Originally Posted by
David Somers
When I started digging into lasers I found Epilog and Universal were both very responsive and very happy to help me even when we reached a point where I had to say their costs were higher than I could go. They still helped and were great resources. Trotec took months to respond after repeated emails and contacts through their web page. It was an interesting contrast.
I know a lot of people look at things that way, and that's what makes the world go around, but I've found that for us, we buy based on the machine and it's specifications. I couldn't give a rats bottom about whether or not some sales rep calls me back within 15 minutes. If the machine fits our needs and we want it, I'll clear my desk to make it happen. I don't leave it up to the sales staff of some company to decide what machines we put on our floor. If the one that called you back and responded the quickest sold the lesser machine, what good did that do me? So they answered me first, now I have to live with a slower machine for 7 years? I don't agree with that logic (not implying you are using that Dave, but some people do).
I've found sales staffs at all the major manufacturers to be hit and miss. That's why we don't wait for them, we make it happen ourselves. Want a machine? Pick up the phone and start calling. Don't get called back today? Call again tomorrow. I know some people don't agree with that, but I don't agree that putting ANY emphasis on the sales rep is a good idea. When your machine goes down, will you call the sales rep (who stocks no parts and can't help you), or will you call tech support? You'll call tech support. I bet you could take a poll on here from all lasers owners and see how many have ever heard from their sales rep again after the check cleared. I suspect the number would be in the 90% plus area of people who never hear from them again.
That's just my take. I know many don't agree with it, but it's put some high quality equipment on our floor that makes us good money.
Last edited by Scott Shepherd; 01-18-2014 at 9:34 PM.
Reason: spelling issues, Doh!
Lasers : Trotec Speedy 300 75W, Trotec Speedy 300 80W, Galvo Fiber Laser 20W
Printers : Mimaki UJF-6042 UV Flatbed Printer , HP Designjet L26500 61" Wide Format Latex Printer, Summa S140-T 48" Vinyl Plotter
Router : ShopBot 48" x 96" CNC Router Rotary Engravers : (2) Xenetech XOT 16 x 25 Rotary Engravers
Real name Steve but that name was taken on the forum. Used Middle name. Call me Steve or Scott, doesn't matter.