Calling Kaplan Customers!

I'm curious if any old Dave Kaplan customers have found a salesperson that they are happy with. Primarily asking his old VIP customers. I've talked to about 4-5 reps so far and they've all been about as exciting as celery. I know the old DK magic is gone for good, but is anyone satisfied and content with their rebound salesperson? I've hardly spent a dime since he left (relatively speaking), and I'm starting to consider making a big move. But unless I have a rep who is worth his or her salt, it may not happen. I'm still in a blue funk about him leaving, but if I can find someone with even half the charm and the chops, I've still got my VIP shoes on.

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James C.

Sorry, I can't be of any help. I tried a few sale reps but no one comes close. I just buy online.

Everett Headley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904178#Comment_904178

Hahaha....no. this has been talked about before but no one knows their stuff like Dave and no one goes th3 extra mile like Dave did. I've tried several myself and have been disappointed with each.

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904180#Comment_904180

I was hoping for a more hopeful response. [:'(]

Whyndell Grizzard

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904200#Comment_904200

When he was let go it was a sure sign of a downward spiral to me- others may feel differently- but so far its has proved to be the case.

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904204#Comment_904204

When he was let go it was a sure sign of a downward spiral to me- others may feel differently- but so far its has proved to be the case.

I think Dan P. said DK left to pursue a career on real state. So it may not be accurate to say "he was let-go."

DAL

Dan Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904211#Comment_904211

DAL I will not tell tales (nor do I have all the facts to tell any such tales) but I feel safe in saying "let-go" is probably the nicest way to put what happened, thankfully DK landed on his feet and I hope he is doing well.

-dan

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904240#Comment_904240

DAL I will not tell tales (nor do I have all the facts to tell any such tales) but I feel safe in saying "let-go" is probably the nicest way to put what happened, thankfully DK landed on his feet and I hope he is doing well.

-dan

Wow maybe let go, but with at least some time to prepare, compared to others. Either way, glad he's doing good. He wasn't all that great to me, but then again, I guess is about finding a sales rep that you click with or else you're doomed. Besides, with the way new sales reps are being trained it's kind of hard to find a good one anymore. Maggie Segar is my first choice, but I buy online mostly, ever since Jim-Ray left (or was let go too).

DAL

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904240#Comment_904240

Well, L7 is the first time I haven't upgraded to the newest release since L2, and I've pretty much always gotten the top-end package. That would never have happened if DK was still in place, and I am sure I would have also picked up many other things besides...such as the Bloomsbury Bundle and maybe even the XL Master Collection. If Logos doesn't come up with a Dave clone at some point, they will continue to increase the lost revenue well into the five-figure range.

Also, for the first time I'm entertaining the idea of picking up a non-Logos program, which was unthinkable to me until recently. Not sure if I will, but if I'm not spending $ with Logos, I might as well somewhere else.

Still hoping someone will have a solid sales contact that can encourage me to loosen my purse strings.

Dan Francis

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904248#Comment_904248

I have no doubt of the many people who have left faith life, many did leave rather than were laid off... I am sure there were valid business reasons for all layoffs, that said I do think the lose of some individuals most likely hurt sales greatly at least in the short term.

-dan

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904253#Comment_904253

Well, L7 is the first time I haven't upgraded to the newest release since L2, and I've pretty much always gotten the top-end package. That would never have happened if DK was still in place, and I am sure I would have also picked up many other things besides...such as the Bloomsbury Bundle and maybe even the XL Master Collection. If Logos doesn't come up with a Dave clone at some point, they will continue to increase the lost revenue well into the five-figure range.

Also, for the first time I'm entertaining the idea of picking up a non-Logos program, which was unthinkable to me until recently. Not sure if I will, but if I'm not spending $ with Logos, I might as well somewhere else.

Still hoping someone will have a solid sales contact that can encourage me to loosen my purse strings.

You can donate the money to me if you like. I could use it if it's burning a hole in your pocket (hopefully that's the right expression when someone wants to spend their money no matter what hehehe)

DAL

Liam Hurst

Sorry, I can't be of any help. I tried a few sale reps but no one comes close. I just buy online.

Armin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904333#Comment_904333

Here is an example of the quality of current sales people:

A sales person sent me the following e-mail:

I wanted to reach out as a courtesy as I was looking at your account and noticed you were looking at quite a few resources for possibly purchasing?

As a product specialist here, it’s my job to help you identify which products best suit your study needs, and also to assist you in using your dollars to the best of their ability.

I do have some recommendations that will save you some money, and I might be able to get you a promotional discount with the purchase you were looking at.

When is a good time to connect so I can review your order before you make the purchase?

As I live at the other end of the world, I suggested doing this by e-mail. I then asked:

Can you send me some of the promotional discount offers for me to consider? I guess the Logos 6 Master Bundle XL is not any more available. Is this correct? You could look at my Wishlist (priority High or Medium) and the “Saved for Later” list and determine if you can provide discounts for them.

But I also must say that I spent a lot of money on resources in the last 6 months and might have to slow down a bit.

Here is the reply from the sales person:

There is an excellent promotion on the Bloomsbury bundle, normally $2858.39, I can get it to you for $2191.48

There is a huge discount on the Mobile Ed Master Bundle, however even with 20% off its $28,582.14!

Now my concern is:

1) As part of the last Christmas sale, the Bloomsbury Bundle was $1,715 for me and I did not purchase it. $2,191 is for me not an "excellent promotion".

2) Offering me a bundle for $28,582 (!!) after my comment that I need to slow down with my purchases was not very helpful.

I would have thought that he looks at some of the items on my wishlist with medium or high priority and in the $100-$700 range. He might have been more successful with such a suggestion.

Jim Snowden

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904337#Comment_904337

Over the last 2 or 3 years, I have never found any deal from a direct salesperson that is better than the standard online website prices. And as mentioned here, sometimes the salesperson price is higher. I think it is a bit misleading when I receive emails from Logos sales saying "I may get you a special price" when they mean I can give you the current online price that is available to everyone.

The only time sales have been useful is when I wanted to purchase a couple of items with overlapping resources and they could work out the dynamic pricing in advance. But I could have just bought them one after the other to get the same effect, but it did save some time.

Whyndell Grizzard

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904338#Comment_904338

Jim I feel your pain- I bought a couple things lately and the rep thought saving you $30 on a $1000 item was the great price since Moses built the Ark.

Daniel Bender

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904178#Comment_904178

Sorry, I can't be of any help. I tried a few sale reps but no one comes close. I just buy online.

That's what I do. I loved my sales rep but haven't found anyone like him. I'd rather purchase what I need online.

Fasil

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904350#Comment_904350

Like Amazon and other business sites, why don't faithlife put all their sales online alone?

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904253#Comment_904253

Also, for the first time I'm entertaining the idea of picking up a non-Logos program, which was unthinkable to me until recently. Not sure if I will, but if I'm not spending $ with Logos, I might as well somewhere else.

I can't imagine a situation were one business must meet ones total needs. Sure, we buy tools in order to share the same batteries.

But Accordance has too many resources Logos doesn't (and apparently never will). And Olivetree pricing is often unbelievably low, good where the resource is iffy.

Now, why Logos hides sales all the time, I've no clue. We refuse the social networks, and don't want anything Logos discounts on them.

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904253#Comment_904253

Are there really no recommendations? NO ONE has a rep they are happy with? Wow...

TCBlack

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904605#Comment_904605

Are there really no recommendations? NO ONE has a rep they are happy with? Wow...

To the contrary. Every rep I've randomly worked with has worked with me quite well.

Beloved Amodeo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904605#Comment_904605

Are there really no recommendations? NO ONE has a rep they are happy with? Wow..

Like TC I will not give you a name, but a little advice. Hope you find it useful. If you take the time to identify a rep with the minimum skill set you require and then train that one in your preferences and repay them with loyalty and respect you may not be able to replicate the relationship you had with Dave, but you will have developed a workable replacement for your needs going forward.
The alternative is perpetual dissatisfaction.

Armin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904618#Comment_904618

I have used Maggie Segar and found her to be very responsive. Unfortunately, she was not able to provide further discounts on some of the resources I was interested in. I usually just purchase online.

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904664#Comment_904664

Could it be that Dave and others probably got let go because they were costing the company money by giving out too many discounts just to keep a good customer base for their commission? Maybe lots of unauthorized discounts were given to their special circle of customers that eventually it caught up to them. Think about it, if he was so good and had been so many years with the company, why let a guy go if he's selling and making the company money? It doesn't make sense. But anyway, I guess we'll never really know. Maybe he had an attitude problem the last few years there, I know I got an attitude from him a couple of times, but even then, I just wrote it off as an "off day" for him. After all, even people that work for a Christian business have off days too. Oh well!

DAL

Greg Corbin

Dave was my go to salesperson, and I have had nothing but poor experiences with sales reps since then. I have given up and will make any further purchases simply online - if I decide to make any further purchases at all.

Travis Walter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904898#Comment_904898

I use John Groce. Most things I buy online, but if I want to do complex bundles or mess with payment plans, hes my go-to guy.

Small Heath

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904918#Comment_904918

I use Jeromy Blomquist. I try to do all my purchasing though him, especially when I need dynamic pricing or adding to my purchase plan. He will go the extra mile and ask management for additional discounts (Lexham, etc.). When my purchase plan got messed up, he got it fixed. All open and above board. Not pushy at all.

Dale Heath

Simon’s Brother

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904605#Comment_904605

Are there really no recommendations? NO ONE has a rep they are happy with? Wow...

if you or anyone is looking for a Sales Rep to give big discounts I believe those days are over which is why you are not getting much response - people are living in the past and hence why they are not finding satisfaction.

Alex Scott

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/999083#Comment_999083

You're responding to a year and a half old thread. Talk about living in the past!!!

Simon’s Brother

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/999104#Comment_999104

It came up in the thread list, I did not go looking for an old post to respond. Apologies if I missed the date and you feel offended. it can be difficult to view on a phone screen for some of us. You should feel blessed that your eyesight is much better than mine.

You're responding to a year and a half old thread. Talk about living in the past!!!

Greg Corbin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/999083#Comment_999083

I actually prefer not having to call a Sales rep to make sure I get the best price. In todays world, put the best price out there for all. Many times in the past, I wanted to just buy something from the Logos website, but then I called Dave Kaplan "just to make sure" he couldn't do better. Many times he did - although most often not a huge savings. I always felt that it added another unnecessary step for me.

Everett Headley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/999164#Comment_999164

Still miss Dave. With one exception from Dan, I haven't had customer service anywhere close to what he offered.

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/999203#Comment_999203

I dealt with Dave twice and it was a bad experience for me. My go-to sales rep was Jim-Ray H., then Maggie, then Zach and a couple of others and just when I think I’ve found the right one all of the sudden they’re gone. So I don’t know what’s going on there. Luckily, the recent sales and coupons have made it easier for me to just order straight from the website.

It all works itself out in the end 👍😁👌

DAL

Matt Hamrick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904605#Comment_904605

After Dave left I went with Maggie Segar and she is now the Spanish product rep and I am not Spanish so Faithlife told me to find another rep and I found Dan Hughes. He is not Dave Kaplan, but Dan handles my business the way I want and sometimes he uses a trick or two to help me. While he is not Dave, he is Dan. There was a sales rep that called me when I upgraded to Logos 6 collector's and Dave was my rep at the time but this rep was working with Dave. I forgot his name, but he might be helpful because he worked with Dave when Dave was here. I am pleased with Dan and you might be too.

Beloved Amodeo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/999275#Comment_999275

My go-to sales rep was Jim-Ray H.

I too had much love for Jim-Ray. He always went the extra mile. After Jim-Ray was John Ramsey, he was excellent. I'm going to transgress a law for me which is never tell, but, my guy now is John Groce. He suits me well.

Ken Shawver

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/904606#Comment_904606

I can't remember the first rep I dealt with exclusively back in 2004-2006, he was great. When he left I came across David Kaplan and as everyone here has re-iterated he was fantastic. I ended up buying most of my products directly from him because of the personal touch. Since then I have mainly bought on-line. although Tom Crandall was very helpful on a couple of issues...enough I would call him directly. Angela Lott has helped as well.

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/999332#Comment_999332

This thread makes me sad. I only briefly used Dave after Rusty Davidson, and then Dave was no longer with Logos. Then a third person, and wham gone. Then maggie, but she only does spanish sales now... I speak a little spanish but not fluent enough to study in. Then I really didn't buy anything for a long time.

Until Dan Hughes, I haven't had a "usual" sales person, and to be fair I've purchased only once through Dan. BUT he hooked me up, and helped me find the thing I was looking for. I was impressed with his quick response, and happy with the promotions he put in front of me. I ended up upgrading a package higher than I would have and for ~20$ more. I was happy with that. He was friendly, and all in all I'll be using him again. I don't have the relationship with him that I built over the years with Rusty. But that will come with time, in the mean time he's worked hard for me, and I appreciate that. I'll be sending my business his way going forward.

His contact info is:
Dan.Hughes@faithlife.com I don't give out peoples phone numbers without permission. But I don't mind giving out emails. If you do use him, tell him I sent you! I don't think I'll get anything, but I want him to know that his effort was appreciated and made an impact.

David Paul

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/999164#Comment_999164

I actually prefer not having to call a Sales rep to make sure I get the best price. In todays world, put the best price out there for all. Many times in the past, I wanted to just buy something from the Logos website, but then I called Dave Kaplan "just to make sure" he couldn't do better. Many times he did - although most often not a huge savings. I always felt that it added another unnecessary step for me.

That's one way of looking at it. For me, because of the relationship I had with Dave, I deliberately put my purchases on hold until I could deal with Dave directly. When he was out sick for a few days, he emailed me from home and apologized for not being able to get to my order. No hurry, I told him. Just call me when you get back to work. I often did extra work and sent him screen shots of items I wanted from my want lists, etc., to limit the amount of time he had to work on my orders. Because of all that he did for me, I did what I could to make his job easier and I didn't want to spend any $ with Logos unless he could get credit for it. Of all of life's disappointments in the last ten years, Dave's disappearance from Logos is right at the top.

Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/999164#Comment_999164

I actually prefer not having to call a Sales rep to make sure I get the best price. In todays world, put the best price out there for all. Many times in the past, I wanted to just buy something from the Logos website, but then I called Dave Kaplan "just to make sure" he couldn't do better. Many times he did - although most often not a huge savings. I always felt that it added another unnecessary step for me.

Agree

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1001286#Comment_1001286

One of the things I liked about Rusty, was no matter when I messaged him, 2am, 2pm, 6am, (late night homework, or sermon prep sometimes meant unlocked in the morning... but with the time differences sometimes late where I am was not late where he was) almost always within an hour he'd unlocked the product on my account. No calling, no waiting, I'd email him, and by the time I thought about it again it was already downloading, or indexing on my computer.

Plus over 5 years or so you become friends with the person. He'd ask about school, and I'd ask about his family. He'd keep my tiny church in his prayers, and I'd pray over his needs as well.

Rusty wasn't really let go. But, I think he read the writing on the wall, because a week or two after he accepted the new position in Atlanta, was when everyone else was let go.

Dan - the few times I've emailed him was just as responsive. PLUS he had good advice regarding the products I was looking at. I was going to go one direction, but he mentioned the next base package up was only a few dollars more (5-10 more for baptist portfolio) Which included a couple things from my list that I was excited about.

For me its simple. Respond quickly, help me save money, and all my business is yours! Bonus when over the next 5-50 years we get to be good friends.

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1002247#Comment_1002247

Updating my post to say I no longer recommend Dan. At all.

Also I'm looking for a new sales person

Nick Highland

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1011985#Comment_1011985

I have contacted customer service one time since L3, and done everything else online. This thread has me a bit concerned... Is the problem simply that additional discounts are not being offered? Or that customer service is substantially lacking? If they moved onto a different sales model in which phone-in discounts have been discontinued, it may help for Faithlife to be up-front and state it to reset customer expectations. If customer service is tanking overall, that's a bigger concern.

Employee turnover is normal, but declining customer service is a major problem. So... What's actually happening?

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1011998#Comment_1011998

I have contacted customer service one time since L3, and done everything else online. This thread has me a bit concerned... Is the problem simply that additional discounts are not being offered? Or that customer service is substantially lacking? If they moved onto a different sales model in which phone-in discounts have been discontinued, it may help for Faithlife to be up-front and state it to reset customer expectations. If customer service is tanking overall, that's a bigger concern.

Employee turnover is normal, but declining customer service is a major problem. So... What's actually happening?

Well I'm not sure why FL fired a bunch of folks, but they did, and hired new folks.

Some of which have been great, and others not so much.

I fired Dan Hughes as my sales person for a variety of reasons. The reasons were customer service related. I don't want to say more until he's had a chance to respond to my email. But it wasn't that the deals weren't good - he was satisfactory there.