What is a demo?

[slybird353]

What is considered a demo in the maple buisness? I always figured a demo is a piece of equiptment that the dealer took to shows and perhaps used it to demonstrate a couple of times. This past season I was sent a RO that had been installed and used in a sugarbush for four to five seasons. I am just wondering if a demo is considered something different in Canada or within the maple industry.

[GeneralStark]

I would say you received a "used" machine though if this was a "rented" machine (ie the previous owner leased or rented it from a dealer) then some may consider it a "demo". I'm sure the term means different things to different people depending upon the industry, but generally a demo is a piece of equipment that a retailer (dealer) purchases and allows people to try, often for a fee, so they can see if they like and want to buy it. This practice is very common with outdoor equipment like bikes and skis, etc...Then the equipment is later sold at a reduced price and the retailer makes some profit.

I haven't personally seen this practice much in the maple industry, though I have seen a few examples of dealers selling equipment at a reduced price that they had used for demonstrations, like say at their open house weekends, or at trade shows. For instance, I noticed CDL was selling a vac. pump they had used for their open house to run releasers and such and the price was slightly reduced.

I suspect when it does occur people buy the stuff up quick because we all know sugarmakers are cheap.:)

[maple flats]

I would not consider a unit with 4 or 5 years on it as a demo, some might. For example, back when I sold outdoor woodstoves and associated equipment, one thing we did do, is sell 3 PH winches. We would use one for 1 year, home use plus several demo's, then we'd sell it as a demo and start out another year with a fresh one. In that case our demo's may have had 40-50 hrs use on them. We did that each year for about 14 years. Then we sold the business, and we still use the last one , it is now 16 years old and has about 6-700 hrs. minimum. Still works like new but the paint is faded.
To me, an RO that has 4-5 yrs on it is a used RO, not a demo.

[n8hutch]

The Important thing to me personally would be if it had a warranty same as a new unit. Then I could accept it as a Demo. I have a company trying to sell me A Jaw crusher at work for 505,000.00$ It has Been Demoed/Rented for one year has 800 hrs on it & comes with No Warranties. I told The salesman he was off his rocker. I can buy A new one for 545k . full one year warranty. Guess that is where I would draw the line.

[slybird353]

The machine also came with missing/cracked parts/fitting, mold/crusted sugar on it, leaked profusely and had to be started up to ten times before the machine would actually run. It would at times just shut off for no reason. I feel like I was sold an AMC Pacer by a guy in a plaid pantsuit

[GeneralStark]

What type of machine is it? You were sold a 5 year old "demo" RO? Was it a good deal?

[Mark-NH]

You would need to share all the facts before any 3 rd party could give you an informed opinion. Cost vs new. Warrantee. Etc

[BreezyHill]

Our RO was a demo...it had 3 hrs on the meter when it arrived according to the paper work in the maintance book.

4 or 5 seasons is used. I would have to check the book but I bet I clocked at least 80 hours this past season on our unit.

One must remember that maple is a short season and I see you are in Florida. RO down there is a totally different usage. I didn't relize that our old water softener was a low pressure RO system. 45psi from the well pump. Brine wash the membrane every x# of gallons of permeate.

I know a guy that uses one at his house in the winter but his hose is rented out during the summer per week...so it still gets used most all year; but that is totally different from the use that we do with our units. They are pumped hard and put up wet; but we do wash them up when we are done with them. LOL

IMO 1 season is used. 10 hours or so would be a demo.

[wdchuck]

I learned to drive with an AMC Pacer. Their best use would be to park them in the backyard as a greenhouse to start your tomatoe plants during sugaring season! lol
The machine also came with missing/cracked parts/fitting, mold/crusted sugar on it, leaked profusely and had to be started up to ten times before the machine would actually run. It would at times just shut off for no reason. I feel like I was sold an AMC Pacer by a guy in a plaid pantsuit

[Wanabe1972]

I learned to drive with an AMC Pacer. Their best use would be to park them in the backyard as a greenhouse to start your tomatoe plants during sugaring season! lol. Come on man!! My wife was driving a pacer when I met her. I guess with those standards you know how she ended up with me!!

[Moser's Maple]

. Come on man!! My wife was driving a pacer when I met her. I guess with those standards you know how she ended up with me!!

:lol: :mrgreen:
now that's just funny no matter how you look at it

[slybird353]

You would need to share all the facts before any 3 rd party could give you an informed opinion. Cost vs new. Warrantee. Etc
The company's rep told me that it was the ownership that tells him to sell used machines as demos. He does not like doing it but obviously complies with company policy. Cost? It changes from day to day. Initially we where quoted $15,100. Then we received and invoice for 17,900. Then updated to $17k. The company rep said he was willing to renegotiate price if we keep it. I think they are willing to take it back and charge a season lease fee of $1,500. It's a bummer that I paid to have it shipped here which wasn't cheap either.

[maple flats]

If floating prices are their company's M.O., that may also be how they got to call it a "Demo" too. Too many buyers got handed an invoice considerably above the agreed upon price. Now possibly, if the price difference was in the exchange rate between Canada and the US that could explain the change somewhat. Checking the exchange rate from yesterday, $17900 Canadian would only be $14553 U.S. That is a big part of the bulk price of syrup right now. Quebec sets the price and this year the exchange rate brings it way down this year.
Did anyone explain what happened to the $15,100?

[jimsudz]

I don't think I would be giving this dealer any more of My business.If they ever call you back tell them your demoing another RO for the next few years and that you'll get back to them.

[slybird353]

1183011829
I have decided to return the RO. The same company sent me this tank and said this kind of buckling is normal. I am not so sure but would really like to hear if anyone else has a tank that does this.