Axminster Deliveries

[Rorschach]

I can't see any changes to importing from last week. Only change I can see is from Jan 31st as we would expect but all it really does is change EU imports.

I am with Craig and call BS on that vid Droogs.

 

[Blackswanwood]

.... I'd also add that it doesn't seem rationale to compare them to a 1.4 trillion dollar global corporation either.

I’m also a fan of Axminster but Amazon are a fact of life that if they ignore puts them in the same category as King Canute.

There have been previous discussions on here about whether Amazon are a force for the good or bad. Interestingly although best known as an online retailer they barely break even on their retail sales activity. Most of their profits come from IT solutions and cloud computing for big business.

Axminster have undoubtedly grown over the past ten years and I wonder if they are in danger of losing the identity that was a big part of their attraction. Gradually they seem to have moved to a substantial part of their offering being “own brand“. If they let service become variable now it becomes a pure price play where Amazon will win.

Clearly it’s a matter for the directors of Axminster to set the direction and growing a company/navigatingthe Impact of Covid are tricky but I hope they are not on a path to mediocrity.

 

[craigs]

I’m also a fan of Axminster but Amazon are a fact of life that if they ignore puts them in the same category as King Canute.

There have been previous discussions on here about whether Amazon are a force for the good or bad. Interestingly although best known as an online retailer they barely break even on their retail sales activity. Most of their profits come from IT solutions and cloud computing for big business.

Axminster have undoubtedly grown over the past ten years and I wonder if they are in danger of losing the identity that was a big part of their attraction. Gradually they seem to have moved to a substantial part of their offering being “own brand“. If they let service become variable now it becomes a pure price play where Amazon will win.

Clearly it’s a matter for the directors of Axminster to set the direction and growing a company/navigatingthe Impact of Covid are tricky but I hope they are not on a path to mediocrity.

A good amount of their "own brand" trade stuff is actually rebadged Harvey machinery gear, and Harvey are now starting to push their stuff themselves, so i wonder how long tahts going to last before they move to another manufacturer

 

[AJS2018]

I’ve spent thousands of pounds with Axminster since retiring and pursuing my woodworking hobby, my newly built workshop is full of their equipment/machinery, they were always my first port of call. I’ve noticed the change outlined in the original post and now find myself actively looking for an alternative, I now always check Amazon. I’ve even found myself ordering from China. I would say that Axminster have lost at least 50% of my purchases through price and their new slower delivery policy.

 

[Blackswanwood]

A good amount of their "own brand" trade stuff is actually rebadged Harvey machinery gear, and Harvey are now starting to push their stuff themselves, so i wonder how long tahts going to last before they move to another manufacturer

Yes, interesting that they have recently parted ways with Jet. I recently binned a catalogue from 2007 which was full of Henry Taylor, Clifton and Sorby hand tools all of which have now been ditched in favour of their own Rider brand.

 

[craigs]

Yes, interesting that they have recently parted ways with Jet. I recently binned a catalogue from 2007 which was full of Henry Taylor, Clifton and Sorby hand tools all of which have now been ditched in favour of their own Rider brand.

I have a rider low angle jack and i just can't get on with it, as soon as i purchase a lie nielsen or veritas ill probably give it away on here. I dont understand why they are going all own brand, its just limiting choice for consumers and then we just go elsewhere.

 

[matkinitice]

Interesting thread.

I placed an order on Wednesday morning, about 9am ish and it is due to arrive tomorrow (Monday). Same issue, took a few days for the order to be processed. I figured it might have been down to having a Festool sander on the order, and the issue with stock levels they've been having recently. I didn't think I saw an option for changing the delivery either, or I completely missed the option for next day.

My missus has told family to get us gift vouchers for Axminster, which is fine. I don't see them as a risk for going under but the stock levels are certainly a problem. Amazon is fine, but much harder to shop for given the fake reviews and the biased search results. It's decent if you know exactly what you are looking for, but not for simply browsing for certain tools or items.

 

[Knotty Norm]

Well, I used Axminster lots when setting up my retirement workshop 5 years ago and was delighted with their own brand hobby machines and service - especially detailed advice, but I have to confess I have drifted away from them of late in favour of cheaper tool specialists and even Amazon, Aldi and Chinese suppliers. I have to say I have made some mistaken purchases I have regretted, but not all that many. However, the whole drift towards lowest common denominator capitalism depresses the hell out of me. :-(

 

[craigs]

Well, I used Axminster lots when setting up my retirement workshop 5 years ago and was delighted with their own brand hobby machines and service - especially detailed advice, but I have to confess I have drifted away from them of late in favour of cheaper tool specialists and even Amazon, Aldi and Chinese suppliers. I have to say I have made some mistaken purchases I have regretted, but not all that many. However, the whole drift towards lowest common denominator capitalism depresses the hell out of me. :-(

True, I prefer to buy quality products/brands over cost, but you try buying a veritas plane from Axminster, it took a good long while before they had anything and that was pre covid. Now they seem to be removing brands in favour of their own cheaper (quality) products.

 

[Lons]

Take an example of Titebond III £12.38 at Axminster and £12.99 Amazon but at Axminster need me to spend £45 to get next day delivery whereas Amazon will deliver it tomorrow for the price marked.

That isn't quite as black and white as it first looks as unless you are already a prime subscriber at £7.99 a month you have to spend over £20 on products supplied by Amazon themselves to qualify for free delivery.
I feel the exactly the same as you, I don't want to see Axminster disappear and they definitely need to rethink and backtrack and I don't like the way they moved to so many own brands though it's understandable when you consider where the largest profit margins are.

 

[AJB Temple]

I agree with the theme here. I have pretty much stopped using Axminster as I find their prices are often getting on for 10% above prices elsewhere, they frequently have low stock etc. I think they are basically heading in the direction of Rutlands - a race to the bottom.

 

[Allejo]

I have had next day deliveries from Axminster for the last 25 years using their standard delivery option. As long as I placed my order before 4pm the delivery turned up like clockwork. I did notice a while ago the "guaranteed next day" delivery option appeared but just smiled and thought what a waste.
This week that has all changed. I placed an order 8am Monday morning which was not processed until Wednesday and then delivered Thursday. I placed another order Thursday which has not yet been processed. I rang them and asked what is going on and was told effectively this is the new normal. I cannot expect an order placed at 9am to be delivered the next day Monday to Friday anymore.
You could say be more organised and plan what you need in advance but we all know we get 90% through a job and something breaks or runs out or you realise you never had. For 25 years I have just placed the order and it arrives next day. A brilliant service. Well now you have to pay for that level of service.
The slope just got a whole lot steeper especially as I was trying to keep the business in the UK. I have known for a long time that Amazon can supply most consumables that Axminster supply yet I have bought Axminster regardless. I now find I have no real choice I can pay more for Axminster stuff in the first place and then pay for next day delivery or go with Amazon Prime and get it next day for the price marked.
I would like to hope that the delay in processing at Axminster is just a Covid related blip and normal service will resume asap. But if it does not or it was not Covid related then Axminster are going to have engineered a massive own goal on their business.

It would appear that all shortcomings are COVID related which has given all price hikes and delayed deliveries an excuse. We have no choice but too accept it. Sorry too sound so suspicious but this is what they call the new whatever

 

[fezman]

Their machinery prices have gone through the roof. About 18 months ago I bought their AC250 Planer thicknesser. I think I paid £800 including delivery. I looked at this the other week (and just now), it is now £1k PLUS £60 delivery. That's a 32.5% increase in 18 months.

 

[spb]

ok so i just spent a good chunk of time on the government site and been through a bunch of VAT notices and updates. I cant find anything other than the way we know it works when you import something i.e. you pay duty/VAT where required. then i looked at the channel and all the videos seem to be anti everything doomy gloomy......so im going to put this down to BS unless i can see a government document.

Unfortunately, it isn't BS. It's not reflected on the pages about how to calculate or collect VAT because it's not in force yet, but it's published policy to take effect from next year.

 

[craigs]

Unfortunately, it isn't BS. It's not reflected on the pages about how to calculate or collect VAT because it's not in force yet, but it's published policy to take effect from next year.

Interesting, although realistically I would imagine that will get reversed when people start shouting. Whoever came up with this change clearly has their head very close to their internals.

Can you imagine the chinese paying VAT from China hahahahahahahah

 

[Droogs]

The scariest thing for me is that this will in all probability lead to a rather desolate wasteland of ex suppliers in the UK marketplace for not only us as woodies but in nearly every other aspect of our lives except for pre-tarnished chlorine soaked rat dung encrusted Yankee chicken. Mind you with how I reckon it will go that is all I will be able to afford to eat.

I wonder if the Amazing Ted has plans for a homemade balcony chicken coop for a crappy early Victorian tennement edinburgh flat?

 

[Rorschach]

The scariest thing for me is that this will in all probability lead to a rather desolate wasteland of ex suppliers in the UK marketplace for not only us as woodies but in nearly every other aspect of our lives except for pre-tarnished chlorine soaked rat dung encrusted Yankee chicken. Mind you with how I reckon it will go that is all I will be able to afford to eat.

I wonder if the Amazing Ted has plans for a homemade balcony chicken coop for a crappy early Victorian tennement edinburgh flat?

Do you ever buy pre-washed salad, spinach or other vegetables? If so they are treated exactly the same as Chicken in the US, chlorine washed. The hype you are hearing about US chicken is from those with a vested interest.

 

[Droogs]

No I don't. What I don't grow I buy fresh from the man who grows it and then brings it to my house, some still with bits of dirt on it and all done either organically or by hydroponics. A little more expensive but keeps him in business and me fed without my organs failing

 

[Rorschach]

No I don't. What I don't grow I buy fresh from the man who grows it and then brings it to my house, some still with bits of dirt on it and all done either organically or by hydroponics. A little more expensive but keeps him in business and me fed without my organs failing

Fair enough, you are lucky you are in a position to be able to do that.

 

[Droogs]

Not luck it is now medical necessity I have a couple of genetic conditions that mean I must watch what I eat. My liver is like that of an alcoholic on 2 bottles of vodka a day. My iron count is 130 times higher than it should be despite being almost tea total. I drink less than 10 pts of cider a year. among other things. Due to health 55% of my income is taken up buying healthy food as opposed to buying mass produced high processed stuff that would only take around 30%.