Miners Den Group In Australia Have Lost Their Minelab Dealership

[Reg Wilson]

From actual experience I have seen situations where a manufacturer has had excess stock of a particular model that is taking up space in the warehouse and not moving. This is often due to some 'expert' at head office thinking that they know best what the public is going to want to buy and gear up production of that line. When they are proved wrong they need to push that unpopular line on to dealers or when this is ineffectual drop the price. If discounting has not made much impression on stock other tactics are required, such as giving product rights to businesses that in normal situations would not be considered as dealerships. They may however only offer the new dealer certain cheaper or slower moving lines. Still not moving? Discount further and offer the product to retailers not usually associated with this type of merchandise. In desperation go back to the original dealers and offer package deals, rebates and finally thinly veiled threats of dealership replacement.

It's a dog eat dog world out there, and the big dog always wins.

[D&P-OR]

Steve-----With all the success you have had in Alaska----why in the world did you move to Reno, NV?-----I mean no dis-respect in asking this---it's just something that I've always been curious about.--------Del

[King-Of-Bling]

1 hour ago, Steve Herschbach said:

Started a business with a school chum and dredging buddy while still in high school. Turned into one of the largest small scale mining and metal detecting supply shops in the country. Expanded that into a general power sports (ATVs, boats, snowmobiles) business over the years, ending up being one of the largest dealers or top dealers for many product lines. For instance we were the number one dealer for Ski-Doo snowmobiles in North America, largest Keene dealer for decades. etc. Now three locations split into three sub-business, Alaska Mining & Diving Supply, Alaska Motorsports & Equipment, and Alaska Mining Superstore. Celebrating 50 years in business next year. More details if you are interested:

https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/21927-alaska-mining-superstore/page/3/#comment-235167

I also got regulations passed in Alaska allowing for the creation of recreational mining businesses on state mining claims, then created my own, Moore Creek Mining, LLC, while also engaging in a couple million bucks of hardrock exploration with a couple Canadian firms on the claims. Lots of stories about that on my Mining Journal pages, look for anything with Moore Creek in the title. Had my fingers in various other pies but those were the two biggies. End of the day I did ok for a dumb high school kid from Alaska. 

That is super cool ! I'm sure many here didn't know all that. I only thought you were involved in a couple detector companies and a small gold operation in Alaska. Wild part is #1 SkiDoo snowmobile dealer. But makes sense being Alaska. I will have to look up some of your crazy gold stories I'm sure you have. Guess you could have been an OG Gold Rush TV guys.....but like 25 yrs ago. Lol

[Steve Herschbach]

43 minutes ago, D&P-OR said:

Steve-----With all the success you have had in Alaska----why in the world did you move to Reno, NV?-----I mean no dis-respect in asking this---it's just something that I've always been curious about.--------Del

Six months every year of winter keeping me from doing what I like to do. Dark winters and gray rainy summers. Vast clouds of mosquitos and biting flies in summer are also something I don’t miss. Died and went to heaven in Nevada as far as I’m concerned. 

Now I’m just another thread hijacker. 

[D&P-OR]

I hear the mosquito is Alaskas state bird!!!😉

[mn90403]

Thanks Steve and Reg.

Now we have some 'perspective' on the 'product push' by a company that doesn't have direct retail or big box stores. We expect all you dealers to make the numbers for us!

For some in corporate it doesn't matter if you use a carrot, ball and chain, whip, threat or what have you.  Corporate rewards its own too ... before the stockholders.  Now add an MBA to the mix and everyone is yelling at each other.

And then you have the consultants ...

[Tony]

On 2/18/2025 at 11:42 AM, Tony said:

Is a "safe" dealer one who strictly stocks and sells Minelab only detectors ?

For example, Reeds Prospecting here in WA only stock and sell Minelab detectors and pinpointers.

Miners Den / Phase Technical both had alternative detector brands for sale (Nokta/Algoforce).

So far the evidence is stacking up.

The Prospectors Patch (also here in WA) lost their Minelab dealership many years ago......and quickly offered Garrett / Nokta and now Algoforce detectors. I think they went out of favour back then by offering other brands of detectors....not sure of the whole story.

I think Henry Ford was quoted as saying that "customers can have any color they want, so long as it's black". Well maybe Minelab are saying to dealers that "customers can have any detector they want, so long as it's Minelab".

Hmmmmmmmm.

 

Well I'll eat some humble pie and my theory appears to be some "ground noise"....so feel free and hit that GB button 😑

[PeterInSa]

Re (From actual experience I have seen situations where a manufacturer has had excess stock of a particular model that is taking up space in the warehouse and not moving.)

Hey Reg, your doing some Minelab mind reading  ( a.e.  above) ie " Minelab GPX 4500 is Back"