Strouty
Well-known member
Cost averaging, only $150 each that sounds more like the price I would pay. Can you do a long term test and post back about what your thoughts are. I would like to see how it holds up after a year or more.
- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
Cost averaging, only $150 each that sounds more like the price I would pay. Can you do a long term test and post back about what your thoughts are. I would like to see how it holds up after a year or more.
300 bucks, I thought well maybe if I came across some extra cash, at that price it has to be made in the . . . . nope nevermind, Mexico.
It sounds like an internet forum - opinions from folks without experience!
I was totally on the "no" side before I used it for a few weeks. I really like it... In fact, I was planning on buying one of my own until I read my58's post. That makes me a bit nervous.
I see where you're coming from Ryan but for $300 dollars, most of the guys here aren't going to chance it and take a risk at that price.
OP
I will do for sure...
Yeah, totally agree... I mean, hell... I wouldn't. Before using, I wouldn't have paid $150 to be honest with you. It's a tough, tough sell...
softailgarage
Well-known member
I like the concept, but $300.00 is waaay out of price range for me. Hell, I cant even afford the $150.00 models you have, which brings me to this... whatcha gonna do with the old ones now that you dont need 'em? I'll gladly take them off yer hands 
I like the concept, but $300.00 is waaay out of price range for me.
I think most of the GJ'ers posting in this thread would agree.
HSpencer
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Here's the solution to this:
If you are a member of Garage Journal, you get 50% off. (That is reasonable since the dear leader gets a freebie).
If you are over 62 years old, you get an additional 10% off. Military Veteran, add another 10% off. Male? 10% and if you "ask" you get free shipping.
I have not tried the product, and I do not want to become predisposed on an opinion, but going by the feedback from my fellow GJers I think my solution is fair.
Say: $99.95 (best price) and free shipping. I think that would work.
If you are a member of Garage Journal, you get 50% off. (That is reasonable since the dear leader gets a freebie).
If you are over 62 years old, you get an additional 10% off. Military Veteran, add another 10% off. Male? 10% and if you "ask" you get free shipping.
I have not tried the product, and I do not want to become predisposed on an opinion, but going by the feedback from my fellow GJers I think my solution is fair.
Say: $99.95 (best price) and free shipping. I think that would work.
KPSquared
Well-known member
Let me guess. . .your a military vet over 62?
Let me guess. . .your a military vet over 62?
A male military vet over 62 that asks alot of questions.
I too saw the original post about the robo real. Looks like a great concept and being a younger tech savy guy I would love to own one. But the concerns that come to mind, most of which have already been mentioned.
Price - sorry but I can't justify the cost and I can afford spending that kind of cash on a quality tool.
Design - while it may not be my favorite I wouldn't be embarrassed to show it off.
Warranty - Ridgid has me suckered into there power tools with their "Lifetime Service Agreement" They make you jump though hoops but all long as you do they will cover it. Roboreel should consider this tactic. 4 year unregistered warranty, lifetime if registered within 90 days, must send in upc and receipt and keep a copy of the receipt for future warranty work. So how many people buy Ridgid for this reason? ALOT. How many register there products by the book? I would guess less that 50%.
Longevity - 4 year doesn't make me feel like this is a product that is going to last. Plus what about user serviceable parts? What happens when the electric motor craps out or the connection at the end breaks? Or the cord becomes frayed? I think you get the point?
COO - if you're going to ask premium $ better have premium workers (Made in the USA) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MimAZfq9Ba0 just an example but if Simplicity can make vacuums cleaners in the USA why can't a cord reel be made here. BTW I do own a simplicity vacuum just for the coo reason vs other brands
The members of garage journal is just the audience you are trying to cater to. Unfortunately price and longevity seem to be the two biggest sticking points for your product. This thread I hope has giving you all sorts of good information to help you promote your product. I'd love to see it succeed. More sales and demand would hopefully drive costs down.
If you are the owner of Roboreel reading this feel free to contact me for more in depth ideas. I won't ask for a free one
Price - sorry but I can't justify the cost and I can afford spending that kind of cash on a quality tool.
Design - while it may not be my favorite I wouldn't be embarrassed to show it off.
Warranty - Ridgid has me suckered into there power tools with their "Lifetime Service Agreement" They make you jump though hoops but all long as you do they will cover it. Roboreel should consider this tactic. 4 year unregistered warranty, lifetime if registered within 90 days, must send in upc and receipt and keep a copy of the receipt for future warranty work. So how many people buy Ridgid for this reason? ALOT. How many register there products by the book? I would guess less that 50%.
Longevity - 4 year doesn't make me feel like this is a product that is going to last. Plus what about user serviceable parts? What happens when the electric motor craps out or the connection at the end breaks? Or the cord becomes frayed? I think you get the point?
COO - if you're going to ask premium $ better have premium workers (Made in the USA) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MimAZfq9Ba0 just an example but if Simplicity can make vacuums cleaners in the USA why can't a cord reel be made here. BTW I do own a simplicity vacuum just for the coo reason vs other brands
The members of garage journal is just the audience you are trying to cater to. Unfortunately price and longevity seem to be the two biggest sticking points for your product. This thread I hope has giving you all sorts of good information to help you promote your product. I'd love to see it succeed. More sales and demand would hopefully drive costs down.
If you are the owner of Roboreel reading this feel free to contact me for more in depth ideas. I won't ask for a free one
HSpencer
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Let me guess. . .your a military vet over 62?
68, vet, AARP, GJ Member, Male, semi retarded, poor, dentures, confused, VA, DAV Life Member, VFW Life Member, American Legion Life Member, Good Sam Club Life Member, NRA member, Card Carrying Sam's Club Member, Amazon.com Prime Member, Supporter of the Sheriff's Boys Ranch,
KPSquared
Well-known member
Sounds like a helluva online dating profile. . .
Paticus
Well-known member
Whoa that thing is cool, what a great idea. I do fight with those spring loaded wind up reels. But I agree the luxury is not worth $300 unfortunately..
kams1973
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I'm with Ryan on this one. At $300, sure it's pricey, but I bet it's awesome to use. Push a button and let it go. Cord always stays rolled up and untangled.
danski0224
Well-known member
Interesting concept, but I'm not $300.00 interested, especially if it is not USA made.
Almost all of my cords are USA made, and they aren't cheap. The cords can get damaged and will need replacement.
I wonder if the cord in this reel is user replaceable.
After watching the promo video, the commercial and institutional facilities that use a cord reel now may see value in this tool, especially with "safe retracting".
The reel doesn't stack and seems to be quite bulky. Just for those two reasons, I would never buy one for portable jobsite use. I could get a couple hundred feet of cord into the space that the reel would take on my van.
Almost all of my cords are USA made, and they aren't cheap. The cords can get damaged and will need replacement.
I wonder if the cord in this reel is user replaceable.
After watching the promo video, the commercial and institutional facilities that use a cord reel now may see value in this tool, especially with "safe retracting".
The reel doesn't stack and seems to be quite bulky. Just for those two reasons, I would never buy one for portable jobsite use. I could get a couple hundred feet of cord into the space that the reel would take on my van.
superman09
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2012
- Messages
- 59
For 300 bucks it better make me dinner. But then again some of my friends say I belong on the cheapskate tv shows. I cut the coords off vacuums people throw away and make my own extension coords
Sent from my campfire using smoke signals
Sent from my campfire using smoke signals
It has some amazing features to be sure...the price is/was a concern but moreso the warranty. I'm guessing it counts each time it's retracted. I know some of my hose and cord reels have been in use for longer than I can remember. In one case I had to buy a new hose...but it was user serviceable.
In the detached garage I have a couple regular old Craftsman cord reels, but in the attached I have a (I know...really corny name) Wonder Winder. It has a hand crank and basket hanging underneath. This uses a regular extension cord and will take a very long cord. You press a handle and crank the cord in. The cord is nicely coiled in the basket.
I guess my long-winded point is that the features are great, but as far as function goes, I'd be hard pressed to buy a $300 RoboReel over my simple "crank" cord winder.
In the detached garage I have a couple regular old Craftsman cord reels, but in the attached I have a (I know...really corny name) Wonder Winder. It has a hand crank and basket hanging underneath. This uses a regular extension cord and will take a very long cord. You press a handle and crank the cord in. The cord is nicely coiled in the basket.
I guess my long-winded point is that the features are great, but as far as function goes, I'd be hard pressed to buy a $300 RoboReel over my simple "crank" cord winder.
santagary
Well-known member
At my age, unwinding/untangling extension cords and then winding them back up again over my left hand and elbow is considered "working out" which the chicks love when you mention it!
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
Aside from the mechanics of the beast, nobody has mentioned cord type ?
SJTW, SOW, SEOW......
These are little variables on how a light a cord is, how durable a cord cord, how FLEXIABLE the cord is in cold weather, yadda, yadda. Over the years, as one see cheap cords, decent cords and AMAZING cords, this small detail for me matters.
And it's not just the jacket rating, manuf. compound does play a role in the differences in the cords as well !
SJTW, SOW, SEOW......
These are little variables on how a light a cord is, how durable a cord cord, how FLEXIABLE the cord is in cold weather, yadda, yadda. Over the years, as one see cheap cords, decent cords and AMAZING cords, this small detail for me matters.
And it's not just the jacket rating, manuf. compound does play a role in the differences in the cords as well !
Smiliesafari
Well-known member
When did we get so lazy that we can't wind up our power cords? $300.00...Roller rockers, headers, manifold, carb, and the list goes on. Lots of other cool things. I'll just wind them up the old fashioned way.
cowboy73
Well-known member
It only has a 50ft. cord. A 50ft. cord isn't that long or hard to store.
Mstrfxit12
Well-known member
Just to jump on the bandwagon. I also saw the original post and had checked it out. I thought it was a cool idea but, as many had said before me, it was cost prohibitive. I think $150-200 would be a more palatable price point. I would mind having one but I can't justify it. At the end of the day it really is only a small improvement off spring return reels and that just isn't enough to be a couple hundred over the spring reels.
As was mentioned before, I hope the manufacturer uses this forum feedback to look at their product and its price point. Its great to invent a new wheel but if most people cant afford to make it go around it didnt do much.
As was mentioned before, I hope the manufacturer uses this forum feedback to look at their product and its price point. Its great to invent a new wheel but if most people cant afford to make it go around it didnt do much.
OP
Maybe I should take the thing off my ceiling and send it to one of ya'll to try out. I hate to loose it, but might be an interesting exercise...
matouse3
Well-known member
I'm sure that its a sweet deal, but I don't think it would convince me to part with $300 even if I did try it out.
JakeKohl
Well-known member
Man, you guys are tough! I can see the benefits of it. It's a bit pricey but I'm not sure they can do everything they're doing with that thing any more cost effectively. They've built a lot of technology into it. I may point my wife to the item with a wink wink for my next b-day.
dieselgarage
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2012
- Messages
- 277
The good news is they make them for air and soon for a water hose. I think it's a neat idea. Hell I have wasted more than 300.00 in a night on a good drunk. I'd give this a shot.
Shipfittin
Well-known member
Alright, you would think that I would be the perfect guy for this invention. I'm young, just bought my first house and my weed eater, edger and blower all require extension cords for when I do yard work. So sounds like the perfect invention for me because every weekend in the spring summer and fall I'm running a long extension cord line out of my garage into the yard. But for $300 I only get 50' of line? Are you serious?
I think where this invention ended up being lost was how your supposed to actually gain for so much loss. I just don't think many of us see a $301 gain for our $300 loss.
Oh and I gotta give it to the guys that make these infomercials. They go to say "Men's Journal" and the guitar cranks up and there's a guy grinding. And those guys in that scene could have saved $600 on their Roboreels and installed adequate shop lighting. Not to mention in that scene it looks like it could create a very big tripping hazard if you were to be walking by their benches and not paying attention to the lines.
I think where this invention ended up being lost was how your supposed to actually gain for so much loss. I just don't think many of us see a $301 gain for our $300 loss.
Oh and I gotta give it to the guys that make these infomercials. They go to say "Men's Journal" and the guitar cranks up and there's a guy grinding. And those guys in that scene could have saved $600 on their Roboreels and installed adequate shop lighting. Not to mention in that scene it looks like it could create a very big tripping hazard if you were to be walking by their benches and not paying attention to the lines.
That's an interesting and awesome idea Ryan. Maybe it could be passed around to a few members and the Great Stuff company could get more feedback.
For the record, I must state, please do not put me on the short list.
Quick look on Amazon says the only reviews are from paid responders (Every review they've done is 5 of 5 stars, and touts the glory of the product). That tells me that they're not even selling on Amazon.
Problem is, this is priced out of the market. In reference to the gentleman that mentioned the IPhone at $700, that is acceptable to the market. If IPhone came out right now with a $2100 - $2800 phone, the market in general would laugh it's **** off. Would never work.
I'm sure Jay Leno could afford to have these strung all over his garage, but not me, and likely very few of the people this board represents, which is what the original (un-biased ) article was meant to convey. $300 will buy a lot of tools/parts that could be powered by a $50 retractable cord.
Problem is, this is priced out of the market. In reference to the gentleman that mentioned the IPhone at $700, that is acceptable to the market. If IPhone came out right now with a $2100 - $2800 phone, the market in general would laugh it's **** off. Would never work.
I'm sure Jay Leno could afford to have these strung all over his garage, but not me, and likely very few of the people this board represents, which is what the original (un-biased ) article was meant to convey. $300 will buy a lot of tools/parts that could be powered by a $50 retractable cord.
gibby64
Member
and now the snapon reels are 19.99 at ace hardware!
IndyGarage
Well-known member
It looks to me like the tribe has spoken...
The problem I have with it is that it doesn't look like a $300 product. It looks like something you buy at Walmart for $25. People will pay much more than something that they want - Fein; Snap-on; Lista - but there has to be some value to the customer.
Heck, there are people here buying $4,000 Snap-on toolboxes when they can buy a similar HF model for $500. Why do they do that?
- First, they think the Snap on one is built better. Whether it is or not is not important, they believe it is.
- Second, it's a brand that has an identity and their coworkers or buddies know what the brand means and are impressed by it (this is most important for a premium price product - if your buddies don't envy the product, you won't pay a premium)
- Third, the brand has a track record of delivering reliable products and backing them up with a warranty.
- Fourth - the brand and reputation guarantees a good resale value.
Roboreel doesn't seem to have any of those things going for it - therefore, the premium price must be justified by functionality alone.
For a cord reel to demand 4x what I would normally pay it has to do something completely different or solve a problem I have with the ones I already own - and this one doesn't seem to do that. It reels 50 feet of cord, just like the one I already have.
Yes the method of reeling seems better, but it's not a totally new feature, just an improved one, and, personally I'm a bit skeptical of a "computerized" solution when the mechanical one still works OK - more things to fix or throw away because you can't fix it.
It seems Ryan was impressed with Roboreel when he actually used one. We had all seen it conceptually before and only 1 bought it and sent it back, so that tells me that the manufacturer is going to have to have every one of us potential customers actually use the product somehow before we will buy. That means putting one on display in every hardware store, or going to every trade show, and making sure it works when we try it.
The problem I have with it is that it doesn't look like a $300 product. It looks like something you buy at Walmart for $25. People will pay much more than something that they want - Fein; Snap-on; Lista - but there has to be some value to the customer.
Heck, there are people here buying $4,000 Snap-on toolboxes when they can buy a similar HF model for $500. Why do they do that?
- First, they think the Snap on one is built better. Whether it is or not is not important, they believe it is.
- Second, it's a brand that has an identity and their coworkers or buddies know what the brand means and are impressed by it (this is most important for a premium price product - if your buddies don't envy the product, you won't pay a premium)
- Third, the brand has a track record of delivering reliable products and backing them up with a warranty.
- Fourth - the brand and reputation guarantees a good resale value.
Roboreel doesn't seem to have any of those things going for it - therefore, the premium price must be justified by functionality alone.
For a cord reel to demand 4x what I would normally pay it has to do something completely different or solve a problem I have with the ones I already own - and this one doesn't seem to do that. It reels 50 feet of cord, just like the one I already have.
Yes the method of reeling seems better, but it's not a totally new feature, just an improved one, and, personally I'm a bit skeptical of a "computerized" solution when the mechanical one still works OK - more things to fix or throw away because you can't fix it.
It seems Ryan was impressed with Roboreel when he actually used one. We had all seen it conceptually before and only 1 bought it and sent it back, so that tells me that the manufacturer is going to have to have every one of us potential customers actually use the product somehow before we will buy. That means putting one on display in every hardware store, or going to every trade show, and making sure it works when we try it.
mobiledynamics
Well-known member
The thing with circuit boards....is that they do go BAD , Question is when. Whether in 6 years or 1 year ?
For example, about 3-4 years ago, the digital clutch on my Panasonic Impact went bad. And this was probably on a drill that was less than 6 month old and back then, these drills were probably selling for 100% more than a Makita LXT equivalent....
For example, about 3-4 years ago, the digital clutch on my Panasonic Impact went bad. And this was probably on a drill that was less than 6 month old and back then, these drills were probably selling for 100% more than a Makita LXT equivalent....
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
I like the idea of it on the ceiling. I appreciate the fact I can push the button to get it out of my way, BUT... How do I get it down? I have to leave it at a height I can pull it down from. That to me defeats the purpose. Now that remote idea...
This is essentially a scene out of Shark Tank. The ultimate user of the product thinks it's neat and would give it a shot but the cost is just too far out there. It appears to be a total failure to conduct proper market research. We are the market. Many here could afford it at $300 and care enough about their garages to spend that money if it makes sense. The people who have enough money not to care about what things cost aren't going to care enough about cord problems to look at these (at least in large numbers) and the average Jo going to home depot ain't going to ever see these or spend the money. So we are the best market at least in the US.
I think a couple of people said that costs may come down. As long as this shop is making it, the answer is probably not. Roboreel should have really licensed the product or sold its patent to a big player. Only then would economies of scale kick in and prices would come down. Roboreel also has a neat garden reel coming out. I just spent a couple hundred bucks on a nice reel. Roboreel's is like $600--far too much for me to have done something differently. What a shame.
I think a couple of people said that costs may come down. As long as this shop is making it, the answer is probably not. Roboreel should have really licensed the product or sold its patent to a big player. Only then would economies of scale kick in and prices would come down. Roboreel also has a neat garden reel coming out. I just spent a couple hundred bucks on a nice reel. Roboreel's is like $600--far too much for me to have done something differently. What a shame.
dmeadow
Well-known member
I think this is a pretty good analysis. I'll add a couple of comments:
What is the real utility and advantage of this over the alternative? Basically, that it reels in cord better, right? When you use a regular reel, what percentage of the job is spent using the reeling function? 1%? 0.001%? It doesn't transfer electricity any better than any other 50' extension cord, which is the primary function, after all. Beating the dead horse here, but that is a lot to pay to improve just that function. Especially for something that has more moving parts, circuit board, and a motor that could potentially fail.
The target market for this is not the grassroots guy, IMHO, which is probably most of the folks on this board. I think this is something that would sell best in a Griot's catalog, perhaps, as a premium gadget. After all, Griot manages to sell $90 water nozzles, which I doubt a majority of the folks here would find a reasonable amount to spend on a water nozzle.
bobemmerich
Well-known member
I agree 100%. I like the idea and think it's cool, but not for the average guy. If it were about 150-200, I MIGHT give it a try...MAYBE...Also for 3 bills, it should be made in the U.S.A..
brockstar
Well-known member
He might be pissed, but the basic fact is this is not a Joe Six Pack product - joe evaluates this against the practical value. This a boutique tool, regardless of how well it works. The guys that buy it like it for the idea or of having something different and not because he needs another extension cord.
Shipfittin
Well-known member
You hit the nail on the head for me right there.