Dapper Dan
ArboristSite Operative
No brand wars here...see my sig line...I like lots of em. Only reason Huskys are not included in my lineup is cause there is virtually no interest or dealers in my part of the Midwest. I don't know anyone that owns one and only see them in the Walmarts, Lowes, Farm King, TSC, etc stores around here.
After hanging here and other internet sites, related to chainsaws, here is what I have learned (better said...my opinion). No names..you will have to figure it out for yourself.
Brand A: Similar to Harley Davidson marketing. NO online sales of any kind. Can't even buy a loop of new chain, online (cept on e-bay). Priced higher than other saws with similar specs. Old time company with TONS of dealers ranging from Super to extremely horrible. Buy it here or go :censored: yerself. Time tried and fire tested product.
Brand B: Another tried and true brand that pulls it's entire Internet marketing, that is (seemingly) mostly geared to the "pro" market, yet markets their low end saws at discount stores AND EBAY. (No shortage of "N.I.B. both low AND high end factory new with warranty saws there).
Brand C: Another excellent old time company that is off again, on again with the USA market. Excellent price point with comparable "big name" saws Marketing strategy of "Don't ask....don't tell" as regards online sales.
Brand D: Most all others that have either killed themselves off with A: poor quality, B: Poor or no service or C: No marketing plan.
As to brand A....I could understand their strategy, somewhat, except for the fact they sign up lots of stores (rental stores, implement dealers, etc) that are in no way better, as far as knowledge or support, than signing up a box store. It seems to me they also encourage said dealers to push the so called "homeowner" grade saws. Not so many years ago this same company ONLY had ONE grade of saw, instead of three, which is the reason for their "reputation". (in answer to my own question....probably due to our new, "buy it cheap...throw it away" mentality)
AS to brand B: Baffled...unless it is, again, (in answer to my own question....probably.... due to our new, "buy it cheap...throw it away" mentality) The money is (sadly) probably in the low (junk) end.
As to brand C: They seem (to me) to be trying to be dancing around with both trying to establish a customer base without totally undermining a dealer support base. ( a juggling act...for sure).
As to the rest...they will only stay alive because either the buyers don't care about anything but price or... they are good saws with no support or marketing... but have a "niche market" of knowledgeable, self sufficient chainsaw junkies, that know a good product....regardless of all the BS.
My guess is...Brand A will continue to prevail based on it's previous reputation.
The rest, I reckon, will sort it self out...one way or another.
The appreciation of fine machinery, prevalent here on AS, is (sadly) probably not in line with the majority of chainsaw buyers as a whole.
That make any sense (I should warn ya....I been drinkin)
After hanging here and other internet sites, related to chainsaws, here is what I have learned (better said...my opinion). No names..you will have to figure it out for yourself.
Brand A: Similar to Harley Davidson marketing. NO online sales of any kind. Can't even buy a loop of new chain, online (cept on e-bay). Priced higher than other saws with similar specs. Old time company with TONS of dealers ranging from Super to extremely horrible. Buy it here or go :censored: yerself. Time tried and fire tested product.
Brand B: Another tried and true brand that pulls it's entire Internet marketing, that is (seemingly) mostly geared to the "pro" market, yet markets their low end saws at discount stores AND EBAY. (No shortage of "N.I.B. both low AND high end factory new with warranty saws there).
Brand C: Another excellent old time company that is off again, on again with the USA market. Excellent price point with comparable "big name" saws Marketing strategy of "Don't ask....don't tell" as regards online sales.
Brand D: Most all others that have either killed themselves off with A: poor quality, B: Poor or no service or C: No marketing plan.
As to brand A....I could understand their strategy, somewhat, except for the fact they sign up lots of stores (rental stores, implement dealers, etc) that are in no way better, as far as knowledge or support, than signing up a box store. It seems to me they also encourage said dealers to push the so called "homeowner" grade saws. Not so many years ago this same company ONLY had ONE grade of saw, instead of three, which is the reason for their "reputation". (in answer to my own question....probably due to our new, "buy it cheap...throw it away" mentality)
AS to brand B: Baffled...unless it is, again, (in answer to my own question....probably.... due to our new, "buy it cheap...throw it away" mentality) The money is (sadly) probably in the low (junk) end.
As to brand C: They seem (to me) to be trying to be dancing around with both trying to establish a customer base without totally undermining a dealer support base. ( a juggling act...for sure).
As to the rest...they will only stay alive because either the buyers don't care about anything but price or... they are good saws with no support or marketing... but have a "niche market" of knowledgeable, self sufficient chainsaw junkies, that know a good product....regardless of all the BS.
My guess is...Brand A will continue to prevail based on it's previous reputation.
The rest, I reckon, will sort it self out...one way or another.
The appreciation of fine machinery, prevalent here on AS, is (sadly) probably not in line with the majority of chainsaw buyers as a whole.
That make any sense (I should warn ya....I been drinkin)