Just Asking: Isn’t it Time to Push Major Appliances?
Since the DRTV business didn’t benefit from the “Cash for Clunkers,” owing to not selling cars, shouldn’t we be gearing up for a slice of the “Cash for Caulkers” spending that may be in the offing very soon?
Anyone selling washing and drying machines and the like, and then delivering and installing them through third parties? What about Home Depot- or Lowes-themed shows to sell replacement windows and HVAC systems? It may take some doing to get this kind of programming launched, but if the government can re-allocate TARP funds to pay for dish washers, then the TV shopping networks can carve out a piece. It seems to me that one of the most compelling and potentially profitable hours of DRTV programming would pitch home energy efficiency products — and then how to get government stimulus money to pay for them!
The linked article on CNNMoney.com (12/9/09) suggests that the government may pay for 50% of efficiency improvements up to a total cost of $12,000. That’s a windfall for consumers and anyone selling to them. So, who is in Washington DC now, while the legislation is being written, to see that the new stimulus spending gives the DRTV industry a chance?More than a decade ago, when then-ValueVision tagged itself as “The Brand Name Channel,” its ownership relationship with Montgomery Ward led it to consider (or was it “try”) selling major appliances, and then having them installed by Montgomery Ward crews. I’m nut sure what became of the idea, but those 90s era marketers didn’t have a $12K-per-household tailwind at their back…
