You wake up to a new year, a blank page that is to be filled. What it will say, we don't quite know yet, a few different keywords are in the back of our minds. Last year was a tough year, we have all felt a weakening economy, with higher prices and reduced purchasing power. From several manufacturers we got up to three new price lists in one and the same year. As an extra accessory we had the weak Swedish krona. It has really been on a rollercoaster during the year. We buy up to 80% in currencies other than Swedish kronor, and since we get more, smaller deliveries, it shows in our prices. At the same time freight costs have also risen; they are a relatively large part of our margin on the products. But a bright spot seems to be that the krona has strengthened against the five currencies we trade in (EUR, USD, CAN, JPY and GBP). So that may give better (lower) prices on future purchases. And we always try to adjust the price so it is as favourable as possible for you customers.
Other variables we have to take into account are how much and when the manufacturers can deliver their products. Our largest supplier, Lee Valley/Veritas, feels like they are now back to normal (or better) delivery times. Number two for the year was Lie Nielsen, a proper catch-up from last year. There it is not really what we order, but rather that we get what is available to deliver. But we look to the future with optimism. Number three for the year was Narex, which swapped places with Lost Art Press. Narex's increase may be because we expanded their range considerably during the year and you have taken to it, which we think is great fun. The drop of the year is unfortunately Tormek, and it is above all during the autumn.
One of this year's new suppliers is JessEm. We got the first delivery late in the autumn, and we are very impressed by the quality and the company. We hope of course that you too will take them to your hearts. Another is Real Milk Paint and there many have wanted to try painting with milk paint. Their sample cans have sold well. They have many other products that are worth checking out if you like..
For 2024 we have several pieces of news. One of them is the American Hovarter Custom Vise. We will start bringing in their vises. They have four different models of front vise, tail vise and leg vise. They have a patented quick release that makes clamping and releasing very fast. You choose a base product, and choose between three different handles. We are waiting for the price list so we can list the products.
I will finish with this picture. Continued discussion on Facebook.. A picture can say more than a thousand words.. or can it? Wishing everyone a really good 2024!
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