Hearthlist Digest #306 - Friday, May 21, 1999
 
HVAC Distribution Channels
  by "Jeff Palmer" <[email protected]>
 

(back)
Subject: HVAC Distribution Channels
From: Jeff Palmer <[email protected]> (by way of [email protected])
Date: Fri, 21 May 1999 17:48:31 -0400 (EDT)
 
Does anybody have any knowledge of  Hearth Technologies (Heat-n-glo &
Heatilator) distributing identical fireplaces with other brand names 2
step through HVAC distribution? I was at a PHCC meeting last night and
overheard the conversation between a distributor and a heating
contractor to have the customer look at the showroom of a specialty
retailer, but, order the product through the HVAC channels. Of course,
the obvious reason for this is the lack of showroom by both the
distributor and contractor. It seems that the off brand product is sold
strictly as a commodity. I do not know at this point how the pricing
compares. What are the general opinions out there on this topic? This
issue, as a specialy products industry, may be faaaarr more important
than the hours of the HPA Show. Thank you in advance for sharing your
opinion. JP