The RoboReel Again...

[luvit]

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...

Hey man, that would be an interesting exercise, but no one would expect that.
The guys who pay for it may genuinely appreciate it when compared to members borrowing it and the purchasers help support the product with praises
It may solve problems we didn't know we had, but I would stay focused on the problems that I know of.. the problems that nag me.

You wrote your true experience before and after owning one.
Let the guys who have a nagging problem of cord management read your review and make their purchase and you can keep yours in your garage.

 

[James E]

People complain about the price, but if it was Robo-Reel by Snap-On, they'd be back ordered.

Sure, but if it said Snap-On, it'd cost $1,000, not $300.

I'm predisposed to spending money on things that look flashy but that I don't need and even I think that $300 for an extension cord reel is ridiculous.

Has there been a rash of old-style extension cord reel maimings or deaths that I'm not aware of? I've seen lots of posts on not relying on cinder blocks and jacks but I've not stumbled upon any threads warning of the dangers of extension cord reels gone wild. Are extension cord reels the new "PVC pipe used for air lines" thing?

Even assuming that it works flawlessly and forever, at that price point, 99% of the target market can't or won't buy it. Of course, since it's all plastic, the breakeven point is probably about seventeen units so maybe the company has already turned it into a cash cow.

Finally, and as another poster has pointed out, the thing looks cheap. When I saw the pic on the GJ homepage, I just assumed this was an as-seen-on-TV $29.99 gimmicky thing. I would never have guessed the real price--even after watching the video.

I'm just not seeing the value here and as I mentioned, I can place value on coolness and have a history of buying neat but useless ****. The thing wouldn't have to cover its own cost in real productivity for me to recognize its value. If I thought it was cool or would make my neighbors jealous, I might be talked into getting one. But this thing just doesn't push my buttons.

 

[bartn]

Very clever idea and design. As to the price point, my guess is that he isn't buying in high enough quantities to get his prices down and is trying to recoup a significant investment in tooling costs. The gear motor alone in there could be costing him $50.00. The programable electronics didn't come cheap either. Tooling for all that plastic was probably around 40k. While I am no fan of cheap plastic tools, if he did it right plastic was the way go for this design. My guess is that he is hoping for Sears/Lowes/HD to take notice and make him a deal that would let him sell it for less, making less margin but making up for in with high volume sales. The problem is that they will also pressure him to reduce the product cost by making it cheaper i.e. less quality. Probably a less robust motor and a cheaper grade cord. If you are the inventor and are reading this, don't do it! Hold your ground on your design. You will regret it later if you don't. Been there done that.

 

[2manytoyz]

It's a neat concept but too expensive. I just bought a 50' retractable power cord, rated for a full 15A, at Amazon.

$100 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F955HE/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

No, it doesn't retract like the fancy one, but at 1/3rd the cost, I'll take the 10 seconds and do it myself.

 

[A**holes Garage]

nope

 

[pattenp]

I get the feeling the people on GJ are really a group of frugal people and a $300 cord reel is really seen as extravagance. I know it is for me.

 

[my58]

When did we get so lazy that we can't wind up our power cords?

It's not necessarily about laziness.

I spend a lot of time in my garage and over the years have purchased, acquired and have built many things that make my working environment easier and at least to me "cooler" to play in.

At my age I don't spend money on drugs, music or wild women anymore so I figure I can splurge on a few impulse fun garage tools every now and then.

Do I really need another welding lid, NO, but I just spent a few bucks on a Miller Digital performance. Not the best, not the worst, but it made me happy. I have friends that are buying themselves young women and expensive cars, I figured a 300 dollar extension cord gadget for my garage was not as much of a waste for my extravagant purchase.

It's NOT laziness, Just a little stupidity and excess!

 

[cazin678]

Yeah, sorry- I don't mind spending $300 for cool stuff, but this doesn't float my boat at this price point- call me back when you're at $79.95.....

 

[GarageEnvy]

I'm glad Ryan was man enough to admit his initial impressions were wrong and I'm glad he likes it.

When I built my garage I had lots of outlets installed but I still find myself grabbing the cord reel. It's a cheapo Craftsman unit but for ~$40 it works OK. If you like it and want it, then great, buy it. It's probably no different than splurging on other luxuries like floor coatings, toolbox lighting or commercial grade storage. Basically there are cheaper alternatives that do the same thing.

From a manufacturing standpoint I'd love to see the inside to see where all the cost is. Maybe that's part of the problem. A lot of of other premium items look the part. This one looks cheap. Frankly it looks like Nerf started manufacturing cord reels. Maybe an exterior makeover would help or possibly some more marketing showing all the interior wizardry.

 

[RKA]

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 would agree with this. I probably come very close to their target market (so if the maker is reading, listen up). I use my cord reel all the time and I'm always guiding it back in so it retracts 100%, doesn't get bound up and doesn't whip around as the spring pulls it back. I like the product and concept. I do wish the packaging was better for a wall mount (it's looks like a giant wart), but that could be overlooked. Ultimately it comes back to price. My existing reel was $50. Nothing fancy obviously, but it's got 50 ft of 12 ga. cord, which is mainly what I needed. For something novel like this, I would probably go up to $150-200 if I *really* wanted it, but even then, it's an admitted frivelous expense. And at these high price points I would want to see "Made and designed in the USA" on them. At $280 plus the cost of the wall bracket and shipping it immediately becomes a walk away scenario...I don't even ruminate over it.

So if you reach a point where you're asking yourselves, how can get off the ground. Remember this. If your costs are so high that you couldn't sell for $175, then you probably need to figure out how to bring the costs down (and making the product cheap in any way is not the answer...anyone spending 3x's or more vs. a standard reel will expect a bulletproof product). If you're aiming to attract people that are willing to spend a premium for something "neat" and want to balance volume and margins to stay within certain operational limits, there is a point where you throw yourself over the cliff. Right now you're past that point (all my opinion obviously).

 

[VWPORSCHEGT3]

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...

when it comes to even paying 150, or 100 bucks, the convenience of this product still doesn't sell me. I have a tight budget and having something that rewinds itself isnt that big a deal, Harbor freight (oh no i mentioned the great china satan) has a basic real for cheaper, much much much cheaper. but when it comes to , should i buy the electric cord reel or buy that 40 dollar part for my Fastback, the car wins every time. convenience be damned! im not a professional so i can waste my time dittle farting around with a plain jane extension cord.....

 

[dlenkewich]

I just picture this as a garage equivilant to the latest and "greatest" kitchen gizmo the TV is telling me I need to have.

I don't buy those, and they are usually $9.99/$19.99 and If I order now I get 2... Or 3 if I call sooner!

It's a gimmick, that's all it is. Let's call a spade a spade here.

 

[dlenkewich]

Throw it on late night TV info-mecials.

The target demografic here is the guy still up at 3am getting wasted 'cause he lost his job or his ol' lady just dumped his ***.

 

[McKay]

I love mine. Hate the color however. I am building a detached garage right now that i hope is done in a year or so. If they make them in a different color then I will probably buy 5-6 to go out there.

 

[hchinaski]

Put this is the Skymall catalog where it belongs. It will fit right in, between the $329 shop stool and the $25 carbon fiber valve stem caps. Marketing it to people who actually use tools isn't going to work -- you need to sell it to the clueless mother-in-law who is looking for a birthday present for her daughter's husband who is always puttering around the garage. But does he ever offer to come and clean her gutters? NOOO.

 

[tmike14400]

I'm glad Ryan was man enough to admit his initial impressions were wrong and I'm glad he likes it. ...

Sorry, but I see it as he got paid off to change his opinion. For the cost of one of these units, the manufacturer just got a shitload of advertising.

 

[KPSquared]

I love mine. Hate the color however. I am building a detached garage right now that i hope is done in a year or so. If they make them in a different color then I will probably buy 5-6 to go out there.

You have a lot of excess cash I assume? You seem to be the first positive reaction I've heard. What's your demographic?

 

[swimbody]

Thanks Ryan and I'm glad you are enjoying the reel.

Most people here don't have to contend with OSHA violations or the loss of millions of dollars of capital should a fire occur. This reel system just does so much more than wind in your cord. With over 15 safety features in its favor, the value proposition is seen immediately when compared to the same old $500 industrial reel. Large factories see the value here because employee usage becomes more efficient with the RoboReel and safety managers are always on the lookout for a better way to make a factory or shop safer.

With that said, I have no idea why 58 would have returned this item and I've asked him if he could expand as to what happened because truthfully we've had one return on Amazon and the box had never been opened and it wasn't from California. A faulty purchase I guess.

To answer the question of so many here about the ceiling units, our reels come with a ball stop which allows you to set the height so you can reach it each time. As shop owners have been in person and used the reel while at SEMA, they saw the advantage immediately so it may not be the reel for the solo user on a tight budget. This product saves money and time and that equates to dollars so the reels pay for themselves. Additionally, if you are going to do a ton of yard work with electrical lawn tools I can also see how this would make your life loads easier and yard work a lot more fun.

The plastic used is not ABS as it is far stronger than that and it's oil and chemical resistant. One thing I'm not seeing repeated here is the ability for our reels to rotate 360 degrees, which no one else's can and our reels come in a portable version, another first. Now your 80 foot wide shop can be serviced by one reel so the 50ft now becomes 100ft. Ask any professional shop owner if they can use a tool like that and the answer is yes. This is not an extension cord; it's your power tool's power tool.

We appreciate all the comments here and understand its not for everyone.

Thanks again for the kind review, Ryan.

Graham Ginn
RoboReel Sales
www.roboreel.com

 

[Greatbear]

Ah,, now there's a fact I wasn't aware of. I wondered if the reel would rotate (it's ball shaped, so it hints at it) but unless I overlooked it, I didn't see anything mentioning the swiveling feature. That would be handy in the center of a shop. Is this swiveling continuous, or will it spin 360 degrees and hit a stop? Anything to help keep a cord from corkscrewing is a bonus.

 

[dlenkewich]

What good is a $300 50ft extension cord for yard work? Most yards would require 100'.

It makes much more sense that this is aimed at industrial companies where safety and big orange anything is shoved down workers throats but it begs me to ask why you sent one to Ryan?

Ok, now I'm really busting your balls - But a 50' cord is a 50' cord.

 

[danski0224]

Ah,, now there's a fact I wasn't aware of. I wondered if the reel would rotate (it's ball shaped, so it hints at it) but unless I overlooked it, I didn't see anything mentioning the swiveling feature. That would be handy in the center of a shop. Is this swiveling continuous, or will it spin 360 degrees and hit a stop? Anything to help keep a cord from corkscrewing is a bonus.

The rotating feature is in the demo video.

Looks like 360 degrees, no stops.

 

[ronstory]

If it was at least 'Red'... it would "go faster". ;^)

Thanks,
Ron

 

[James E]

Well, Graham is listening, which is good for him. He's getting the product out in front of alot of people, which is also good for him. It sounds like he is well aware that the reel appeals to a pretty small group of customers. As long as he accounted for that upfront, he should be fine.

I wish you luck, man. I admire your entrepreneurial spirit.

 

[KPSquared]

Swimbody's post talked about professional environments and industrial safety. . .so then why waste time with it here? That post doesn't seem to line up with reasons for sending Ryan a free one to up our opinion of them.

Add to that, the video seems to be focused on users like us. . .which is a contradiction to the post.

Not sure what's up but he compared it to a $500 industrial reel and he's marketing it to guys here as a replacement for $40 reels.

Just seems all screwy. . .

 

[03protege]

If you mount it on a 12' ceiling, and "program it" to reel back in until it is ten feet off the floor, how do you get it to come back down to you? Does it come with a remote control?
Now THAT would be worth $299

If you notice there are two, well how to say this, "black balls". One of them you adjust to stop the unit from reeling it in the other is the power receptacle.

Look at the shot where the lady pulls it down from the ceiling.


If I had the money to spend on it I would get one. I HATE dealing with extension cords and this would be soo nice.

 

[03protege]

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.

It has nothing to do with laziness and everything to do with efficiency

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Like any product, it is exactly worth what someone will pay for it.

Currently, this product does not meet a need that I have, and I would not be a customer. I won't damn those whom decide they do need it though.

The real trick is for the manufacturer to be able to produce a product at price point and volume that allows them to meet the costs and provide a small profit. This would be a product more properly targeted towards auto dealerships, race car shops, or other high end installations. Home garage owners are not likely to spend $300 in great enough numbers to warrant the marketing to our group.

I could be wrong. I just know that regardless how neat it may be, I am not the right demographic, nor do I believe most of the GJ people here are either.

 

[my58]

Wow, I am really confused, a bit disappointed, starting to be disillusioned and afraid I am soon going to be banished from a site I really believed in and tried to be an excellent netizen on. My normal approach is to take the high road and just walk away from a silly battle especially in something I have no skin in the game and Nothing to gain.

I believe if you look at my posts over the last 6 plus years I have been a member I have never been antagonistic, I have always attempted to be polite and I always attempted to help if I could. I think my posts will show no agenda of any kind other than share my love of tools, and my beliefs in sharing hobbies and interests with your kids.

I spend a fair amount of my time on very hostile forums, everything from Defcon to CrackHackforum and could understand if on one of those forums I was attacked or accused of doing something malicious However I always thought of garage journal as a friendly haven and my safe escape.

I was shocked to open my email tonight and find the administrator of this site tell me I stink.

This is the message that was sent:
***************
Hey man, the RoboReel people contacted me today. They claimed to have never had a return of any of their products. As I'm a Amazon vendor, I checked their claim... And guess what? They haven't.

Why did you claim to buy and then return the product on that thread? I don't get the motivation?

Also, Why do you claim to be from California when you are posting from Kansas?

Something stinks here. I think it might be you.
***************

First he states RoboReel " claimed to have never had a return of any of their products." Besides the fact that, that is in direct conflict with what RoboReel posted themselves it is not even conceivable that any company has NEVER had a return. Just as I could not believe someone saying every purchase was returned, I cannot believe a company can claim they have never had a return.

Next he claimed that because he is an Amazon vendor that they verified they never had a return. Again funny that Amazon is so free with information to him and even the RoboReel spokesperson posted they had at least 1 return from Amazon, NOT zero.

Next my location was called into question, I am not sure why, or even why it matters but I am in California and the Sticker box from this forum has been sent to me in California more than once. Now if the conclusion of my location was derived from the IP address I logged on from, maybe like many others on here I log in from hotels if I travel, or maybe I spoof my IP address, or maybe I logged in from a proxy server so my exploits are a bit more difficult to track, whatever the reason it is believed that I am not from California is not relevant because the truth is I am located in California.

the one relevant question that was asked is "Why did you claim to buy and then return the product on that thread? I don't get the motivation?"

The Answer is very basic. I claimed it because it was the truth and the motivation was to give an honest and actual account of my experience to a fellow GJ member. I really had no idea I was doing anything different than I had been doing 100 times before on this site. I did not even know at the time Ryan owned this site. Actually until tonight I never had a clue.

My original response was honest and I believe very civil. It was not mean spirited and I did not beat the dead horse, actually in a follow-up post I justified my reason for the purchase and tried to show good reasons why people would buy this product.

I am sorry that I have unintentionally stumbled into a marketing play and thought I was doing what a good garage Journal member is supposed to do. SHARE HONEST UN-BIASED AND REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER MEMBERS.

I value this site and am hoping this is just a mis-understanding and I can just go on a happy member, however what I stated in my original post is the truth and if that causes my banishment, so be it!

Respectfully,
My58

 

[magnusk750]

This is kind of a funny exercise in marketing on social media. The roboreel guy was pissed because of what was written about roboreel in the first run, gave a sample to be tested, but the GJ crowd isn't that easy to convince...

 

[swimbody]

Good morning everyone. One of the issues we've seen with any frustration with our reels is how to operate it. It's a slight learning curve and folks don't always understand that the receptacle ball end is for operating the unit. The button in the center has 3 functions. Most people take the unit out of the box and scratch their heads because they don't read the quick start manual. We also have to make folks realize that the ball needs to be rotated 90 degrees if its being mounted on a wall. Those items are routinely overlooked.

If anyone has had any problems operating the unit they know that a quick phone call gets them in contact with all of us. Each and everyone of us at Great Stuff is available most every hour of everyday and will gladly speak to anyone with questions or concerns. As we've been getting this product out and because of our visits to recent trade shows we've noticed that our easiest sell is to those who value quality and ease of use, not to mention, safety and efficiency. Whether that sale is to an industrialist, a shop owner, a shade tree mechanic, or a homeowner, the consensus is the same...this is a superb product where everything was thought of when it comes to power delivery. Sure the price point may be befitting a higher end user but any home owner who values his/hers tools and sees this as an extension of his/her tool kit understands the value proposition.

If anyone would like to contact me directly I will be happy to take questions or orders.
1-888-GR8-STUF

Sincerely,
Graham Ginn

PS my58, I sent you a pm. I'd like to hear what happened with your experience and who you spoke to, time of the year, circumstances, etc.

 

[Matt M PA]

My58...and I realize I am going slightly off topic here.

When I read your post, I took it at face value. I saw nothing flaming, slamming, condescending...etc....it was your experience. Be it real or perceived...it was what you took away from the experience. And...that has value.

I can only wonder why a moderator here would take such exception to this. I could understand better if this site was a RoboReel forum where they set the rules.

 

[swimbody]

This is kind of a funny exercise in marketing on social media. The roboreel guy was pissed because of what was written about roboreel in the first run, gave a sample to be tested, but the GJ crowd isn't that easy to convince...

Although Ryan may have thought I was pissed I really wasn't. I just wanted a fair approach to this exercise and that's all any company wants as the web and its forums can get a little unfair when a product is discussed. We spent a ton of time getting this product right and learning our market. This is an education for us as well. We really and I mean REALLY appreciate all the comments here as they only make us a better group of sales people, developers and inventors. As I've said before anyone can call us and talk to someone about the product or our line of products we are currently developing. If anyone wants a personal B to B reference you can call the Austin Speed Shop, Mercury Charlie's, West Coast Customs, Custom Car Crafters...I have an extremely long list of professional references if you'd like them from the west coast to the east coast. Check out our RoboReel YouTube channel and look at all the videos. There is one we had looping while at SEMA that had real world video testimonials from shop employees and shop owners.

Graham Ginn
Sales Manager
Great Stuff, Inc.
1-888-GR8-STUF

 

[dieselgarage]

Thanks Ryan and I'm glad you are enjoying the reel.

Most people here don't have to contend with OSHA violations or the loss of millions of dollars of capital should a fire occur. This reel system just does so much more than wind in your cord. With over 15 safety features in its favor, the value proposition is seen immediately when compared to the same old $500 industrial reel. Large factories see the value here because employee usage becomes more efficient with the RoboReel and safety managers are always on the lookout for a better way to make a factory or shop safer.

With that said, I have no idea why 58 would have returned this item and I've asked him if he could expand as to what happened because truthfully we've had one return on Amazon and the box had never been opened and it wasn't from California. A faulty purchase I guess.

To answer the question of so many here about the ceiling units, our reels come with a ball stop which allows you to set the height so you can reach it each time. As shop owners have been in person and used the reel while at SEMA, they saw the advantage immediately so it may not be the reel for the solo user on a tight budget. This product saves money and time and that equates to dollars so the reels pay for themselves. Additionally, if you are going to do a ton of yard work with electrical lawn tools I can also see how this would make your life loads easier and yard work a lot more fun.

The plastic used is not ABS as it is far stronger than that and it's oil and chemical resistant. One thing I'm not seeing repeated here is the ability for our reels to rotate 360 degrees, which no one else's can and our reels come in a portable version, another first. Now your 80 foot wide shop can be serviced by one reel so the 50ft now becomes 100ft. Ask any professional shop owner if they can use a tool like that and the answer is yes. This is not an extension cord; it's your power tool's power tool.

We appreciate all the comments here and understand its not for everyone.

Thanks again for the kind review, Ryan.

Graham Ginn
RoboReel Sales
www.roboreel.com

Quick question on the water hose unit. Do you have some type of wiper built in to clear off the debris on the hose prior to it being retracted. Just thinking about grass clippings and such.

 

[Ryan]

Wow, I am really confused, a bit disappointed, starting to be disillusioned and afraid I am soon going to be banished from a site I really believed in and tried to be an excellent netizen on. My normal approach is to take the high road and just walk away from a silly battle especially in something I have no skin in the game and Nothing to gain.

I believe if you look at my posts over the last 6 plus years I have been a member I have never been antagonistic, I have always attempted to be polite and I always attempted to help if I could. I think my posts will show no agenda of any kind other than share my love of tools, and my beliefs in sharing hobbies and interests with your kids.

I spend a fair amount of my time on very hostile forums, everything from Defcon to CrackHackforum and could understand if on one of those forums I was attacked or accused of doing something malicious However I always thought of garage journal as a friendly haven and my safe escape.

I was shocked to open my email tonight and find the administrator of this site tell me I stink.

This is the message that was sent:
***************
Hey man, the RoboReel people contacted me today. They claimed to have never had a return of any of their products. As I'm a Amazon vendor, I checked their claim... And guess what? They haven't.

Why did you claim to buy and then return the product on that thread? I don't get the motivation?

Also, Why do you claim to be from California when you are posting from Kansas?

Something stinks here. I think it might be you.
***************

First he states RoboReel " claimed to have never had a return of any of their products." Besides the fact that, that is in direct conflict with what RoboReel posted themselves it is not even conceivable that any company has NEVER had a return. Just as I could not believe someone saying every purchase was returned, I cannot believe a company can claim they have never had a return.

Next he claimed that because he is an Amazon vendor that they verified they never had a return. Again funny that Amazon is so free with information to him and even the RoboReel spokesperson posted they had at least 1 return from Amazon, NOT zero.

Next my location was called into question, I am not sure why, or even why it matters but I am in California and the Sticker box from this forum has been sent to me in California more than once. Now if the conclusion of my location was derived from the IP address I logged on from, maybe like many others on here I log in from hotels if I travel, or maybe I spoof my IP address, or maybe I logged in from a proxy server so my exploits are a bit more difficult to track, whatever the reason it is believed that I am not from California is not relevant because the truth is I am located in California.

the one relevant question that was asked is "Why did you claim to buy and then return the product on that thread? I don't get the motivation?"

The Answer is very basic. I claimed it because it was the truth and the motivation was to give an honest and actual account of my experience to a fellow GJ member. I really had no idea I was doing anything different than I had been doing 100 times before on this site. I did not even know at the time Ryan owned this site. Actually until tonight I never had a clue.

My original response was honest and I believe very civil. It was not mean spirited and I did not beat the dead horse, actually in a follow-up post I justified my reason for the purchase and tried to show good reasons why people would buy this product.

I am sorry that I have unintentionally stumbled into a marketing play and thought I was doing what a good garage Journal member is supposed to do. SHARE HONEST UN-BIASED AND REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER MEMBERS.

I value this site and am hoping this is just a mis-understanding and I can just go on a happy member, however what I stated in my original post is the truth and if that causes my banishment, so be it!

Respectfully,
My58

no, you are right man... I jumped to conclusions due to your IP address matching one of another user who has continually created new accounts just to cause trouble. I saw that and immediately figured you were him. I then fell off my rocker.

So, you are 100% in the right. I am 100% in the wrong. I apologize.

 

[swimbody]

Quick question on the water hose unit. Do you have some type of wiper built in to clear off the debris on the hose prior to it being retracted. Just thinking about grass clippings and such.

Yes, there are brushes inside the hose orifice that remove such debris. Thanks for asking.

I will be on site for questions and demos at the Northern Green Expo in Minneapolis, Minn this week until Friday at 1 pm. I will return phone calls as I am able to during the show. Thanks.

Graham

 

[Falcon67]

Looks like a great tool for the proper application. Personally, I don't have that application and not at that price. Doesn't make the product any less that it is, it's just that they'd never sell one to me. Which is what I think 90% of us have already said. So it's more of a vertical market sell IMHO. Unless you really like it and $300 isn't that big a deal.

 

[IndyGarage]

Thanks Ryan and I'm glad you are enjoying the reel.

Seems like Ryan has given you your money's worth in advertising, however those who haven't seen the product firsthand are still skeptical.

Most people here don't have to contend with OSHA violations or the loss of millions of dollars of capital should a fire occur. This reel system just does so much more than wind in your cord. With over 15 safety features in its favor, the value proposition is seen immediately when compared to the same old $500 industrial reel. Large factories see the value here because employee usage becomes more efficient with the RoboReel and safety managers are always on the lookout for a better way to make a factory or shop safer.

I didn't see the safety features highlighted in the video, so I went to the website and looked. The features that seem to add value are the cord cut protection and the temperature protection. These are truly added value over a normal cord and would add some to the price I would pay. I also looked up the material used - Valox - and it does seem to be made specifically for electrical devices.

However your contention that the device is made for industrial, not DIY use seems to be contradictory to all the advertising on your website. I don't see any of them shown in an industrial setting, and every one of your linked articles is aimed at home shop use - fixated, mens journal, emercedesbenz, gadgetworld, plus GJ - This confuses me: are you selling an industrial product that doesn't look industrial? or are you selling a product that you say is industrial, but targeted to home users?

With that said, I have no idea why 58 would have returned this item and I've asked him if he could expand as to what happened because truthfully we've had one return on Amazon and the box had never been opened and it wasn't from California. A faulty purchase I guess.

The thing that jumped out at me is that he thought he had been taken by a marketing ploy - which is in contrast to what Ryan says, when he describes it as being better in person than in the advertising - so I'm confused by this also.

I'm not sure why anyone would be motivated to make up a story about buying your product and being frustrated and sending it back, however this is the internet and stranger things have happened. Seems like you're going to have to have a few more folks here buy them and post good remarks to overcome that. At this point you know the answer to the above - if customers love it once they get their hands on it - then you need to get more GJ hands on it; perhaps offer a few units at cost to selected or first come first serve GJ members - or at least let us know where we can go to see it without shelling out $300. If it really is overhyped, then you have an uphill battle on your hands....

To answer the question of so many here about the ceiling units, our reels come with a ball stop which allows you to set the height so you can reach it each time. As shop owners have been in person and used the reel while at SEMA, they saw the advantage immediately so it may not be the reel for the solo user on a tight budget. This product saves money and time and that equates to dollars so the reels pay for themselves. Additionally, if you are going to do a ton of yard work with electrical lawn tools I can also see how this would make your life loads easier and yard work a lot more fun.

I'm not seeing this "saves me time" feature. I know that retractable reels save time over not retractables, but I don't see time savings from roboreel over a conventional reel. Perhaps you can sell it to greenies who only use electric lawn tools, but as mentioned earlier, 50 feet is a bit limiting.

The plastic used is not ABS as it is far stronger than that and it's oil and chemical resistant. One thing I'm not seeing repeated here is the ability for our reels to rotate 360 degrees, which no one else's can and our reels come in a portable version, another first. Now your 80 foot wide shop can be serviced by one reel so the 50ft now becomes 100ft. Ask any professional shop owner if they can use a tool like that and the answer is yes. This is not an extension cord; it's your power tool's power tool.

We appreciate all the comments here and understand its not for everyone.

Thanks again for the kind review, Ryan.

Graham Ginn
RoboReel Sales
www.roboreel.com

My current reel doesn't rotate, but the cord can pull out in all directions from the opening. I suppose 360 degee rotation gives a 2 or 3 more effective feet than it - so I'm not going for the 50ft/100ft argument over a conventional reel.

Again you're not selling against no reel. You're selling against the reels that are currently being sold for much less.

I think you have everything you need right in this thread to sell your product. Good luck.

 

[IndyGarage]

Oh, and I'm definitely not a fan of "it's your power tool's power tool".

When I hear that, I hear Billy Mays voice - sorry...

 

[Squankum]

Back in my day, we just drilled a small hole in the roof and attached our extension cord to a weather balloon!

 

[rwhite692]

What is the continuous amperage rating for this unit?

Can't just go by the AWG of the cord alone.

The contacts within this thing (wiping contacts of whatever type which allow it to twist/move in all directions) have to be able to support the current rating.

In my experience, cord reels usually fail at the wiping contact features which either cant support more than 10A or so or, get all carbonized and then fail.

$300 is a lot of money for a cord reel. That pricing is in the realm of all-metal units used in heavy duty commercial applications such as factory environments, etc.