my profile | my password | search | faq & rules | forum home

» Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE   » Operations   » Film Handlers' Forum   » Looking for a good equipment dealer

Author Topic: Looking for a good equipment dealer Dan Chilton Expert Film Handler Posts: 191 From: Springfield, MO Registered: Mar 2004 posted 12-10-2004 07:46 AM                        We're going to be opening a single-screen in SW Missouri in the next 3 months and I'm looking for a full service equipment dealer in the Midwest region (preferrably). Any suggestions?  |  IP: Logged Adam Martin I'm not even gonna point out the irony. Posts: 3686 From: Dallas, TX Registered: Nov 2000 posted 12-10-2004 05:07 PM                     Unless there is equipment to buy or sell, this goes in the Film Handler's Forum.  |  IP: Logged Mark Gulbrandsen Resident Trollmaster Posts: 16657 From: Music City Registered: Jun 99 posted 12-10-2004 10:47 PM                     Since I DON'T recommend asking other theatres in the same area for references.... Other theatres may purposely steer you to a lousy dealer since they won't want your competition. Here are a few suggestions to look for in dealers you come in contact with. Does the dealer have full time techs (good), or does he farm his work out to other techs? The latter can be really bad as you may not get the same tech every time. Consistency is most important in the service business Does the dealer have a full service shop (good) or just an office with several desks in it? The latter is not even a dealer IMHO let alone someone that has put himself in a good position to really be able to help you! How is his parts and loaner parts inventory for the equipment you end up purchasing and can he get parts to you on holidays and weekends? Does he stock loaner intermittents, gear boxes, etc? Can your dealer keep your older obsolete equipemnt running or will he just reccomend the easy way out(for him) with replacement. How quickly can he get to your location in an emergency if required? Does he take forever to bill out work or is it done in a timely fashion and does he provide a statement when necessary? What is his expereince at theatre design? Visit some of his installations and check out his designs for your self, see films at those locations (all the way through!) and pay attention to the picture,sound and presentation quality. Does he install "Pre-Package" Booths?(generally really bad) Or are his booths unique in their design and equipment selection? Are his booths and installations indicative of a creative engineer or do they seem to be run of the mill? These are some of the things you could consider when selecting a dealer. You may find a dealer that fits all the good aspects above because there are a few out there. Eexpect him to charge more for his services than the dealer thats just wanting/waiting for another sale and is not equipped to do more than answer the phone. Mark @ CLACO  |  IP: Logged Dan Chilton Expert Film Handler Posts: 191 From: Springfield, MO Registered: Mar 2004 posted 12-14-2004 09:22 PM                        Thanks Mark! That was incredibly helpful.  |  IP: Logged Steve Kraus Film God Posts: 4094 From: Chicago, IL, USA Registered: May 2000 posted 12-14-2004 10:11 PM                    "They also serve who sit behind a desk and drop ship!" Just to annoy Mark and Steve G.!  |  IP: Logged

All times are Central (GMT -6:00)

Printer-friendly view of this topic

Hop To: Select a Forum: Category: Operations -------------------- Digital Cinema Forum Film Handlers' Forum Large Format Forum Ground Level Feature Info, Trailer Attachments & REAL Credit Offsets Category: Community -------------------- Film-Yak Film Handlers' Movie Reviews The Afterlife Bob Maar's Joke-A-Thon Category: Classified -------------------- Equipment and Supplies Wanted/For Sale Help Wanted/Seeking Employment Category: System -------------------- Software Beta Testing Forum

The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.