No ShopSmith

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:08 pm

foxtrapper wrote:Those wood shows are full of customers. It's an absolutely great place to get a product exposed and get those customers all excited about your product. So is a Lowes, and paper ads in wood working magazines.

When a product has no advertising, it has no customers because the customers don't know it exists. It's a circle of death that many a good company has gone down. Most people today think Shopsmith is some long extinct tool that their grandfather used to use. They have no idea it's still made, and still a very good versitile tool. All because of no advertising.

YES, what you say is very true. I have a booth at Florida's Largest Home Show in Tampa, FL 3 times a year where I display my restored 1955 Greenie. Almost all the people coming by my booth are surprised that Shopsmith still exists. Normally, I have to show them my Shopsmith catalogs before they will believe me. I get to discuss Shopsmiths with many interesting people.

The many liability issues prevents Shopsmith from suppling or approving any customer supported actions, demos or shows. Therefore, Shopsmith does not supply me with any catalogs or literature even when I requested it. I have been warned not to display or use any separate Shopsmith sign/Logo, cap or apron in my booth. I do not have a problem with this as I am only looking for a few repair or rebuild jobs. I explain to everyone who stops at my booth that I am not associated with Shopsmith in any way, shape or form just to make sure.

If anyone is visiting Tampa, Fl on the last weekend in October, first weekend in March (7&8) or on Labor Day weekend, I have free tickets available for the Home Show.

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:18 am

You also have to remember who is hosting the shows (sponsor is Wood Magazine). The only vendors I saw were those who also advertised in their magazine. With Shopsmith's recent downsizing, I don't think you will see a presence at these shows. I did experience the same thing that Taquin did when it came to purchasing: vendors seemlingly reluctant to close a sale. I did not see any great savings when it came to purchasing anyway so I made a list and went to my local Woodcraft. I figure if I'm going to spend money, it would be better for me to stay within the local economy. I value service more than the sale (don't we all?).

BPR

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:31 am

ryanbp01 wrote:You also have to remember who is hosting the shows (sponsor is Wood Magazine). The only vendors I saw were those who also advertised in their magazine. With Shopsmith's recent downsizing, I don't think you will see a presence at these shows. I did experience the same thing that Taquin did when it came to purchasing: vendors seemlingly reluctant to close a sale. I did not see any great savings when it came to purchasing anyway so I made a list and went to my local Woodcraft. I figure if I'm going to spend money, it would be better for me to stay within the local economy. I value service more than the sale (don't we all?).

BPR

Is your "Local Woodcraft" locally owned/operated. If NOT it would only help the LOCAL employees! Better than nothing I guess.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:41 am

I was there Friday and Saturday. I did knot see either one of ya.

Right now my interests are in turning, so I did see much there on that. Peachtree supply was there, but I thought MOST of they're product was junk.

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:44 pm

jpg40504 wrote:Is your "Local Woodcraft" locally owned/operated. If NOT it would only help the LOCAL employees! Better than nothing I guess.

Yes it is!

BPR

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 5:47 pm

ryanbp01 wrote:Yes it is!

BPR

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!;)

cincinnati10 · Post by **cincinnati10** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:33 pm

Perhaps you know that SS sells a 5/8 arbor for the SS so we can buy standard bore blades.

As far as how they are marketing the Mk V, SS participates in card packs direct mailed to targeted market segments.

cincinnati10 · Post by **cincinnati10** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:36 pm

I'm puzzled as to your assessment that Peachtree only had "junk" at the show. They have a nice selection of products. I found them friendly and easy to do business with.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:35 pm

cincinnati10 wrote:They participate in card packs direct mailed to targeted market segments.

My market must knot be targeted: I get those packets all the time, but I have knot seen any SS card!!!

kartoffelkopf · Post by **kartoffelkopf** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 9:46 am

cincinnati10 wrote:As far as how they are marketing the Mk V, SS participates in card packs direct mailed to targeted market segments.

You've got to be kidding, right? By the MANY unopened packs in the trash can at our local Post Office, I'm guessing not too many ever get opened. If that is the big marketing strategy… wow.

I know, I know. I'm not in charge of the company; they can do whatever they deem best. So, I'll just return to my own little world.