The original poster asked specifically if he should buy the import, or spend the "extra" for a Hypertherm unit. Immediately the importer posted a link to sale prices for their product (nothing wrong with that, that's what you should expect from a paid advertiser). Someone else posted about a sale on a Hypertherm 30 at Airgas locations....and someone else mentioned they thought Hypertherm had discontinued that product. Another poster mentioned the "stiff" leads on the Hypertherm, and another mentioned that they really were not made in the USA.
I figured as someone who could answer honestly and truthfully all of the above posts...that I should respond, which I did. Did not offer any deals or promotions, simply replied, answering each question. Regarding the tours...the first post was from a resident of the small state of NH.....where I live, and Hypertherm is located. What better way to show what goes into every product than to watch them all being built...probably less than an hour and a half away from home? And I never said free tours.....don't need to as we certainly would never charge for one! I have even toured a couple of importers through our facilities.
Because I work for Hypertherm, and because I am an owner (all 1500 of us are), does not mean I am necessarily advertising. Expect that when questions are unanswered regarding any Hypertherm product that I will likely do my best to answer them. The decision on what product fits the users needs depends on a lot of factors.....the job of the manufacturer is to ensure that the information to answer all pertinent questions is easily and readily available. If you want someone to quote prices and provide a deal on one of our products you need to go to a distributor that sells them.
In regards to offering contact via PM...I work with somewhere between 25 and 100 end users that have plasma cutting issues...(cut quality, consumable life, programming techniques, hand cutting issues, unique applications, etc). Every week. Doesn't matter what brand or model, I help users get their systems dialed in.....sometimes the systems are imports and other US brands. My company realizes that if you offer your services to anyone that needs advice....then someday that user may make their own decision to switch to your product. It certainly is easier to go back and forth regarding pictures, troubleshooting, looking at cut files and M code via direct email than it is to do so on an open forum....although I do that as well.
Call it advertising if you want, I prefer to think that I am offering information as a trusted advisor with 36 years of hands on plasma cutting experience.
Jim Colt Hypertherm
Sure I can explain... here goes....
You promoted your product and company. Got into an argument with a competitor. Offered free factory tours. Asked people to PM you if they wanted information, and offered to investigate a customer complaint. But said you aren't selling anything. That's like saying the owner of a grocery store isn't selling anything because he isn't manning the cash register. You're an owner of the company. You're promoting the product and company. That's advertising.
Sometimes we forget that paid advertisers are what keeps this forum free to its members. Seems like you have a good product(s) and company. That's why I suggested you contact the owners of TBN to see about becoming a paid advertiser. Just that simple.
