Sudbury Star Sudbury StarBy BARB BLAKELY/Sudbury Star Correspondent
While working in the mining equipment industry as a diesel mechanic and later as a service manager, Denis Martel realized there was room in the market for a mining equipment catalogue.
"I was working with salesmen, and watching how they were doing things, and they really didn't have a good source for finding their equipment," he says.
So in December, 1996, Martel published his first issue of The Mining Equipment Prospector.
"I went into this totally blind as far as the computer end of things and working with printers, and I didn't know anything about the Internet," says Martel.
He adds that he is "self-taught," and "learned the hard way." Now, not only does Martel design his catalogue on a computer, but the entire publication can be accessed via the Internet.
Although The Mining Equipment Prospector lists mostly used and rebuilt machinery that is for sale, new equipment and major components and parts are also included in the directory.
"The data-based listings are free," says Martel.
"This way I get everything that's on the market." All a company or individual has to do to get their product listed is to fill out a submission form that is included in the catalogue.
The form can be mailed the traditional way, or it can be e-mailed or sent by fax.
Companies which prefer to take out an advertisement rather than just a listing have the option of color photos, graphs and text printed on glossy stock.
"My advertisers are mostly local, but I'm getting a lot of interest for advertising from the (United States) and out west," says Martel.
He says subscribers to the catalogue come from all over the world.
"When I first started, the first paid subscription went to a company in Alberta, and the second went to a company in Korea," say Martel.
The president of the mining catalogue says it took a while for the directory to catch on.
In the first issue of the magazine.
Martel had 300 machines listed, while his most recent publication had about 2,000 listings.
"It's encouraging because it's getting bigger every time," he says.
Martel currently publishes about 1,500 copies of each edition.
The Mining Equipment Prospector is designed and printed locally.
Martel says Sudbury is the perfect location because "all of the major contacts are out here." He says the catalogue makes buying and selling equipment easier for all involved.
Listings are free, and Martel doesn't ask for a commission.
Those hoping to purchase equipment can quickly find the details about the machinery, several locations where it can be found, which companies have this type of equipment up for sale and how much each company is charging for it.
Annual subscriptions for the catalogue are $60., while only one of the quarterly publications costs $20.
The Mining Equipment Prospector is not available on newstands.
Those seeking more information about the mining equipment catalogue can write to 620 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E6H5, or they can call (705) 560-5519.
Those wishing to use e-mail can log onto http:/lwww.MiningEquipment.net.
Endless searches for mining parts and equipment are a thing of the past - The Mining Equipment Prospector is about to hit the presses.
Featuring equipment from around the globe as well as wanted to purchase requests, the publication is sure to be useful tool for all those already in or wishing to join the worldwide network of buyers and sellers.
Familiar with the frustrations of tracking down good
used equipment and parts, Denis Martel, president set- out to
create an easy-to-use directory of available equipment, and ultimately,
the largest database in the market. Having extensive past experience
in the mining equipment restoration field, Martel's knowledge
and contacts will prove to be a valuable asset in this venture.
The services offered by The Mining Equipment Prospector are unbeatable: free listings of equipment, parts or purchase requests, regular updates, publication in both catalogue and online through the internet, color photographs on requests, all offered without brokerage fees or commissions. Published quarterly, The Mining Equipment Prospector is available by subscription only, by single issue or yearly membership. You can visit their Internet site at http://wwwMiningEquipment.net
Unlike similar publications, the catalogue represents a low investment ratio for participants. The free listings and no brokerage fee concepts translate into a broader range of equipment types, makes and models and lower prices for buyers. It has a wider appeal and greater exposure than most in-house publications.
A great sales tool, The Mining Equipment Prospector will provide you with new leads and contacts, and will save you invaluable time. "The need for good used quality mining equipment is there. Satisfying this need in a fast, efficient, economical way is the ultimate goal for the Prospector," says Martel. "We'd like to hear from everyone in the mining sector. We know the equipment's out there, we'll help you move it."