediately moved to a "junk" folder by MS Outlook and then I delete them.

As for seeing the specials, like you I have a list of what I would like to purchase and when I have the funds and the price is right, I look to make my purchase. From the responses, a number of us do the same thing. Some people react to specials, others don't. Some people don't think about what they want or need but rather, react to the advertisement of an item on special, whether they need the item or not. Others have good intentions, buy the item, and then never use it. I'm sure you have read some of the write-ups on eBay. I don't know Shopsmith's experience but someone there should be analyzing the results and making determinations as to what is effective marketing. Nick addressed some of this.

I prefer to get the emails from Shopsmith because I enjoy reading most of them and looking at the various items. The only email from Shopsmith that I believe is a waste of time and effort is the ones from Smitty. They do nothing as they are so vague. Again, that is my opinion not necessarily agreed to by others.

Nick’s response wasn't a gas on the fire type, at least not to me. He explained somewhat, what is going on at Shopsmith relative to its marketing approach and networking issues. His annoyance seemed to be based on the implication that Shopsmith doesn't understand what it is doing. JeffSmith wasn't very friendly in his down talking emails. (Again, that is the way I read his emails.) As for the others, people become possessive and don't like "their" company besmirched by a newbie and they also gave input relative to their reaction to the emails.

Without a lot of facts to substantiate it, I personally think that Shopsmith needs to find a way to get the woodworking magazines to understand how many Shopsmith owners are out there and become more aggressive in its niche. How many of us would like to see articles about Shopsmiths, especially by owners/users?

Anyway, it is people like us on the forum that are different one from the other and bring fresh perspectives to each circumstance. I find the dialogue both interesting and useful and do not allow myself to become annoyed by the little things.

I didn't mean to get carried away with this response/comment. I know I didn't address all of your issues, but I hope it helped to bring some understanding to you.

Regards,
Joe

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:23 pm

Joe
I like your style! Great response thanks.
By the way I agree with you on the Smitty articles.

EVERYBODY
I meant no offense to Nick on the gas and water remark. It is just Nick's style and it is one of the things that makes Nick, Nick however I believe some people may find it a touch abrasive at times.
Ed

eldyfig · Post by **eldyfig** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:02 am

For not being a SS employee, Nick sure used the "we" word alot in his post.

I knew what this thread was about as soon as I saw its title. I have noticed the excessive amount of emails from SS also. I was surprised to see others suggest that Jeff unsubscribe. I do not plan to unsubscribe from the emails. I would like to see them come out as a weekly email offer instead. I would think these special offers could be consolidated into a weekly email.

woodburner · Post by **woodburner** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:47 pm

I always thought SPAM was considered email that you didn't ask for but showed up in your inbox anyway.

If you signed up to receive emails from Shopsmith, or any other company, and you get them, isn't that what you wanted? If you signed up for them, how can you now complain that the emails are SPAM?

Any comments?

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 4:54 pm

You can click on this link http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/index.htm and see all current e-mail deal at the top of the page any time.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:52 pm

woodburner wrote:I always thought SPAM was considered email that you didn't ask for but showed up in your inbox anyway.

If you signed up to receive emails from Shopsmith, or any other company, and you get them, isn't that what you wanted? If you signed up for them, how can you now complain that the emails are SPAM?

Any comments?

I agree: IMHO, SS e-mail is not and never has been SPAM.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:54 pm

cincinnati wrote:You can click on this link http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/index.htm and see all current e-mail deal at the top of the page any time.

Although they do have some of their e-mail offers listed there, I do knot think that it is a complete list.