Sept-Oct 2012 Newsletter | Rasmussen-Solaire

September / October 2012

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		Vote

A top priority of our newsletter is to provide you with business building advice that will make you more money. The election next Tuesday, November 6, could significantly impact your business for the next four or more years. Face it, none of the products that Rasmussen makes and that most hearth and patio dealers sell would be classified as “necessities”. We all sell luxury items that are purely discretionary purchases, and we need customers with disposable income who feel confident to spend their “extra” money on our fine products.Gov. Mitt Romney is our recommendation for President. Throughout this long campaign, he has best espoused growth policies that will more positively impact the economy than those of his opponent, whose track record of profligate spending and failure to lead on fiscal matters leave no expectation of anything better should he continue for another four years. » Continue Reading

		Save Gas Logs Update

Two items of interest in our struggle against the US Department of Energy (DOE) occurred on October 23. First, an article appeared in the Wall Street Journal (page A8) that featured Rett Rasmussen and chronicled the impact of the DOE’s action against gas fireplaces and gas logs on Rasmussen and the industry. Also on that day, a bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation (H.R. 6578) that would define in federal law “decorative hearth products.” Sponsored by Representatives Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), Linda Sanchez (D-CA) (Rasmussen’s Congressional Representative) and John Kline (R-MN), H.R. 6578 would amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by defining decorative hearth products as gas fireplaces, stoves, fireplace inserts and gas log sets that are not designed or intended to produce heat. This definition would remove decorative hearth products from under the regulatory umbrella of DOE. Access the WSJ article and the specific language of H.R. 6578 at www.SaveGasLogs.

		New Vented Gas Logs Brochure

Next week we will receive from the printers the new version of our Vented Gas Log Brochure. We have uploaded two versions of the brochure to www.RasBox.com: one is the full color brochure that we are printing and is best to view on your computer. The other is for printing, as we have removed all of the background that would otherwise deplete the ink in your printer. Download/view at http://bit.ly/VentedBrochureThis brochure features extensive use of QR Codes that can be scanned with a smart phone or iPad. We have linked the codes to a mobilized website we created to enhance the paper page with videos and more information about the items in that section or page, all in the palm of your customer’s hand.» Continue Reading

		Announcing – Electric Bromic

Tungsten Electric Patio Heaters from Bromic are now in stock and ready to ship. They are available with single and double elements, two lengths (44″ and 56″) and wattages from 2000 to 6000. They require 220-240volt service. Learn more about them from http://bit.ly/TungstenElectric, where you can also download an informative flyer.Rasmussen is the US distributor for the full line of gas and electric heater from Bromic Heating, an Australian company. Contact us to learn about dealer opportunities and display discounts.

		Cash and Carry – Solaire Portable Infrared Grills

Prepare for the impulse gift purchase by displaying a stack of Solaire Anywhere and/or Solaire Everywhere Portable Infrared Grills near your checkout area. They make a fine gift, which you can communicate by placing a big red bow on one that’s out of the box. These are “cash and carry” items. Most consumers will not wait for you to order one for them, so be prepared by ordering in four to six grills now for the holiday season.» Continue Reading

News & Notes

Hurricane Sandy Aftermath – Tips for Flood Damaged AppliancesHomeowners who have experienced flood damage are advised to take important safety precautions with regard to their home’s heating and cooling systems, including gas logs and gas fireplaces. Damage from standing water may not be apparent, but can put families at risk if not addressed properly. All of our installation manuals warn “Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under water.”We advise homeowners to play it safe and replace, rather than repair, flood-damaged heating, cooling, and water heating equipment.» Continue Reading

Preparing for the Next Disaster

An email we received the day after Hurricane Sandy hit, from Bill R., Linthicum Heights, MD, pointed out the value of a Rasmussen gas log set:
“Our power was knocked out yesterday evening by hurricane Sandy and we used our Rasmussen unit today to stay warm and even do a little cooking. It was a big help to have the unit which didn’t need electricity to operate.”

You can help your customers prepare for the inevitable next disaster in a couple of ways.

Provide them with a Disaster Kit check list (download here one you can add your brand to);
Advise them of the benefits of having a gas log set in at least one fireplace in the home.

Gas log sets are an excellent source of emergency heat for when the power goes out. Hurricane season may be subsiding, but ice storms are coming. “Be Prepared” isn’t just for Boy Scouts.

Pricing Reminder

Here are links to download the must current price lists.

Logs (effective 9-1-12)

Solaire (effective 7-20-12)

Bromic (effective 8-1-12)

Minimum Advertised Pricing Policy (effective 9-1-12)

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