Big Ticket Items Get Discovered Online

Returning from the Internet Retailer Conference and Exhibition Manna representatives reported that attendees were upbeat, but not ecstatic about an upturn in the economy.  The general optimism was generated by surveys that show more people browsed for products online than in stores, 92% compared to 84%

Nick Mansilla and Dave Tomaschko speaking with IRCE attendees

The ATG reported earlier this year that 30% of consumers use more than three channels of information to research and then purchase products.  For example, they get a catalog, use the company’s website, and consider product reviews. Other channels of information are news articles, Word of Mouth, and advertising.

This statistic also reflects the overwhelming concern among retailers which is integration of the customer experience, from online, catalogs and in-store experiences.  That experience we believe is continued until the product is in its final destination.  Manna representatives Nick Mansilla and David Tomaschko listened to these concerns from retailers.  The options are limited with parcel carriers who don’t handle big ticket items, and with electronics, there are other issues such as fragility and installation that typical delivery providers don’t offer.

Internet Retailer Shows Attendees Up 40% from last year

Another sign the economy is coming back was the 40% increase in IRCE attendee traffic. According to Mansilla and Tomaschko the show floor was busy with considerable interest in Manna Distribution’s high-speed, white-glove service options.  Manna’s national coverage and expertise in a variety of product lines, including electronics, appliances, and furniture gives retailers a one stop (pardon the pun) transportation option.  Email info@Manna.com.

Santa’s Being Practical This Year

As the economy shows signs of improving it’s still a ways from playing “Happy Days Are Here Again” If you are the numbers type, the Conference-Board says consumer confidence is down, the RBC Cash Index says consumer confidence is at a 12 month high. Retailers continue to fight for their customers and appliance manufacturers have recorded declining sales numbers all year.

All these numbers add up to a practical holiday gift season with significant values available. The kitchen remodeling may need to be done in phases, so let’s start with the things we know we need and can build around. Here’s another set of numbers that makes sense, the life expectancy of kitchen appliances, get out the trumpet and blow taps for these kitchen necessities if they are past their prime.

Then move on to some of the latest and greatest of practical household appliances. My once white, 15 year old dishwasher is showing its age and wrinkles. Even a simple white upgrade will do a lot to brighten the place up. One product appliance segment that reported increased sales was freezers and the speculation is that more people are buying in bulk to save money. A pretty practical idea and there is evidence of this from news articles that say “Sam’s Club’s strong sales during the March five-week period benefited from robust member demand for Sam’s value on food and consumables.”

Freezer from Curto Appliances

These practical household appliance necessities might not fit through the chimney, but the savings in this soft market can make up for a lot of tradition.

Here are a couple of appliance resources that use Manna’s High-Speed delivery to ensure your gift will be there for the holidays.

1. Curtos Appliances
2. AM Royal
3. Universal akb
4. Evvive

America Can’t Get Enough of Clunkers

The Cash for Clunkers program that drove Americans to turn in their old cars and spike new car sales is in play for appliances.   A couple of catches however: 1) the US Department of Energy is counting on the states to implement the program, and 2) it is likely you won’t have to bring in a clunker, energy hogging appliance in order to get the rebate.

The details are being worked out state by state. According to a report by CNET senior writer of the Green Tech blog, Martin LaMonica, rebates program should be in place by later this year or the start of 2010.

The appliances likely to be covered include energy hog refrigerators, dish washers, and washers and dryers among others.  The latest appliances to look for are those with the Department of Energy’s, Energy Star label.  That’s a 1992 program that identifies products that are typically 10 – 30 percent more efficient than comparable products.

Here is a state-by-state breakdown of available clunker cash State DOE funds

Mark Glover of McClatchy Newspapers writes that many retailers are gearing up for the appliance clunker cash program.

They are anticipating the same kind of consumer response as the car market, even though it is a fraction of the amount, $300 million for appliances compared with an estimate $3 billion (so far) for the cars program.

Given that this is a state program, it will be interesting to see how the program is applied for internet sales.  We checked an internet appliance etailers, Mike Luongo, president of AM Royal anticipates a program that will benefit consumers and businesses alike.  He is hopeful that common sense will prevail when regulators realize internet retailers serve customers in 50 states.  Trying to administer 50 unique state rebate programs is a large burden to small business.  “It should be as simple as possible to administer, for example a flat rate or single calculation per state that can be in a drop down menu.  A simple program will benefit consumers most because it gives them the greatest choice and competitive prices. That’s what ultimately will achieve the program’s goals of more energy efficient appliances in use and a push for the economic recovery that is just showing signs of beginning,” said Luongo.

Rebates for appliances have been around for a while. The California Energy Commission, for example ,credits its program for helping keep electricity per capita in that state essentially unchanged for nearly 30 years.

If you need a new appliance, now, or really soon might be a good time to be an energy saver.   Here is a list of some that will get you saving kilowatts faster with great installation: