PRE-ORDER: Rupes LHR 12E Duetto & LHR 75E Mini Polishers!

[02xtreme07SS]

Rupes closely follows our forum (along with several other manufacturers), so I wouldn't be surprised if they expedite the plans to sell the machines by themselves.

That would be a good move on their part. Good info, Nick.

 

[Andr3wilson]

I really need to chime in here. A few upset people on a forum isn't going to dictate the sale of this amazing tool. When Flex came out with their $300-400 polishers, everyone lost their minds.. same story here. Also I think its a little uncalled for to throw AG under the bus for the price of this, they have no control... everyone else who sells it will be the same.

 

[VP Mark]

I really need to chime in here. A few upset people on a forum isn't going to dictate the sale of this amazing tool. When Flex came out with their $300-400 polishers, everyone lost their minds.. same story here. Also I think its a little uncalled for to throw AG under the bus for the price of this, they have no control... everyone else who sells it will be the same.

I don't think anyone(everyone, at least) is throwing AG under the bus for this. I'm sure they are fine machines, but most people who would want this machine do not need the extra, therefor don't want to pay the extra money for them. I think of this as more of a poor decision on Rupes part than AG. They are just following manufacturers requirements.

 

[Pureshine]

I don't think anyone(everyone, at least) is throwing AG under the bus for this. I'm sure they are fine machines, but most people who would want this machine do not need the extra, therefor don't want to pay the extra money for them. I think of this as more of a poor decision on Rupes part than AG. They are just following manufacturers requirements.

:iagree: It comes down to this everyone doesn't want the extra stuff and they only want the polisher. So if the polisher is around $200 no one has problem with that price.

 

[Andr3wilson]

I don't think anyone(everyone, at least) is throwing AG under the bus for this. I'm sure they are fine machines, but most people who would want this machine do not need the extra, therefor don't want to pay the extra money for them. I think of this as more of a poor decision on Rupes part than AG. They are just following manufacturers requirements.

I read a few previous comment that unfortunately were. The price is set to how much they want to sell and who they want to sell to. This isn't made for a weekend warrior or the masses clearly. Really, put a 3.5 inch Bp on your Da and away you go. The machine costs what it costs. As you said, the people who need this will buy it irregardless if it's $200-$500.

 

[KS_Detailing]

:iagree: It comes down to this everyone doesn't want the extra stuff and they only want the polisher. So if the polisher is around $200 no one has problem with that price.

I'm interested to know what the polisher (mini) will cost when sold on its own. I would buy a Rupes mini + bag combo but I don't care for the apron, polishes, pads & MF towels.

 

[slimnib]

Look, guys a boat ride from Italy is very expensive. Think about it, have you ever gone on a cruise to Italy?

I figure the buffer is worth around 150 and the balance is needed to pay for its Cruise.

Historically Italian made products are notoriously unreliable. They are nice looking and run great for a while. But they just do not last and require lots of expensive maintenance.

Think cars, remember Fix it again Tony.
Personally, I would not by it for a heavy use business, Stick with a Flex.

 

[hamlyn]

I have no issues with buying a kit. When buying a polisher, most often I would buy required accessories such as pads and backing plates anyways. The inclusion of the apron and the carrying bag, in my opinion, are excessive throw away products, items I would not purchase.
I am simply a week-end warrior, so, I typically would not care for such items. If they offered additional pads or products instead, and still offer the apron and bag as optional discounted add-on items, it would make more sense to me.
I like my Rupes 21. I held off buying a decent 3" polisher waiting for SEMA announcements. I also own a Porter Cable 7424XP and a 3" Griot's Garage polishers. It looks like the Griot's Garage polisher will have to do for a little while longer. At least until they drop or replace the bag and apron from the kit.

 

[cardaddy]

AG this thread should be a red flag for you. If a bunch of pro and enthusiast detailers that will gladly pay $50+ for a jar of wax, $15 for a single towel, and spend thousands per year on luxury products are telling you this costs WAY too much, this is too much.

I was hoping the mini kit would be around $250. I might not have jumped on it, but at least I could see myself eventually paying that.

It's just not worth that amount of money for a 3 inch polisher. You can't tell me that my PCXP with a 3 inch BP has that much less power and rotation than the Rupes, especially for the price.

Just my .02

The key here is that (at least among this sample of the market) the "pro and enthusiast" guys are MUCH MORE WILLING to spend money. And if THESE GUYS are saying it's too much, then it is too freaking much! Jus' sayin'....

Very poor business decision by Rupes to hold back on offering the machines individually outside of a kit. I understand they are most likely trying to recover as much of their investment as possible on these by offering a low-margin machine with a bunch of high-margin accessories, but by doing so they are driving away the customers who are ready to buy the machine only now. Not only is the price point for the kits out of line, I wouldn't expect the price of the machines only to be reasonable either at this point.

I was ready, willing, and able to order both machines immediately, but with a move like this, I'm not sure I'm interested at all anymore or ever will be again. This is a classic case of a company failing to capture sales based on the hype they generated by releasing the machine at SEMA. When I see these sort of errors in judgement, it is very hard for me to convince myself that this is a company that I want to give my business.

There was quite a bit of excitement at SEMA, considering everyone likes a new 'toy' when then can find one they like.

Then again, imagine how everyone was looking at FLEX and wondering why in the world THEY were not introducing a new machine. Hmmmm.... and now the guys at FLEX are LOL at just how badly this new 'come to market' piece has been handled.

I wonder if there's a way to have the total price reduced, (when purchasing both kits at once).
For example: I don't need two aprons, 2 bags, two sets of liquids, etc.

Sooner or later I would need all of the pads...
I can understand their costs being as part of the kits.

There is, after all, already a Rupes Big Foot Random Orbital Club Kit available.
Instead of "choose your own Pads"...
make it a "choose these two 12mm polishers"!

Just a-pondering.

Bob

And I'm a pondering with ya' Bob. :dblthumb2:
Thing is.... if you're trying to get the 'newbie' that needs (and wants) a bag, apron, pads, compounds, polishes, et al they, (unless they are driving an overpriced Italian sport car) will go with something much more affordable.

Then if you're looking at the enthusiast, prosumer and pro detailers they already have pads, backing plates, bags, compounds and polishes.

Having something exclusive is fine and good, as long as it's not SO exclusive that you can't use world class pads and detailing products with it.

The pricing is directly from the manufacturer - we don't have any control over it.

That being said, both machines will be available individually by the first quarter of 2014. Until then, the kits are the only option.

If you have a question regarding either machine or kit, and need an immediate response, the best thing to do is pick up the phone and call us. 1-800-869-3011

For what they are, the kits are a pretty good value. When the machines are available individually, we expect the pricing to be very competitive.

Rupes closely follows our forum (along with several other manufacturers), so I wouldn't be surprised if they expedite the plans to sell the machines by themselves.

I think we get the constraints of MAP pricing just fine Nick. Wouldn't blame you guys for that one, no not at all. Considering your customer base spends more on average than 99.8% of all car owners, if you can't sell it here, then you might do well to remind them of "New Coke". :laughing:

Just would hope that the powers that be at Rupes are getting a good feel of the market pulse here. :dunno: And just how well that market will die off, and go elsewhere! rops:

Competitive? With WHAT?!?! Three GG6's, and a GG3?
That's like saying a Ferrari FF, 4-door hatchback is a competitive grocery getter when compared to a Mazdaspeed 3 wagon! Oh hell, even a E63 AMG wagon for that matter.


All that being said, I want one, and I want one something freaking AWESOME! But I'd rather buy both machines for $499. (And have no doubt that both AG and Rupes would make a killer profit along the way.)

 

[Rayaz]

Rupes closely follows our forum (along with several other manufacturers), so I wouldn't be surprised if they expedite the plans to sell the machines by themselves.

Ok

Dear Mr. Rupes,

I am an enthusiast detailer who does cars for friends and freely gives worthless advice on a number of subjects including detailing.

Your new machines look like they are filling a void in the market and your company is developing a good reputation for quality products. I don't currently own any of them but I would definitely consider the mini if it weren't prohibitively expensive and bundled with stuff I don't want or need.

Now for the worthless advice I mentioned earlier: There are other methods for accomplishing what the mini is designed to do and your current price point does nothing to make me want to abandon the aforementioned methods. I'd buy one and maybe talk 2 friends into one (at most) so you know I represent 3 sales which is not much in the big picture (this is why this is not likely to solve climate change formerly global warming) and thus, probably worthless.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[wrx495]

I read the whole thread this morning and it looks like the only good business strategy is being used by AG. Now they can gauge how many kits to order from this company. Based on what I read and including me, they may already have enough with the demo models.

I may have bought the mini for $200 or less but the kit and the price make this a permanent pass for me.

agreed! i would get the lhr12e at most for 225, maybe 250 but thats pushing it for me! i could understand the kit price considering the bag is 100 , and pads are about 15 and polishes correct me if i am wrong here but i think 25?? so we just subtract all that and that should leave us with the price of the machine alone.

Don't you guys like how the AG Folks haven't said a WORD in this thread, regarding our comments / concern except "Pre-Order available and a thumbs up"
Customer service at its MAXX

well the AG crew is doing their best! they have no say over the price or anything! they are just trying to put pre-orders so they have a feel of how many they will need to order to fulfill the consumer's satisfaction. maybe some people who do not have a machine or any pads and is just starting out may find the kit useful if they want a premium quality machine, you know what I'm saying?:dblthumb2:

Rupes closely follows our forum (along with several other manufacturers), so I wouldn't be surprised if they expedite the plans to sell the machines by themselves.

i hope the do expedite the plan so sell the machines! if its out on christmas... seems like a very late (2 month late) 18th birthday present to myself and something to get myself for christmas! get that 2 in 1!

The pricing is directly from the manufacturer - we don't have any control over it.

That being said, both machines will be available individually by the first quarter of 2014. Until then, the kits are the only option.

If you have a question regarding either machine or kit, and need an immediate response, the best thing to do is pick up the phone and call us. 1-800-869-3011

For what they are, the kits are a pretty good value. When the machines are available individually, we expect the pricing to be very competitive.

thanks for the info! and i got a question. is the lhr12e butter smooth like the 15 and 21 as people say? or does it have vibrations? thanks for the replies! Im the MAN

 

[custmsprty]

Look, guys a boat ride from Italy is very expensive. Think about it, have you ever gone on a cruise to Italy?

I figure the buffer is worth around 150 and the balance is needed to pay for its Cruise.

Historically Italian made products are notoriously unreliable. They are nice looking and run great for a while. But they just do not last and require lots of expensive maintenance.

Think cars, remember Fix it again Tony.
Personally, I would not by it for a heavy use business, Stick with a Flex.

I have sold automated packaging systems (equipment ) for 20+ years. Some of the best and most reliable automated packaging systems come out of Italy. So I think your generalized comment about Italian manufactured items based solely on FIAT is rather lacking of merit. Considering the fact that Rupes has been in the hand tool business for 60+ years and are a well respected brand world wide. Consider this fact, Rupes invented the first electric random orbital sander.

 

[jpegs13]

Look, guys a boat ride from Italy is very expensive. Think about it, have you ever gone on a cruise to Italy?

I figure the buffer is worth around 150 and the balance is needed to pay for its Cruise.

Historically Italian made products are notoriously unreliable. They are nice looking and run great for a while. But they just do not last and require lots of expensive maintenance.

Think cars, remember Fix it again Tony.
Personally, I would not by it for a heavy use business, Stick with a Flex.

That might be one of the silliest posts in years..

Think Ferrari and Lamborghini

 

[slimnib]

That might be one of the silliest posts in years..

Think Ferrari and Lamborghini

First of all an Lamborghini is a German car made in Italy under German Supervision.
2nd a Ferrari maybe very expensive, very good looking, and very fast. but is not very reliable.

Owners general put on 2000-3000 miles a year on them . If they gave Ferrari's heavy use like a daily user they would cost thousands in maintenance and repairs.

I stick by my statement, that Italian made products are not very reliable and would not buy one for heavy commercial use. You tell me the name of Italian made heavy machinery. Swiss and German from Europe.

But you my friend are welcome to purchase what you like, it is your money. Italian suits are lovely. But do not where an Italian made leather jacket every day.

 

[hamlyn]

Actually, Lamborghini is an Italian car founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini in Italy. Its ownership changed to Chrysler, then sold to an investment group, and then finally to the Audi AG (VW).
It is still an Italian car manufactured in Italy, and owned by Germans. Now think about it, Germans make highly reliable products - think Audi, BMW, Porsche, etc.
No sure you want to use that as an argument.
Additionally, driving a high performance car more does not make it unreliable. Jus' sayin'.

 

[jpegs13]

First of all an Lamborghini is a German car made in Italy under German Supervision.
2nd a Ferrari maybe very expensive, very good looking, and very fast. but is not very reliable.

Owners general put on 2000-3000 miles a year on them . If they gave Ferrari's heavy use like a daily user they would cost thousands in maintenance and repairs.

I stick by my statement, that Italian made products are not very reliable and would not buy one for heavy commercial use. You tell me the name of Italian made heavy machinery. Swiss and German from Europe.

But you my friend are welcome to purchase what you like, it is your money. Italian suits are lovely. But do not where an Italian made leather jacket every day.

Beretta Firearms
Brembo Brakes
Pirelli Tires
Sparco Race Wear
Olivetti Mfg.

Shall I continue?

 

[custmsprty]

First of all an Lamborghini is a German car made in Italy under German Supervision.
2nd a Ferrari maybe very expensive, very good looking, and very fast. but is not very reliable.

Owners general put on 2000-3000 miles a year on them . If they gave Ferrari's heavy use like a daily user they would cost thousands in maintenance and repairs.

I stick by my statement, that Italian made products are not very reliable and would not buy one for heavy commercial use. You tell me the name of Italian made heavy machinery. Swiss and German from Europe.

But you my friend are welcome to purchase what you like, it is your money. Italian suits are lovely. But do not where an Italian made leather jacket every day.

It's wear, not where. Im the MAN

 

[af90]

That might be one of the silliest posts in years..

Think Ferrari and Lamborghini

Agreed, bashing a country's products is pure ignorance. Every product has it's faults and failures, but the majority of any products are owned with little to no issues ever. Even the PC made in China has been working fine for years.

And I for one can't wait for the new Alfa 4C coming to the U.S. There's an Italian car.

 

[custmsprty]

Agreed, bashing a country's products is pure ignorance. Every product has it's faults and failures, but the majority of any products are owned with little to no issues ever. Even the PC made in China has been working fine for years.

And I for one can't wait for the new Alfa 4C coming to the U.S. There's an Italian car.

Yeah my dad had a 1968 Alfa Spider in white he brought back from Italy when I was a kid, what a sweel ride that was. A true classic.

 

[FUNX650]

I really need to chime in here. A few upset people on a forum isn't going to dictate the sale of this amazing tool.
When Flex came out with their $300-400 polishers, everyone lost their minds.. same story here.
Also I think its a little uncalled for to throw AG under the bus for the price of this, they have no control...
everyone else who sells it will be the same<<<Is this really true?.

Already got my 75 no kit lol

^^^And this doesn't make some folks more upset?^^^

I would have kept this under wraps for awhile. LOL



Bob