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Whats with Kellyco and Tesoro???
- Thread starter chinacash
- Start date
rentasquid
New member
n/t
dfwdetector
New member
I asked Kellyco why they do not sell tesoro, their response was I should ask Tesoro why they don't have Kellyco as a dealer. Sounds like some kind of dispute is why they don't sell them to me.... I asked Kellyco as a customer and they just put me off and would'nt give me a direct answer. Hmmm.... I guess I know where I won't be buying a detector...
chinacash, kellyco sold tesoro for a long time, but had a falling out when kellyco started an in house repair of tesoro products, and also as i remember some kind of change in tesoro's warranty policy. i purchased a tesoro from kellyco at this time, that is why i still remember the incident. im sure there were probably other reasons also, but (mid 80's) since that time there were no more tesoro products sold by kellyco. hh, bob n.
Pirate John
New member
Well said Scully. 
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
Gentlemen.....the primary reason that Tesoro does not want K.....o selling it's line of detectors, is that K.....o won't maintain the strict discounting policies of Tesoro. In addition, Tesoro desires to keep it's line very "clean", promoting the local dealers who work so hard for Tesoro instead. I for one applaud so loudly 
for Tesoro that my hands are sore. Perhaps some of the other manufacturer's would be well served taking a lesson from Tesoro and keeping their products in the upper eschelon. Tesoro believes that the local dealers will provide a much more complete and higher level of customer service for the end user, thus maintaining a very loyal base of end users and dealers. I whole heartedly agree!!! I am very proud and very lucky to be an authorized Tesoro Dealer. The fact is that there are few actual local hometown dealers anymore. Most everyone orders by mail. The so called after the sale help is not like it used to be. The internet has allowed dealers to assist from hundred or thousands of miles away and I am sure that some are better than others with this long range support...But, this is not home town dealing or customer support as it used to be. The reasons are too many and complicated about Tesoro vs Kellyco to go into, and I doubt if many of today's MD reps know or remember the exact reasoning behind Jack Gifford's decision. Things have changed in this market from the mid 1980's. I think that is about the time that Jack Gifford cut the umbillical cord with Kellyco. Jack took some advertisement out in the treasure mags explaining his actions. Most other manufacturers continued selling through Kellyco and I would imagine they had sound reasoning for doing so.
I have only had a couple dealings with kellyco and both were many years ago. But both were very professional and I got exactly what I had been promised. The experience was excellent compared to my first detector buying experience from a truly hometown dealer. That multi line dealer from Ohio saw a true newbie back in the 70's and took me for a ride....now that I know how sales should go down.
Not trying to start an argument, but if anyone has had dealings with Stu Auerbach from Kellyco, their transaction most likely has been smooth. If you live in the hometown area of Florida, I have heard from internett buddies that their service is excellent as well.
I am sure that many other MD dealers provide excellent service, but I personally believe that many of the negative comments concerning Kellyco come from people who have heard it perpetuated on the forums so many times, they believe it themselves without any personal experience with them. Kellyco is Huge, they market their detector catalogs like no other manufacturer reps can afford to do and I imagine their sales and profits bear that fact out. They are hard to compete with and that generates animosity from other detector dealers. If dealers truly believed in what Tesoro has decided to do with Kellyco...then why do these same dealers supply other manufacturer detectors that kellyco does in fact do business with? Good luck Diggin'
I have only had a couple dealings with kellyco and both were many years ago. But both were very professional and I got exactly what I had been promised. The experience was excellent compared to my first detector buying experience from a truly hometown dealer. That multi line dealer from Ohio saw a true newbie back in the 70's and took me for a ride....now that I know how sales should go down.
Not trying to start an argument, but if anyone has had dealings with Stu Auerbach from Kellyco, their transaction most likely has been smooth. If you live in the hometown area of Florida, I have heard from internett buddies that their service is excellent as well.
I am sure that many other MD dealers provide excellent service, but I personally believe that many of the negative comments concerning Kellyco come from people who have heard it perpetuated on the forums so many times, they believe it themselves without any personal experience with them. Kellyco is Huge, they market their detector catalogs like no other manufacturer reps can afford to do and I imagine their sales and profits bear that fact out. They are hard to compete with and that generates animosity from other detector dealers. If dealers truly believed in what Tesoro has decided to do with Kellyco...then why do these same dealers supply other manufacturer detectors that kellyco does in fact do business with? Good luck Diggin'
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
Hello Mike(NC)....I am in agreement with much of your post, however, in the interest of polite discussion I can only offer the following in a polite manner.
"The after the sale help" does still exist from many of us "local hometown dealers". As a dealer over the past 30 years, I do remember Jack's reasons for his decision, and have seen the many changes and gyrations the MD Industry has gone through. Many have been for the better and some have not.
Large, nationwide, catalogue dealers do in fact have a place in the industry. There are many geographic locations without access to a "local hometown dealer", and in that case the ability to order from the nationwide catalog house and/or internet website is vital for many. Just ask the millions who ordered from the Sears catalog over the past 100+ years, provided the pages of interest weren't already removed for other critical purposes.
However, no nationwide dealer, however good they are via the telephone can match the personal touch, training, experience, and hands on demonstration provided by the truly dedicated "local hometown dealer".
In regards to the "animosity" mentioned above, perhaps it would be more correct to refer to the frustration felt by the "local hometown dealer" as to the difficulty in maintaining a reasonable profit when competing with the nationwide catalog dealer.
Contrary to the belief of many, "profit" is not a dirty word. A reasonable profit is not only necessary for a business to survive, but is well deserved when that business makes the investment in inventory, and when that business offers the value added to the sale via the in person Customer Support and Service they provide.
In reply to the last paragraph of the post I suggest that this "local hometown dealer", "truly believes in what Tesoro decided to do with K.....o", and values the Tesoro line more highly as a result. Why does this dealer carry the other lines? Simple, my friend.....to offer my highly valued customers a wide choice and selection of the technologies available in the MD Industry today, and because it is just good business and common sense to do so.
As to "perpetuation" of "the hear say"? I listen to my customers, both local and nationwide, weed out the chaff from the grain, and make decisions accordingly.
In summary, I'm sure that the owner and the staff of "your local dealer" are excellent business folks, do a great job for their customers, and are important to their local market as well.....and I wish them continued success in their piece of the market.
However, in the "good old American spirit", I will just continue to do my best to compete with them.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting
"The after the sale help" does still exist from many of us "local hometown dealers". As a dealer over the past 30 years, I do remember Jack's reasons for his decision, and have seen the many changes and gyrations the MD Industry has gone through. Many have been for the better and some have not.
Large, nationwide, catalogue dealers do in fact have a place in the industry. There are many geographic locations without access to a "local hometown dealer", and in that case the ability to order from the nationwide catalog house and/or internet website is vital for many. Just ask the millions who ordered from the Sears catalog over the past 100+ years, provided the pages of interest weren't already removed for other critical purposes.
However, no nationwide dealer, however good they are via the telephone can match the personal touch, training, experience, and hands on demonstration provided by the truly dedicated "local hometown dealer".
In regards to the "animosity" mentioned above, perhaps it would be more correct to refer to the frustration felt by the "local hometown dealer" as to the difficulty in maintaining a reasonable profit when competing with the nationwide catalog dealer.
Contrary to the belief of many, "profit" is not a dirty word. A reasonable profit is not only necessary for a business to survive, but is well deserved when that business makes the investment in inventory, and when that business offers the value added to the sale via the in person Customer Support and Service they provide.
In reply to the last paragraph of the post I suggest that this "local hometown dealer", "truly believes in what Tesoro decided to do with K.....o", and values the Tesoro line more highly as a result. Why does this dealer carry the other lines? Simple, my friend.....to offer my highly valued customers a wide choice and selection of the technologies available in the MD Industry today, and because it is just good business and common sense to do so.
As to "perpetuation" of "the hear say"? I listen to my customers, both local and nationwide, weed out the chaff from the grain, and make decisions accordingly.
In summary, I'm sure that the owner and the staff of "your local dealer" are excellent business folks, do a great job for their customers, and are important to their local market as well.....and I wish them continued success in their piece of the market.
However, in the "good old American spirit", I will just continue to do my best to compete with them.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting
dfwdetector
New member
Ok first let me say I did'nt mean to start up apparently a long rivalry here. I had an honest question to which I sent an email to Kellyco about expecting an honest answer. They blew me off with some bullsh.. reply.
The whole reason I asked them was I have dealt with Kellyco before on past purchases and they have went out of their way to offer the best pricing and free stuff for the most reasonable amount of money and they back up their sales. I was interested in purchasing a Tesoro, actually 2, one of which I purchased used and one which I ended up getting from Brian at Southern Treasures. Anyway since I knew Kellyco had the best pricing I wanted to get the most for my dollar and all the other Tesoro dealers only sell at 80% of retail, no one goes below that. So I figured Kellyco would sell at 80% of retail in worst case and on top of that I would end up with a great accessory package for free and since I dealt with them before I knew I would NOT be disappointed!
So when I received an email from Tony at Kellyco I was totally put off and unhappy with his repsonse. He should have been honest, I think he would have been better off not replying at all compared to how he replied. But that is my opinion, and based on that opinion I will properly vote with my dollars accordingly when I purchase other detectors.
I am sorry to cause the uproar over an apparent previously festering wound which has not healed properly.
Wayne.
The whole reason I asked them was I have dealt with Kellyco before on past purchases and they have went out of their way to offer the best pricing and free stuff for the most reasonable amount of money and they back up their sales. I was interested in purchasing a Tesoro, actually 2, one of which I purchased used and one which I ended up getting from Brian at Southern Treasures. Anyway since I knew Kellyco had the best pricing I wanted to get the most for my dollar and all the other Tesoro dealers only sell at 80% of retail, no one goes below that. So I figured Kellyco would sell at 80% of retail in worst case and on top of that I would end up with a great accessory package for free and since I dealt with them before I knew I would NOT be disappointed!
So when I received an email from Tony at Kellyco I was totally put off and unhappy with his repsonse. He should have been honest, I think he would have been better off not replying at all compared to how he replied. But that is my opinion, and based on that opinion I will properly vote with my dollars accordingly when I purchase other detectors.
I am sorry to cause the uproar over an apparent previously festering wound which has not healed properly.
Wayne.
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
Hello Wayne.......you didn't cause an uproar, or any real problem. Many think that the pricing is best from K.....o, and believe that they are getting more from that particular dealer. The advertising is overwhelmingly convincing.
In fact, they do offer good deals. However, any authorized dealer can match or come very close to those deals from a pricing and product standpoint. I only suggest that the additional personal care and support has a value to many as well. Mainly, I want to dispell the notion that K.....o is the only good deal out there.
Good competition is important in any industry, and the MD Industry is no exception. There are no hard feelings on Treasure Hut's part, nor would I think on their part.
In fact, they do offer good deals. However, any authorized dealer can match or come very close to those deals from a pricing and product standpoint. I only suggest that the additional personal care and support has a value to many as well. Mainly, I want to dispell the notion that K.....o is the only good deal out there.
Good competition is important in any industry, and the MD Industry is no exception. There are no hard feelings on Treasure Hut's part, nor would I think on their part.
Mike Hillis
Well-known member
Forget Kellyco. If you haven't called Chuck when you are ready to buy, you missed out! I know I'll be buying from him when I'm ready to get another.
HH
HH
Kellyco has been around for some time now and Stu created a niche in the market that most manufacturers agree with as Tesoro did at one time. Many people who order from Kellyco have plenty of MD experience and have no need in tech support and are just looking to save a few extra bucks.
And like you say...there's nothing wrong or dirty about making a profit. Kellyco has their own concept of free market pricing and the manufacturers have to respect Kellyco's pricing method. But, they promise to make sales for the manufacturers and that seems to be exactly what they do and also supply a salary to the sales folks who work there. Customer support and manufacturer satisfaction must be pretty decent or they would not be as popular as they are.
After saying all that, If I had a local dealer that I could easily visit...I would certainly support them rather than mail order with anyone to include Kellyco. And since if I did purchase another detector right now, it would be a Tesoro Vaquero...So I definately would not be using kellyco
Best of hunting and sales to ya Chuck!!
And like you say...there's nothing wrong or dirty about making a profit. Kellyco has their own concept of free market pricing and the manufacturers have to respect Kellyco's pricing method. But, they promise to make sales for the manufacturers and that seems to be exactly what they do and also supply a salary to the sales folks who work there. Customer support and manufacturer satisfaction must be pretty decent or they would not be as popular as they are.
After saying all that, If I had a local dealer that I could easily visit...I would certainly support them rather than mail order with anyone to include Kellyco. And since if I did purchase another detector right now, it would be a Tesoro Vaquero...So I definately would not be using kellyco
Best of hunting and sales to ya Chuck!!Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
No hard feelings Mike, and the best of hunting a great deals to you.Bought a detector from a local dealer and he "almost" matched SmellyCos price along with the shipping cost. He couldn't throw in a cheap garden trowel or a plastic litter bag though. He ordered the detector directly and it was in my hands in just a few days. I didn't have to pay a dime for shipping. Then.....I discovered that the battery pack was defective. My dealer took care it all! No hassels. No 800 numbers to contend with. No special trip to the postal shop. Just good honest service from a guy who treats me great. We sit in the shop and shoot the bull. He lets me play with all the detectors. I enjoy it when egar beginners walk in, and I always learn something from his "qualifying" thier needs. He has a great selection of books and prospecting supplies. It's like a toy store to me!
Don't get me wrong. I like SmellyCo too. Well, thier cataloges anyway. I think I have one or two upstairs in the john right now as I write this esay in support of your local dealer.
Don't get me wrong. I like SmellyCo too. Well, thier cataloges anyway. I think I have one or two upstairs in the john right now as I write this esay in support of your local dealer.
Shenandoah Digger
New member
I'm all for the local dealer, being a small business man myself. Unfortunately, I have no Tesoro dealer close by. I have bought from Kellyco, and had no problem with the transaction. I didn't find their deal any better than what I've bought from David Keith, and he was certainly more knowledgeable than the Kellyco guys, although they did try to help. Kellyco offers free trinkets with most of their machines, and for these you pay shipping. You get them whether you want them or not. In the internet age, local dealers do the majority of their sales long distance anyway. The main advantage of a local dealer is the hands-on aspect. But I've talked to David @ Dixie Metal Detectors many times. He's given me tons of info, and he feels like my local dealer. I'm sure that is true with Chuck and many others.