Hearthlist Digest #100 - Wednesday, January 21, 1998
 
V.C. Encore
  by DJ Billard <[email protected]>
Restriction of Internet Trade
  by <[email protected]>
HEARTH Expo early registration deadline
  by Ben Weathersby <[email protected]>
 

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Subject: V.C. Encore
From: DJ Billard <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 18:18:34 -0400
 
     As i try to find the proper height of a firerated wall above a V.C.
Encore which will be vented strait back tru exterior wall, i find no specs
in instruction book or hearth planning guide. There are specs which covers
same instalation for Resolute and C.D.W.. I would assume 18" above top of
stove or top of single wall pipe is correct. Can anyone comfirm this.
Re: firebrick ,we found #1 spilt heavy brick very close to home. Each brick
is 3.5 LBS. ,888 bricks per pallet, 3108 LBS. per pallet .To all who help
thank you. D.J.
 
 
 

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Subject: Restriction of Internet Trade
From: [email protected]
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 23:53:53 -0400
 
I have recently had conversations with several of our manufacturers in both
Hearth and Casual  that are taking a very restrictive approach towards
allowing the  Internet to be used for the sale of their products.  I have
three letters on file, at this time,  from manufacturers who have said that
they are going to stop transacting business with any dealers that continue
to use the internet for sales or promotion of their product. One
manufacturer has gone so far as to not allow dealers to even use their name
on the internet in any manner unless it is through their approved site.
 
At trade shows we have been told that Internet sales are not welcomed and
that the manufacturer is opposed to our use of the Internet to sell their
product.  Of course in a couple of cases these are the same products found
in printed mail order catalogs across the country...... Two of our
manufacturers have implimented an additional surcharge charge for orders not
shipped to our warehouse... even though we use a will call system and have
the freight picked up by our assigned carriers.
 
The problem appears to be coming from a slight panic being created by
"Discount Stove" or  "El-cheapo. com" mentality.  It is a legitimate concern
from the manufacturers that their product will not be supported by companies
that offer discounted prices over the Internet..........  Especially when
those prices are below what the dealers themselves are willing to offer in
their own retail operations.
 
 The talk from manufacturers  is always about the "1-800-discount market"
that exists and the fear that the Internet will become even a bigger mess if
they don't stop it. I can relate to their concern for product support.  If
an adequate price is not charged over a net site because the true costs of
operation are not thought through.... problems will be ignored and customer
service will be the first to go........ there will always be  failures and
discounters looking for a quick buck.  Over the Internet or just down the
street there is always someone who can sell it cheaper rather than better.
 
I am interested in  dealer comments as well as manufacturer and rep comments
on the subject of internet sales and pricing....  I can not be the only one
who is hearing the rumblings........ and seeing  illegal approaches to the
restriction of trade begin to surface.
 
Your comments and concerns are invited..... and what better audience to
express and listen can we get than HearthList members.  So set up your
aliases and talk about it.
 
 
 

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Subject: HEARTH Expo early registration deadline
From: Ben Weathersby <[email protected]> (by way of Craig Issod)
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 12:23:45 -0400
 
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 1998 09:13:00 -0500
To: [email protected]
From: Ben Weathersby <[email protected]>
Subject: HEARTH Expo early registration deadline
 
Early registration for HEARTH Education Foundation Training Packages at HPA
Expo in St. Louis ends Friday, January 23. You can save $35 if you sign up
by then for any of the three offerings:  Venting Design, Gas, or Pellet
Appliance Specialist Exam Prep Training. They're all on Thursday, March 19
at the America's Center, and they all include all day training, the HEARTH
Training Manual, and the Certification Exam. Your cost for a Training
Package if you register by Friday is $160; after Friday, $195. You can pay
by Visa/MasterCard or by check.
 
You can get more information and a registration form at
<http://www.hearthed.com/expo.html> or by calling 612-635-9601 or faxing
612-635-0339. Sign up now.
See you in St. Louis.
 
Ben Weathersby