Why do we have to?

[r2uzenblot]

One of the most frustrating things for me is when buying a new finishing machine. Why oh why oh why can't we buy our consumables from the manufacturer? Why do we have to go to some third party to buy consumables like staple heads, laminating rolls, cutting sticks etc.? In some case you can't even buy the original equipment direct from the manufacturer/importer but have to go to a third party who obviously take a big cut.

I can understand when there were thousands of printers with loads of small printers in every town but isn't it about time that we stopped this antiquated practice?

 

[SoggyWinter]

One of the most frustrating things for me is when buying a new finishing machine. Why oh why oh why can't we buy our consumables from the manufacturer? Why do we have to go to some third party to buy consumables like staple heads, laminating rolls, cutting sticks etc.? In some case you can't even buy the original equipment direct from the manufacturer/importer but have to go to a third party who obviously take a big cut.

I can understand when there were thousands of printers with loads of small printers in every town but isn't it about time that we stopped this antiquated practice?

I'm down for a Costco or Vevor for printers, but don't have the capital to get it going.

 

[Stickman42]

Do many finishing equipment manufacturers make consumables? I have a D&K film laminator and they also make the film that I run. I can't think of another example.

My Duplo bookletmaker has Interlake heads, and I can shop around for rebuilds, etc... My paper cutter's sticks can be bought from numerous sources (competition keeping prices in check?). I would think this is better than being locked into the OEM.

 

[tngcas]

This is the thing that makes me crazy when salespeople come in and they want to throw other "equipment dealers" under the bus by saying "they don't use OEM."
If the non-OEM parts are better, I don't have a problem with them being used. That's the whole point of capitalism model. If someone else makes a better part then who are we to say that only the OEM parts should ever be used... it's madness. Competition only comes when people are free to innovate and build a better mousetrap.