ApplianceAdvisor
Viking Chivalry: December 2007
Response 1
In an era where manufacturers seem to get
more and more greedy, are taking away programs, and have lost sight of who
built their business, this gesture by Viking is incredible. I would
almost suggest a link on the story with invited congrats to Viking!
I just can't imagine other manufacturers doing this and I've been with one
who did not do it. John
Response 2
Shame on Viking (and the others) for making good on internet customers deposits
to an on-line retailer. The customer should know the dangers of putting there
money with that type of operation. If they had stuck to there local brick and
mortar operation, the chance of this happening to them would have been
considerably less. They should be made to face the consequences of their own
actions. They should have been made an example of to the customers who chase a
better price on the internet. Like most things on-line, if it looks too good to
be true, it probably is.
Viking is only helping themselves with this, and as with most internet sales, they are hurting the dealers who maintain there brick and mortar operations with proper displays and promotions. It appears that Viking is having customers contact the distributor that handled the now defunct dealer. Does this mean that Carl Schadel is going to be taking the opportunity to sell the product to the consumer. Once again, cutting out the local dealers?
What surprised me the most is that the
"Appliance Advisor" was so quick to applaud them for their actions,
and didn't see it for what it is - the further abuse of the retailers who made
these products what they are.
Christopher J. Walsh (NOTE: Permission received
to print name)
Michael's Appliances Center
Middletown, NY 10940
Our Response to Christopher Walsh
It is our understanding that the Viking offer was not
unusual. Viking claims that they do this kind of thing from time to time.