Shopsmith Forums

So the prices have gone up, any updates on the webinar's and demo prices?

Just wondering what the new prices are through those venues.

Ed

What webinar?
BPR

ryanbp01 wrote:What webinar?
BPR

This is the Webinar.

ryanbp01 wrote:What webinar?
BPR

The one WE have not been invited to!:D

I watched the webinar tonight. Shopsmith is trying this as a marketing tool to see what results they get. This was the first one. A maximum of 20 people are allowed and question and answer periods are throughout. It took about 45 minutes total. Ten people were on the session I was involved in. Currently there are only two people doing the live demos at Lowes. If these webinars do well then there will be no more live demos any more. They used Webex. Doug Reid does the Webinars. He did an excellent job!

Prices for those participating are about 5% below what they were before the most recent overall price increase that happened on April 30th. So it is a good deal. Shopsmith sends a special link by e-mail to those who actually do participate in the webinar. The link has all your presonal information (from Shopsmith database) pre-loaded onto an order form with the prices. You use that link to place your order. I would assume they selected people who have been buying from them in the last few years. The link is good for three weeks and then it expires. The link is personal to the individual so it will do no good to send the link out to others.

I have been wanting to get the Power Pro upgrade but wanted to wait until it had been out for over one year so any problems could be resolved in design. Now I think I will order the Do it Yourself version. Another benefit of the Webinar besides the reduced price is that the prices on the order sheet all say 0% sales tax which is a $95 additional savings for me.

Webinar's are a good way to conduct meetings and create discussion groups. The downfall is you have to be invited by the host to join. Webinars are not set up for just anybody to jump in.

I'm not sure this is a wise replacement for the demos though. However, I will admit that Lowe's is not the greatest venue for the live demos either. Folks are typically there to purchase what they need and go home. I often thought they would get more exposure and interest in venues like state fairs and other such events where folks are attracted for all sorts of reasons. They could set up a booth to not only give live demos of the Shopsmith product but to also generate interest in wood working. Plus, they could also teach skills, promote safety, and possibly offer some sort of show discount to promote sales. Back when Shopsmith had their individual stores, the one in (I think it was York, PA) used to set up a demo/booth at the Timonium Home and Garden Show. If I recall correctly, they had a fair amount of interest in wood working and the Shopsmith product at that event. I definitely know of one Mark V that was sold there.

Interesting read and the first I've heard of the SS webinar. Have to feel for the company these days. Tough sell by going to fairs and Lowes demos but they have to keep the exposure. To me the company is extremely weak in its marketing for any growth but maybe thats fine with them.

I'm not aware of them having any retail store exposure other than the miniscule and occassional Lowes arrangment. What do they expect? There's some really great independent woodworkers stores and why isn't the factory getting at least a machine in on display and at least one clerk trained about it? Put the machine in the store for nothing and when it sells, bill the store. What have they got to lose?

If I was calling the shots, probably would continue with the webinars, and Youtube infomercial. BUT, add some creative real salespeople such as current owners who would be willing to give a demo or promote locally. I'm sure some wouldn't mind offering a demo for some nice reward incentives from the factory. Perhaps work towards a point reward program for goods, machine OR simply compensate in real dollars with a 1099.

They could do a pre-screen for local reps, qualifiers would take a trip to the plant and get a few days training. Leads could be provided by SS and other prospects by the rep. SS could co-op expense for local newspaper ads, if so desired by the rep.... no pushing here. Seek out local woodworking clubs, etc. Someone mentioned of how surprised some club really welcomed the demo and had a great turnout.

Awesome products don't sell if nobody knows about them. Read some other shop sites and many don't even think the company exist! They don't even click a simple link to find the site! Now thats a marketing problem.

I totally agree. Marketing their products needs to be done in order to generate additional sales which generates profits. Besides, not everyone has access to a computer. Other than the loyal following here on the forum, the Shopsmith leadership really needs to start tooting their own horn to get their product advertised.

BPR

brad_nalor wrote:Interesting read and the first I've heard of the SS webinar. Have to feel for the company these days. Tough sell by going to fairs and Lowes demos but they have to keep the exposure. To me the company is extremely weak in its marketing for any growth but maybe thats fine with them.

I'm not aware of them having any retail store exposure other than the miniscule and occassional Lowes arrangment. What do they expect? There's some really great independent woodworkers stores and why isn't the factory getting at least a machine in on display and at least one clerk trained about it? Put the machine in the store for nothing and when it sells, bill the store. What have they got to lose?

If I was calling the shots, probably would continue with the webinars, and Youtube infomercial. BUT, add some creative real salespeople such as current owners who would be willing to give a demo or promote locally. I'm sure some wouldn't mind offering a demo for some nice reward incentives from the factory. Perhaps work towards a point reward program for goods, machine OR simply compensate in real dollars with a 1099.

They could do a pre-screen for local reps, qualifiers would take a trip to the plant and get a few days training. Leads could be provided by SS and other prospects by the rep. SS could co-op expense for local newspaper ads, if so desired by the rep.... no pushing here. Seek out local woodworking clubs, etc. Someone mentioned of how surprised some club really welcomed the demo and had a great turnout.

Awesome products don't sell if nobody knows about them. Read some other shop sites and many don't even think the company exist! They don't even click a simple link to find the site! Now thats a marketing problem.

Changing the corporate name did not help that much, but was probably necessary for other reasons.!;)

Many moons ago, I was in with a TV satellite company (before the Direct TV and Dish network mini-dish revolution) and we were in Sam's Clubs taking product and installation orders. Those dish systems back then ran $3,000, no small change and we did really well. If SS is listening, something to consider perhaps with Costco as well.

Now back to your regular program the SS Webinar......