Wanted to buy a central vacuum. Thinkvacuums did not want to sell me one!

[shellig]

Thought I would share my experience trying to purchase a central vacuum
from Think Vacuums (http://www.thinkvacuums.com).
Some good links for pricing and good deals on central vacuum parts also
noted!

----- Original Message -----
To: Newvacsales@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 7:33 PM
Subject: Re: Question on pricing

WOW
You REALLY do not want my business!
1) The most important thing I wanted you to address was the fact that
your "package" price is not calculated correctly...and is in fact MORE
expensive than buying the individual items SEPARATELY on YOUR
WEBSITE!!!
2) I also found it surprising that you include in all your packages the
the muffler which is unnecessary with VX475 according to Nutone and was
hoping you would address that.
3) I WANTED to buy everything from you and wanted to see if you would
be competitive with the other websites on the VacPan II. The Central
Vacuum Attachments was a bonus and I WOULD have bought this part
separately if you could not compete
BUT you did not EVEN BOTHER to address any of these issues or give me a
competitive quote.
I will be sure to let people know how much you appreciate potential
customers who try to be savvy and shop around.
Thanks for at least responding after my e-mail request for one.

----- Original Message -----
From: Newvacsales@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 5:18 PM
Subject: Re: Question on pricing

didnt feel the need to answer. you have pretty much dissected every
part in the package. It may be to your benefit to save the money and
buy from the individual sites that you saw them on.

good luck!
----- Original Message -----
To: <newvacsales@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 2:52 AM
Subject: Re: Question on pricing

I just found this link as well:
http://www.onlinevacuumparts.com/ps-75-23-central-vacuum-attachments-quiet-drive-bonus-pack-35-hose-with-pigtail.aspx

Central Vacuum Attachments-Quiet Drive Bonus Pack 35' Hose with Pigtail

SKU:001-93698
Price:$490.99 On Sale For:$300.99
So I might just order that from them as it is almost $218 cheaper!
(minus the extras you have as part of your attachment set...Micro Set
of Attachments $12.95 / 24 Inch Flexible Crevice Tool $14.95 / 36
Ft. Deluxe Hose Sock $59.95...still $113 cheaper!)

----- Original Message -----
To: <newvacsales@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 1:27 AM
Subject: Question on pricing

I was looking at one of your packages and I think it is actually
cheaper to buy the items separately! (I did not check any other
packages against individual pricing)
Builders Economy Package
ALL IN ONE PACKAGE
For Homes up to 2400 sq. ft.
VX475 Central Vacuum Unit
3 Inlet Installation Kit
Includes 80 ft of New Bell End PVC Pipe and everything that you will
need such as elbows, couplings, glue, easy to read instructions, etc.
are in this complete package.
CK 350 Economy Attachment Kit
New Deluxe Muffler Kit
Deluxe CK 140 Garage kit
Sold Separately Costs $865.95
No Tax/ Free Shipping
(Slight Substitutions Welcome)
Sale Price
$849.95

I calculated this as $834.85 Cost...which is lower than the "Sale
Price"!!! (And $809.90 without the muffler which is unnecessary with
VX475 according to Nutone)
Nutone VX475 $360.00 (retail is $450...)
3 Inlet Kit With 80 Feet of Pipe - $120
Standard Connect Inlet Kit (Kits Includes: Elbows - Pipes - Glue -
Couplings - T's - Wire - Mounting Plates - Inlets)
CK350=Price $269.95
Deluxe Muffler $24.95
ck140 deluxe garage kit $59.95

Also I am interested in the VacPan 2 Dual Function Inlet YOUR PRICE
IS $62.95. Your competitors are half that:
$23.99 @ Hesco: http://www.hescoinc.com/company_info/index.html
$29.99 @ American Vacuum:
http://www.americanvacuumcompany.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=000000&Category_Code=BCV
$29.99 @ United Vacuum:
http://www.unitedvac.com/search.php?search=new&brand=14&PHPSESSID=8fe6e675dae3bb3c3d009fa5011bafc5
$39.49 @ Discount Vacuum Superstore
http://www.discountvacuums.com/vac%20access.htm
$39.95 @ Beam: http://www.beameasy.com/beamWeb/OrderProducts.htm

I am considering purchasing:
Nutone VX475 $360.00 (retail is $450...)
4 Inlet Kit With 120 Feet of Pipe - $155
Standard Connect Inlet Kit (Kits Includes: Elbows - Pipes - Glue -
Couplings - T's - Wire - Mounting Plates - Inlets)
Nutone Featured Kit w/ 36 Ft. Hose Connection Direct ConnectPigtail
$519.95
ck140 deluxe garage kit $59.95
VacPan 2 Dual Function Inlet $???
What would be the package price for that? What if I buy the featured
kit with the 30 ft hose?
I am looking to purchase in the next month.
Thanks!!

[PipeDown]

Well for the most part you didn't really ask any questions to have answered
(except the one at the very bottom). You simply recited their pricing and
left it open to interpretation. Did you really expect them to come back
with a lower bid without you actually asking for one on a specific package.

If you wanted them to correct the package price you should have focused on
just that instead of talking down to them on every product you looked at.
I'm not suprised they got irritated with your dissertation.

Next time try calling the vendor, it's a lot harder to come off like a
cheap-ass over the phone when you don't intend to. It's easier to negotiate
or at least size up how they are reacting to your overture in real time with
live feedback. I think it was your " So I might just order that from them
as it is almost $218 cheaper!" that pissed them off. Only Big Box stores do
price matching and even then not always and never against Web deals.


"shellig" <shelli_godfrey@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1144283166.250767.319310@t31g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> Thought I would share my experience trying to purchase a central vacuum
> from Think Vacuums (http://www.thinkvacuums.com).
> Some good links for pricing and good deals on central vacuum parts also
> noted!
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> To: Newvacsales@aol.com
> Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 7:33 PM
> Subject: Re: Question on pricing
>
> WOW
> You REALLY do not want my business!
> 1) The most important thing I wanted you to address was the fact that
> your "package" price is not calculated correctly...and is in fact MORE
> expensive than buying the individual items SEPARATELY on YOUR
> WEBSITE!!!
> 2) I also found it surprising that you include in all your packages the
> the muffler which is unnecessary with VX475 according to Nutone and was
> hoping you would address that.
> 3) I WANTED to buy everything from you and wanted to see if you would
> be competitive with the other websites on the VacPan II. The Central
> Vacuum Attachments was a bonus and I WOULD have bought this part
> separately if you could not compete
> BUT you did not EVEN BOTHER to address any of these issues or give me a
> competitive quote.
> I will be sure to let people know how much you appreciate potential
> customers who try to be savvy and shop around.
> Thanks for at least responding after my e-mail request for one.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Newvacsales@aol.com
> Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 5:18 PM
> Subject: Re: Question on pricing
>
> didnt feel the need to answer. you have pretty much dissected every
> part in the package. It may be to your benefit to save the money and
> buy from the individual sites that you saw them on.
>
> good luck!
> ----- Original Message -----
> To: <newvacsales@aol.com
> Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 2:52 AM
> Subject: Re: Question on pricing
>
> I just found this link as well:
> http://www.onlinevacuumparts.com/ps-75-23-central-vacuum-attachments-quiet-drive-bonus-pack-35-hose-with-pigtail.aspx
>
> Central Vacuum Attachments-Quiet Drive Bonus Pack 35' Hose with Pigtail
>
> SKU:001-93698
> Price:$490.99 On Sale For:$300.99
> So I might just order that from them as it is almost $218 cheaper!
> (minus the extras you have as part of your attachment set...Micro Set
> of Attachments $12.95 / 24 Inch Flexible Crevice Tool $14.95 / 36
> Ft. Deluxe Hose Sock $59.95...still $113 cheaper!)
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> To: <newvacsales@aol.com
> Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 1:27 AM
> Subject: Question on pricing
>
> I was looking at one of your packages and I think it is actually
> cheaper to buy the items separately! (I did not check any other
> packages against individual pricing)
> Builders Economy Package
> ALL IN ONE PACKAGE
> For Homes up to 2400 sq. ft.
> VX475 Central Vacuum Unit
> 3 Inlet Installation Kit
> Includes 80 ft of New Bell End PVC Pipe and everything that you will
> need such as elbows, couplings, glue, easy to read instructions, etc.
> are in this complete package.
> CK 350 Economy Attachment Kit
> New Deluxe Muffler Kit
> Deluxe CK 140 Garage kit
> Sold Separately Costs $865.95
> No Tax/ Free Shipping
> (Slight Substitutions Welcome)
> Sale Price
> $849.95
>
> I calculated this as $834.85 Cost...which is lower than the "Sale
> Price"!!! (And $809.90 without the muffler which is unnecessary with
> VX475 according to Nutone)
> Nutone VX475 $360.00 (retail is $450...)
> 3 Inlet Kit With 80 Feet of Pipe - $120
> Standard Connect Inlet Kit (Kits Includes: Elbows - Pipes - Glue -
> Couplings - T's - Wire - Mounting Plates - Inlets)
> CK350=Price $269.95
> Deluxe Muffler $24.95
> ck140 deluxe garage kit $59.95
>
> Also I am interested in the VacPan 2 Dual Function Inlet YOUR PRICE
> IS $62.95. Your competitors are half that:
> $23.99 @ Hesco: http://www.hescoinc.com/company_info/index.html
> $29.99 @ American Vacuum:
> http://www.americanvacuumcompany.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=000000&Category_Code=BCV
> $29.99 @ United Vacuum:
> http://www.unitedvac.com/search.php?search=new&brand=14&PHPSESSID=8fe6e675dae3bb3c3d009fa5011bafc5
> $39.49 @ Discount Vacuum Superstore
> http://www.discountvacuums.com/vac%20access.htm
> $39.95 @ Beam: http://www.beameasy.com/beamWeb/OrderProducts.htm
>
> I am considering purchasing:
> Nutone VX475 $360.00 (retail is $450...)
> 4 Inlet Kit With 120 Feet of Pipe - $155
> Standard Connect Inlet Kit (Kits Includes: Elbows - Pipes - Glue -
> Couplings - T's - Wire - Mounting Plates - Inlets)
> Nutone Featured Kit w/ 36 Ft. Hose Connection Direct ConnectPigtail
> $519.95
> ck140 deluxe garage kit $59.95
> VacPan 2 Dual Function Inlet $???
> What would be the package price for that? What if I buy the featured
> kit with the 30 ft hose?
> I am looking to purchase in the next month.
> Thanks!!
>

[Cue]

I laud the OP for trying to get a lower price, but he needs to brush
up his communication skills. Most of his email to the vendor sounds
like he's taunting them. I'd start out by saying something like "I
think I can get the individual components cheaper elsewhere. Will you
consider lowering your package price?" Ask for a specific price.
Then list the lower prices and see how the seller responds.

However, this vendor apparently doesn't care to offer a lower price
anyway. Lots of sellers respond that way -- the price is the price.
It's hardly illegal to price your product as you see fit.

If I were the OP, I'd just move on and not get his panties in a bunch.
Why post this all over the net? Sort of childish.


On Thu, 06 Apr 2006 01:00:39 GMT, "PipeDown" <nowhere@earthlink.net>
wrote:

> | Well for the most part you didn't really ask any questions to have answered
> | (except the one at the very bottom). You simply recited their pricing and
> | left it open to interpretation. Did you really expect them to come back
> | with a lower bid without you actually asking for one on a specific package.
> |
> | If you wanted them to correct the package price you should have focused on
> | just that instead of talking down to them on every product you looked at.
> | I'm not suprised they got irritated with your dissertation.
> |
> | Next time try calling the vendor, it's a lot harder to come off like a
> | cheap-ass over the phone when you don't intend to. It's easier to negotiate
> | or at least size up how they are reacting to your overture in real time with
> | live feedback. I think it was your " So I might just order that from them
> | as it is almost $218 cheaper!" that pissed them off. Only Big Box stores do
> | price matching and even then not always and never against Web deals.
> |
> |
> | "shellig" <shelli_godfrey@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> | news:1144283166.250767.319310@t31g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
> | > Thought I would share my experience trying to purchase a central vacuum
> | > from Think Vacuums (http://www.thinkvacuums.com).
> | > Some good links for pricing and good deals on central vacuum parts also
> | > noted!
> | >
> | > ----- Original Message -----
> | > To: Newvacsales@aol.com
> | > Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 7:33 PM
> | > Subject: Re: Question on pricing
> | >
> | > WOW
> | > You REALLY do not want my business!
> | > 1) The most important thing I wanted you to address was the fact that
> | > your "package" price is not calculated correctly...and is in fact MORE
> | > expensive than buying the individual items SEPARATELY on YOUR
> | > WEBSITE!!!
> | > 2) I also found it surprising that you include in all your packages the
> | > the muffler which is unnecessary with VX475 according to Nutone and was
> | > hoping you would address that.
> | > 3) I WANTED to buy everything from you and wanted to see if you would
> | > be competitive with the other websites on the VacPan II. The Central
> | > Vacuum Attachments was a bonus and I WOULD have bought this part
> | > separately if you could not compete
> | > BUT you did not EVEN BOTHER to address any of these issues or give me a
> | > competitive quote.
> | > I will be sure to let people know how much you appreciate potential
> | > customers who try to be savvy and shop around.
> | > Thanks for at least responding after my e-mail request for one.
> | >
> | > ----- Original Message -----
> | > From: Newvacsales@aol.com
> | > Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 5:18 PM
> | > Subject: Re: Question on pricing
> | >
> | > didnt feel the need to answer. you have pretty much dissected every
> | > part in the package. It may be to your benefit to save the money and
> | > buy from the individual sites that you saw them on.
> | >
> | > good luck!
> | > ----- Original Message -----
> | > To: <newvacsales@aol.com
> | > Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 2:52 AM
> | > Subject: Re: Question on pricing
> | >
> | > I just found this link as well:
> | > http://www.onlinevacuumparts.com/ps-75-23-central-vacuum-attachments-quiet-drive-bonus-pack-35-hose-with-pigtail.aspx
> | >
> | > Central Vacuum Attachments-Quiet Drive Bonus Pack 35' Hose with Pigtail
> | >
> | > SKU:001-93698
> | > Price:$490.99 On Sale For:$300.99
> | > So I might just order that from them as it is almost $218 cheaper!
> | > (minus the extras you have as part of your attachment set...Micro Set
> | > of Attachments $12.95 / 24 Inch Flexible Crevice Tool $14.95 / 36
> | > Ft. Deluxe Hose Sock $59.95...still $113 cheaper!)
> | >
> | > ----- Original Message -----
> | > To: <newvacsales@aol.com
> | > Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 1:27 AM
> | > Subject: Question on pricing
> | >
> | > I was looking at one of your packages and I think it is actually
> | > cheaper to buy the items separately! (I did not check any other
> | > packages against individual pricing)
> | > Builders Economy Package
> | > ALL IN ONE PACKAGE
> | > For Homes up to 2400 sq. ft.
> | > VX475 Central Vacuum Unit
> | > 3 Inlet Installation Kit
> | > Includes 80 ft of New Bell End PVC Pipe and everything that you will
> | > need such as elbows, couplings, glue, easy to read instructions, etc.
> | > are in this complete package.
> | > CK 350 Economy Attachment Kit
> | > New Deluxe Muffler Kit
> | > Deluxe CK 140 Garage kit
> | > Sold Separately Costs $865.95
> | > No Tax/ Free Shipping
> | > (Slight Substitutions Welcome)
> | > Sale Price
> | > $849.95
> | >
> | > I calculated this as $834.85 Cost...which is lower than the "Sale
> | > Price"!!! (And $809.90 without the muffler which is unnecessary with
> | > VX475 according to Nutone)
> | > Nutone VX475 $360.00 (retail is $450...)
> | > 3 Inlet Kit With 80 Feet of Pipe - $120
> | > Standard Connect Inlet Kit (Kits Includes: Elbows - Pipes - Glue -
> | > Couplings - T's - Wire - Mounting Plates - Inlets)
> | > CK350=Price $269.95
> | > Deluxe Muffler $24.95
> | > ck140 deluxe garage kit $59.95
> | >
> | > Also I am interested in the VacPan 2 Dual Function Inlet YOUR PRICE
> | > IS $62.95. Your competitors are half that:
> | > $23.99 @ Hesco: http://www.hescoinc.com/company_info/index.html
> | > $29.99 @ American Vacuum:
> | > http://www.americanvacuumcompany.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=000000&Category_Code=BCV
> | > $29.99 @ United Vacuum:
> | > http://www.unitedvac.com/search.php?search=new&brand=14&PHPSESSID=8fe6e675dae3bb3c3d009fa5011bafc5
> | > $39.49 @ Discount Vacuum Superstore
> | > http://www.discountvacuums.com/vac%20access.htm
> | > $39.95 @ Beam: http://www.beameasy.com/beamWeb/OrderProducts.htm
> | >
> | > I am considering purchasing:
> | > Nutone VX475 $360.00 (retail is $450...)
> | > 4 Inlet Kit With 120 Feet of Pipe - $155
> | > Standard Connect Inlet Kit (Kits Includes: Elbows - Pipes - Glue -
> | > Couplings - T's - Wire - Mounting Plates - Inlets)
> | > Nutone Featured Kit w/ 36 Ft. Hose Connection Direct ConnectPigtail
> | > $519.95
> | > ck140 deluxe garage kit $59.95
> | > VacPan 2 Dual Function Inlet $???
> | > What would be the package price for that? What if I buy the featured
> | > kit with the 30 ft hose?
> | > I am looking to purchase in the next month.
> | > Thanks!!
> | >
> |
> |

[Gini]

"Cue" wrote
>I laud the OP for trying to get a lower price, but he needs to brush
> up his communication skills. Most of his email to the vendor sounds
> like he's taunting them. I'd start out by saying something like "I
> think I can get the individual components cheaper elsewhere. Will you
> consider lowering your package price?" Ask for a specific price.
> Then list the lower prices and see how the seller responds.
>
> However, this vendor apparently doesn't care to offer a lower price
> anyway. Lots of sellers respond that way -- the price is the price.
> It's hardly illegal to price your product as you see fit.
>
> If I were the OP, I'd just move on and not get his panties in a bunch.
> Why post this all over the net? Sort of childish.
==
Which may be why the seller passed on the opportunity to try to please
this potential customer?
==

[shellig]

Have to admit I am amazed at all the posts slamming me.
I hardly think that my e-mail was inarticulate but I will admit that it
was not clear in its intent. I should have just sent the last
paragraph of my original e-mail but it was written as I looked through
the website. My *original* message to this business (Think Vacuums)
was NOT saying "you are a terrible business look how much better I can
do..." (I mean what would be the point of that?). Its intent was "I
have issues with pricing, this is what I want, please send me a quote,
I WANT TO BUY FROM YOU."

I still find it extremely objectionable to run an internet website
selling a product and not to make a response to a potential
customer...even to say, "the prices listed are non-negotiable." I feel
a vendor can post whatever prices they want but I also still believe
that the package pricing which misleads potential customers to believe
that it is a "deal" is a problem. (As is adding items that are
unnecessary to a package.) Many businesses choose to follow these
practices because they get away with it. I wanted to let others know
about my experience so it could be taken into consideration if they
were looking to buy from ThinkVacuums.com.

I hope that if anyone is looking for the VacPan II attachment or a
comparable attachment kit that the links in the e-mail are helpful.
(One of the reasons I posted them verbatim)

I also hope this reminds people "Caveat emptor!" (and... be careful
what you post... there will always be someone more interested in
slamming the poster than in the content / intent of the post!!)

The cheap-a** childish inarticulate nutcase...with my panties in a
bunch...

[Artemis]

shellig wrote:
>
> I also hope this reminds people "Caveat emptor!" (and... be careful
> what you post... there will always be someone more interested in
> slamming the poster than in the content / intent of the post!!)
>
> The cheap-a** childish inarticulate nutcase...with my panties in a
> bunch...
>

So, what's your point?

--
Art