KitchenAid: Maims, Bludgeons, But Does Not Kill Internet Sales

Submitted by advisor on Tue, 02/16/2010 - 4:26pm.

Effective January 1, 2010, KitchenAid has instituted a new sales policy which bans dealer sales to ship points greater than 150 miles from the dealer. Could this have any effect on any dealer other than a web dealer? Possibly in America's great flyover country we imagine it could have problems unforseen by KitchenAid, but obviously it is targeted at web dealers.

The Abt Appliance website says the following:
As of January 1st, 2010 KitchenAid has limited our distribution area of their major appliance products to 150 miles within our retail store. We can only ship products to you if you live within this area

Can I ???

Submitted by Bermuda Bob on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 8:39pm.

Can I get a job enforcing that policy ??? I'm free to travel and do in depth investigation of violations & transgressions ... all I want are my frequent flyer miles !!!

Wink Wink

Submitted by Appliance Freak on Wed, 02/17/2010 - 7:55pm.

We will See if they can stop the Internet GIANT ABT.COM They tell customers they can't ship unless it is for WINK WINK Export Use.

Kudos to KitchenAid

Submitted by Cohiba on Wed, 02/17/2010 - 12:02pm.

There is no greater long-term threat to independent dealer sustainability than Internet Sales. KitchenAid's new policy protects dealers from the bottom-feeders in our industry that destroy profitability in distant markets in which they have no investment and no ability to service the customer. Granted there may be some unintended consequences limiting the trading area of those dealers whose geography demands a broader delivery zone. But this is definitely a step in the right direction for which KitchenAid should be applauded.

Thank you Kitchenaid

Submitted by CJAML on Wed, 02/17/2010 - 7:29pm.

I wholeheartedly agree. And i hope others follow suit. Nothing worse than having to match an internet dealers absurdly low price, eat the sales tax and give free delivery all at once. But many of the on-line mega independent players are still not complying. So, stay on top of your Kitchenaid reps. Its actually in their best interest as well.

Let's Just Hope ...

Submitted by Bermuda Bob on Wed, 02/17/2010 - 4:13pm.

... they stick to their guns and have the conviction of their policy !!!

What ???

Submitted by Bermuda Bob on Tue, 02/16/2010 - 10:28pm.

So does this also mean that a dealer can't do business with a customer who walks in is purchasing the Appliance for installation more than 150 miles away from the store ???

... and who is going to supply & service those folks out in the hinterland ???

In the words of the great Italian philosopher "Pops" Castorini, "I'm confused" !!!