Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
Woodworking (rec.woodworking) Discussion forum covering all aspects of working with wood. All levels of expertise are encouraged to particiapte. |
Reply |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's
charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. Heads they win, tails you lose. John |
#2
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 5:05*pm, JohnD wrote:
In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. *They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. * Heads they win, tails you lose. John And now Rob Lee is supposed to compromise the health of his fine company to make 'you' happy? Had Robin Lee been the 'cause' of the US dollar/Canadian dollar problem, then I would also hold him responsible. He owes it to his business to put it first. It is his business to do as he seems fit so that all his employees can at least have a chance at keeping their jobs. (Which may or may not be possible due to the enormous economic mismanagement beyond our control.) |
#3
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 5:24*pm, Robatoy wrote:
On Jan 2, 5:05*pm, JohnD wrote: In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. *They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. * Heads they win, tails you lose. John And now Rob Lee is supposed to compromise the health of his fine company to make 'you' happy? Had Robin Lee been the 'cause' of the US dollar/Canadian dollar problem, then I would also hold him responsible. He owes it to his business to put it first. It is his business to do as he seems fit so that all his employees can at least have a chance at keeping their jobs. (Which may or may not be possible due to the enormous economic mismanagement beyond our control.) I 'applaud' your 'use' of irrelevant quotation marks for 'effect'. I have merely pointed out an obvious inconsistency in Lee Valley's stated policy when a currency move that went in their favor and the opposite behavior when it did not. They are free to do what they want, as a privately-held company. Not sure if raising prices, against a stated policy, in this turd-bowl of an economy is the smartest move, but I simply wanted to point out the lack of consistency with former company statements. Are you the unofficial Lee Valley apologist? |
#4
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 6:20*pm, JohnD wrote:
On Jan 2, 5:24*pm, Robatoy wrote: On Jan 2, 5:05*pm, JohnD wrote: In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. *They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. * Heads they win, tails you lose. John And now Rob Lee is supposed to compromise the health of his fine company to make 'you' happy? Had Robin Lee been the 'cause' of the US dollar/Canadian dollar problem, then I would also hold him responsible. He owes it to his business to put it first. It is his business to do as he seems fit so that all his employees can at least have a chance at keeping their jobs. (Which may or may not be possible due to the enormous economic mismanagement beyond our control.) I 'applaud' your 'use' of irrelevant quotation marks for 'effect'. So kind of you to notice and comment in such a positive manner. I 'live' for moments like these. I have merely pointed out an obvious inconsistency in Lee Valley's stated policy when a currency move that went in their favor and the opposite behavior when it did not. *They are free to do what they want, as a privately-held company. *Not sure if raising prices, against a stated policy, in this turd-bowl of an economy is the smartest move, but I simply wanted to point out the lack of consistency with former company statements. As you seem to be looking at it purely from a standpoint that would benefit you, I can understand your desire for everybody to give away merchandise at or below cost, so they can go tits up so not to have to deal with such hinderances as warranties and service. It is impossible to maintain the status quo when everything around you falls apart. Don't you change clothing when the weather changes? Are you the unofficial Lee Valley apologist? As if Lee Valley needs to apologize to those who won't/can't understand the harsh realities of a down-turn economy. Maybe if you had asked about those policy questions directly from the source, instead of throwing a poorly constructed Molotov Cocktail of crap into a public wood-working forum? |
#5
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 6:52*pm, Robatoy wrote:
Maybe if you had asked about those policy questions directly from the source, instead of throwing a poorly constructed Molotov Cocktail of crap into a public wood-working forum? ROTFLMAO.... I'm dying over here!! Seriously.... your hot buttons.... Sometimes you really crack me up! Robert |
#6
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 5:05*pm, JohnD wrote:
In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. *They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. * Heads they win, tails you lose. John It's bidness. I don't know if you own or have ever owned your own bidness but times is hard and bidness does what bidness needs to do. Mr. Lee has employees who depend on him to make intelligent decisions - so that they can continue to have jobs. It looks to me like Mr. Lee is doing just that. tom |
#7
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
Wow.
What I said, using smaller words, so as not to confuse, is the following. When the CDN dollar went up, Robin Lee said his hands were tied, the fact that LV products cost way less in the US was regrettably out of his hands, due to the long-term currency-buying and catalog-printing policies of Lee Valley. The fall of the Canadian dollar is, apparently, easier to address, in the form of price increases to Canadian customers. I know it is subtle, but do you see the inconsistency. In the first case, when the currency movement benefitted LV, no change could be made, due to currency commitments, and catalog printings. In the latter case, when the currency movement harms Lee Valley, then they abandon recently-distributed catalog pricing and push it up. All I am saying, Einstein, is that this is inconsistent. I am not suggesting Lee Valley should pursue a plan to make me happy. I am simply pointing out the dishonesty and inconsistency. I feel I should use smaller words, since Robatoy and now Tom are confused by longer On Jan 2, 8:48*pm, Tom Watson wrote: On Jan 2, 5:05*pm, JohnD wrote: In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. *They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. * Heads they win, tails you lose. John It's bidness. *I don't know if you own or have ever owned your own bidness but times is hard and bidness does what bidness needs to do. Mr. Lee has employees who depend on him to make intelligent decisions - so that they can continue to have jobs. *It looks to me like Mr. Lee is doing just that. tom |
#8
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 7:52*pm, Robatoy wrote:
On Jan 2, 6:20*pm, JohnD wrote: On Jan 2, 5:24*pm, Robatoy wrote: On Jan 2, 5:05*pm, JohnD wrote: In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. *They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. * Heads they win, tails you lose. John And now Rob Lee is supposed to compromise the health of his fine company to make 'you' happy? Had Robin Lee been the 'cause' of the US dollar/Canadian dollar problem, then I would also hold him responsible. He owes it to his business to put it first. It is his business to do as he seems fit so that all his employees can at least have a chance at keeping their jobs. (Which may or may not be possible due to the enormous economic mismanagement beyond our control.) I 'applaud' your 'use' of irrelevant quotation marks for 'effect'. So kind of you to notice and comment in such a positive manner. I 'live' for moments like these. I have merely pointed out an obvious inconsistency in Lee Valley's stated policy when a currency move that went in their favor and the opposite behavior when it did not. *They are free to do what they want, as a privately-held company. *Not sure if raising prices, against a stated policy, in this turd-bowl of an economy is the smartest move, but I simply wanted to point out the lack of consistency with former company statements. Maybe if you had asked about those policy questions directly from the source, instead of throwing a poorly constructed Molotov Cocktail of crap into a public wood-working forum? Actually, I responded directly to the source when the discussion occurred a few years ago. Robin Lee got rather snippy and took a moral position regarding Lee Valley's pricing policies. He stated that they were locked in and, as such, could not be altered to reflect the strengthening of the Canadian dollar, and the concomitant increases in CDN pricing. He quoted the dates the decisions were made, and referred to the immutable nature of the prices. Now, somehow, Lee Valley has discovered a way to get around the lock in. Since the currency shift has gone in the other direction, they are overriding the catalog prices and increasing away. If you have an issue with any factual point I am making, please respond. If you simply want to flap away with irrelevant gibberings, I will invite you to do that in your private diaries. John As you seem to be looking at it purely from a standpoint that would benefit you, I can understand your desire for everybody to give away merchandise at or below cost, so they can go tits up so not to have to deal with such hinderances as warranties and service. It is impossible to maintain the status quo when everything around you falls apart. Don't you change clothing when the weather changes? Are you the unofficial Lee Valley apologist? As if Lee Valley needs to apologize to those who won't/can't understand the harsh realities of a down-turn economy. Maybe if you had asked about those policy questions directly from the source, instead of throwing a poorly constructed Molotov Cocktail of crap into a public wood-working forum? |
#9
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
"JohnD" wrote in message ... In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: Who cares what he said a few years ago. Things change. The economy certainly has. Sounds like your beef is with Mr. Lee so you should take it up with him, not us. No one here can change the policy, but he can. |
#10
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
"JohnD" wrote in message ... In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. Heads they win, tails you lose. John You always have the option to not do business with Lee Valley, but then it would be heads they win and tails you loose also. |
#11
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 9:58*pm, JohnD wrote:
Wow. What I said, using smaller words, so as not to confuse, is the following. When the CDN dollar went up, Robin Lee said his hands were tied, the fact that LV products cost way less in the US was regrettably out of his hands, due to the long-term currency-buying and catalog-printing policies of Lee Valley. *The fall of the Canadian dollar is, apparently, easier to address, in the form of price increases to Canadian customers. *I know it is subtle, but do you see the inconsistency. *In the first case, when the currency movement benefitted LV, no change could be made, due to currency commitments, and catalog printings. *In the latter case, when the currency movement harms Lee Valley, then they abandon recently-distributed catalog pricing and push it up. *All I am saying, Einstein, is that this is inconsistent. I am not suggesting Lee Valley should pursue a plan to make me happy. I am simply pointing out the dishonesty and inconsistency. I feel I should use smaller words, since Robatoy and now Tom are confused by longer On Jan 2, 8:48*pm, Tom Watson Was that an attempt at condescension? |
#12
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 10:13*pm, JohnD wrote:
Before this little misguided thread, your last contribution, JohnD was: 6. JohnD Jun 19 2005, 12:05 am I would think of painting it, personally. As a group, we have JohnD to thank for that contribution. 3-1/2 years ago since we heard anything from him. Sometimes people leave for one reason or another, and sometimes we miss them. This is not one of those times. |
#13
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
JohnD wrote:
He stated that they were locked in and, as such, could not be altered to reflect the strengthening of the Canadian dollar, and the concomitant increases in CDN pricing. He quoted the dates the decisions were made, and referred to the immutable nature of the prices. Now, somehow, Lee Valley has discovered a way to get around the lock in. Since the currency shift has gone in the other direction, they are overriding the catalog prices and increasing away. Good for him. Glad he got that figured out, and hope that will allow him to continue to provide excellent tools and service at good prices. If you have an issue with any factual point I am making, please respond. If you simply want to flap away with irrelevant gibberings, I will invite you to do that in your private diaries. Or, if you have issue with their pricing, why don't you deny yourself the use of any LV tools. I'll be glad to hold any planes for you until you get over it, and promise to keep them in good use. -- Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently. |
#14
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
"Robatoy" wrote in message
... On Jan 2, 10:13 pm, JohnD wrote: Before this little misguided thread, your last contribution, JohnD was: 6. JohnD Jun 19 2005, 12:05 am I would think of painting it, personally. As a group, we have JohnD to thank for that contribution. 3-1/2 years ago since we heard anything from him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And? |
#15
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
"JohnD" wrote in message inconsistency. In the first case, when the currency movement benefitted LV, no change could be made, due to currency commitments, and catalog printings. In the latter case, when the currency movement harms Lee Valley, then they abandon recently-distributed catalog pricing and push it up. All I am saying, Einstein, is that this is inconsistent. No, it's business. Robin's first duty to his company is to see that it doesn't lose money. When the Canadian dollar was worth more than the US buck, it was only that way for a relatively short period. Nobody is immediately going to change prices under those conditions until they're fairly sure those rates are going to stay fairly consistent. They didn't stay that way for long so no prices were changed. However when the dollar went way down again, immediately LV would be losing money, so he has to address that condition immediately. That's his duty and it is what he did. There's no greed or inconsistency there, just ordinary business. |
#16
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
JohnD writes:
All I am saying, Einstein, is that this is inconsistent. Only from your perspective. From LV's - it's profitable both ways. As Tom says, it's business. Perhaps LV is doing this because most of their business comes from the US, and if they have to show "favorites," they pick the one that gives them the most profit. Now if you have a suggestion that will allow LV to do the "right thing," and remain at least as profitable, please enlighten us.. |
#17
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Fri, 2 Jan 2009 18:58:31 -0800 (PST), JohnD
wrote: I feel I should use smaller words, since Robatoy and now Tom are confused by longer **** You. (are those words small enough for you?) Regards, Tom Watson http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/ |
#18
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
"JohnD" wrote
What I said, using smaller words, so as not to confuse ... All I am saying, Einstein, is that this is inconsistent. I am simply pointing out the dishonesty and inconsistency. I feel I should use smaller words... The cabal has assigned, as your New Year's resolution, that you work on your exhibited affliction described in section "2." below: http://www.rundaria.blogspot.com/200...1_archive.html While there is no cabal, take it to heart. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 10/22/08 KarlC@ (the obvious) |
#19
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
"Swingman" wrote:
The cabal has assigned, as your New Year's resolution, that you work on your exhibited affliction described in section "2." below: http://www.rundaria.blogspot.com/200...1_archive.html LOL! You hit that one square on the head! -- Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently. |
#20
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
I shop around, watch for sales and find the best price I can and leave it at
that.. I just bought a Veritas twin screw vise for a new workbench project from Lee Valley. I found other stores that sell it, but all were more expensive. Lee Valley's current free shipping was enough of a bonus for me.. Other things I buy elsewhere.. Doesn't do much good to get ticked about price changes in a particular store.. Just let supply and demand principle take care of that.. "JohnD" wrote in message ... In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. Heads they win, tails you lose. John |
#21
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 9:13*pm, JohnD wrote:
Actually, I responded directly to the source when the discussion occurred a few years ago. *Robin Lee got rather snippy and took a moral position regarding Lee Valley's pricing policies. *He stated that they were locked in and, as such, could not be altered to reflect the strengthening of the Canadian dollar, and the concomitant increases in CDN pricing. *He quoted the dates the decisions were made, and referred to the immutable nature of the prices. *Now, somehow, Lee Valley has discovered a way to get around the lock in. Since the currency shift has gone in the other direction, they are overriding the catalog prices and increasing away. *If you have an issue with any factual point I am making, please respond. *If you simply want to flap away with irrelevant gibberings, I will invite you to do that in your private diaries. John Robin stated a policy. He didn't sign a contract. He is allowed to change policy, and it's possible the the economic situation forced him to do so. I don't know. You seem to have a low opinion of Robin, or of his company. I have no idea whether it's justified or not, but in any case you simply need to buy from someone else. Give your business to someone whom you respect, based on whatever business behavior pleases you. I doubt Robin will miss you anyway. |
#22
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Fri, 2 Jan 2009 14:05:40 -0800 (PST), JohnD
wrote: [...snip...] I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. Heads they win, tails you lose. John One possible explanation of why Lee Valley is doing differently today than several years ago: a larger percentage of their business is Internet driven, therefore they are comfortable changing prices before the next catalog comes out. Perhaps most if not all customers can check prices on the web site and are comfortable doing so. A few years ago, that was likely less true. |
#23
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
"Upscale" wrote in message
... "JohnD" wrote in message inconsistency. In the first case, when the currency movement benefitted LV, no change could be made, due to currency commitments, and catalog printings. In the latter case, when the currency movement harms Lee Valley, then they abandon recently-distributed catalog pricing and push it up. All I am saying, Einstein, is that this is inconsistent. No, it's business. Robin's first duty to his company is to see that it doesn't lose money. When the Canadian dollar was worth more than the US buck, it was only that way for a relatively short period. Nobody is immediately going to change prices under those conditions until they're fairly sure those rates are going to stay fairly consistent. They didn't stay that way for long so no prices were changed. However when the dollar went way down again, immediately LV would be losing money, so he has to address that condition immediately. That's his duty and it is what he did. There's no greed or inconsistency there, just ordinary business. I'm not a financial advisor, so don't take this for gospel. It's common business practice to hedge against commodity price movements by holding futures on those commodities. This has the effect of locking in the price of that commodity. For LV, USD currency futures would lock in an effective exchange rate for their US sales revenues. Losses from an adverse price movement are offset by gains on the futures contracts, and vice versa. To not hedge this way amounts to speculating on the commodity market. That's a valid business model also, but should be undertaken as a conscious decision. Maybe this will shed some light and take some of the angst out of the discussion. But what does that mean in context of LV price adjustments? Was John so far off mark to cry "Foul!" in the face of LV's stated policies? Sales projections were undoubtedly skewed by the suddenly tight retail market. They would then be over hedged, and losing money on the exchange rate. It might also be they were playing a little lose and free with the long term CDN strength on the dollar, scraping a few extra pennies on the favorable exchange rate. They would then be under hedged and over exposed. This is the scenario John paints, that LV was playing the market in their favor with their customers' pocketbooks. Who's to say? I'm guessing there was a little of both. |
#24
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
"MikeWhy" wrote in
news "Upscale" wrote in message ... "JohnD" wrote in message inconsistency. In the first case, when the currency movement benefitted LV, no change could be made, due to currency commitments, and catalog printings. In the latter case, when the currency movement harms Lee Valley, Lot's of over-analyzing snipped.... You're beating up on a guy that is only doing what he needs to do to stay profitable. The bottom line is that in my experience they have always had good quality products for sale at a fair price. Add to that excellent customer service. If you think you can get the same product/price/service somewhere else, you're free to shop elsewhere. Myself, based on past experience I believe I will continue to receive the same value I have in the past and will continue shopping there. I don't believe the core values have changed, only the current market. YMMV Larry |
#25
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
"MikeWhy" wrote in message . But what does that mean in context of LV price adjustments? Was John so far off mark to cry "Foul!" in the face of LV's stated policies? The policy was stated a few years ago. It may have changed. Rather than rant and spout off nonsense because he is PO'd, John should have checked to see what the policy is today. If you search the LV web site and catalog and find that policy written and still in effect, different story. I've not looked and doubt it is there. No written contract or promise exists. LV is a private owned business and can change the rules every day if they want to. |
#26
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 3, 6:17*pm, Dave Balderstone
wrote: In article Ed Pawlowski wrote: LV is a private owned business and can change the rules every day if they want to. And I get to choose whether to do business with them or not, taking those rules into account. I chose to keep doing business with them. Of course, the store 5 minutes away from work helps. That explains the hour-long 'bathroom' breaks. R |
#27
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
Ed Pawlowski wrote:
"MikeWhy" wrote in message . But what does that mean in context of LV price adjustments? Was John so far off mark to cry "Foul!" in the face of LV's stated policies? The policy was stated a few years ago. It may have changed. Rather than rant and spout off nonsense because he is PO'd, John should have checked to see what the policy is today. I dunno, seemed most of the ranting and raving was people attacking John for passing along information. I have no opinion on LV myself, they can charge whatever they want far as I'm concerned. If you search the LV web site and catalog and find that policy written and still in effect, different story. As long as they are a private business, and not doing anything illegal,(almost impossible considering the millions of laws "private" business must 'freely' operate under these days) they can change their policy anytime the government lets them... I've not looked and doubt it is there. No written contract or promise exists. LV is a private owned business and can change the rules every day if they want to. I think the government should look into it, and see if Lee Valley is making obscene profits over this, like say 8% or more, and then consider imposing a "windfall profits" tax on anything over 8%. Whats good enough for XOM is good enough for LV, right? Where's Ralph Nader when you need him? -- Jack Using FREE News Server: http://Motzarella.org http://jbstein.com |
#28
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 5:05*pm, JohnD wrote:
In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable to Lee Valley. *They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. * Heads they win, tails you lose. John Houses around here that were selling for $300,000 a few months ago are now offered at $225,000 with no takers. Does that indicate anything to you? Businesses have to change policies to meet fiscal conditions. The fact that Robin Lee didn't ask your permission to make a business decision seems to be really griping your ass. I suggest you thus don't do business with them. Find what they sell elsewhere, at similar reasonable prices with the same customer service. Good luck in that search. You'll need it. |
#29
Posted to rec.woodworking
|
|||
|
|||
Lee Valley Shows its True Colo(u)rs
On Jan 2, 5:05*pm, JohnD wrote:
In a heated debate a few years ago, Rob Lee defended the company's charging of much higher prices to Canadians due to unforseen shifts in CDN-US exchange rates. He said: "We can either float prices daily and make the exchange rate work exactly - or fix prices and tolerate exchange differences, until we can correct them - which for us, is annually." "Thanks for the clear and correct explanation - yes - we set our rates in June, and hold for a year" I guess they hold the prices for a year if the exchange rate movements are favourable toLee Valley. *They have announced increases for Canadian customers starting Jan 5 to offset the weaker Canadian dollar. Too bad they didn't lower prices when the Canadian dollar went up. * Heads they win, tails you lose. John Hi John - I missed this this thread.... At the risk of screwing up your rant by interjecting the truth, I do have to say that we have been dropping prices overall (in Canada) for four years. In fact, last year we dropped them twice - fall 2007, and a second mass mid-year drop in Jan 2008.... we just don't print price changes for drops.... During the same period - our prices in the US market were rising (they had a Jan 2008 increase), and our difficultly had been that we couldn't raise them fast enough. Of course - when a consumer views an exchange difference (outside of current rates) they tend to interpret it from a narrow perspective... During the period the Canadian dollar appreciated, our revenues dropped from US sales (they converted into fewer CAD), and dropped in Canada (from lowered prices). For four years we (and other businesses) were caught in that squeeze. I'd like nothing more than stable exchange rate - but failing that - we'll just keep doing what necessary to stay in business. Have a good one.... Rob Lee Frankly - our prices reflect our costs, and our desire to stay in business |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
OT - Obama shows his true colors | Metalworking | |||
OT - Obama shows his true colors | Metalworking | |||
OT - Obama shows his true colors | Metalworking | |||
OT - Obama shows his true colors | Metalworking | |||
OT - Obama shows his true colors | Metalworking |