Dear customers!
Every year around this time, the same question arises: Do we participate in Black Friday, "Black Week," or other discount promotions? As we do every year, we would like to inform you in a short post about how we approach this.
We deliberately choose not to participate in these price wars, where, in our view, inferior products, discontinued items, or slow-moving stock are often sold off at rock-bottom prices. Our product range consists of carefully selected tools and accessories designed to bring you long-term enjoyment – no disposable goods, no buyer's remorse. Simply tools that will last you for many years at a fair price.
Unfortunately, we are increasingly seeing retailers using inflated prices to artificially create large discount margins and thus salvage sales that justify their daily operations. That's not how we do business. We don't sell mattresses, toothbrushes, or robot vacuums; we have to make a living from something we care about: tools – solid, high-quality, and honest.
While large corporations increase their dominance through aggressive marketing, smaller retailers often find themselves under pressure to keep up – frequently at the expense of their margins or even at a loss. The hype surrounding November grows every year, and yes, we do see increased order volumes around this time.
2025 was a difficult year for many – customers and retailers alike. Global conflicts, rising costs, and inflation significantly impacted purchasing behavior. Every week, we read about bankruptcies and job losses. Conversations with suppliers and business customers constantly remind us of the current situation. We, too, have experienced sharp increases in personnel, energy, packaging, and shipping costs.
That's precisely why we're proud to remain economically stable. We are independent of banks, have a solid financial foundation, and even with slightly lower revenue, we continue to navigate calm waters.
We are particularly pleased that we have been able to maintain our high level of customer satisfaction – something that is by no means a given in the current market situation.
Therefore, we remain true to our values:
Honesty, fairness, mindfulness, and advice that truly benefits you. Values that haven't just existed for 100 years, but will continue to matter in the future.
“ The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten ” - Benjamin Franklin
Our success proves us right, and we are grateful to you, our customers.
So we don't need Black Friday this year either.
Your team at Mike's Toolshop
