Mental meanderings on Shopsmith past, present and future

[JPG]

The same reason that they did not change the designation for the Mark V when they radically changed the table designs.

How about something like the Mark VII 720?

530 is 'high' enough!;)

[Ed in Tampa]

One of the biggest selling points to me was at the time I bought the Shopsmith it was like joining a club or faternity. We had our own news letter (Hands-on), a customer service that knew us, and company sponsored seminars and academies.

When I bought my Shopsmith the customer service knew every thing I owned and when my wife called for birthday/christmas present ideas they could offer her a whole selection in various price ranges. They even knew what was on my wish list.

I looked forward to the Hands on Magazine with pictures of other guys project, a view plans for things around the house, tips, and even an unadvertised special or two.

When you went to the one day semiar or academy or even a demo you got a chance to talk to other owners and share experience, shoot the breeze it you like.

Then they opened the stores, what a pleasure. You could take Saw dust sessions, meet for Sat morning coffee with everyone, pick up needed single item things it was great.

The Hand on is gone, the personalized customer service is gone, the demo's are gone, the seminars and academies are gone, the stores are gone, heck even the catalog is no more.

The only good thing is the this forum to give us a sense of unity but even that gets strained by taking bunny trails in nearly every thread.

I don't know what Shopsmith was paying Nick but he was doing a huge job bring back the sense of community to Shopsmith. He was a presence in the Sawdust sessions, a presence here on the forums, he helped with ordering conflicts, can't find parts and etc. He put us in touch with each other when he knew one of us had the answer.

I know everyone didn't like Nick but you can't make everyone happy but I think if Shopsmith is going to survive they need a Nick or someone like him. The person needs to have voice in the day to day operation of Shopsmith as well as being able to solve immediate problems. Most of all he must gain the trust of everyone and be known to all as a straight shooter.

If they don't want or have the money to pay such a person then they should look internal perhaps even Forkerth could do the job. Since this forum is the only real tie to Shopsmith there needs to a be a Shopsmith presence on this forum. And not as a censurer!
My opinion.

[wa2crk]

OK here I go again;
About six years ago I tried for a job as a SS demonstrator. The reason I did was because I retired and would have liked to do something thet I would really enjoy doing. Selling Shopsmiths because I believed in them and I owned and actually USED one.
One of the last demos that I attended in the Hanover Pa. area the sales person was flown from Salt Lake City to Dayton and then was assigned a truck and told that Hanover was only about a seven hour ride from Dayton. Actually more like 9+. I know because I did it more than once with a high performance sedan at 80 MPH.
So what was the cost to SS for air from Salt Lake to Dayton the truck ride from Dayton to Pa. three days in a hotel and meals and then the return flights. Now try to make enough sales to make a profit!!!! Tough nut!!!
So I told the recruiter that they were doing it all wrong!! If SS would assign me a truck and let me maintain it in Pa. I was within a six hour drive of more than 50 Lowes stores and this would greatly minimize expenses. So he did not give a recommendation. Oh well LAMENT LAMENT LAMENT!!
Would have been a fun gig though.
Bill

[cincinnati]

One of the biggest selling points to me was at the time I bought the Shopsmith it was like joining a club or faternity. We had our own news letter (Hands-on), a customer service that knew us, and company sponsored seminars and academies.

When I bought my Shopsmith the customer service knew every thing I owned and when my wife called for birthday/christmas present ideas they could offer her a whole selection in various price ranges. They even knew what was on my wish list.

I looked forward to the Hands on Magazine with pictures of other guys project, a view plans for things around the house, tips, and even an unadvertised special or two.

When you went to the one day semiar or academy or even a demo you got a chance to talk to other owners and share experience, shoot the breeze it you like.

Then they opened the stores, what a pleasure. You could take Saw dust sessions, meet for Sat morning coffee with everyone, pick up needed single item things it was great.

The Hand on is gone, the personalized customer service is gone, the demo's are gone, the seminars and academies are gone, the stores are gone, heck even the catalog is no more.

The only good thing is the this forum to give us a sense of unity but even that gets strained by taking bunny trails in nearly every thread.

I don't know what Shopsmith was paying Nick but he was doing a huge job bring back the sense of community to Shopsmith. He was a presence in the Sawdust sessions, a presence here on the forums, he helped with ordering conflicts, can't find parts and etc. He put us in touch with each other when he knew one of us had the answer.

I know everyone didn't like Nick but you can't make everyone happy but I think if Shopsmith is going to survive they need a Nick or someone like him. The person needs to have voice in the day to day operation of Shopsmith as well as being able to solve immediate problems. Most of all he must gain the trust of everyone and be known to all as a straight shooter.

If they don't want or have the money to pay such a person then they should look internal perhaps even Forkerth could do the job. Since this forum is the only real tie to Shopsmith there needs to a be a Shopsmith presence on this forum. And not as a censurer!
My opinion.

Just coming from a company that closed I know how hard it is to want to do something but just don't have the money. Yes, you need to spend money to make money BUT..........YOU HAVE NO MONEY.

I would have to agree it would be helpful if someone from Shopsmith was on here to answer questions, give advice on what tool to use. ETC....

I was a lost owner for many years. Came back after seeing Nicks videos. Even purchased a new Belt sander.

[Ed in Tampa]

Just coming from a company that closed I know how hard it is to want to do something but just don't have the money. Yes, you need to spend money to make money BUT..........YOU HAVE NO MONEY.

I would have to agree it would be helpful if someone from Shopsmith was on here to answer questions, give advice on what tool to use. ETC....

I was a lost owner for many years. Came back after seeing Nicks videos. Even purchased a new Belt sander.

I would love to know how many "lost" owners Nick pulled back, how many accessories and SPT's and such that were sold because of his Sawdust sessions. After I ordered the 510 upgrade I swore I would never ordre another thing from Shopsmith, the upgrade was a mess. I saw a demo of the 520 (at Lowes) and then SS did a really nice sale so to recoup my money I ordered it. But swore that was it. However Nick changed that, I know I ordered things I never would have had it not been for Nick demo'ing them and generating I must have it attitude in me. Toward the end of the Sawdust sessions I was ordering just to keep Nick around.