Aquadigital Products Discussion

[Bblinks]

Originally Posted by mikellini

An issue I have with AD (and I've already spoken with them via email about this) is regarding 'reviews'. From an ethical perspective, essentially offering someone a sale price on an item in exchange for doing a review on that item is a bad idea. You would never presume to do this with a publication/journalist, but for some reason it seems that this has been done many times (and continues to be common practice) with hobbyists. Putting the aside the issue of inherent bias due to money invested and desire to buy the product, the biggest problem with this is gross misrepresentation of a 'sale price' as a 'review opportunity'. I'd like to hear what others have to say about this (since I've already heard from AD).

I totally agree, giving some one a discounted product to review when they are ready to replace the current model isn't the best practice. Not saying all of those reviews are bias but we all know no one likes admit they have spent their hard earned money on a piece of junk even if you got a deal on it.

AD, do you always try to get exclusive right on product distribution in Canada? If you can enlighten me those products that would be great. Thanks

[Aqua-Digital]

Originally Posted by Bblinks

AD, do you always try to get exclusive right on product distribution in Canada? If you can enlighten me those products that would be great. Thanks

In the main yes, it is a business strategy that works as we can then invest in large amounts of stock without the risk of it being devalued by someone who may not be as ethical in terms of price point. Too many think this industry is a game even a hobby at business level and do not understand its actually someones income to survive (no different than someone working for someone or running their own business) This industry is full of people running off shoots of their own stable income to make some pocket money, so we insist on exclusiveness to protect "our family income"

Business protection is one of the first lessons in business school

Our 3 out of 4 of our main lines are exclusive, another one might as well be and is considered exclusive as nobody else really carries it and we are working on another one for this year with another European large manufacturer.

"Smaller" lines that are not are under risk of being dropped by us this year as we tighten our business model

We do not discuss openly what is exclusive or not this internal business sorry not for the open forum

[mikellini]

Most of the posts that show disgruntled or alienated customers have been deleted, so you won't find much by "trawling through the forum". However it's clear you have a business model that works, so I won't fault you for that. Ethics and business don't mix well

[Aqua-Digital]

I guess the bit about not carrying this on was not seen

So you are saying ALL the posts with the mass of complaints on this one topic of us offering people the chance to review our products have been removed. Hmmm I think most will find that a stretch.

In regards to ethics, lets keep this thread pleasant. AND as asked move on. Thanks.

[mikellini]

Originally Posted by Aqua-Digital

I guess the bit about not carrying this on was not seen

So you are saying ALL the posts with the mass of complaints on this one topic of us offering people the chance to review our products have been removed. Hmmm I think most will find that a stretch.

In regards to ethics, lets keep this thread pleasant. AND as asked move on. Thanks.

Nice straw man. I did say most, not all. There are still a few threads to be found with you openly "disagreeing" with hobbyists.

I am being very pleasant. I have a smile on my face. Perhaps I should give a smiley-winky face to show that or perhaps we can continue the conversation via pm? Then it won't show up in a forum search.

[Aqua-Digital]

Honestly I have nothing further to say or add, I appreciate the thought but as i said it is a model that works with no valid mass complaints and will continue to work unless we see or deem otherwise, talking it over is really not going to change anything, not my end anyway.

To be clear there is NOT a thread on this forum that I can find or anyone else that has contacted me where anyone has complained about us offering product reviews and the product being offered as a gesture at cost to do the review.

We have a business model that works, 99.99% seem very happy with it and this is not being arrogant or stone faced, why should we change something that the majority like and is causing absolute no issues. If one or two dont like it, sorry I guess just dont read them. I know that sounds harsh but we can not be swayed by the very small minority.

I would really really appreciate this thread moving on from this now.

With best intentions
Michael
(please no more replies on this)