rhardman

The website is up so it's time to end the thread as I told Nathan I would.

We're having some internal conflicts about selling the mesh products to drywall contractors. One guy thinks we can push them and people will buy them. This is a typical marketing tactic which works with mediocre results so we're not going to operate that way. If a tool isn't in high demand, we won't offer it. Like I've said, the mesh tools will first be offered to the plasterers and overseas where they are better suited. When the paper tape tools are ready we'll focus on the drywall community here.

Product Update:

1. Still working on getting the videos done. There always seem to be higher priorities popping up. They will be available on the website.

2. The new Contractor Grade hand tools are coming along well. We'll have a little more time getting them perfected. Price points will be much more in line with what the majority of the industry wants. Along with these tools will be the Man Pan (as A+ has named it) and they will be marketed through traditional channels. The higher grade "Lifetime Guaranteed" tools will be on our website at a higher price. They will be our premier line of tools. Better made, easier to clean with 24/7 customer support (which goes directly to my cell phone).

3. We're perfecting new high pressure valves and seals and still waiting (believe it or not) on the University to tell us how much wear occurred during the 460 hour test to the old seal design. The Raptor pump is the heart of everything new we want to introduce. The taping tools were basically finished by the late 80's; it's been the pump that has been the difficult part. Anyone can build tools to strap to the end of a hose but without a pump designed specifically for the way drywall guys work, it's not going to be enough to change the industry. Without a patented design a mfr is vulnerable to the whims of the company they are purchasing from. In essense they become a sales guy for the pump company with pricing far too high for the average user.

With ideas, great plans and an internal belief that a new tool will change the world, people go to market with their product. Tragically most aren't successful. I think that is because the ideas aren't properly tested first and the designer/company thinks they can make the customer buy what they want to sell. They refuse to listen. The DWT forum has been extremely helpful, confirming many of my thoughts and totally knocking me on my butt when I've needed (deserved) it.

Thank you for your time, comments and suggestions. It's time for us to hit the streets.

I believe our "Raptor" and especially our "Stinger" series of tools will provide a quantum leap in drywall tool technology. I may be wrong; that will be totally up to you.

You should hear more from us early next year.

www.hardmansystems.com

Rick
(I'm not leaving DWT, just ending this thread.)

Tim0282

This has been an interesting thread. One I sure have looked forward to reading every day. Thank you Rick, for your professional input. It has been a great ride and looking forward to your next step.

Kiwiman

No don't go Rick, you mentioned mesh, maybe the debate/brawl will spill over into this room.