Buy something

rocke1 · Post by **rocke1** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:46 pm

Much has been on this forum regarding the loss of Nick and the tough times of shopsmith. We all want the company to overcome these troubling times and I would make a suggestion , lets all buy something now. I ordered a zero clerance insert and the new drill press vise. By myself this is'nt much but if all those on the forum were to follow suit it might help a bit. Sort of chip in a bit.

Rock

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:52 pm

Rock, I just received a partial order today and still have some on back-order. To quote the song... Don't worry, be happy!

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:00 pm

I'm on it like a wet T-shirt!

rocke1 · Post by **rocke1** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:00 pm

Good show George,everone knows Texans are good folks!

Rock
vabch Va.

woodburner · Post by **woodburner** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 4:02 pm

Should I buy something from a company because they are hurting financially? I don't think so. I hate to rain on the parade but I only purchase something if I need it, and during these times of the economy, I'm doublely careful about where and with whom I spend my money.

I just watched a report on MSNBC a minute ago that showed that the DOW is down almost 600 points at the moment. They say the cause this time is because General Motors just released a report on their current car sales around the world and they dropped dramatically. Does this mean I should go and buy a Chevy from them in hopes of saving the company? I don't think so.

At the presnet time, the best thing anyone can do is save their money. To go and purchase something from Shopsmith because there is a panic right now, set in motion by the rumor mill that has been cranking out stories that Shopsmith is going under, just compunds the problem.

If everyone on this forum was to purchase something from Shopsmith right this minute, I doubt it will be enough to pull them back if they are struggling that much financially. It's a nice thought, but it will take a bigger plan than that I'm afraid.

Bob Folkerth posted a message a few days ago about the situation at Shopsmith, and he said not to worry. They just need to stream line some things right now to get back on track financially, and I believe him. Shopsmith has been in this boat in the past, and has always seemed to sail through the tough times. I see no reason to think otherwise at this present time.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 4:53 pm

woodburner wrote:Should I buy something from a company because they are hurting financially? I don't think so. I hate to rain on the parade but I only purchase something if I need it, and during these times of the economy, I'm doublely careful about where and with whom I spend my money.

Bob Folkerth posted a message a few days ago about the situation at Shopsmith, and he said not to worry. They just need to stream line some things right now to get back on track financially, and I believe him. Shopsmith has been in this boat in the past, and has always seemed to sail through the tough times. I see no reason to think otherwise at this present time.

I don't believe that is exactly what Bob Folkerth said in his message. Unless, of course, you received a message other than the one I read. Shopsmith is experiencing financial difficulty and what helps to overcome that situation is sales.

Following is an exerpt of the message I received.

Current economic conditions have significantly impacted the woodworking industry. Shopsmith is no exception. Coupled with limited availability of credit, Shopsmith was forced to look to all areas not providing a positive cash flow to reduce costs. However, in riding the storm, and without going into the specific details, we see a strong future for the Shopsmith product line. So in conclusion, I would like to say, that Sawdust Sessions are an investment in our owner base and play an important role in achieving our mission statement "Enriching Lives Through Woodworking". They will likely be back. Unfortunately, by discontinuing them in the interim, we will likely lose the availability of Nick and Drew. I know of no other team that has the same level of creativity, woodworking skills, and Shopsmith knowledge. They have contributed immensely and will be missed. Bob Folkerth, CEO, Shopsmith, Inc.

I think you have a great idea, rock and I think it is a great gesture. Even if some people don't think so, I believe that every little purchase helps. I expect to receive, today, an order for $260.34 worth of spare parts. I am preparing another order for items such as sanding belts and disks, hearing protection and featherboards.

These are all items that I need. I try not to spend on anything that I don't need. Shopsmith is no exception.

cityslicker2 · Post by **cityslicker2** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 6:18 pm

I'm with woodburner on this one. I truly hope that SS continues to be able to provide parts and new machines and I placed two orders in July and August for parts that I needed but I am not going to place a "symbolic" order just to convey my support. SS already knows they have the support of the forum members - as has been said many times before what they need is the support of hundreds or thousands of new users buying new machines. I don't know their financial standing but I'm fairly sure they need more than parts sales. And everyone should be curtailing spending as individual families are hurting just like companies and every expense has to be justified. I enjoy my hobbies but when times are tough they are luxuries and must be treated as such. On a positive note, I've told my kids to expect more homemade gifts for Christmas and I will be using my SS for much of that.

woodburner · Post by **woodburner** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 6:59 pm

Dusty,

That's great if you have the disposable income to purchase something just to support a company without any real need for the product.

I, on the other hand, do not. Like you said, the purchases you are making are for what you need, and that is fine. I too will make purchases also, if I truly need them.

I will not however make purchases soley in hopes of filling the coffers of a company that seems to need money at the present moment, just so on the off chance they won't close their doors. Also, when reading Bob Folkerth's message (which you felt needed repeating) he did not say they are hurting financially and out of money. He said it is hard for them to receive credit, which it is for most other companies right now. That is why he cut the educational programs. He never said they are not turning a profit right now.

I really do enjoy my Shopsmith tools, do not mistake that. But during these tough times of high costs on everything and job security being what it is, my family will always come first.

shydragon · Post by **shydragon** » Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:30 pm

I'm with woodburner on this one also. In the last five months, I have spent $6000 on SS equipment. $3000 alone at the TA. I know for sure, another person at the same TA spent $3000, because we were comparing what we bought. There were another 10 or 12 that spent money at that TA, how much I don't know. There are other items I want, but none that I need right now. Currently, I have one item on back order. A bandsaw blade, heck I could have gone to Rockler or Woodcraft and saved on the shipping.

eldyfig · Post by **eldyfig** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 8:06 am

$260 worth of spare parts and getting ready for another order? Aren't you retired, Dusty? I would think those living on a fixed income (pension, soc. sec.) or drawing money from their retirement would be a bit tighter on their spending. Aren't you losing money in the market like the rest of us?

I like my SS and hope for them to be around whenever I need to replace a SS specific part. What I read of what you quoted Folkerth as posting, is along the same lines as Woodburner is saying. I feel this has been happening since the economy turned in late 2001. Companies have learned there is fat that can be trimmed.