Tool Buying in a Virus Economy

[swines]

I needed an air saw from a specific tool manufacturer, and wanted to find a local distributor. The tools are sold through independent dealers who work out their own trucks. I called the number listed on the manufacturer's website to get a name and phone number for a local distributor in my area. I was told that, "Due to COVID-19 we aren't taking any new accounts or customers." I hung before she could utter another word, as this is a totally BS answer - and I also knew the next suggestion would be that I could buy it directly from them off of their website. I couldn't believe they were steering customers away from making a purchase using a local distributor with "the dog ate my homework" level excuse of COVID-19.

Using my incredible Google-Fu skills, I tracked down a local distributor, called and made an appointment to meet him at one of his regular accounts the next day. I bought the air saw from him at a discounted price and everybody was happy - except the unhelpful lady at the main corporate office, who's job is to discourage sales of their products.

I'm stunned that in an economy that is being battered by the current medical epidemic, that a company would willingly discourage someone from making a purchase. Now, if I was really cynical, I'd think they were trying to get me to buy it directly from their website in order to circumvent the local distributor - but, I figure no company would want to rob one of their own distributors of a sale...would they?

I just had to relate this experience as I'm still trying to wrap my mind around a corporation that doesn't want to sell their products.

 

[Big Barn]

Perhaps the manufacturer is aware with the pandemic many distributors could be ill or self quarantined. Rather than have a customer frustrated perhaps they were about to offer you alternatives if that was the case.

But then you may never know as you hung up on her.

 

[swines]

Perhaps the manufacturer is aware with the pandemic many distributors could be ill or self quarantined. Rather than have a customer frustrated perhaps they were about to offer you alternatives if that was the case.

But then you may never know as you hung up on her.

The manufacturer doesn't need to be making decisions for an independent distributor - that's up to the distributor. He's an adult and able to make his own decisions about his business. The ONLY alternative they could offer, would be buying the tool from their website. I like to support my local businesses and prefer to buy from them. If I called the independent distributor and he said, "I'm not taking any new clients," then that would be fine as that's his decision to make. If he prefers no new customers at this point - okay - but, as an independent business, he should be given that choice by the manufacturer. The manufacturer shouldn't be turning clients away from one of their distributors.

BTW - the independent distributor is well aware of the current conditions and has instituted his own protocol as to how he handles sales out of his truck - exactly how it should be.

If I'm truly concerned about virus protection, I always have the choice of showing up with any type of mask from a simple filter to a full face mask respirator that seals around my face with an organic vapor cartridge in the respirator. I could also add nitrile gloves and a one-use Tyvek suite if I really felt the need.

.

 

[dragoneggs]

I think there is a way to keep your doors open depending on your business. I have been in the market for a 8in planer for quite a while and finally found a deal yesterday on Craiglist. I called the place and they do surplus sales and new 'dents and blems' units. I called them this morning and they said yes, they are open.

They explained they fell under the essential business catagory and I didn't question them. They said they only allow one customer in the place at a time and by appointment. I needed to go for a drive and get some air so I said I will be there this afternoon and check it out. Price was right but I figured I would be disappointed in some way. When I arrived they greeted me and we agreed on a 6ft social distance. These guys were great. Tough guys using hand sanitizers and very pleasant. We had a great discussion about their business, the tool I was eyeing, etc. I looked around and tried not to drool on other gems.

I felt like a priviledged private buyer of expensive jewelry. . Anyways left there with a cool tool in the back of my truck for a great price. Now the issue of unloading this 600lb+ beast!

 

[BukitCase]

Cool Mark, I have the PM 6" jointer with straight blades, may eventually spring for the shelix head - but first gotta make more room so I can build a "low rider" mobile base for the Grizz 12" helical. sucker weighs about a cuppa coffee under 1000.

I know you were talking about it, did you get the shelix on your new baby? We may wanna chat about space-saving interlocking setups that allow ample in/outfeed on all units WITHOUT wasting floor space. Got a couple pics of part of mine as examples... Steve

 

[BrokenTrack]

It is like that with everything now. Call before you go is the advice of the month.

I checked on a place that redid fuel injector and fuel injector pump rebuilding, and they were open, so I guess their level of fear is not that high.

But anything can be construed as a critical business. The world still moves by truck and diesel engine, so without them, people would not get their precious toilet paper, so they could truly be considered critical.

So who am I to judge, and really what does it matter? The courts are all shut down, the jails are letting people out, not taking them in, and by the time it is over, a judge is not going to care if a business stayed open or not.

 

[Hay Dude]

Even Google is in the “closed for Covid” game.
I went on line to check my businesses website and they took the liberty to add a line stating “this businesses hours may be affected by the covid-19 emergency”. I’m like “huh”? I got rid of that nonsense immediately.

 

[3Ts]

Now the issue of unloading this 600lb+ beast!

Nice jointer. I've got the 6" from Grizzly and really like it. If I had it to do over again, I'd get a bigger one, probably an 8"

 

[dragoneggs]

Cool Mark, I have the PM 6" jointer with straight blades, may eventually spring for the shelix head - but first gotta make more room so I can build a "low rider" mobile base for the Grizz 12" helical. sucker weighs about a cuppa coffee under 1000.

I know you were talking about it, did you get the shelix on your new baby? We may wanna chat about space-saving interlocking setups that allow ample in/outfeed on all units WITHOUT wasting floor space. Got a couple pics of part of mine as examples... Steve

Yep, went all out and got the parallelogram and helix head. Whether it is a Shelix, not sure.

 

[Slackdaddy]

I rehab 1-2 houses a month,, HD screws up every appliance order for the last 10 years. They screwed up an order this Tuesday,, said it was because of Covid-19,,, I just had to laugh