Buyer Be Aware…

I’ve received a number of calls from shoppers asking if I could match the deal they were getting on another website.  Whenever possible I do this.  But I just couldn’t find a way to match these deals and stay within the guidelines of my dealer/reseller agreements.  How were these companies able to do this without violating their dealer agreements?

Well, I made some calls, asked some questions and found out.  The devil is in the details.  If you’re considering buying based on an offer of “free filters for 2 or 3 years” there are a few questions you should ask before accepting that deal – and a few things you should know….

Every “Authorized Dealer/Distributor” for any company agrees to abide by the pricing guidelines set forth by that company.  Those guidelines include minimum advertised pricing, maximum allowed discounting and in many cases there is a limit set on the value of “bonus items” that can be given away with a purchase – as is the case with the product line customers keep asking me to “price match.”

I wondered, “how are these companies getting away with offering 2 or 3 years of filters?”  and  “all of these free filters in addition to other bonus items?”

My Tyent customers are replacing their filters about every 6 to 9 months.  Six months for families or “heavy users” and 9 months for individuals or households who are less frequent users.  Based on my math using realistic filter replacement intervals, matching those offers would put me in violation of my dealer agreement – and at risk of losing my authorized dealer status.

Well, apparently I was doing my math wrong…

When you count the filters that come INSIDE the unit and estimate that the filters will last 12 months, 3 years worth of filters is only 2 sets – the same as I am already offering.  Somehow, to me at least,  that seems less than completely honest and accurate based on my personal experience and the information I get from customers ordering replacement filters.

When considering these types of  “free filter for years”  offers take a closer look at the details.
Here are some questions you should ask:

1. Does the “free filter” offer include the filters that come inside the unit – that are “free” as part of the purchase price anyway?
2. Does “free filters for ‘x’ years” mean however many sets you need for the 2 or 3 years after your original purchase date – OR does it mean you’ll receive a maximum number of replacement filter sets?
3. Here’s a good one to ask – Are the free replacement filters shipped WITH the unit or do you have to call and order them when you need them?
4. Another good question – Will you be charged shipping on those free replacement filters and if so how much?  If they can’t estimate what shipping costs will be in a year you can ask how much they charge to ship a set of replacement filters right now and get a ballpark figure of what shipping costs might be in a year or two – but like I said, most of my customers are replacing their filters about every 6 to 9 months.

Here are a few more facts about “free stuff” that comes with water ionizers that I have seen promoted as though they are “extras” included in a special package…

• EVERY water ionizer comes with a set of pH testing drops and pH color chart.  Even the H2Go Portable has a set of pH testing drops so that customers can see for themselves that the product is working as advertised.
• Most water ionizers also come with an installation DVD – all will have an instruction manual and many will also include a “quick set up” guide.  Many manuals and set-up guides also include a guide for using the water at different levels.
• Technical support is another freebie that comes with every water ionizer product.  The question is, will the company from which you purchased the unit provide that support or will they redirect you to the parent company?

When you purchase a “Bonus Pack” from Water Ionizer Authority that includes free filters, the filters are shipped WITH the unit.

If the filters are on back order, we’ll let you know and get them to you as soon as they are back in stock.

While not all “Bonus Pack” items are shipped from the same location, they are shipped within 24 hours (Mon – Fri) of your order being received unless those items are on back order. If there is a back-order situation, you will be informed.

Water Ionizer Authority offers free shipping on ALL ITEMS included in your “Bonus Pack” AND on most additional items customers purchase in the same transaction with their water ionizer.  The only exception are Enagic products which have a completely different order processing procedure and shipping charges.

When you purchase your water ionizer through Water Ionizer Authority WE are the ones who provide technical support to you.  Whether you need help with installation, testing, adjusting settings or just general use questions you can call us and we’ll work with you until you’re satisfied with your water ionizer and comfortable using it.

If for any reason Water Ionizer Authority is unable to resolve an issue you may be having, we’ll work with the parent company on your behalf to have your unit repaired or replaced.  If it *does* become necessary to put you in direct contact with the parent company to resolve an issue, they will be ready to address your issue based on the information provided by Water Ionizer Authority.  All of this ensures the fastest possible resolution of any problems.

Your water ionizer is a major investment.  You deserve “service after the sale” equal to that investment.

Before you buy into a deal that seems better than anyone else is offering, make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting, how you’re getting it and when.  If another company said that they couldn’t match that deal, there’s probably a reason.

To me, it’s just easiest to just put all the facts out there right up front.  No “wishful filter math,” no customer disappointments or surprises down the road.  As for service after the sale, I believe that a company should support the products it sells.

If you have questions about which water ionizer might be best for you, give us a call or send an e-mail.  No sales pressure, just answers and information to help you sort through all the spin.  And when you’re ready to buy, we’ll offer you the best deal we possibly can on the water ionizer that you’ve decided is right for you.

Romi Sink
Water Ionizer Authority
romi.sink (at) waterionizerauthority.com