In a press release on 8 August 2009, Tuttnauer dealer BaySide Technical Services announced a ‘cash for clunker’ program to boost autoclave and sterilizer sales. These heavy discounts for new machines with trade-ins have nothing to do with any government policy or program. This is simply a dramatic way to call attention to a favorable customer incentive program during a severe economic recession.
BaySide is certainly not the first to take advantage of the namesake of the popular government stimulus program. This is common practice with refrigerator dealers too. One recent addition to this sales ploy is the communication business. The phone industry is moving toward VoIP/IP technology. At the ITEXPO from September 1 – 3, 2009 in Los Angeles California, phone companies plan to offer this very same type of trade-in program during the conference for telephone network systems. If it is good enough for business in these other industries, why wouldn’t it work for autoclaves and sterilizers too?
Incentive Details
Whether it is a discount or a rebate like the car program, a “clunker” deal can mean cash in the customer’s pocket. Qualifying trade-ins under the BaySide program include tabletop models with a chamber 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 inches in diameter. The dollar amount of the discount for a new model depends upon the age and condition of the old one. Obviously these trade-ins will not be destroyed within a few days like the government program for cars. Instead, these autoclave and sterilizer machines will likely be refurbished for later resale or used for spare parts. Completely outdated parts will be recycled for materials.
Unlike the car program, you don’t have to make less than $50,000 dollars in yearly income to qualify. Anyone who has the right size and model type should be able to get in on the deal. There is a limit of one trade-in per purchase transaction. Unfortunately, the dealer is not accepting broken autoclaves.
The Bayside Technical Services store is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. No end date is mentioned on the press release, so there is no way to know how long the incentive will last. In addition, there is no word on whether autoclaves must be presented in person or if they can be shipped in from other states.
This incentive is separate from Tuttnauer USA’s previously announced “Twitter” coupon program. In fact, that manufacturer’s coupon program appears to be continuing. It is still listed on the Tuttnauer site; even though the end date is listed as 30 June 2009. The manufacturer does not appear to be participating in a trade-in program of its own at this time.
Competition is tough, especially during a significant recession. Sales ‘gimmicks’ can have real value to the customer in some situations. However, getting the right equipment should always take precedence over saving a few bucks. If you are about to upgrade your existing equipment, take a little time to investigate your options fully. Our free report can help you find other ways to save money in the short term and the long term when you buy your next autoclave.