Axminster Tool Catalogue - then and now!

[undergroundhunter]

Still - the world moves on. If it didn't, we'd still be buying boxes of screws from a brown-coated flat-capped bloke behind a battered old shop counter. Four candles, anyone?

Cheshirechappie,

I still can. It's a boon when you want just a dozen of those screws you're never likely to use again.

http://birmingham-mowerrepairs.co.uk/

I like the fact they have a full page for Kilner jar seals.

Reminds me of an old thread on here https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/the-ironmongers-that-time-will-not-forget-hopefully-t74280.html

Matt

 

[Benchwayze]

Still - the world moves on. If it didn't, we'd still be buying boxes of screws from a brown-coated flat-capped bloke behind a battered old shop counter. Four candles, anyone?

Cheshirechappie,

I still can. It's a boon when you want just a dozen of those screws you're never likely to use again.

http://birmingham-mowerrepairs.co.uk/

I like the fact they have a full page for Kilner jar seals.

Reminds me of an old thread on here https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/the-ironmongers-that-time-will-not-forget-hopefully-t74280.html

Matt

The old chap in the brown warehouse coat retired. The new lad is a bit more modern; jeans and a sweater! But he knows his stuff.

 

[bourbon]

good to see that the old fashioned Iron mongers are still around. I may have to take a trip to Sutton Coldfield just to have a look!

 

[Rhossydd]

they produced a replica in seconds.....24p I think it cost

and people complain about Axminster mark ups ? The retail price of something like that should be only a few pence.
My cole jaws use M8 20mm cs screws so 8p inc VAT at http://www.orbitalfasteners.co.uk/en/se ... 2535/ps/50 however that supplier don't charge for individual items over the counter, they just give them away free for goodwill.

 

[stuartpaul]

I am pleased this thread has been added as I am happy for any company to make a profit when I buy tools from them but dislike being taken to cleaners by them charging excessive profit on my purchases. I will be buying from others from now on.

snip

And you know they're making excessive profit how???

The fact that Axminster have become much larger will inevitably lead to higher prices due to increased overheads etc. Whether this is 'excessive' or not is impossible to judge on a forum such as this.

I must admit it gets a bit wearing seeing the same 'Axminster price rise' thread every year. Perhaps they're victims of holding their prices for the year instead of reflecting rises in materials etc. as they occur? Given the steady stream of rises in basic manufacturing materials and transport costs surely these are to be expected?

And why wouldn't you shop round for bigger purchases? Need your bumps felt if you don't! It's up to individuals to make their own decisions on what makes value for them.

Rant over (mostly )

 

[ivan]

The rot set in when they employed a "Marketing Manager", presumably to cover his salary! Service still seems good and you can sometimes get a deal of bundled accessories if you call into the shop. But my Ax 5300 bandsaw now costs about £1200 more, a rise of ~150% over handful of years. Whilst I'm on a grumble (retired old man you see) just look at German powertool web prices - all mainland Europe supplied, but not UK.

 

[undergroundhunter]

I think what the thead is about is the fact that axminster seem to charge more for the same products than other retails. I see your point with regards overheads but0 they must want to be competitive still????

Example

The large veritas router (which their parent company are the UK distributor)

http://www.axminster.co.uk/veritas-router-plane - £184.96

And the same product (as far as I can see) from Canadian tools

http://www.canadiantools.co.uk/tools/Veritas-Router-Plane.html - £152.94

That is a price difference of £32.02!

This alone would make me buy somewhere else.

To be honest I have never used axminster and probably never will, unless they have something I cant get anywhere else.

Matt

 

[Willy]

And you know they're making excessive profit how???

The fact that Axminster have become much larger will inevitably lead to higher prices due to increased overheads etc. Whether this is 'excessive' or not is impossible to judge on a forum such as this.

I must admit it gets a bit wearing seeing the same 'Axminster price rise' thread every year. Perhaps they're victims of holding their prices for the year instead of reflecting rises in materials etc. as they occur? Given the steady stream of rises in basic manufacturing materials and transport costs surely these are to be expected?

And why wouldn't you shop round for bigger purchases? Need your bumps felt if you don't! It's up to individuals to make their own decisions on what makes value for them.

Rant over (mostly )

I couldn't agree more. It's amazing how many closet retail experts are on the forum!

Regarding a point made previously about the cost of branded tools in Axminster versus other stores - it's likely that the margins on these products are very slim. If another retailer is selling substantially cheaper it's probably because they are heavily discounting and making little to no profit. The good retailers tend to be the ones that don't heavily discount.

Despite what many people think, rock bottom prices are not good for anybody involved. Yet the consumeristic attitude that we possess as a society drives it.

 

[undergroundhunter]

And you know they're making excessive profit how???

The fact that Axminster have become much larger will inevitably lead to higher prices due to increased overheads etc. Whether this is 'excessive' or not is impossible to judge on a forum such as this.

I must admit it gets a bit wearing seeing the same 'Axminster price rise' thread every year. Perhaps they're victims of holding their prices for the year instead of reflecting rises in materials etc. as they occur? Given the steady stream of rises in basic manufacturing materials and transport costs surely these are to be expected?

And why wouldn't you shop round for bigger purchases? Need your bumps felt if you don't! It's up to individuals to make their own decisions on what makes value for them.

Rant over (mostly )

I couldn't agree more. It's amazing how many closet retail experts are on the forum!

Regarding a point made previously about the cost of branded tools in Axminster versus other stores - it's likely that the margins on these products are very slim. If another retailer is selling substantially cheaper it's probably because they are heavily discounting and making little to no profit. The good retailers tend to be the ones that don't heavily discount.

Despite what many people think, rock bottom prices are not good for anybody involved. Yet the consumeristic attitude that we possess as a society drives it.

This is very true but should we reward this "potential" over charging by purchasing from said retailer? Take my above example, if the price difference was may be £10ish I would by from Axminster purely on their reputation for customer service (although I have read good things about canadian tools). I do draw the line at £32 difference.

Classic hand tools list it for £169.94 inc vat, so they buy it from Brimark for £X add on their cut and still manage to under cut the distributors retail business by £15????
Axminster are not being competitive with other UK suppliers. I myself would probably buy from Classic hand tools as its a good price and I had good past experience with them.

With the advent of Internet shopping people have more access to more retailers and with that more price options. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying reputation counts for nothing but people can and do shop around. Ultimately people will vote with their feet.

Matt

 

[Willy]

This is very true but should we reward this "potential" over charging by purchasing from said retailer? Take my above example, if the price difference was may be £10ish I would by from Axminster purely on their reputation for customer service (although I have read good things about canadian tools). I do draw the line at £32 difference.

Classic hand tools list it for £169.94 inc vat, so they buy it from Brimark for £X add on their cut and still manage to under cut the distributors retail business by £15????
Axminster are not being competitive with other UK suppliers. I myself would probably buy from Classic hand tools as its a good price and I had good past experience with them.

With the advent of Internet shopping people have more access to more retailers and with that more price options. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying reputation counts for nothing but people can and do shop around. Ultimately people will vote with their feet.

Matt

I suspect it's entirely deliberate that Axminster's price is higher than Brimarc's other customers given they are both owned by the same company. Imagine if Axminster price matched, or under cut all other retailers of Brimarc-distributed products. Those other retailers would stop buying from Brimarc. The net result being a loss in revenue for the parent company. Ultimately it's better that their products are carried by multiple outlets – giving greater exposure and greater access to the market.

In this instance, it seems to me to be a very sensible and well thought-out distribution/retail strategy to me. But what do I know?! I'm certainly not a retail expert despite working for a manufacturer/distributor.

By the way when I was talking about branded products in my previous post I was more thinking of Makita and Festool as examples which were previously mentioned.

In any case I agree that customers are free to purchase from whomever they choose, which is a great thing, but I certainly don't think Axminster (or any other retailer for that matter) is trying to take advantage of customers or pull the wool over their eyes. Ultimately the biggest fool is the one who doesn't shop about

 

[Matt@]

And you know they're making excessive profit how???

this would be the interesting info not that really its anyones business :wink: but if the price rises are to make ever increasing profits thats very different to increasing profits out of financial necessity - not that making more and more profits is a bad thing obviously.

Increased overheads, more manufacturing costs etc can all contribute to price rises and the company might well be making no more profit than in recent years because of these rises. I should imagine though that the decision to focus on own brand machinery must have transformed their business. Its interesting to read of users experiences of the white range. I remember when they first bought the stuff out and I thought then that it was a pale imitation of the real thing! Now it seems to be a real contender with prices to match.....

 

[beech1948]

I find a couple of things interesting about the recent emails;-

1) The challenge re retail knowledge. I have 41 yrs experience of selling stuff across UK, EU and the US and working as an MD for a £1Bn t/o region. I have set prices in over 41 countries based on profitability, taxes eg VAT, local pay rates, etc etc and done that over and over year after year. The Euro was a great leveler for retail.

2) Its interesting to see Dicks in Germany and to compare their prices to the UK. Usually cheaper even with p&p+VAT

3) Its interesting that Axi are not the first to go down this path. There used to be a company called Woodwise ( I think.may be off a little there) based in the SE in late 90's who started as a single outlet, went to mail order then to having regionalised shops. Prices went UP and UP....customers walked....Woodwise went bust. Axi is about at the 60% of the time needed to get through this cycle. I wonder what will happen?

4) High prices are really a way to drive customers away.

5) Prices in the US are much lower and include transport and taxes. Comparison used to be $1 = £1. Now its $1=£1.3 in terms of extra markup in the UK.

6) The UK has become the greediest, overcharging capital of the world. I am often astounded at the way the British public is gouged and has no idea of it happening. eg Recently needed an oven themometer for the turkey. UK price £14.99. US price $3.60 for the same rough, inaccurate, piece of assembly from the same Chinese factory. Greed, the ignorance of the UK population, a willingness to boast.....Oh! my new themometer was £14.99 but its great matched with little comprehension of what a good price might be..

You should be able to tell now what my thoughts are.

I will only buy tools now when in the US or by mail order from Germany.

I will not buy from Axi.

The fact that Axi own Brimark and thus drive the pricing of a large proportion of the UK woodworking tool sales is to be regretted. Brimark are so backward in their retail views that they inflate UK charges beyond sense or are simply not capable when negotiating prices with the US.

 

[Silverbirch]

"2) Its interesting to see Dicks in Germany and to compare their prices to the UK. Usually cheaper even with p&p+VAT"


My last two Veritas planes have been from Germany : one from Dieter Schmid,the other from Dictum.
They have English language web pages, a wide range of quality products, quick delivery with low carriage charges and there are no concerns over hidden costs, duties, extra charges etc which can arise when ordering from, say, USA.
Best of all, I have made very worthwhile savings over the cheapest UK prices I could find.
Axminster always used to be my first port of call, but not now.

ian

 

[RogerP]

"2) ................
My last two Veritas planes have been from Germany : one from Dieter Schmid,the other from Dictum.
They have English language web pages, a wide range of quality products, quick delivery with low carriage charges and there are no concerns over hidden costs, duties, extra charges etc which can arise when ordering from, say, USA.
Best of all, I have made very worthwhile savings over the cheapest UK prices I could find.
Axminster always used to be my first port of call, but not now.
ian

....... also if you ever have the need to phone Dictum you'll find they speak excellent English!!

 

[John15]

"2) Its interesting to see Dicks in Germany and to compare their prices to the UK. Usually cheaper even with p&p+VAT"


My last two Veritas planes have been from Germany : one from Dieter Schmid,the other from Dictum.
They have English language web pages, a wide range of quality products, quick delivery with low carriage charges and there are no concerns over hidden costs, duties, extra charges etc which can arise when ordering from, say, USA.
Best of all, I have made very worthwhile savings over the cheapest UK prices I could find.
Axminster always used to be my first port of call, but not now.

ian

I've used Dieter Schmid a few times but find their shipping charge on the high side at 12 euros. I agree their prices are mostly very competitive.

John

 

[PAC1]

I have always had good service from Axminster but their price rises over the last three years, especially the failure to reflect the change in the exchange rate means I do not buy Veritas or LN from them. I have been buying direct from Canada and the USA and even allowing for a courier, the tax and the handling charge, I have saved 20 to 30% on Axi prices. Also the last stuff I bought from Lee Valley was ordered on Friday and delivered before noon the following Monday. I feel sorry for the small independant retailers who have no choice but to tow the Brimarc party line, knowing full well that their customers are not getting a good deal but unable to supply at the same price that I can make a one of import. My hope is that Lee Valley or Rockler notice that the UK is ripe for a bit of competition and open a shop/ distribution warehouse in the UK. The problem would be that would harm the small retailers most.

 

[Silverbirch]

"2) Its interesting to see Dicks in Germany and to compare their prices to the UK. Usually cheaper even with p&p+VAT"


My last two Veritas planes have been from Germany : one from Dieter Schmid,the other from Dictum.
They have English language web pages, a wide range of quality products, quick delivery with low carriage charges and there are no concerns over hidden costs, duties, extra charges etc which can arise when ordering from, say, USA.
Best of all, I have made very worthwhile savings over the cheapest UK prices I could find.
Axminster always used to be my first port of call, but not now.

ian

I've used Dieter Schmid a few times but find their shipping charge on the high side at 12 euros. I agree their prices are mostly very competitive.

John

My last delivery charge from them was 9.90 euros, about £7.70, with a choice of couriers. Not free delivery, as I could have obtained from a UK dealer, but still not enough to seriously impact on the overall saving I made with the transaction.

Ian

 

[beech1948]

I would sum up the last few messages as follows:-

Axi are now very expensive for most "major" purchases eg an LN plane costing from £130 to £350. Often machinery is also very expensive given that much of it comes from the same mass produced factory in Chiwan.

Axi level of service is exemplary but this is not enough to keep us going back with more sales. By the way it's easy to be so good when you can say quickly "Axi will send you a replacement one and collect broken one" when they can choose either to repair/ refurb and sell on or send it back to the manufacturer as faulty on delivery for a full refund. The organisation needed is quite an undertaking though.

Axi are OK to deal with but remain expensive even on smaller items eg cordless drills.

There appears to be a real opportunity for a more reasonable priced competitor OR maybe s few of the better shops should form a group to tackle pricing by combining volumes of product purchased and pass these lower prices on.

Finally I wonder why the UK is again the most expensive place in the EU. Dresses sold in the Uk by a Spanish firm were 46% more expensive than in Spain and that was in a company which owned its UK stores. There are so many cases of this sort of gouging of the UK public thast I simply boggle at where to start putting it right.

The only way I see it is to start to complain, which is what I do. I write to the MD of the company and copy to a newspaper.

 

[Doug B]

The bottom line is that Axminster prices are excessive.

If you compare them with a like company such as Screwfix (who I don't find that cheap) they started as a mail order firm who have expanded into the high street & produce a priced catalogue.
I've just looked at the price of a set of Bosch hole saws, Axminster are selling a set at £65.95 whilst Screwfix have the same set for £46.99 & the price difference is similar on the larger set I looked at.

Can anyone really say that the overheads of Axminster are that much greater than Screwfix as to justify that sort of price difference, the best part of £20 on one small item it's just ridiculous.