OK Rant on.

I'm dealing with a guy that wants the best but this site

[Link: plasmatvbuyingguide.com]

say Panasonic smokes Fujitsu

"Considering the fact that superior Panasonic and Pioneer product offerings"

Then they go on to say, not only do the sets suck but check this out

"They have really promoted the perception of first entry status and attempted to capitalize that idea into market share. And to some extent the strategy seems to be working. They are moving product from their myriad of model numbers, primarily through small profit hungry specialized AV retailers and installers."

Like that? Profit hungry installers.

They then go on to bag about Fujitsus electronics.

"Fujitsu should spend more time with the internal scaling and interpolating circuitry to upgrade images from poorer signal sources, which continue to represent 95% of today's programming"

Compared to other units tested I felt the Fujitsu offering displayed more pixelation (a pulsating visual artifact effect). Indeed, I will be the first to challenge the internal AVM (advanced digital video signal processor), which Fujitsu claims, "eliminates motion artifacts and flicker, improves vertical resolution and reproduces natural movement with ease." Despite its brightness, the units attempt to blend the color information presented - left me believing Fujitsu has some ways to go technologically with their scalar/processor and internal video card circuitry. Aside from the motion artifacts bringing some distraction there was a good bit of graininess and lack of definition

After reading this my customer (Hasn't said it yet though) thinks I'm trying to stick it to him. He thinks the Panasonic is far superior, but he could live with a Pioneer or NEC which are also far superior in his, and their, opinions. What a load of crap.

COMMENTS?

Certainly, this site is sponsored by an interet whore that shuffles units and claims to be an authorized Panasonic dealer. Surprise! Surprise!

Anyway, I told him to go with the NEC as we have no room in the racks for Pioneer media boxes, and I won't do the Panasonics due to the prior issues with discreet codes for them. I am about to fire off this, rather assertive email to him, rant included. Just looking for any insite you guys may have. I did tell him if he supplies the sets I would be upping my labor $500 per set.

Rant off. Have a great weekend.

Was the review signed "your's truly, Stevie Wonder"?

What would Helen Keller say about a comment like that?

Perhaps it would be wise to note, that the review was from 07-01-04 and that was a rather old fujitsu plasma display. The new displays have the Terrinex processor, If you see any strange artifacts on one of the new models its only because there is an earthquake going on, and or you just spilt your beer down the back side of the display electronics. Fujitsu is without question the Lexus of Plasma displays

That may be a bad analogy although i agree with your point 100%. How about the Bently of Plasma displays.....

Kevin - has your client actually seen a Fujitsu.... turned on?

Mike

Anybody use the HQV DVD tests to show why the Fujitsu is really the best? I just got the DVD but havn't tried it yet.

Kevin, tell him that site is full of shit. Plain and simple. I love him thinking the panasonic does a better job of ED than the Fujitsu. What a jack off.

A few points:

1) Fujitsu is buying their glass from Panasonic (except the 55"). Panasonic glass is considered some of the best out there.
2) The AVM circuitry is the best out there for motion processing. Period. Side-by-side, there is no comparison. Their 3:2 pulldown is also superior to anyone else on the planet.
3) Why would anyone use a review from a company selling a different product as a basis of judging another brand? That's like going to a Ford dealer and asking for a review of a Chevy. Duh.
4) Warranty. 3 years vs 90 days. 'nuff said.
5) If you need more ammo, I have the number for the VP of Sales for Fujitsu who I'm sure would be happy to talk to you.

Now, having said all that....if the CUSTOMER wants to buy a Panasonic, SELL HIM ONE! Make sure he understands that he's buying it on the recommendation of a faceless reviewer with unknown motives versus YOUR PROFESSIONAL opinion, based on the fact that you want to deliver excellent customer service. Have you put Fujitsu panels in at any other customer's homes? If so, call those customers and ask them to either write a letter of recommendation, or better yet, see if they will let your new customer come over and see it for themselves. Nothing like peace of mind seeing the product in someone else's home to help add value to your pitch.

I tell customers all the time that the best stuff in the industry is NOT available in bulk outlets because of two reasons:

1) Keeps the supply available for people who actually want to pay for quality.
2) Allows those companies to remain specialists by not cow-towing to the big box stores to strip features (like discrete codes, etc.) to save a few bucks.

Jeremy Burkhart once said that customers don't buy products, they buy EXPERIENCES. Don't try to sell the brand, sell the QUALITY.

BTW, maybe you should print this entire thread and show it to the customer....there'll be about 25 posts by the time the weekend is over, and I guarantee there'll be more of us praising Fujitsu then Panasonic.

Just my $.02 worth.

Fred Forlano
Higher Definition

Hmmmm,.....................funny how there is info to buy and site info on every brand on that site EXCEPT Fujitsu..........I wonder if the site sponsors sell Fujitsu.......hmmmm.

The "reviewers" at that site (and I use that term very loosely) wouldn't know a good picture if it bit them on the ass. The fanboy love for Panasonic plasmas on the net is unbeleivable. They are decent plasmas for the money. They are cheap. They also are built cheap. They physically look like crap (the bezels, etc) Their electronics are a joke. The only reason these 'review' sites exist is to shill for the fly by night plasma brokers on the internet. And guess what, they CAN"T sell Fujitsu, because Fujitsu won't let their high quality product get whored out.

Tell your customer that you will put a Fujitsu 50" and a Panasonic 50" side by side with the same source and if half of the people who see it say the Panasonic is better, you will install it for free. If not, then he will buy the Fujitsu at your regular price. You won't lose.

I thought that Fujitsu was 50% in a glass factory with Hitachi. I have some info from LG somewhere that shows a breakdown of the entire plasma business, including who uses whos glass.

tha's old info. the new set is Panasonic glass.

I ended up selling the cheap panasonic over the fujitsu in part because the customer had read the above site along with consumer reports.

I gave all the arguments above and more but at the end of the day the customer just said "I just want a picture up on the wall and I'd rather pay $3500 over $6500 to do it."

It's sort of like selling against B$S$. You win some and you lose some. Get over it and move on before you give yourself a coronary. At least that's what I keep telling myself

Amen. I said it earlier...if the customer wants the Panasonic, then SELL IT TO HIM! We use to teach that at Circuit City sales training...if a customer comes in asking for a specific product, explain the differences between it and another product, and if he still wants it, then you've done your job, and sell it to him. You'll still make money in the labor, and if you're lucky, in the service call in the future!

For the consumers who read these posts, please remember, we are BUSINESSMEN, not hobbiests. We are trained professionals. Would you get your car's transmission fixed by a shade-tree mechanic because he is cheaper then a transmission specialist? If so, then you shouldn't be here, anyway. We have to know all sorts of important information so that you DON'T HAVE TO.

Fred

thread hijack -
That sentiment, if not the exact words, is being worked into my new brochures/marketing materials. Along with the information aspect is also the fact that they don't have to go SHOPPING for it. yes some people love to shop, but not at best buy. Many of my customers only go to best buy for an Ipod. Otherwise they don't want anything to do with the store

Sorry, didn't mean to steal your thunder.

I'll step off my soapbox and let y'all return to your regularly scheduled thread.

Fred

Everyone is in charge of where they wish to spend their money. Does your customer believe that you make more money selling a more expensive plasma?

I know many companies who prefer to sell a cheaper model because they actually make more money on those than the more expensive models.

In the custom A/V industry, our concern is more focused on the final system quality and usability.

If your customer believes that you are pushing one product or another based on your profit instead of their needs, you have a breakdown in communication.

As far as the Fujitsu plasma v.s. the Panasonic, this is no contest. The Fujitsu provides a much better quality picture from all sources and will last a lot longer. Because of this, the Fujitsu is actually a better overall value.

Remind your customer not to touch the Panasonic after it has been running a while, it may be hot enough to burn him.