Just wondering what the other pros think about Russound keypads and the rest of the lineup. How reliable are they? How easy to program and troubleshoot? Can you save work to a laptop & clone the next project? How is the company to deal with? How's the achieveable (sp?) margin? Is this stuff kicked around a lot?

TW,
Very reliable,
easy install and troubleshooting,
they have a device to clone keypads
A GREAT company to deal with.
The only problem with Russound is that they are all over the internet, although I have been able to maintain margins. Russound is actively working to eliminate internet sales. As a small dealer, I am always impressed by how far they will go to make you happy and profitable. They have a great product mix for small to mid size installs.
Deco

Thanks for the input. Any one else care to weigh in?

We use them all the time and are very happy with their sound quality ease of installtion and reliability.

Never had any problems with ANY of their products. Keypads are simple to install and operate.
I've never had a client call once concerning operation of their keypad systems.
CMack

As I've mentioned before, they make great products. my opinion regarding the internet competition: you should be making money on your installation and service, not dinking your clients on the hardware!

Manufactuers set a "Suggested List" price for a reason. It is what they feel is a fair market price. You are not "Dinking" somone by charging retail. You are keeping gas in your Trucks, Lights on in the showroom, and Insurance premiums paid for your employees. Things that an Internet reseller does not need to worry about.

It is expensive to run/own a business. Internet re-sellers are not subject to half the expense of a retail store or a custom guy with a showroom.

Personally, I will not quote a product to a client that is abused on the internet. Its not worth it. Whenever a product is discounted on the internet, it loses value to the client.



This message was edited by Impaqt on 01/30/03 23:56.

Now, this is the type of discussion I was hoping to start.

"Whenever a product is discounted on the internet, it loses value to the client." Perceived value? The aura of exclusivity?

We generally charge retail, with the exception of tv's. The support we offer during and after the sale demands it.

Do you pay your plumber full retail for a bathtub? How about that new truck? If you cut your clients a break (20% off retail, but only if you install) they feel you are treating them well and will refer their friends. If you charge them full list, they are going to be PO'd when they see it advertised elsewhere for less. But to each their own...some want to build a long-term client base, others want the quick buck. Off my soapbox.

I do want to build a long-term client base. My clients want a long term relationship with me, and it's my responsibility to be here when they need me next. I do that by earning a living that allows me to stay here, pay my bills, pay my people, pay myself, and all that. If I don't earn that living, I'll be gone in a New York minute, and my clients won't have access to the guy that knows their houses, their systems and their preferences.

If a dealer can offer 20% off the top for hardware to make their customers feel better, that's great. If you underearn for your family and yourself, how great is that? If you can't pay your people, pay your vendors, build your business, you are not doing your job right no matter how hot an installer you may be. Remember that 20% off comes right off your bottom line, and does not affect your expenses or overheard by one single cent. Do you feel you are so tremendously profitable that your wealthy clients are better off with that discount than you are keeping some or all of it?

Without doubt there's room for different opinions and practices on this topic. I'll close with the old saw "The low price is forgotten quickly, but the memory of bad service lingers forever".

We use the Russound extensivley. We like them and they are very reliable. If you have clients wanting the slightly higher end, and a completely custom, protected line, spec the Intellinet Controls (owned by Russound) Easy programming, very reliable, and very protected (at least around here!)