Essentials
10 from Hafele is now On-Line
Häfele's
roll-for-the-pocket Essentials catalogue has now reached 150 pages and
carries an even bigger range of products for smaller kitchens and bathrooms
workshops and for site-workers.
Essentials 10 is the first catalogue of its type to offer a range of format
options. In addition to the traditional hard copy volume, Essentials 10
is now accessible on-line from a desktop or by site workers using laptops
and a digital version is also now available on CD from Hafele in Rugby
- or via http://www.hafele.co.uk
Essentials is now as easy to browse on a laptop computer screen as it
is on a desk, a table or over a mug of tea. It's on the home page of the
Häfele website for the first time and uses the latest click-and-turn
software - it's very user friendly and can be viewed on screen like reading
a book. Click on the corners and pages flip forward or back.
There's more essential products for all types of customer, whatever their
application, in new Essentials 10. According to Sales Director Ray Fisher:
‘The compilation of Essentials 10 has been driven by close attention
to customer need and sets the standard for years to come.’
Product is supplied from the central Hafele warehouse in Rugby and support
and in-depth information is also readily available from the network of
six regional offices in Scotland, Wales, London, Manchester, Yorkshire
and Bristol. Nearest offices can be located by postcode on the Häfele
website or by phone from Rugby: 01788 542020.
Essentials is regularly published at all times of the year to ensure that
product information is the very latest available. Delivery to a credit
card or account customer is next day on orders placed before noon.
New
Website Aims to Identify Rogue Tradesmen and Promote Good Ones
October
15th marked the launch of http://www.Directoryof.co.uk,
a web site designed by someone who was ripped-off just once too often.
With his partner Lynda, Iain Gunn of Mortimer in Berkshire designed DirectoryOf
to rank tradesmen by what their customer's say about them. Lynda, whose
father is a Plumber and who came up with the feedback idea, says 'Its
very simple really, 1000's of tradesmen just like dad rely on their reputation
for their next job, so what we wanted to do was to create a website where
people wanting a product or service can research someone's reputation'.
The site can be searched by distance from your postcode and then the directory
members are ranked by their 'Reputation Index' or RI. There is even the
facility for a Trade Member to post a video of themselves promoting their
services, so the customer can gain an idea of what to expect from them.
Iain has spent the last year learning web design in his spare time and
has built the site from scratch. There are nearly 180,000 entries in the
database already and is growing steadily.
'The business model is simple' says Iain, 'anyone with a business can
be listed for free. We sell 'RI' points that a Trade Member can call off.
We ask new Trade Members to purchase at least 2 RI points to get them
going and they can then receive up to 10 RI points (worth £50) for
free by recommending a fellow tradesman to join. This way a Trade Member
can build up a large Reputation Index for a very small outlay. They can
then use this as a reference point when quoting for new business.'
'We take feedback either by post or via the web site. If the feedback
is negative we ask for proof that a member of the public has transacted
with the business they are complaining about. If all is above board, we
give the Trade member 14 days to service the complaint. If this is unsuccessful
then we will post the negative feedback.'
Trading Standards receive 2 million consumer and business complaints and
enquiries each year* and rip-off Britain is still a popular phrase applied
all too liberally to UK products and services. Sites such as DirectoryOf
endeavour to champion the cause both of the consumer and of professional
and reliable tradesmen alike. The combination of savvy consumers and DirectoryOf
should help make Rip-off Britain a thing of the past!
*(Source: 15/05/07 Pledge to target rogues and encourage honest traders
- Press release.)
(http://www.tsi.org.uk/media/index.htm?frmClient=2A22665E-1185-6B25-FC1400FD0F8C9F09&frmItemID=204828&frmShared=1)
Web: http://www.directoryof.co.uk
Whirlpool
Brand Scientists go Hi-Tech Helping Consumers Sort Out Age Old Chore
Whirlpool
brand's Institute of Fabric Science (WIFS) has entered the re-launch cycle,
now the freshest laundry resource for millions of customers worldwide.
The recently transformed WIFS Web site utilises the expertise of fabric
professionals to tackle the various laundry-related inquiries that Whirlpool
receives from consumers.
The revamped Web site (http://www.instituteoffabricscience.com)
operates as an informational hub for the many people who struggle daily
with fabric care dilemmas. With built-in customer service, expert advice,
consumer lifestyle stories, statistics, and more, the site makes laundry
easier and less like a chore.
‘Consumers continue to clamour for help with laundry, from stain
removal to fabric care tips. Whirlpool can attest to this, receiving an
average of about 27,000 phone calls and 1,200 emails each month with laundry
questions,’ said WIFS Home Economist Mary Zeitler. ‘WIFS is
the place that consumers can turn to, 24/7, to have their questions answered
by skilled and knowledgeable experts.’
One highlight of the consumer site is the ‘Laundry 101’ component.
This section covers many aspects of fabric care and allows customers to
browse the top fabric care tips, laundry myths and other useful hints
from the WIFS team. ‘Laundry 101’ also offers suggestions on
pre-sorting and managing load size, how to treat stains on varying fabrics
and insight into how to interpret care labels.
Another section, titled ‘The Laundry Room’, offers the following
features:
* A ‘Perfect Match’ selector tool that helps consumers determine
which products are right for them.
* Links to laundry room design sites.
* Information on the entire Whirlpool brand laundry suite, including laundry
solutions such as the Fabric Freshener and Laundry 123™ work surfaces,
pedestals and towers.
WIFS
offers monthly energy efficiency tips and ‘green laundry’ suggestions
on its homepage to show consumers just how simple it can be to save energy
and water. Other frequent updates include a featured WIFS expert and commonly
asked consumer questions.
‘The Web site will give us the opportunity to listen, respond and
help make daily life a bit easier - all critical to what Whirlpool does,’
said Pam Rogers, Director, Whirlpool Brand Laundry Products. ‘The
average consumer washes seven loads of laundry per week. Using the products
that are right for your lifestyle can help you get more done.’
Behind the scenes, the WIFS laundry scientists dedicate themselves to
providing the ultimate laundry solutions. These experts test 20 million
pounds of textiles each year and monitor laundry in 80 field test sites
gathering usage data. Their efforts helped drive the development of some
of Whirlpool brand's most revolutionary products such as the Duet HT®
washer and the Duet® steam dryer.
About WIFS
Whirlpool created the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science in 2000 in
response to consumer demand for expert advice, helping consumers make
the most of their laundry systems and save money by teaching them the
best possible ways to care for their clothes. Through constant feedback,
the Institute has been able to pinpoint and address the most common laundry
misconceptions and help consumers get more done with less effort. Additional
information regarding WIFS can be found at http://www.instituteoffabricscience.org.
Lathams
Announce LG Hi-Macs® Internet Developments
UK
timber and panel products distributor, James
Latham, has added a new LG HI-MACS® service and information
section to its website, www.lathamtimber.co.uk,
which has been developed in-house by group marketing co-ordinator, Jo
Seal.
James Latham is the exclusive UK distributor of LG HI-MACS® Natural
Acrylic Stone™ solid surface and the new addition to the website
provides practical information on product benefits, range details, images,
colours, FAQ's, applications and industry certification details plus much
more.
LG HI-MACS® is made from a blend of 75% natural minerals and natural
pigments set in an acrylic matrix. This modern material provides a high
performance solution for horizontal, vertical and three-dimensional applications.
Steve Robinson, LG HI-MACS® National Product Manager, commented, 'The
fact that LG HI-MACS now has an individual section on the original website
is a fantastic step forward for Latham's. Many of our customers rely on
the website for up-to-date information about new products and as a tool
for advice. The more user friendly we can be, the better'.
For more information on LG HI-MACS® or any other product available
at Lathams, please call the marketing department on 0116 257 3415, email
marketing@lathams.co.uk,
or visit www.lathams.co.uk
Social
Networking Site www.milesbetter.org Goes Live
A
new website (http://www.milesbetter.org)
has been launched as a platform for consumers to share their thoughts
on everything from vacuum cleaners to dishwashers, steam ovens to washing
machines. Sponsored by domestic appliance manufacturer Miele, the site
enables visitors to locate and talk to other consumers in communities
and forums where all their comments are welcome and encouraged.
Social networking has become a significant part of life today and the
website enables consumers to find out first hand what is being said about
domestic appliances in blogs, message boards and media-sharing sites.
The site also features the latest company and industry news and offers
visitors the chance to share stories, photos and videos.
A recent survey carried out to launch http://www.milesbetter.org
revealed that 74% of consumers admitted to being more influenced by comments
in online communities than by their own mothers. 'These findings show
that online consumer comment has become a significant influence in people’s
choices and that online communities have become a reliable source of information
to those wanting to make significant household purchases,' said John Kershaw,
GB Head of Marketing at Miele.
Over 90% of people consider researching and buying household appliances
online, but close behind are audiovisual and computer equipment at 85%,
and 40% of people use the internet to buy clothing and shoes.
Label
Scheme Website goes Live
On
1st September 2007, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) Water
Efficient Product Labelling Scheme website at went live offering the Bathroom
Industry another new innovative service (http://www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk).
The Scheme aims to help both trade and consumers easily identify water
efficient products that when installed and used correctly use less water.
Clever use of smart technology in stunning designs means we can do our
bit to stamp out waste without compromising on style. Manufacturers are
working hard to ensure they help Government meet its water saving targets,
whilst still delivering the sexy looking performance packed bathing experience
consumers crave.
The website provides a plethora of information supporting the Scheme,
including the criteria for qualification, database of registered product,
practical water saving tips and hints and all registration documentation.
The BMA decided to launch the world's first industry-led water efficiency
labelling scheme back in December 2006 following the release of the DCLG
and Defra Water Efficiency in New Buildings consultation document which
contains proposals for new homes, extensive renovations and new commercial
buildings in England and Wales. Since then, Industry experts have been
hard at work to produce the Scheme and define the qualifying criteria.
The BMA Scheme, in addition to facilitating easy identification of water
efficient bathroom products, will aid Government in its quest to reduce
water consumption per capita from 150 litres per day to 125 litres per
day.
Speaking about the launch of the Scheme and the new website Yvonne Orgill
Chief Executive of the BMA says: ‘We have spent many hours with our
members working on the Scheme to get it just right.
‘We believe we have developed a credible Scheme with clout. The response
from Industry and Government confirms this. The Scheme has been very positively
received by Waterwise, Water UK and Defra.
‘But it doesn't stop there. We still have work to do and are putting
together a consumer campaign because we need to change behaviour and educate
the consumer to achieve the desired result.
‘It's important that consumers understand that the key to water efficiency
is reducing waste, not restricting use.’
The Scheme is voluntary and open to all companies that sell water efficient
products into the UK market and which meet the Scheme's criteria for volumes
and flow rates.
Watch out for the label on product itself, the product packaging, point
of sale literature or within the company's own product literature from
September onwards, with a full press launch later in the year.
Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org
Aqualux's
new look website is proving to be a big hit with customers with visits
to http://www.aqualux.co.uk
doubling since the launch of over 100 new products at the Bathroom and
Kitchen Expo in May.
The bath screen and shower enclosure manufacturer recorded an average
of 6000 visitors a week from the middle of May to August, ranking it the
fourth most searched for bathroom supplier on search engine Google.
The website, which showcases all of Aqualux's latest products including
AquaSpace, Pura, Aquanos and two new steam cabins Florenta and Crysta,
has proved to be extremely popular with brochure requests via the site
increasing by 50 percent.
This is the latest success for the West Midland-based Aqualux, which has
recently been named as the leading volume supplier of shower enclosures
and bath screens by BRG Consult.
Sandra Hyde, marketing manager, said,
'We are delighted with the overwhelming success of the website and our
Google ranking shows the Aqualux brand is now a well-known consumer name.
Not only are we having more requests for our brochures, but we're turning
them into sales proving that we've judged the market just right with the
launch of our new products.'
http://www.aqualux.co.uk
Maytag
Offers Retailers a Professional Image
Maytag
has recently re-launched its marketing support tool for retailers. Maytag
says that its website http://www.askmaytag.com
is a haven for all enthusiastic retail partners who wish to take a professional
approach when creating their own literature, point of sale and promotional
materials.
http://www.askmaytag.com
is a one stop, comprehensive image centre for downloading a huge assortment
of product images as well as the new brochures and a selection of specification
sheets. A simple registration process and then access via login and password,
lets you navigate, select and download as many images as you wish in a
format that can be used to create professional promotional materials.
‘We are really proud of this website and wish to encourage more retailers
to use it. It features all the latest images from our portfolio, from
all our brands, Admiral, Maytag, KitchenAid and Amana. It is of enormous
value to all our retail partners who wish to do their own thing professionally,’
remarks Stuart. He continues: ‘We update the site regularly with
the latest images and company brochures. It's a huge benefit for those
who really take a pride in their business and wish to produce truly professional
results.’
For more information and to register logon to: http://www.askmaytag.com.
Roman,
the UK shower manufacturer, has launched a step-by-step online video guide
which demonstrates how to install a wetroom. This can be seen on the company’s
website: http://www.roman-showers.com.
The
online video podcast breaks down how to install a wetroom from start to
finish, showing the process in easy to follow steps. Roman says that it
is the first in the industry to create such a podcast and has done so
to try and give installers more confidence with wetroom technology. It
is also designed to give added confidence to retailers when it comes to
selling wetroom products.
The video podcast shows an installation demonstration using Roman’s
new tanking kit - Roman Shield. It shows the simple step-by-step process
illustrating how easy it is to achieve the contemporary and stylish look
of a wetroom.
Roman Shield contains everything needed to tank a 10m2 room from start
to finish in one simple to use kit. Alongside the kit, Roman also offers
optional extra products such as preformed corners, to make the process
even simpler.
Wetrooms are a style statement, and a much sought-after look. However
many installers are unfamiliar and wary of the technology involved in
creating them. This video podcast is designed to break down the process
and demonstrates the stages involved.
David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman Limited, comments: 'Roman is
very excited about this video podcast. When we’ve spoken to retailers,
plumbers and installers, the feedback is always that consumers want a
wetroom, but not many installers are confident with the technology behind
it. This video podcast shows just how simple creating a wetroom is –
you are simply building up a series of comprehensive layers to waterproof
a room that is constantly filled with water. We are extremely excited
to hear feedback from our customers once it goes live!'
The installer, testing the products in the podcast, commented: 'the kit
was really easy to use. I have little experience with installing wetrooms,
but found Roman Shield a simple to follow kit. Participating in the video
podcast was also an interesting experience, particularly with it being
such a first for the industry.'
Tel: 0845 0522 445
Email: brochures@roman-showers.com
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com
ATAG
UK is delighted to announce that it has finally managed to
reclaim the domain name www.atag.co.uk from a third party and is now live.
The comprehensive new ATAG product brochure is now available from the
site, while in September we can promise a stunning all-new website that
will really prove to be something rather special.
In
the meantime, backing up ATAG's strong service-focused credentials is
another key website, www.atagservice.co.uk, which is already fully up
and running. This site is designed to pre-empt a number of commonly asked
questions about ATAG's appliances and their operation, helping to provide
a speedy and effective response to customer queries.
Among the help offered on www.atagservice.co.uk is a section covering
tips on use and cleaning of appliances and their materials such as glass
and stainless steel surfaces, a downloadable user manual for a wide variety
of ATAG appliances, spare parts ordering, and registration of customers'
product guarantees.
Parts can be ordered online or if preferred by telephone from 08.00 to
20.00 on Mondays-Fridays, and 08.30 to 17.30 on Saturdays. Meanwhile,
the new service phone number is 0844 557 6319, which will be active from
1st August.
It's important to register ATAG appliances to get the best from the comprehensive
guarantee. Customers purchasing up to three ATAG appliances together for
installation in one kitchen and registering them within 30 days will receive
a comprehensive two-year parts-and-labour warranty.
However, customers purchasing four or more ATAG appliances for installation
together in a single kitchen will attract a comprehensive five-year parts-and-labour
warranty at no additional cost.
ATAG is continuing to build a name for itself as a designer and manufacturer
of premium-quality appliances that offer much more than the norm in terms
of design impact, practicality, efficiency and longevity.
Ellis Bardsley, Business Development Director explains: 'We believe in
providing the very best possible service and support for our retailers
and consumers. Being the market leader in Holland hasn't happened by accident
- service is a pre-requisite for a premium brand and we intend to provide
the most comprehensive support in all areas of the business at ATAG UK.'
www.atag.co.uk
www.atagservice.co.uk
Catwalk
Style with new Crosswater Website
Crosswater
has restyled its website to complement the 2007 brochure and continue
the company's ethos of continuous evolution.
The
'GET WET! IN STYLE' message is conveyed throughout the website. This is
further reinforced with appropriate imagery to highlight the stunning
products while giving a comprehensive overview of all the portfolios on
offer.
With over 27 tap collections and a variety of showering products and accessories,
the comprehensive and diverse brassware that Crosswater offers is presented
in an extremely user-friendly fashion. The straightforward nature of the
website is shown through easy-to-define links to the different ranges
within the Crosswater portfolio. Keeping information accessible and immediate,
it is easy to download price lists and brochures.
Crosswater's Commercial Director, Philip Carr comments: "Crosswater's
success lies in its innovative products and brand. The new brochure has
been received with such enthusiasm that we decided to keep the look and
styling the same throughout the website."
For more information on Crosswater, please call 0845 873 5808 or visit
the new-look site www.crosswater.co.uk.