Up close with the new greenglides upholstery tool
- Thread starter Mikey P
- Start date
Bryce C
DFW
Looks good Mike. And sounds like a bargain compared to some other tools. However speaking of affordable tools, what is it about the contruction of an upholstery tool that demands such a relatively high price tag. It is the custom machining of the metal body that calls for it? Everything else just seems like a really high markup when one considers what is there...
Last edited:
Mikey P
Administrator
There's a lot of time and effort and fabrication costs and how many do you think we got to sell.....?
Bryce C
DFW
I ask because it is a common question/complaint among cleaners that I've read in a few other places. If you don't mind addressing my question a little more specifically, what part of an upholstery tool in general causes it to have such a high price tag relative to the amount of materials in it? Is it the body of the tool? Or something else?
Jim Pemberton
MB Exclusive.
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- Oct 7, 2006
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- Name
- Jim Pemberton
The question is fair Bryce
Mike has far more experience than I in manufacturering, but I have a little experience in working with manufacturers over the years in an advisory capacity.
Examples. I'm purposely not using Mike's tool for this comparison, as he can better answer to the unique engineering costs.
This is a fairly generic tool, which can be produced in large quantities, and versions of which may be made overseas.
This tool sells for between 125.00-150.00:
This next tool looks similar, but has several modifications: The jet is internal, with special machining to allow for that type of jet to be used, a vacuum release built in, a solution and vacuum hose that runs internally, and is only sold in limited quanties, so there isn't any economy of scale involved.
This tool sells for 500.00-525.00
Having used and tested Mike's tool myself, it is far ahead of the more expensive tool shown here, both in ease of use and modern design. It should probably sell for 750.00, but my understanding is that it will sell for closer to the second tool listed.
I hope this is helpful.
Doug Cox
Supportive Member
Mikes tool is the one I use for stairs with 1 1/4” hose. It’s a very comfortable tool. I’d have to try it on upholstery to see if I like it. I’m a big fan of the sapphire tool, not so much of the Hydramaster tool. It shows how just a little extra length can make it uncomfortable to use.
Bryce C
DFW
That is helpful Jim. I sensed something like it, but I really appreciate you breaking it down for me
Cleanworks
Moderator
Any idea of what the retail price will be? I usually switch between the Sapphire and my PMF internal jet tools. I have a tool a little similar to Mikey's that I have drilled a couple of small holes in to capture the over spray. Mikey's seems to be a little more advanced. Looking forward to seeing the finished product
