Replies

1. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Sep 22, 2006 07:07pm | #1

   STEVE..

   I pondered a post here before I decided too as this may open up a new can of worms. But.. in fairness to both sides of the issue, here's my take as I experienced it.

   First, I was in the market for a bandsaw and had narrowed them to Laguna and MIni Max. I called both companies a week and a half before the IWF show here in Atlanta requesting info packets so I could preview them before I hit the floor at the show. Both companies were told I would be at the show, but I wanted info packets and possibly e-mail pictures of close ups of the workings of their machines and time was an issue as the show was just around the corner.

   I spoke to Carl about an hour and he know's his machine, no doubt. When I mentioned that the MM wheels were thicker and more robust, he countered that his had more technology that off-set that. I kept quiet. He also told me if I got the MM, to be sure to get an extra switch (a problem that the MM had and had been corrected long before that statement). He also didn't mention that Laguna had an Italian motor that would run hot and that's why they switched to the Baldor as Bridge-wood did. I didn't mention it, I just listened. I won't go into the tire comparison. There were always references to the others machine that I had a good working knowledge of after drilling Eric at MM for 45 minutes and having seen it personally at shows. I just listened. He requested a deposit before the show to lock in the price, but did say I could get it back if I changed my mind after seeing both machines. Bravo..

   I spoke to Eric at MM and he know's his machine. He never mentioned the competitors and when I ask him to compare a feature, he opted to let me compare in person at the IWF show. He told me that the show price would be good through the show and gave me a few days of grace after to think it over. He answered every question positively without having to refer to the competitors weakness. He told me that the left rear wheel on the mobility kit has to be removed once positioned to get the bottom door open fully. He told me that the armadillo tail has to be cut off just above the guides (a useless Italian safety feature) to see and adjust the guides without any obstruction. He didn't tell me that the competitors doors have to both open at the same time as they are attached to the same hinge (??). He just told me to compare the two!

   Bottom line. I got 16 pictures of close-ups of the MM in 45 minutes on e-mail... I received none from Laguna. I got the info packet from MM in 3 days priority mail... I got the into packet from Laguna a day after I went to the show and received another one 5 days after the show.

   My thoughts are this isn't about the machines to me.. both are excellent as I saw both up close at the show (I don't personally care for ceramic guides that throw off sparks, regardless of how good they may or may not be.. just a personal thing). My thoughts are if you are going to make a verbal comparison of competitors machines to sell, "the facts and nothing but the current facts". If not, let the machine sell itself by visual comparison.

   My thoughts as to priority of getting info to the customer before the sell, "if you don't put any priority to a potential customer with cash in hand, what priority will I get after the sale when it really counts for me"?

   My mine was made up before the show. The show only visually confirmed what I suspected was the best choice for me as I make the final decision based on what I saw and not here-say in what I heard!

   Regards...

   SARGE..

1. 
   Napie | Sep 23, 2006 06:46pm | #3

   As long time sales professional, I can tell if you want to lose sales just use negative selling techniques.  Sound like it has been proven again.

1. 
   BobMc | Sep 24, 2006 07:09pm | #4

   In a previous lifetime I sold Caterpillar equipment.  In trying to learn everything I could about sales, I came across a quote:

   "Samson slayed the Philistines with the jaw of a jackass and many a sale has been slain the same way."

    

   Edited 9/24/2006 12:12 pm ET by BobMc

2. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Sep 22, 2006 10:58pm | #2

   The decision was pretty obvious from the post, Robert. As I said, the machines themselves became a secondary issue after initial contact with both companies. I dropped a deposit on the MM on Tuesday after the show. Was due for delivery last week, but a medical problem arose and the order was canceled until that is resolved.

   Actual comparison of the machines as I saw them: Weight, type of bearings and separate opening doors on upper and lower cabinet swung in the direction of the MM as I personally saw it. All other things (H.P., pulleys, belts, table size, trunnions, robust guide bars (rack & pinnion one and chain & pulley on the other) etc. were close enough to be thrown out as decision factors.

   Others may have been given a different reception. I sincerely hope so as the more competition means better pricing and deal for the consumer. I have posted what I experienced and it has nothing to do with quality comparison of machinery. Looking at both machines side by side tells a story no salesman can cover (or cover up!) over the phone. For instance, ceramic guides may be the "ninth wonder of the world in someone else's eyes" in all fairness.

   I have  nothing against L personally. I'm just looking for the best quality before and after the sale without excuses or lack of interest after the money changes hands.

   If you want respect, you gotta get it the old fashioned way. EARN IT!

   SARGE..

   
   

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   Edited 9/22/2006 4:01 pm ET by SARGEgrinder47