Rodenstock

**Robert Wagner** · 06-10-2003, 03:19 PM

I have been hearing rumors that Rodenstock has pulled (let go) all of the U.S.A. reps and Rodenstock is going to be selling to labs around the country and there will be no more office to office reps for Rodenstock frames.

Is this correct, or is this just another rumor?

Robert

**Lee Prewitt** · 06-10-2003, 04:43 PM

My frame rep was canned but the lens rep remains. Looks like it is not a rumor.

**OpticaZ** · 06-10-2003, 07:04 PM

It is a fact! They also let their chief design person for the US go recently.

**BobV** · 06-11-2003, 12:56 AM

I was told that by my former Rodenstock rep who was let go after 11 years of service. The crazy thing is, I just met our NEW rep today!!! I don't know what to make of the situation.

It seems odd that if you are going to can everyone to streamline the company, why would you hire new reps?

Bob V.

**chip anderson** · 06-11-2003, 07:21 AM

Trust me, I can remember when most companies were lab distributed and stocked. It was for the most part a better (all you had to do was call the lab with your order and they supplied the frame and they usually had all available sizes and colors in stock) they also re-stocked with each sale so you had no inventory problem. It was also a lot less expensive and less time consuming (less road reps to support either with salaries/comissions/or expenses). Your rep may be an "independent contractor" but all his costs of operation are figured into the cost of the frame.

This may not be a bad thing to go back to lab distribuation again.

Chip

**Judy Canty** · 06-11-2003, 08:32 AM

My Rodenstock frame rep left for medical reasons and the lens rep has taken over and is doing a very fine job of it. I've also tried the new Spectacle program and am quite pleased with the service. It is reminiscent of the way things used to be as explained by Chip. Everything from one lab with one order to track.

**Chris Ryser** · 06-11-2003, 11:15 AM

FEBRUARY 17, 2003

INTERNATIONAL -- INT'L COVER STORY
The Decline of Germany
With a weak economy and little political will to reform, is it fast becoming another Japan?

Other entrepreneurs want dramatic changes in policy. Randolf Rodenstock, CEO of the Munich-based eyeglass maker that bears his family name, proposes a 50% cut over three years in subsidies and tax breaks, many of which favor selected industries. Then the government should slash taxes for individuals and corporations alike. "We've got to get away from all these petty measures," says Rodenstock.

**OpticaZ** · 06-12-2003, 05:36 AM

It's my understanding that the lab/lens reps will take over distribution of the entire Rodenstock line and offer a consolidated package to the industry. It's probably a good strategy for them to rebuild their frames collection in conjunction with their quality oriented lab selections. It's like bridge, you lead with your longest and strongest! Bring back the Rocco!

**chip anderson** · 06-12-2003, 06:34 PM

Now, if Rodenstock would just stop getting so d____ inovative on thier screws, hinges, nose pads and cases and stick with the designs that they have (had) that really worked instead of having hinge-of-the-year. We could rely on thier products.

Chip