THE SS (printed) CATALOG

[a1gutterman]

Hi everyone,

Has any of you received a printed copy of the current "2008 Holiday" Mark V Accessory Catalog? I have knot. I thought that SS wood include one in the recent order that I received from them, but there was knot one. I am disappointed, as I enjoy reading through the printed catalog. For me, it is easier to compare things and decide what I will buy when I have the printed catalog. Part of that is due to all of the "other" information that SS includes in the printed catalog. As "fast" as our computers are, I still find it faster to flip back and forth in the printed catalog instead of "flipping" pages in the pdf catalog. SS used to include a new catalog with each of my orders, but I have not yet received the catalog that is currently displayed as a pdf file (which is older then the 2008 Holiday edition). Has anyone received that catalog in printed form? Here is a link to the cover pages: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/MC_Cover_08.pdf

[fjimp]

Tim,

No sir I have not received a printed catalog either. I notice that most business publications are available only online. According to the local post office fewer companies are mailing catalogs and special fliers every day. Further even though I prefer printed catalogs, were I in the same position as Shopsmith I would do my level best to do away with print media and postage. What am I saying. I am in the same position. My expenses for operating a small business are thru the roof. The amount of business I do online is growing daily. Insurance carriers of the past mailed all forms and printed fliers to me in large quantities. Now those same companies mail nothing. Everything is online. If I provide mailed brochures or quotes to clients I pay for the printing. I quite literally cannot survive if I can't do away with those costs.

Like it or not I am shopping with online catalogs. fjimp

[ryanbp01]

I haven't received on either, however if you call customer service, you can obtain one.

[pinkiewerewolf]

I agree with what Jim has said about the business aspect of the mailings.
I have been disappointed since I've ordered quite a bit of stuff from Shopsmith and I've requested a catalog, but the only one I've received was the Summer sale catalog.

Tim, I'm with ya on the subject of flipping through a catalog vs. the online viewing, but I think we are going to have to adjust.:(

[john]

I must admit, I like to brouse through a printed catalogue rather than access an on-line one but as was already pointed out, those days are coming to an end due to cost.

When I placed an order with SS during the summer, I requested a catalogue be sent along with it. Apparently this was not possible but they did send me one by mail.

John

[doug45601]

You won't receive the Holiday Catalog.. My discussion with customer service "Linda" said that the catalog was only avail on line.. She said it was a shame that this year many people who DON'T have internet access will be missing out. Printed materials are an expense that the powers in the Co have deceided to reduce! At least this year!

The online catalog is not in PDF format as the last was and it is aimed at Sale item mainly.

Does it make sence for Co like shopsmith who's mainstreem customers and potential buyers to make such a drastic move? How can they sell anything without the advertisement? Current customer and new "want to buy a Shopsmith"

It appears that Shopsmith is seeing it's last days as a viable productive company... Won't be long before someone will say "What's a Shopsmith" never heard of them... Oh yea, think granddad had sometihing like that.

Better enjoy their internet site and this forum as long as you can... I think it's probably short lived and we'll all be moving to the SSUG forum.

Load up on service parts while they still have them or find their off-shore source and order direct.

BTW, some of the products noted as "NEW"... I ordered when the catalog first appeared on line.... Guess what, not due to a mad rush of buyers but the tool I ordered is back ordered.. Customer service says SS has yet to receive them from China due to contract negotations between their (SS)buyers, the buyers vendors and trade agents that directly deal with the actual manufacturing facility. Something to do with SS not getting a large enough order in and that Vendors fill large orders first. This keeps the manufacture happy.

I have high hopes for Shopsmith but feel they are going to shoot themselves in the foot by their reductions in advertising... The catalog in the mail box to someone who doesn't have a computer is a bird in the hand!!

[dcottrill]

You can still request the regular catalog, at least for now.

It is going to be tough for many companies to survey the coming storm!

I ordered the Kreg Band Saw deluxe fence package. I received everything but the Re-Saw guide. It was on back order and has been on back order since end of June 2008. It is on sale again and I've been told that I'm on the waiting list to receive one. The "new stock date" is December 19th. SS more then likely just has not received enough orders for the fence to be able to get Kreg to fill the order. It would be interesting to see if Rockler or Woodcraft are having the same problems.

I'm concerned that SS will not be able to make it through this economical recession. Maybe they can get a bail out like wall street and the auto manufactures.

[pinkiewerewolf]

I'd have preferred that the government do something for businesses like Shopsmith than the financial sector.
We need businesses like Shopsmith that actually produce a product. We can't continue to be a service nation or we will be held at the whims of the rest of the world.
OK, off my soap box now, I would even pay for the regular catalog and the internet is fine for the specials in my case. i can see where there is still a large segment of Americans that don't utilize the internet (perhaps because they are busy building stuff?:D ) and the company losses out with that market segment.
Maybe just mail a post card announcing sales to customers that don't show up in the company data base as having used the internet?