Don't Buy a CMC

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WizardEdd

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Until you have all the facts that is.

Sorry for the shock value but I did want to get your attention. I have been informed that posting sales information here is the place to do it so I thought I would give it a try.

Before you buy a Mat Cutter, you need to ask several pointed questions of the vendors you speak with. Regardless of the size of your shop, this investment represents a significant amount of capital and you should ensure that you get the most bang for the buck, and protect yourself at the same time. Every vendor feels they have the highest quality machine, each one will tell you so. Each one will tell you they have the most features, are the most accurate and have the best service. What else would they say?

Technology is changing at an unprecedented pace, that being a fact, what happens to you in two years when the "latest, greatest" innovations appear? Will the vendor offer you a "reasonable" upgrade path? What about in 5 years, or 10? Also, what does it take to upgrade? Is selling the old machine and buying the new one your only option.

Okay next. The most respected experts in the industry have agreed that a CMC is a near necessity in every shop now. However, what if your business is unique, and doesn't fit the mold of an average Frame Shop? There are always exceptions to the rule, and if so, what would happen if you invested thousands in a machine only to find out, your business just couldn't support it? Find out if the vendor has a trial period, or return policy (other than what is required by law).

Finally, if you do get your CMC, it is likely that at some time in the future you will need some technical support. All machines operate differently, but one thing is for sure, getting it back to work is paramount. In many cases replacing defective or worn out parts is quite a chore, and can take days or weeks instead of hours.

Our new machine was built to address each of these issues. With the help of Brian Wolf one of our industry's most respected experts (and perhaps the only industry expert working as a full-time staff member of a CMC vendor) we built in several features to insure our customer against the above pitfalls.

We have a "Technology" guarantee that allows a future trade-in value regardless of how long you've had your machine.

Next, with our rental plan you can rest assured that if something drastic happens in your business and you just can't afford the machine any longer, you simply return it ... no hassle and no questions asked. In fact, if in the first 60 days you find you simply can't afford our rental machine ... we refund your original deposit.

Finally, if your machine is not operating properly and our Help Desk determines you need a new machine, since all the working components are housed in the Gantry, we simply UPS you a new Gantry overnight and you are up and operating the next day.

Wizard has 5 to 10 times more machines in the field than any other CMC vendor. That is not fluff it is a fact. What that means to you is that we know how to properly care for our customers. 3500 people don't stick around or put up with bad service, it just doesn't happen.

As I mentioned above, just like the other vendors I feel our new machine is the finest in the market (regardless of price). I know that is a bold statement when you consider that we are nearly $10,000 less than the competition, but what they can't argue is that we do represent the latest technology and the latest software. I think it was very clear at the WCAF show that our new machine was THE biggest draw (other than the outstanding educational classes). But don’t take my word for it, read some of the comments in the other areas.

So, do a little due diligence, ask a few tough questions, and if you're still not convinced, than take us up on our 60 day risk free trial. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.

If you think this makes sense, call me directly (888 855-3335) and put me to the test.

[ 01-23-2003, 02:16 AM: Message edited by: WizardEdd ]
 
Ed:
Has Wizard worked out a policy of what they are going to do with all the old machines that they are going to get back when many upgrade to the new machines? Perhaps a used, cheaper rate for newbies?
 
Steve,

No firm plans for the old machines at this time, however, I don't foresee us discounting them at this point though.
 
Edd,

Sounds like you guys have done a great job with the new machine; congratulations!

What kinds of delivery time are you looking at nowadays for the new machines?
 
Thanks for the kind words po'.

At this point we are looking at April. We took so many orders in Las Vegas and Orlando that we completely blew out our March production. Additionally, our distributors in Europe have place a large number of orders, and our new European Office is slated to begin operations next month. Whew! Anyway, we are looking at mid-April delivery right now.
 
I will have to say that the Wizard booth was very very busy! We were very impressed with the new Wizard and especially the new software. it is truly an amazing machine. They have a very complete package. We purchased one......can't wait til April..

Judy

(PS. What ARE you going to do with all the old ones??)
 
Edd,

I'm sure this is a silly question, but will Wizard be represented at this years East Coast Conference in Philly? I've only been in the business two years and I don't run a full time shop. However, I believe I could justify renting the Wizard to work smarter not harder.

Thanks,

Tom
 
Edd,

I'm sure this is a silly question, but will Wizard be represented at this years East Coast Conference in Philly? I've only been in the business two years and I don't run a full time shop. However, I believe I could justify renting the Wizard to work smarter not harder.

Thanks,

Tom
 
Hey Tom,

Never a silly question. We will be at the Philadelphia show, as will at least one of our distributors. We will also be in New York next month.

Jay Goltz has developed a "financial perspective" for our mat cutter which might help you determine if our rental program will work for you. Obviously my immediate response would be "sure" but I would rather you do a little pencil work yourself. What I can tell you is that our 60 day risk free trial makes it a "no brainer" if you decide the numbers look reasonable. We have to be pretty confident that a customer is going to have great results to offer this type of trial. Our confidence comes from the less than 1% return rate we have on these trials.

So, come see us in New York or Philadelphia, or e-mail me or call me and I will send an info pack to you.

Thanks again for the question.

[ 01-24-2003, 03:29 PM: Message edited by: WizardEdd ]
 
We look forward to meeting you in New York to see this new product in action!

Mike
 
Grumbler Badges? Hopefully not "pocket protectors".

Will look you up for sure. Thats one of the motivations for our visit to NY.
 
Hey Edd-You silver-tongued devils made me swing for the new and improved Wiz (See, that's why you lease developing technology)and we have one question before we get delivery (We are the first one you're shipping, right? That's what that ever so helpful sale person said). We have saved about a gazillion cuts and is there a sure fire way short cut to save the ones we really want to keep? We elected the new and improved option with the new computer with the new and improved CADD drawing system that even Stevie Wonder can use.

So any shortcuts or should we start deleting those saved files that we just won't use again. It seems when we upgraded computers a few years ago, we did loose some of the saved cuts.

Seriously, we are looking forward to the new system and also to that Bonus Referral check for the many people we have talked into getting a Wiz. We were planning on going back to Italy this summer and....
 
Bob,

You would be surprised how many people are claiming the position of "first in line". The reality is our first machine will go to our New European office. But you are very near the top (now that is some gold tongue at work).

Without knowing what shape your computer is in and what version of Windows you currently have, I can't speak intelligently about your options. I know that you will carry over your banked corners to the new machine, and your saved files should in most cases transfer also.

As for Italy, my family and I are planning a trip there ourselves and since I do have a little influence on the shipping schedule, if a little brown envelope with unmarked bills showed up ( :cool: ). Just kidding but seriously, thanks for being one of first in line.
 
Hi Edd-As we get closer, we'll work out the details (little brown envelope, eh?).

We love Italy and just got back in Aug. If it's your first trip there, contact me privately and I'll share what we can. As I'm writing this I noticed I'm wearing my Positano T-shirt (we are tourists to the MAX.

Thanks for the heads up
 
WizardEdd,

When will the new upgraded software for existing machines be available? Will the new cadd program be on that upgrade also? Will the software be sent automaticaly or do I need to get on a list??
 
Bill,

The new 5.0 software is just about ready to ship. I anticipate about the 27th of February. You will need to call our Help Desk (888 855-3335) and order it when it is available. However, I will let them know that you want it when it is ready.

There will be a free upgrade to your CADD program is you want it as well.

Thanks for the question.
 
Edd,
Never a silly question. And I'll get the hang of this. Again.. Edd is there a source that I & others can access Jay's "financial perspective" for your CMC
"Jay Goltz has developed a "financial perspective" for our mat cutter which might help you determine if our rental program will work for you."
Thank you, JM

[ 02-08-2003, 01:32 AM: Message edited by: Jim Merritt ]
 
Edd,
We're a ways from a CMC; cash flow and all. From the technical things, manuals and the G, I imagine the 'other', big name cutter is quieter, etc, but it is gratifying to know that you're on here, with the consumers.
I have the feeling that you'd do whatever it took to get the Wiz fixed, if it needed it, help a small shop realize 'if' they needed one, and 'how' they could get one.Thanks for being the 'FUZZ' with Wiz, and still talking to the rest of us. That goes a l-o-n-g way with me!!

(now, if you were to throw in that 58 Les Paul, we might talk seriously!)

[ 02-08-2003, 04:15 AM: Message edited by: CharlesLowry. ]
 
Hey Jim and Charles,

Jim, if you will call the office (888 855-3335) and ask for Denise McCarrel or me, we will make sure you get a copy of Jay's financial overview.

Charles, thank you for the kind words. I try to stay neutral yet still answer questions from our customers and other interested parties. The nice thing about this particular thread is that I don't have to be neutral, so you better duck because here comes a little sales speak.

Our new machine is every bit as quiet as the other machines (if not quieter) has newer more user-friendly software, and is the only machine that has a guaranteed future trade-in value. Additionally, Wizard is the only Company to offer a 60 risk free trial. To me that is the ultimate show of confidence in a product. Clearly we couldn't do it if our customers weren't completely satisfied.

In my opinion there are very few shops that can't afford one of our plans. Our Junior Rental plan @ $245 per month is a near "no brainer" even for the smallest of shops. But don't just take my word for it, take us up on our 60-day risk free trial and prove it to yourself.

Thanks again to both of you for the questions and comments.
 
Charles,

Get one! With the Jr. lease(rental) it's the best deal going for the small guy. It is the cheapest employee I have. It keeps my back from hurting, my not having to lean over a matcutter a few hours a day. It does cuts I could only dream of. It let's you sell designs that you just would not offer because it was a pain todo. It kepted me from having to hire my 1st employee for almost an extra year. Now that I have that full time person, it make them produce more. Last week I cut a 10 opening double mat while the customer waited. It came to 167.00, it took under 10 minutes to complete the sale, design it, cut it, wrap it, and collect the money. Did I say that it was needed for a wedding within the hour. Well! For me it has never failed to pay for itself every week.

So Edd, how are they doing on the WIZMaid? Windows?

framer
 
framer makes a good point. Any framers who are in their 40's and older should consider the wear and tear on their bodies from using a manual mat cutter. Changing to a CMC could prevent damage to your arms, wrist, fingers, back etc. that you will cost you more than a CMC in doctor, hospital, therapist and medication bills.
 
Edd
I have to ask what is the deal for us already converted wizard users. I have had a full rental plan for over a year now. Do i cancel send back the machine and start a new or do you guys upgrade me for a flat one time fee. I saw some piece of paper that seemed to suggest that we already loyal customers would end up paying more than new customers. Please say it so.
Joe
 
Joe,

When we introduced the new model 8000 we wanted to ensure that our existing customers had an opportunity to have the new machine without giving up the status they had earned over the years. Nearly 2000 of our customers have attained our Platinum status (over 2 ½ years of renting), that means they only pay for corners. The “upgrade” option was created to give them a chance to have the new machine without giving up their Platinum status. The equation really becomes simple math; how many months until the customer reaches platinum vs the upgrade fee ($3000 or $3700 depending on the computer). Our rent on the Standard program is broken down into two parts, monthly rent and corners ($170 rent and $220 minimum corners purchase for the new model 8000, $170 rent and $200 minimum corners for the old model 5000), and as you recall you paid a one time $500 software user fee. So the equation is, how many months do you have until you reach Platinum and is that plus the upgrade fee less than canceling your existing rental contract, paying the $500 software user fee again and paying the new monthly rental price.

Hopefully this makes sense but if not, please call me and we can talk exact number for your account. Many of our customers are content with their existing machine and don’t feel the new options justify the upgrade. Others like the quieter operation as well as the easier blade depth adjustment and blade cartridge. One of the keys to the new machine is the new 5.0 software, but our model 5000 customers get that for free so it really comes down to the physical changes to the machine.

I hope this helps.
 
Ed -
What is the deal for the show on the Jr? $12,500?
Are there attractive financing terms? Do we still pay "rent" for corners when purchasing? Thanks
 
Hey MC,

The purchase price for our machine at the NY and PMA shows is $14,995 ($1,000 off). When you purchase our machine you never pay for corners.

If you would like to pay for corners after you purchase I will give you my home address and you can send the checks there :D .

You reference our "Jr." machine. That is a model 8000 machine, with a reduced monthly rental fee for limited use. It is not a different model. We will be showing a "Photo Industry" size board in Las Vegas, but the pricing is the same. It is simply a model 8000 cut in half so it is only 36" wide (still 48" tall). That is the only other model we are manufacturing.

We do rent our machines but we don't offer payment terms (other than 90 days) directly from Wizard, instead we use American Express finance for lease purchases. If you have a good relationship with your bank, that is the best place to go for financing.

If you would like more details, please call me (888 855-3335)

[ 02-26-2003, 03:45 PM: Message edited by: WizardEdd ]
 
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