Fein Multimaster, why so expensive?

[Addrock]

I don't understand why the Fein Multimaster is so expensive. It is a grinder body, what is the most expensive 4 1/2 angle grinder that you can buy? I get that the whole category was CREATED by Fein. They have had nearly 20 years to recoup those costs because of their patent rights (tooling price can only be described as insane), but now that patent has expired no reduction in price. Really? So we have a tool that is a grinder body with a pawl (rather than a set of gears), for a tool that cuts or works by many oscillations (no need for high amperage), and a tooling mark-up that makes loan-sharks salivate. I have a number of non-Fein oscillating tools and wouldn't be without them, so I get the tool, just not the $450 part.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

import fees ?

 

[ishiboo]

I don't understand why the Fein Multimaster is so expensive. It is a grinder body, what is the most expensive 4 1/2 angle grinder that you can buy? I get that the whole category was CREATED by Fein. They have had nearly 20 years to recoup those costs because of their patent rights (tooling price can only be described as insane), but now that patent has expired no reduction in price. Really? So we have a tool that is a grinder body with a pawl (rather than a set of gears), for a tool that cuts or works by many oscillations (no need for high amperage), and a tooling mark-up that makes loan-sharks salivate. I have a number of non-Fein oscillating tools and wouldn't be without them, so I get the tool, just not the $450 part.

The bearings are gold-plated unicorn ******* which are hard to come by due to the limited #s. When was the last time you saw a unicorn?

I don't get the Fein costs either.

 

[Roots]

I thought that Fein tools were considered significantly better built than their competitors? Just $40-50 in upgraded workmanship at the manufacturer level for bearings, motor, etc. will generally lead to a $200-250 increase in the retail price, using the rule of 5 for manufacturing. Add in Fein being able to charge a premium for being the 'Real McCoy' and they can easily get up there in price.

 

[american lockpicker]

The price isn't that bad. Its consistant for a German made power tool that isn't made by Bosch. I'll probably buy one someday.

 

[archirelic]

So what's the deal then with the Fein's that are currently being offered at Home Depot for 199.99? Lesser quality, different C.O.O.?



The last time I was at Home Depot, there was a pallet of Fein MultiMasters...

 

[american lockpicker]

Simplified model.

 

[TonyCH]

import fees ?

They are stupid expensive here in Europe too. Quick check on Finnish pricing shows range of $263-595 and the most expensive kit (cordless) seems to be on sale with normal price of $656 The blades go up to $91 and in my experience they are not even that durable.

They are a bit cheaper in Germany obviously.

EDIT: it seems like the difference of the machines in the cheapest kit and the more expensive kits is quick release system. So, with the cheapest model you need a tool to change blades but with the more expensive ones have QR. And also more blades etc. accessories included with the more expensive kits.

 

[archirelic]

Simplified model.

Aaah...I see.

 

[TonyCH]

The price isn't that bad. Its consistant for a German made power tool that isn't made by Bosch. I'll probably buy one someday.

LOL, and as an European I am considering Milwaukees cordless version of it. The grass is greener always on the other side I guess

PS. we have Fein Multimaster at the office. Nice but not that nice to spend that kind of sum to get one to my home too.

 

[american lockpicker]

LOL, and as an European I am considering Milwaukees cordless version of it. The grass is greener always on the other side I guess

Get the Bosch one.

 

[oldtools]

Engineering excellence and high quality materials and workmanship.

 

[JASTECH]

Isn't the Bosch made in China or Mexico?

 

[Monte]

I don't understand why the Fein Multimaster is so expensive. It is a grinder body, what is the most expensive 4 1/2 angle grinder that you can buy? I get that the whole category was CREATED by Fein. They have had nearly 20 years to recoup those costs because of their patent rights (tooling price can only be described as insane), but now that patent has expired no reduction in price. Really? So we have a tool that is a grinder body with a pawl (rather than a set of gears), for a tool that cuts or works by many oscillations (no need for high amperage), and a tooling mark-up that makes loan-sharks salivate. I have a number of non-Fein oscillating tools and wouldn't be without them, so I get the tool, just not the $450 part.

The Multimaster in the recent version was introduced in 2007, it´s a "stand alone" model, only the Multimaster uses the body/housing/gear case/speed dial etc. So you have to calculate R+D costs of about 1 to 3 million Euro (depends on which manufacturer you ask) for this tool. Actually the motor power was increased to 250 Watt (older model 180 Watt) for the same price of the older model, the new one also comes with a complete new "arbor" (star shaped) and the "Quick in" toolless blade exchange mechanism as well as a longer cable (5 meter) (competitors use only up to 4 meters). Fein also has a larger oscillating degree of 1.6 degree in every direction versus 1.4 degree of the competitors.
I don´t know where you found the $450.- it´s more like $190.-

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U8Q812/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It comes with a scraper and a saw blade, a delta backing pad and 20 sheets of sandpaper. If we now calculate $10.- for the scraper $10.- for the saw blade and another $10.- for the pad it´s $30.- and the sandpaper, lets say $10.- too, thats $190.- minus $40.- = $150.-

So for $150.- you get a German made quality power tool with the highest build quality, longest cable, very low vibration, highest degree of oscillating, low noise level (and high quality accessories made in Germany/Switzerland/Austria....)


OR a even better deal, buy this version with "Quick-IN" and a carrying bag for just 10 bucks more:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PY1IMK/?tag=atomicindus08-20


and btw...prices.......where are the competitor models made.....?

So what's the deal then with the Fein's that are currently being offered at Home Depot for 199.99? Lesser quality, different C.O.O.?

Without "Quick-In" feature i guess ?
Coo: GERMANY

They are stupid expensive here in Europe too.
They are a bit cheaper in Germany obviously.

If you look at the Fein "Limited Edition" set the retail price is 279.-€ , if you calculate the list price of the accessories and tool case it´s €309.20 without tool ! So it´s cheap i think Even if you deduct 50% of these prices the tool alone would be like €155.- which is a good price i think.

PS: get the "Start" version and add Bosch accessories maybe you can save a few bucks, but overall the set versions are cheaper.

Isn't the Bosch made in China or Mexico?

The cheap corded as well as the cordless one = Malaysia
The brand new (expensive) one = Switzerland

 

[Jack Olsen]

Fein is a business. Once they're no longer the exclusive source for the tool, they have to make some decisions. Are they going to be able to compete with the discount versions of the tool? And if not, is there going to be a significant bump in sales if they cut their price to at least be in the ballpark of their competitors? I would guess they decided to keep the price high, because 1) they still had an arguably superior version of the product than their competitors, and 2) because a lot of buyers are NOT shopping based on price. A lot of consumers are proud to buy the most expensive version of the tool, since it validates some notion they have that the highest price is a reliable indicator of quality. To Fein's marketing people, it probably made sense to keep their small market share with a very large profit margin built in for them. They could leave the smaller profit margins and higher volume to their competitors.

That's my guess, at least.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Why does Johnny Walker Black cost more than some single malt Scotch Whiskeys ?

 

[240sxguy]

I own one and have used a chinese copy, my multimaster was much nicer to use. Great tool IMO. I haven't tried a better bosch etc.. so my experience is a bit limited.

 

[jim2664258]

The Fein model (not too long ago) used to cost a whole lot more than it does now. Until fairly recently, it was $400 plus - that is what the OP is basing his comments on I'm sure. But over the last 2 years, the market has been flooded by versions of this tool, both corded and cordless, both good performers and not-so-good. So they couldn't charge $400 anymore. If they could, they still would.

For a good while the Fein was really in a class by itself and had a price reflecting that. It's still a great tool but the gap has narrowed considerably - and so too has the price. Their blades are top-notch and still command a ridiculously-high price. Most make do with other brands, even name brands like Bosch that are good but don't cost as much. I think the Fein blades are better, but I can't quantify how much. I have heard there is a big difference in blades when you hit a nail while cutting in wood.

 

[Monte]

Actually the Multimaster is the cheapest tool Fein offers in their power tool line up
(And the only DIY tool)



btw:

Fein Multimaster ....starting bid only $99.95 buy it now $139.-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FEIN-MULTIM...205?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cfe9dba4d

 

[cashishift]

I used a Dremel version of this tool..

vibrated the heck outta my hands.

my dad has a fein, but hasnt used it yet. I'm curious what the difference is.

 

[Krusty]

I have the Bosch and an HF variable speed corded model. The Bosch is quieter, stays much cooler, and has better power, but the HF is not bad. It has a soft-start function that is handy and easier to control. I suspect that the Bosch will also hold up longer. The Bosch blades are better than the HF blades by a mile. In general, multi-tools are awesome. I don't know how I got along without one. If I were in the home repair business (instead of just doing it practically everyday for my own home), I'd probably buy the Fein.

 

[Monte]

my dad has a fein, but hasnt used it yet. I'm curious what the difference is.

That:

vibrated the heck outta my hands.

 

[Seattle Surfaces]

After 13 years as remodel professional, your standard for tools is a little different than a homeowner or DIY'er.

I have used a few of the knock off's and they don't even compare. A friend of mine pulled out a new HF tool on a job and it died on the fourth cut. I didn't have my Fein with me. HF replaced it, but we were still out of luck for the rest of the day.

The amount of noise and vibration might not be a big deal if you are only using it occasionally, but when you use tools all day long it can be a much bigger deal. Tool vibration can lead to carpel tunnel syndrome or make it worse and remodeling always makes a bunch of noise so quieter is better.

I know HF version comes with a very rigid cord that can split over time. Again, the little things would matter less for an occasional user.

Having a tool break on a job during use almost always costs me more than the original price of the tool even if it was $400.

Dave

 

[danski0224]

I don't understand why the Fein Multimaster is so expensive. It is a grinder body, what is the most expensive 4 1/2 angle grinder that you can buy? I get that the whole category was CREATED by Fein. They have had nearly 20 years to recoup those costs because of their patent rights (tooling price can only be described as insane), but now that patent has expired no reduction in price. Really? So we have a tool that is a grinder body with a pawl (rather than a set of gears), for a tool that cuts or works by many oscillations (no need for high amperage), and a tooling mark-up that makes loan-sharks salivate. I have a number of non-Fein oscillating tools and wouldn't be without them, so I get the tool, just not the $450 part.

Have you actually used one?

There is no comparison between the Fein, Dremel and Bosch.

Yeah, they all claim to do the same thing, but they aren't the same. You will not understand this until you use the tools for more than a few minutes. Cutting softwood dowels at the store display does not count.

Fein has way more accessories than the others. The Fein accessories are better. I know because I have used Bosch accessories in my Fein.

If you need one of these tools to make money with, don't waste your time with the knockoffs.

If you buy Fein, get the big kit. It will cost more to buy the accessories later.

And how can you compare made in China box store spec quality with genuine Fein?

 

[supra90turbo]

Fein, Snap-on, Fluke, etc. Anything that commands a high price for providing a service that is "seemingly" unlike others on the market, competing for your money.

Those of whom that use said tools day in and day out will notice a difference, and price is often no object when it is the tool that makes you the money. 90% of all tools on the market are aimed directly at the occasional user, a.k.a. Harold Homeowner, and those that need the tools to survive wouldn't give those tools the time of day.

Just an observation from seeing the business end of a few different trades.
Spend it up front or lose it later on.

 

[TonyCH]

One more comment on this. Like I said earlier we have a Fein Multimaster at work. I used it when we were renovating our offices. Seemed very high quality machine but I wasn't very impressed with the blades. It seemed that the original Fein 40-60€ blades wore off very quickly.

If they indeed are the best on the market then others must be very bad.

 

[Jawn]

I used a Dremel version of this tool..

vibrated the heck outta my hands.

my dad has a fein, but hasnt used it yet. I'm curious what the difference is.

I have the Dremel (MM20) and thought it was actually pretty smooth. Then again, I haven't used the others for a direct comparison.

 

[WQ59B]

Have had the Fein MM for about 2 years now- bought the 'caseless' kit to save about $30 and re-purposed an old Craftsman hard case to carry it (& disguise it ). Agree with the comments above~ extra long cord: +, smooth, quiet, low-vibration motor: +, quick-change blades: +.
I just did some oak flooring patchwork Friday, and the smoothness & power made it easy to plunge-cut the old boards right up to the next board that was staying. I paid $269 then (for what is now down to $199).

Only downside is the proprietary blades ARE expensive, IMO.
I would recommend a MM, esp for regular/professional use- nice tool.

 

[Addrock]

There are two good models for tool marketing and 1 TERRIBLE (IMO). The good are either expensive tool/cheap accessible, or cheap tool/expensive accessory. The bad is the FEIN model: expensive tool/expensive accessory. I have talked to many MM owners, none have said that the tooling is an OK value. Look at the mark up, $.05 worth of materials for $30, the tool; $25 for $250. I have cordless and corded for and accessories for what I can buy SIX wood cutting FEIN blades. I don't care if it's 10X better if I have to double my quote to a homeowner if I have to by a pack of blades.

 

[unknow82]

I got two Fein Multimasters, bougth around 15 years ago, both working like should and both used daily, untill 6-7 years ago, I found better tool for job.

Bosch blades do work with older, non-quick, machines and are way less expencive.

 

[WQ59B]

Someone should come up with an adapter to use non-Fein blades on a Fein.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Anyone with any marketing experience knows that the retail price is not tied to the manufacturing cost. The price comes from the people in Marketing, not Manufacturing. Marketing does market research and using a little calculus, figures what the sweet spot price should be. That is, how much should it sell for in order for the company to maximize their profit. If the price is too high, they will make more on each one, but not sell too many. If it is too low, they will make less on each one. So they try to get it just right. The price is what the market will bear. Anything less would be "cheapening" the image of the product.

Bottom line: If it costs $2 or $200 to make each one, they will still charge $400.

 

[Addrock]

Anyone with any marketing experience knows that the retail price is not tied to the manufacturing cost. The price comes from the people in Marketing, not Manufacturing. Marketing does market research and using a little calculus, figures what the sweet spot price should be. That is, how much should it sell for in order for the company to maximize their profit. If the price is too high, they will make more on each one, but not sell too many. If it is too low, they will make less on each one. So they try to get it just right. The price is what the market will bear. Anything less would be "cheapening" the image of the product.

Bottom line: If it costs $2 or $200 to make each one, they will still charge $400.

Great point, what I was getting at all along, $400 tools are protected by patent (cost pennies on the dollar) is one thing, then charging 1000% markup on tooling, great you have protection for nearly 20 years, great. Now that the JIG is up (patent protection), imitators flood the market for half the price and quality to match, BASIC marketing strategy is for downward price pressure to DRIVE prices to the correct market price (which hasn't happened).

 

[cat06]

Someone should come up with an adapter to use non-Fein blades on a Fein.

they do, and I have tried them in my Fein, to me it's worth paying the money for Fein blades they last longer

shop for Fein blades in quantity and sales to get the best per blade price

it's like buying gasahol for some cars...........ie it's worth it to pay extra for non eth gas because the mileage is better

 

[Maexle]

Simple explanation, because they are made in the area where i am coming from (20 minutes away), and the customer has to pay for our top wages (of course justified with the excellent craftsmanship / engineering) and on top of it for the Mercedes / Porsche we like to drive (and the customer pays for....).




all jokin' aside, Fein tools are made for all day / every day use and the company justifies the price with the built quality (at least what i hear from local construction / shop workers)

For me, as an "hobbyist" they are too expensive (and overkill), i prefer Bosch and Hilti (for my random usage)

 

[coolreed]

I noticed the Fein Multimaster has really came down in price now. Great tool, especially if you are a professional contractor and worth the extra money. But now there is competition and Fein has to compete.

But for the average Joe at home the Harbor Freight Version works pretty good for weekend projects.

 

[Roots]

Anyone with any marketing experience knows that the retail price is not tied to the manufacturing cost. The price comes from the people in Marketing, not Manufacturing. Marketing does market research and using a little calculus, figures what the sweet spot price should be. That is, how much should it sell for in order for the company to maximize their profit. If the price is too high, they will make more on each one, but not sell too many. If it is too low, they will make less on each one. So they try to get it just right. The price is what the market will bear. Anything less would be "cheapening" the image of the product.

Bottom line: If it costs $2 or $200 to make each one, they will still charge $400.

That's true, but there's still the general rule of 5. That to be really successful long term, you ideally should have a suggested retail price five times that of the manufacturing cost, whether in-house or via contracted. To allow room for engineering, future r&d, legal, corporate, marketing, logistics, distributor profit, retailer profit, warranty work, customer service, etc. Granted, that's only a general guideline, and some industries have margins in the mere single percentage range.

 

[terry603]

Why does Johnny Walker Black cost more than some single malt Scotch Whiskeys ?

why do tool guys spend so much more for snap on?/

 

[chad99]

why do tool guys spend so much more for snap on?/

When you've just spent the last 20years bashing your knuckles and stripping out screw heads etc with poorly made tools the answer will be self evident.

 

[c_mccann]

It is a pros tool, well built and well engineered. You have to have a need for it to buy one. Its still too nominal for my uses. Same gig for a Snappy torque wrench- pros tool, if you can't justify the cost, it is because there isn't enough uses for it with what you do.