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Festool

5/29/17       
Mike

Hello group it's been a while since I asked you pros the question!

I'm in the market for some Festool tools. Dust extractor, sander and maybe a miter box. My question is, who has the best prices for Festool tools? Also, is there any woodworking shows coming up in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland or New York?

Thank you so much group!

5/29/17       #2: Festool ...
Pat

Festool doesn't allow their dealers to discount their products. The company occasionally offers specials, but all of their dealers would be eligible, so same price across the board. Your only hope is to buy used, which means you probably give up any warranty.

Cheers,
Pat

5/30/17       #3: Festool ...
David R Sochar Member

The dealers do all have fixed prices. When Rockler tried to buck the system, all the displays and unsold tools were pulled in 3 days from all the Rockler stores.

You can look for free shipping, that is not controlled by Festool.

5/31/17       #4: Festool ...
Larry

Many of the online dealers don't even carry any inventory. Product can be shipped direct for Festool warehouse.
Price fixing at its finest.

5/31/17       #5: Festool ...
Pat

Price fixing is when when competing sellers conspire to set prices at an artificially high level. That's not what's going on here. Festool has a bunch of requirements for their retailers, one of which is pricing. If you violate the agreement, you don't get to sell their products. Price fixing is a crime in the US. Lots of manufacturers so what Festool does. Perfectly legal.

6/1/17       #7: Festool ...
Larry

"Price fixing is when when competing sellers conspire to set prices at an artificially high level." That is exactly what is being done but it is being done at a higher level than the sellers (retailers.)

6/1/17       #8: Festool ...
Pat

By definition, it takes at least 2 parties to conspire. If it's happening at a level above the sellers, that could only be the company itself, so there aren't 2 parties. A "classic" case of price fixing would be if all of the retailers got together and set a minimum price for the products.

You may not like what Festool is doing, but it's not price fixing according to the legal definition.

Cheers,
Pat

6/1/17       #9: Festool ...
Sea444

A fool and his money are soon parted...

Look around. There are several other brands that cost a fraction of what the fixed prices at Festool demand; and they work just as well.

6/2/17       #10: Festool ...
Scott

I agree with others, Festool price fixes at a higher level and the comment about a fool and his money soon part ways, that is good!
I have used some festool tools over the years and unless it is a one off like their domino machine, I would agree that they are a huge waste of money. There is nothing special or fantastic about there tools. I read in another forum on here that a lot of people are using rigid laminate trimmers because they are cheap and have a life time warranty, now that is some wise thinking.
If money is not an issue, then go for it, but like others have said, all the dealers price them the same. I am not sure where you are located, but Lee valley tool is the best Festool supplier I know for having stock and accessories.

6/3/17       #11: Festool ...
Mike Fuson

I only own one Festool tool and that's the domino, and if another company had a version of it I woulda saved a lot of money. It's good tools but but not that good.

6/5/17       #12: Festool ...
Pdub Member

For the most part I agree. However, there are a few exceptions, like their tracksaw, that are head and shoulders above the competition and worth the premium.

6/10/17       #13: Festool ...
Eric Member

Been a while since I've posted here, but this is too good to stay quiet.
Festool has a rep for 'integration' with their dust collection, etc. and I used one of their sanders thinking it was above the standard. It lasted 2 years. Their abrasives are indeed quite good, but after a recent decision to invest in a new RO Sander and vac system, I was lucky enough to be steered away to Mirka and their Deros Electric with an 18ft hose and 912 Vac. The shop has Festool Rotex (an angry tool that requires 2 hands just to keep it under control) and the finish sander ETS 6 inch. Considered the best by some, but the Mirka is by far a better pro class tool. The abrasives are superior, and although it was expensive, is was easy to get into the rig for a discount from one of the biggest importers here, I.E. not fixed ALA the much exalted Festool.

I'll add that there is a certain "Fetish' element with Festool in the "Garage Set" of tool buyers. Some might be talented craftsman but I don't get why anyone would buy a product name across every hand tool type unless they have no experience in what works in real craft and production shops. A friend has a few of their drills, and they are the clunkiest things I've ever held in my hand.

Don't get me started on the storage boxes. That's a dead giveaway to the collector types, who are more concerned with how it looks stored than how it performs. If it's not on a shelf or plugged in at a workstation, ready to go, you're not using it. If it's in a tidy box with a label, you're a collector who will turn it on 2 times a year.

I could be wrong ;)


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