Shopsmith Forums

Does anyone know if SS has ever tried potential customer referrals to actual owners? They could use a link on their website to allow a potential customer to be referred to a SS owner near them thus allowing either a phone call or even a demo of the benefits of ownership. I have seen this with other products recently as well as a listing of owner testimonials in advertising or on the website. Might be helpful - don't know if this has been tried in the past. I for one, always enjoyed the demos; the last one I saw was at a Lowes. Steve

Hi Everyone,

Just another clarification. Shopsmith does sell more machines in the West, both Rick Davis (TA instructor) and Bill Childress (SS demonstrator) have told me this.

The company has been selling more in the West than the rest of the country for quite a few years now, and this was happening before they stopped the demos and TA in the Midwest and East. In fact, the reason they stopped the programs in these areas is because sales dropped off so badly.

Rick told me the other day that when he was selling an average of about $5,000 worth of tools and accessories at each TA, the other instructors in the Midwest and East were suffering with $500 sales. As a company, that would tell me that the programs were not self-supporting and that is why they ended in these regions of the country.

Due to several requests and yes, input from this forum, is why the company is sending Rick on a cross-country Traveling Academy tour starting in September. The company is testing the waters to see if the response is great enough to restart the program(s) in these regions.

I do agree that the company needs to put a lot more effort in getting the word out that they are coming to town again (and still in existince). I think this will help greatly in sales. I remember when they used too time the demo's and TA's together. The demonstrator would come through the area and then about two months later (enough time for your Shopsmith to be shipped and arrive at your shop) the TA would be there. They also offered a tuition certificate to go to your first TA for free. That is how I went to my first one. This was when they only offered the same class for all three days (basic Shopsmith woodworking). You only needed to attend one day/class to learn everything they taught at the time. I didn't pay a dime to attend, just the cost of getting there. I do not know if they still offer this certificate.

I remember when they used to notify owners about the TA by sending out postcards and brochures with great timing. Mine always arrived about three weeks before the TA was scheduled. Plenty of time to make plans to attend. I haven't received one these, or any catalogs or sales flyers for quite a while now. The newest catalog I have received in a year was when I got one from the TA a couple of weeks ago. And even that one is the old Father's Day Sale catalog.

I hope that everything at the company picks up and that more people attend the TA. I hate the thought of having to always search the auction sites to find parts and accessories. Getting some of the items used is not terrible, but I enjoy getting the major items new.

I did receive another announcement that the TA will be in Tucson in just a few days. This is the second official notice that I received. But I have already signed up.

I hope that a similar announcement went to many others in the area. I have spread the word to those I know who MIGHT be interested.

Sure would like to have to get there early every morning so that I have a chance at getting a good seat.

Hi Dusty,

Just a note. Rick opens the classroom door at 8:00 am and the class starts at 8:30 am. This gives you a chance to get there early enough if you'd like to get a good seat.

I had no problem doing this in Fresno two weeks ago due to only five students coming to the class each day (very low turn-out). I got there right at 8:30 am and got a great seat each day.

Also, Rick encourages students to get up and get close during certain operations for a good view. Be sure to take notes and ask lots of questions while you're there.

But most of all, HAVE FUN.

Thanks Woodburner;

I'll go early enough to get breakfast across the street and be there when Rick puts the key in the door.

It is guaranteed that I will enjoy myself. I have attended eight of these and this is either my third or fourth with Rick as the instructor.

When Rick realizes Dusty is in the room I suspect he will be offered the seat of honor:D

Just being there to listen to and watch Rick do his thing is the real honor. I enjoy those three days so very much. I really hate to see them come to an end.

This year will be a lot more fun that two years backs when I went. I had just been through a pair of knee replacements that year. My wife did not want me to go at all. I had to promise to sit more than stand before she would give in.

This year I will be on my own. No promises necessary.

I've been following this thread with some interest. I inherited my old Mark V a couple of months ago and I'll be 50 in a couple of days. I work in an office where most people are 15 to 25 years younger than me. One day I was talking about my machine and all, but one, had never heard of ShopSmith. I like the idea of demos, but what young person (less than 50) is going to go to a demo of a product they know nothing about? Let's face it, a demo in a hotel or some other meeting place will only attract current owners. If ShopSmith is only interested in selling SPT's and other peripherals and is happy with that revenue stream, then they should continue what they are doing. If, however they want to increase the sales of the Mark V line and then up-sell SPT’s and peripherals they have got to do a better job on brand recognition. I think Ed hit the nail on the head when he mentioned an infomercial. To you and I an infomercial might fun to watch, but not very useful. To ShopSmith, however, I think it could make the difference between an increasing revenue stream or a decreasing revenue stream.

Just my two cents.

Just my two cents worth: As a kid growing up in the 50's it seems that I recall seeing Shopsmith "demos" on the old b&w TV. I do not recall what day of week or what time of the day the demo was broadcast but I was glued to the tube whenever I came across it. Twenty-five years or so later I came across a SS demo at the Minnesota State Fair. Flashbacks as I watched with intrigue as the craftsman created frames, flowers on the bandsaw and fun turnings on the lathe before my very eyes. I stuck around for three demos that day. It was entertaining and my imainination ran wild. I visted that fair demo for years and years and each time I'd lean over to my wife and say I sure would like to have one of those some day. In 2005 while at the fair demo my wife offered to buy a SS for me for my birthday. I was flabbergasted but she was serious. I paid the difference to ugrade to a 520 and purchased a bandsaw and jointer at the same time. It would have been a lot cheaper to have purchased it 25 years ago but there were other priorities at the time. Having it delivered was an advantage as I did not have a van or pickup to haul one. And yes, the two weeks waiting for delivery seemed like forever. Needless to say the SS was the best birthday gift I have every received. At the time they did offer a free day class though I have not been able to take advantage of it. I don't know if the freebee has expired or not. I'm going to the fair tomorrow and will probably take in the demo again if SS is there. Just watching, one can find ways to improve the way you work with the machine.
And yes it is great to pay for something and walk out the door with it and that is probably perferred except for the impulse thing. I find it interesting that in America we want instant/right now services. Fast food, self check out lanes, ATM's and so on. But sales on the internet are greater every year. EBay and Craigslist are purchase now and wait for delivery. Perhaps if you are getting a deal you are willing to wait for it.
Bottom line is I doubt that SS expected a TV demo in the 50's would result in a sale 45+ years later--or maybe they did.
Regards,
Dwight

I know you guys like to dig up this dead horse and beat it every now and again, and believe it or not, we are aware of the value of TV advertising, magazine advertising, and live demonstrations. Unfortunately, all of these things have one thing in common -- they cost money. More important, they must show a return in sales proportionate to their cost -- and they no longer do. And that's the one problem you haven't adressed in this or any of the other threads on this same subject. Solve that problem for us and we'll be happy to act on your suggestions. In the meantime, the two forms of effective advertising we can afford -- web site and video streaming -- is keeping us afloat. Send us suggestions how we can better manage those two marketing resources or suggest other low-cost resources we should be using and I promise you we're all ears.

With all good wishes,