Ed,
I agree its based somewhat on the tool and usage issues. A sharktuner would take longer to learn and use effectivley than a hammer perhaps...?
Its also based on whether you get to chose when the tool arrives or if it arrives based on a waiting list.
The thread tap is essentially a waiting list scenario - you get it when its ready from the previous user - while you can deferr you don't really know exactly when it will show up and so it may not work well for a quick turn-around. This time of year the weather in some locales has caused delays - one guy had to wait to get his car out of a deep snow drift on the driveway.
Shipping time by flat rate packet (cheapest way) is at least 6 days round trip - so you can see how time can accumulate.
Take the advice or not... but there are few who have really done this and I am one - I agree that typical OC tool use is not likely to be continuous - so slighly longer use periods don't really hurt much. Why does it take 3 weeks to turn around a tow eye tap tool - I honestly have no idea - makes little sense to me either - BUT it often does.
In my view 2 weeks is much better than 1, for some tools maybe it should be 3 weeks - I agree a month is too long.
I do also think the charges should in fact be higher than postage alone, there WILL be some maintenance & re-packaging issues that will need to be covered - best to build a little in and be up-front about it. Stuff happens, the tow eye thread tool has been repaired 3 times now - 2 major and one minor - packaging redone once. Of course you'd always require a deposit and appropriate insurance & packaging during shipping.
I'd also assume there may be some potential international OC users and that may take a lot longer, will be more expensive and can trigger some customs issues... not sure if you've considered doing that.
I was planning for the Tow Eye Tap to ship it to a few trusted European owners and have them handle a list of 'local' within-EU shipments - much quicker, cheaper and less customs hassles. That one is tricky agreed, esp. since I am only the custodian (like you!).
Alan
