MERRILLVILLE, IN…
DirectBuy members now have the opportunity to purchase Extended Service Plans that will provide them with coverage and protection for up to five years on hundreds of brand-name consumer electronics, fitness equipment and major appliances. The Extended Service Plans will also provide members with coverage for power surges, power spikes and mechanical failures, as well as a program that may reimburse members for food losses on refrigerators and freezers. Most products covered by Service Net’s Extended Service Plans are also available for onsite repair, where applicable.
DirectBuy offers consumers thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 700 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. At 160 showrooms throughout the United States and Canada, DirectBuy members enjoy a comfortable, welcoming setting and design center where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.
“We are focused on enhancing the relationship between DirectBuy and their members to maximize the value of the relationship,” explained Service Net’s President Chris Smith. “We’re confident in the positive impact we can make – and look forward to several great years of service to DirectBuy’s membership base.”
Founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 1996, Service Net has grown rapidly into one of the nation’s top service contract and warranty marketing companies, and now underwrites and administers extended warranty program for many of the world’s most recognized brands and their respective product lines. Many companies now turn to Service Net for flexible and innovative service solutions because of their expertise in not only building brand loyalty, but also in creating unique programs to meet their clients’ needs.
“DirectBuy’s offering of Service Net’s Extended Service Plans reinforces the value we offer to our members. An extended service plan provides the member with the peace of mind that if they have a product failure, there’s a support organization to address it,” explains DirectBuy Vice President of Operations John Meyer. “Just as we enable DirectBuy members to buy their appliances and electronics at manufacturer-direct prices, we now offer Extended Service Plans at those same direct prices, and the savings are considerable.”
To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy also offers access to interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café and a member’s lounge to relax while shopping.
DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell. Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.
Service Net
SERVICE NET is a service management company focused on enhancing the relationship between their clients and their customers to increase brand loyalty and maximize the lifetime value of their relationship. They deliver a full range of industry-leading service solutions including warranty management administration, extended service programs, customer service support, service network management, claims processing services, and service contract underwriting. Service Net provides these services for a variety of manufacturers, retailers, buying groups and distributors and currently support over five million consumers worldwide. Service Net serves several Fortune 1,000 companies in the consumer electronics, home appliance, PC products, and HVAC industries. Headquartered in Jeffersonville, Ind., the company maintains sales offices in Denver; Hartford, Conn.; and Irvine, Calif. For more information, please go to www.servicenet.com.
DirectBuy Membership
Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model. The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise.
To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit www.directbuy.com.
About DirectBuy
For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.
Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.
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Joe D’eramo
http://www.articlesbase.com/franchise-articles/service-net-and-directbuy-partner-to-offer-extended-service-plans-to-members-737535.html
Computers and laptops are very common as other household electronics such as TVs, Stereos, and DVD players. When you purchase these electronics, you looked at what benefits and features will fit your lifestyle. So, purchasing a computer should be similar. Before you start looking around for a computer, read the most common mistakes people have made when purchasing a computer.
Waiting For a Better Computer
Technology is always upgrading and improving. Some people are hesitant on purchasing a computer because they think it will be outdated in six months. Wrong! This statement is completely false. The best advice is not to wait if you really need a computer. If you buy one right away, you will get more use out of it than not buying one at all. Plus if you wait for the best model, you will be paying a lot more.
Not Thinking About Other Computer Costs
When you purchase a computer or laptop, there are other hidden costs that you may not think about such as mouse, printers, cables, software, etc. For example, your computer may come with a 90 day free virus scanner. However if you want to keep this virus scanner, which is very important, you must purchase the updated software. Before buying a computer, set a few dollars aside for other items you might need.
Paying For an Extended Warranty
Most companies make a small profit for computers and laptops because of all of the costs associated with manufacturing and customizing them. This is why these companies offer an extended warranty for a fee since they make a great profit off of it. When you purchase an extended warranty, you are saying that your computer will probably fail before the warranty expires. This rarely happens. In fact, most computers will fail when the warranty expires. It is better to put that extra money towards items you will need for your computer such as mouse, scanner, printer, software, etc. However if something does happen to your computer, it may cost less to get it fix than to purchase the warranty.
Buying Unbalance System Components
If you purchase the latest and best processors, but downsize on your memory, this is pointless for your computer. Your system will run fast, but not at its full capacity since the memory is insufficient. With a small amount of memory, you will not be able to store as much data. Before you even look into purchasing a computer, understand what is RAM and memory and how they affect one another. Therefore, you can make an educated decision of which computer is right for you. If you are unfamiliar with electronic and computer lingo, you can browse through the HP Home & Home Office Store “learn, use, and create” section and find helpful tips and information about digital photography, everyday computing, everyday printing, and digital entertainment.
Not Getting the Best Deal for Your Money
There are many laptops and computers on the market, so you have more options to select from. Since the market is so competitive, you have the opportunity to find the right computer or laptop for the best value for your money. HP Home & Home Office Store has Hewlett Packard computer and electronics for your home and office needs. They are always offering great deals on the latest HP computers, HP laptops, and HP electronics. This is also where you can find “learn, use, and create” section to help you understand computer and technology lingo. Get great deals and the best value for your money with HP Coupons and Hewlett Packard Rebates for HP Shopping by visiting this link below.
http://www.onlinestorecoupon.com/ShopbyStore/hp-coupons.htm
HP Home & Home Office Store is a great resource to find all of your computer and electronic needs. Just check out their large selection of Hewlett Packard products.
Victoria
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/most-common-mistakes-when-buying-a-computer-134303.html
How would you like to see your children get excited about learning science? “Yeah, right”, you’re thinking. “You don’t know MY kids”. True, science doesn’t rank very high on most kid’s popularity lists.
Oh sure, they get a kick out of seeing a mock volcano experiment or some other flashy science demonstration, but when it comes right down to actually learning the principles involved, well, that’s a different story. But don’t despair. There’s still a hands-on learning approach that will teach the necessary knowledge while retaining the fun of those wacky science experiments that sometimes go awry.
What exactly am I talking about? Educational science kits, that’s what.
Sales for children’s educational science kits are on the rise, and with good reason. They are becoming a great blessing to children, teachers and parents. Many homeschoolers are investing in these kits in order to give their children that hands-on experience many public school students get in the classroom, and more.
Good science kits consist of tools which encourage exploration through activities that make learning fun. They are filled with activities to engage young imaginations and build creative minds and critical thinking skills.
The types of science kits available are nearly endless. There are kits for learning about plants, animals, chemistry, electronics, robotics, geology, even the weather. They come fully equipped with all the materials required. And these kits are designed for specific grade levels.
For example, most first graders are required to learn about the senses. The My Senses Kit
encourages children to conduct experiments exploring the five senses. Included in the kit are a stethoscope, a telescope and a prism. When making a decision about which kit to buy, keep in mind that there is more to these kits than meets the eye (no pun intended). They’re chock-full of great learning tools and experiences for your young student.
The Mini Ant Factory is also good choice for the very young. Measuring 8” by 8 1/2”, it provides great lessons in responsibility. Of course, if you are worried about ants running all over your house you might prefer The Bug World. This kit includes a net, a magnifying glass, charts, and no ants, at least not indoors. Both of these kits teach students all about ecology and the insect world. Bugs not included, but we’re sure that won’t be a problem for your budding entomologist.
If your student is a little older, he may be interested in electronics. Science kits are tools that can help both children and adults decipher the world of electronics by introducing some basic knowledge. Electrical science kits are great because you usually end up with a device that can be used over and over for both fun and practical uses.
One example is the Short Wave Radio Kit. You can learn about electronics as you build a radio. When you are done you have your very own short wave radio. There are other kits that teach how to build telephones, cameras, doorbells, and even kites and simple rockets. These kits are not only fun to use, but they also teach the scientific principles involved in how they are made and why they work.
Commercial science kits are attractive and can be convenient resources. They are perfect for those who have trouble rounding up all the stuff for experiments. These kits are comprehensive, high quality learning tools. Many science kits are supplemented by very clear teacher’s and student’s manuals, as well as worksheets.
Science kits are particularly helpful for children who have not had concrete experience with science. They are packed with materials to help children enjoy learning about science and how scientists work. Science kits are filled with activities to engage young imaginations and build creative minds and critical thinking skills.
Science Kits are indeed inexpensive, fun, and educational science experiments in a box.
They are an excellent way to give our children hands-on science time in our homeschooling activities. Science kits are popular with the students and reinforce scientific concepts through experiential learning.
How do people come up with all of these ideas for science kits? Are their developers mad scientists with too much time on their hands? Hardly.
Science kits are based on sound theory and backed by real-world testing. The kits are a result of years of working with teachers, scientists, museums, and students. Science kits are high-quality science and technology related educational products for children of all ages. And they are teacher-friendly. They are great education aids that make science fun.
Science kits are also a great choice for multi-sensory learning. If your child is one who learns by doing, science kits are the perfect tools to use to teach. Let’s face it. Books can only take a child so far. Science kits can take him or her to the next level with hands-on activities that he or she will really enjoy.
Science Kits are a truly unique, scientific, fun way to get kids loving science. These comprehensive, high-quality science kits are perfect for redefining science and engaging minds and hands in worthwhile play. The science kits are curriculum in and of themselves.
Learning science can be a wonderful experience. Most public and private schools have lab equipment so that students can gain the hands-on experience they need, although the variety of the equipment and quality of the instruction they receive varies greatly. Homeschoolers, however, rarely have access to such equipment.
That is why it is so important to invest in educational science kits. They can give your child that hands-on experience that will help to prepare him/her for college, work or both. Who knows, maybe your child will one day become famous for developing some wild and wacky scientific demonstration. Better yet, perhaps he or she will make a significant scientific contribution that will improve the lives of mankind for generations to come.
Lisa Lee
http://www.articlesbase.com/homeschooling-articles/home-grown-young-scientist-140862.html
Do you have an idea for an electronic product, the next must-have gadget, music or video system, time saver, or the greatest problem-solving device that was ever invented? Before you begin designing the product, there are a number of tasks that you must complete and issues that you must resolve before you have an actual product design that can be produced, marketed, and sold. This article will provide you with some guidelines to assist you in getting your idea turned into a successful design. Other issues, such as whether or not to apply for a patent for your product idea and in detail how a particular product should be advertised or marketed will not be addressed in this article.
Many great product ideas were turned into fully functional electronic devices but never made their way successfully to the marketplace because the product was not easy to use, the target market or niche market where the product could be sold successfully was not accurately identified or targeted, the product advertising was not successful, an unattractive or non-identifiable name was applied to the product, the product pricing was too expensive, the product was provided in unattractive packaging, the product as manufactured was unreliable, or the wrong sales distribution model was chosen. There are a lot of minefields to dance in before you have a successful product that meets or exceeds your sales expectations.
Initially you must identify the following to determine if your product idea is valid:
- who would buy this new product?
- how much would they be willing to pay for it ?
- can you produce the product and make the required profit margins at the anticipated sales price?
- how do you get the product in front of the customers so that they can buy the product?
- can you provide warranty and service functions for the product?
- will your design require product compliance testing for any applicable FCC or UL regulations?
- will the product have to meet RoHS requirements (such as lead-free for components and soldering) for overseas (European Union, China, Japan, Korea, etc.) and domestic (California) markets?
- would this product infringe on any existing patents?
To answer the above questions, you should document your product idea in the form of a product specification document that describes which systems that the product could interface with. It should also identify all of the various functions the product should perform, describe how the product should be packaged esthetically and physically for size and shape, and define how the device will be powered. The product specification document should also describe how the user would interface with the product, such as by an equipped keypad, pushbuttons, a rotary dial switch, touchscreen, by an external link to a personal computer, PDA, or one of the newer sophisticated cell phones. You must also consider how the unit will display information to the user with options including an LCD character display, light emitting diodes or LEDs either singly or in an array, a graphics capable display in monochrome or color, or by audible tones.
Once the initial product specification document is completed, a marketing study should be initiated that identifies the optimum target market or market niche, and the product’s preferable name choices, including a primary name choice and some alternate name choices. The marketing study should provide options for selling the product both directly and through sales distribution, including who would actually stock, sell, and support the product in each scenario. The marketing study should also include the product’s anticipated pricing range such as the anticipated MSRP or manufacturers suggested retail price at the upper end and the discounted pricing where you would really be able to sell large quantities of the product at different volume levels and different margin levels at the lower end.
When the marketing study is completed, it should be reviewed against the original product specification document and changes made as required to either or both documents to fully identify the product requirements. Once this review is completed, the electronics and mechanical packaging design processes can begin, based on the parameters established by the review of the product specification document and the results of the marketing study. In order to optimize the design, the product designers must know what functions the product should perform, what the product should look like, and how much the product should cost to be manufactured and packaged ready for sale. Product logo designs and product labeling requirements should also be identified as they can have an impact on the physical package designs and the overall appearance of the product.
With this information available, you are now prepared to either design the product yourself; utilize other internal resources to design the product, or to contract the design activities with an outside source. You will need access to the following functional skill sets to have your idea turned into a working product:
- electronics hardware designer(s) with the analog and/or digital design expertise required for your design idea application
- printed circuit board layout designer with an applicable pcb CAD package
- a software designer with the required programming expertise and software tools
- a mechanical packaging specialist
- an electronics assembly resource to populate the printed circuit boards, to solder the components to the boards, and to assemble the finished prototype product
Even if all of these resources are available within your own company, they may not be available to you in the timeframe your product introduction requires due to scheduling conflicts with other internal projects. This is the point in the project where it can make economic and scheduling sense to make use of the resources from outside entities. Sometimes all of these resources can be outsourced from an electronics manufacturing service provider or EMS, or you may find an engineering resource to provide the initial design services and an EMS to assemble the product. Be sure to have an appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreement in place with any and all parties that are involved in this process to protect your intellectual property.
Jim Usery
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/i-have-an-idea-for-a-new-product-but-now-what-104363.html
Electrical engineers have a very difficult job to do and their jobs require that they receive a concentrated education that deals with electronics, electricity, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineers spend a few years in college pursuing this difficult degree to go into a very competitive, high tech field. Usually, they spend their time in college taking classes that have to do with mathematics, physics, computer science, and various other topics that deal specifically with electrical engineering. Master’s degrees are also available in the engineering field, and, while those with a BA degree make a great deal of money as electrical engineers, those with a Master’s degree can make even more money. After college, before they become certified, they must also go on to complete a certain amount of work experience, which can vary from place to place.
Some of the things that electrical engineers deal with on a day to day basis on the job include computer science, power, telecommunications, digital electronics, optoelectronics, control systems, analog electronics, and artificial intelligence. There are many different technologies that we depend on that are developed and serviced by electrical engineers. The technology that brings electricity into our homes and the technology that has developed the global positioning system is what these engineers are working with. Not only do electrical engineers design these technologies, but they also work to make them better, they test them, and even deploy them, as well.
Electrical engineers have an exciting job and they work on the cutting edge of technology all the time. They are always working to make technology better and are finding ways to improve the technology that is already existing as well. Electrical engineers work in a variety of different places as well. Some of them work in labs, developing and testing new technologies. Others work in offices dealing with clients and helping them with their technology. Yet other electrical engineers work in industrial plants and help manage the technology that is already in place.
It is important to note that electrical engineers are quite different than electronic engineers. While the two may sound the same, there are great differences between the two. An electrical engineer will deal with electricity and electrical things on a large scale, where electronic engineers will deal with smaller electronics such as cell phones and computers and the components that are inside them.
Electrical engineers have a very broad job base and can choose from any number of jobs. The education in electrical engineering prepares them to work in many different related fields. Becoming an electrical engineer can provide you with a variety of job opportunities, and most of them will be very different. If you are interested in electrical engineering, you need to remember that the training and the job take a great deal of dedication and hard work.
Izrul Fizal
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/electrical-engineers-field-116517.html
