Start our own appliance company

[lordkenmore]

More seriously...

I don't know who'd be right to fill the various high level positions.

But one thing I do think: I think the structure would ideally be a lot different than it is at most companies. I'd structure the company--and make sure the structure is "locked" down in writing as much as possible--like this:

-The two most important divisions are Engineering and the Manufacturing. They have the most direct influence on the product. Customers happiness would hinge 100% on what those two divisions do.

-Other divisions have importance, but they cannot take over the core responsibility of the company. We need accountants to handle the books and deal with taxes. But we do not need accountants suggesting cost cutting measures that trash the quality of the product. There are enough companies--TOO MANY--taking that approach already.

-Likewise, I'd have the overall management as minimal as possible. It may be coincidental, but it seems to me that it was about the times MBAs started taking over that US industry started going down the drain.

 

[lordkenmore]

And some thoughts about advertising

I don't know if this is practical for the appliance business, but I think I'd love to see a low key marketing approach. Let the products speak for themselves. Let happy customers help sell.

Unrealistic? Maybe, but it has worked elsewhere. I can think of a couple of audio equipment makers that historically did zero real advertising, and managed to get by quite nicely. One example: Rega Research, which is currently doing booming business by high end standards. (Admittedly...they are doing some modern things, like a web site, and they do have people like dealers advertising, which may draw attention to Rega.)

 

[washman]

One thing that would not exist

is a position of "brand manager". I mean what the hell is that anyway. People with brains, which excludes 90% of the American population, don't buy "brands". They buy products.

We're not P&G here where they can spread their corporate feces everywhere. We're talking products that work, do the job as intended and last.

Iaccoca said over and over, product, product, product.

 

[lordkenmore]

>One thing that would not exist is a position of "brand manager". I mean what the hell is that anyway. People with brains, which excludes 90% of the American population, don't buy "brands". They buy products.

And even those Americans who do buy by brands probably stop thinking about brands when considering appliances. They probably buy the cheapest thing they can. And if the washer doesn't actually work, well, off to the mall to by more brand name clothes at the brand name boutique. Boutique perhaps being a fancy French name for "store with overpriced sweatshop-sourced clothes that have the same base manufacturing quality you can get at KMart." (Is Lord Kenmore overly cynical today? he wonders.)

 

[norgeway]

Well

If we had money enough to state this company, we would have enough money to pay off the government and then build our appliances any way we wanted.

 

[tolivac]

I have a Rega TT that I bought years ago from a small audio gear dealer in Silver Spring,MD that operated from his home.The living room was his "showroom"The dealer allowed you to look and listen to equipment as long as you like.And he carefully repacked my Reaga TT so I could carry it home with me on the subway.For larger components such as speakers-he would personally delivor them to the prospects home.This is the kind of service I like.And he set up my TT so it would track and operate properly.Still have it today-almost 30 yrs old.Been thru 3 moves,too!
If our "company" builds washers-how bout bringing back the sudsaver fucntion for TL machines.This would be a good thing to appeal to the ECO-Folks.

 

[maytagbear]

I want to be part of the team

that develops and tests recipes for the range and refrigerator, freezer, and table top cooking appliances. Yes, I want small/portable/table top appliances too.

Portable/Convertible dishwashers!! They may not be as big a slice of the sales pie as they once were, but there will always be a need.....or a conversion kit!!!!

I also want to be part of the Customer Satisfaction Department. Not Customer "Service," but Customer Satisfaction!

Has anyone else noticed that warranty length on new appliances is now directly linked to price point. That to me, is profoundly immoral and unfair!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[lordkenmore]

>Portable/Convertible dishwashers!! They may not be as big a slice of the sales pie as they once were, but there will always be a need.....or a conversion kit!!!!

There definitely is a need. I've encountered many kitchens that A) have no dishwasher and B) can only easily work with a portable.

 

[toploader55]

When the voting starts for Department Heads,

I vote for Jetcone for One of the Department Heads for Research, Design,and Development of Top Loading (Pulsating) Washers

 

And stevet for Engineering and Design of Dishwashers. Steve is Hobart Trained and Well Versed in the Entire Line of KitchenAids.  (Please bring back the Constant Rinse) Please ????

 

[frigilux]

File under: Pipe dreams.

This is one of those great ideas that doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of coming to fruition.

 

[lordkenmore]

File under: Pipe dreams.

Go ahead. Rain on our fun parade!

[Sound of sobbing background. Eventually, Lord Kenmore composes himself.]

We'll just remember this little incident when a certain someone buys his next Frigidaire front load washing machine, and posts a thread here excitedly talking about it and all its features.

[Sound of evil chuckling in background.]

LOL

 

[frigilux]

Here's how I see this playing out: A contingent of AW members get together to hash out the particulars of the ideal washer. Two hours later, the riot squad is called in for obvious reasons, LOL.

You're right; I shouldn't rain on the parade. Shine on you crazy dreamers! I will be the first in line to buy your FrigiMayKenSpeedGeneralWhirlKelvihouse washer.

 

[washman]

Ok Frig

just for that, we're gonna pick up our marbles and go home!

And no more PODS for you!

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

Sooooo...--LET'S GO!!!!

I think we just need the raw materials: GOOD Plastic, DECENT, DURABLE Rubber, Metal, Glass and Steel!

 

Mind you, here in Michigan there are PLENTY of warehouse & factory space! Whether we build appliances, cars or even CD Reissues!

 

 

-- Dave

[this post was last edited: 5/16/2015-17:00]