Traveling Academy

[a1gutterman]

Hi Dusty,

I just got home after another fantastis day at the Traveling Academy.

Today we had only four in attendance. It is almost like going to a provate class. With that student/teacher ratio there is an unbelieveable amount of time to ask questions and get detailed explanations.

If one needs a detailed explanation you can't get one any better than from Rick Davis.

Problem is, it just makes one want more and more. More one on one, more equipment, more time to stay in class. Shamefully, I get gready for more info than is my fair share.

I really feel bad though. There is no way that Shopsmith is reaching a pay back on this class. This sort of showing hurts the bottomline big time.

I can't help but feel that the marketing effort is some how missing the target by a long way.

Students must be recruited. They are not going to come in off the street just because.

There is no way that the tuition is a profit maker for them. They know this. In fact, the low tuition should attract "students". The 50% off gives them an idea of how many will be coming, and the free spouse option gets the wives involved. They make their money off of the tools that you buy, during the class and down the road too. I will grant you that a 4 person class is not going to generate a lot of sales today, but some of you "students" will buy additional items down the road based on what you learned at the TA. And if you/they don't, the west coast will suffer the same fate that the rest of the country has: No more TA's. They do provide the schedule on the World Wide Web]http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/trav ... gister.htm[/URL] . This web page could use a little help; It is not real obvious that there are two options on checking the schedule. Some of you may not realize that if you scroll down, you can check the schedule of any entire state, not just a certain zip code.

Short of spending a lot of money to advertise that the TA will be in a particular area, there is not a lot they can do: They are restricted from sending blanket "junk e-mail" (read that as SPAM), TV ads are cost prohibitive, newspaper ads will go unnoticed. Do you have an idea that they could use?

Now then, forget all that, what did you buy?:D

[james.miller]

I received an email about the Tucson TA about 2 months ago and promptly signed up and put a post up of SSUG. Not sure why they didn't send out more emails especially to other frequent customers.

It's dangerous going to the TA because I learn about more tools that I end up wanting but I always learn a lot of new things.

[a1gutterman]

Hi Jim in Tucson,

This is a perfect example of what I am talking about:D .

I received an email about the Tucson TA about 2 months ago and promptly signed up and put a post up of SSUG. Not sure why they didn't send out more emails especially to other frequent customers.

It's dangerous going to the TA because I learn about more tools that I end up wanting but I always learn a lot of new things.

[kalynzoo]

Strange you should mention it. I was looking for a Traveling Academy in California. Started searching in my zip code and expanded to 200miles. Nothing. I went to one after purchasing my SS, and found it rewarding. I still have never used the lathe, but would like to. Guess I just keep to busy with my other projects. So a hands on refresher would be appreicated. Hope SS can calender a date a few months in advance so I can plan to attend.

[a1gutterman]

Hi Gary,

They always schedule them a few months in advance. Right now they are scheduled through the first week in May! I have been keeping an eye on the TA schedule for the last year or so, and there seems to be more than one trip through CA in a years time, so keep checking:) .

[dusty]

Thank you so much; rick and Shopsmith and all the guys in the class. This was a famulous week in the TA Classroom. Wish I could do this every week.

Next best thing - I'm going to learn to ride the bevel without thinking about it. If I can do that, it'll be a great accomplishment for me.

Thanks again.

All you others - if you haven't been to a TA, you are missing out. If there isn't one in your area - let Shopsmith know you want one!

[nhvry]

Has anybody heard if they will again offer classes on the east coast? I'm sorry to see that Rick (great teacher) is the only one left. I took the beginning class with Rick when I first got my machine a couple years ago and the lathe class with Spike in North Carolina in Dec. 2006 and it was excellent. I'd like to repeat.

[guvnuh4]

Does anyone know if they find themselves in the Midwest (preferrably close to Iowa...)? I'm crazy interested in taking these classes, but right now it looks like the closest is in Kansas, a 3 hour drive for me, not so doable.

[a1gutterman]

Hi nhvry and guvnuh4,

Has anybody heard if they will again offer classes on the east coast? I'm sorry to see that Rick (great teacher) is the only one left. I took the beginning class with Rick when I first got my machine a couple years ago and the lathe class with Spike in North Carolina in Dec. 2006 and it was excellent. I'd like to repeat.

From guvnuh4:

Does anyone know if they find themselves in the Midwest (preferrably close to Iowa...)? I'm crazy interested in taking these classes, but right now it looks like the closest is in Kansas, a 3 hour drive for me, not so doable.

The only ones that know are SS. Call them and ask. The more that call, the more chance you will have. As I understand it, the reason they quit doing them was the return on investment just wasn't there. The West coast has remained profitable. So far. So what did you buy Dusty?

[kd6vpe]

I am registered for the beginning turning TA in Tulsa. I have never been to a TA. As you guys may know I am new to all of this woodworking stuff but having a blast. I only wish I would have do it sooner. Do you have to bring anything with you tools wise? I can't wait as it gets closer I keep thinking about what I am going to do when I get the training. The anticipation is killing me.