David,
My reason for going to Chicago was to mostly look at new equipment. I have been trying to decide on a new rotary or venture into the lasering community.
I was disappointed in the Xenetech rotary display. I was informed by the company that someone would be there with the 1625 and that wasn't the case. What bothered me most is the lack of information I could gleen from the reps. Xenetech as a company lost out because of this.
I spent a lot of time at Vision....I was impressed with their 1624 model engraving machine and the Engravelab software. However, there is no way to use a rotary attacment for this machine. They had FIVE very knowledgable reps in their booth. I would recommend anyone looking into engraving machines to give Vision serious consideration!
I then headed to Universal. Again, the reps were outstanding. They took as much time as I needed and took great pleasure in showing me anything I wanted. I did NOT get the feeling they were just trying to sell me a machine, even though the price was terrific.
Victory had a separate room for "retailers only" to view new products. I never made it though as I spent the entire time on the floor talking to many other companies.
Laser Reproductions has some new products I will be ordering soon. The pet cookie jars are great and if I order a case I will get the wrap for free. I see lots of potential for these in the pet market. I also saw the glass cheese board and liked it as well.
I was also impressed with Fox Laminators. The have a process of laminating documents, certificates, articles, etc. to different colored plaque boards. The gave me a sample board and a board with corresponding edge and finish colors.
I have to leave on a call right now and I might add more later.
Brian
Brian |