ECONOMIC CRISIS OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES SAYS MIELE MANAGING DIRECTOR

Story by Grant Shepherd

SYDNEY: Michael Jeanes, managing director at Miele Australia, has announced Miele’s financial outlook for 2009 and commented on how the current economic climate is not an excuse for failure.

Jeanes is confident that Miele Australia will grow in 2009, due to the rise witnessed in invoiced sales for 2008 and a strong order book across all divisions of the company.

Miele is remaining confident that despite these tough economic times, the company will continue to grow, and Jeanes was adamant that this crisis will prove to be an opportunity for the company.

“The economy is not an excuse to fail but an opportunity to excel. In the current environment, all manufacturers have the opportunity to become bigger, stronger and more successful by slimming down the non-value added services,” he said.

In regards to Miele specifically, Jeanes was also positive that they were well prepared to beat the competition.

“There is probably no other brand in our industry as prepared as Miele for the coming challenges. In the last few years we have invested heavily in additional overheads and capital projects to create a sustainable competitive advantage and become the brand of choice,” he commented.

In relation to first quarter expectations for 2009, Jeanes emphasised that this was traditionally a comparatively quiet period, but he was confident of further growth.

“Unprecedented demand for Miele washing machines and dishwashers has already placed serious stock pressure on certain models, whilst Miele’s range of integrated fridge/freezer combinations has already achieved record sales in their category compared to the same time last year,” he said.

Source: www.current.com.au

THANK YOU MIELE

OUR RESPONSE TO SIMON TAYLOR

Dear Simon,

My wife said that you were condescending and arrogant. She said she also remained calm throughout the conversation...until the very end....when obviously, her temper got the better of her.

We are not interested in taking any legal action whatsoever. We just want to join the growing number of dissatisfied customers out there and voice our opinion. In fact, all we will do is tell as many people as we can about our situation and ask them not to support or buy Ariston products.

Today, we had the pleasure of telling 56 people. Most have been mothers at the local primary school, some media people, some industry people and various bloggers over the internet. We've also asked those people to let other people know. In fact, it has been somewhat comforting to share stories with other people not only here in Australia, but around the world.

We ask that people support us, and Not Buy Ariston.

Regards,

Simon and Dani

Ex. Ariston customer and new Miele customer.

SIMON TAYLOR'S EMAIL RESPONSE

Your wife told me to get f..ed and ten called me a prick and you have the hide to say I was unjust. I never raised my voice or swore at her.

Your product is 26 months out of warranty.

If you don’t like our decision please forward your complaint to the appropriate legal channel.

Regards

Simon

---------------------------------------
Simon Taylor
Managing Director
Arisit Pty Ltd

It JUST KEEPS GOING ON...AND ON!

This, just in....

Did I mention that nearly all my friends that bought Ariston products from me while I was there have been most dissatisfied with their purchases and the service they received.

Only now, that I'm no longer there, am I starting to hear about it. I guess they were too polite.

Regards,

James Turner

Ariston's Ex. National Sales Manager speaks out!!!

We received this email...


Hi Simon,

Good on you, I know exactly how you feel.

I too have had several service calls on my Ariston washing machine since becoming a 'civilian'.

Having worked with the brand for over 10 years as National Sales Manager and Product Manager I can categorically say that I would NOT recommend the brand to anyone....well, perhaps my worst enemy!

James Turner

My Email Response. Ariston 'The Bad Apple'

Hi Cathy, thanks for your email.

As previously mentioned, the first Ariston Washer Dryer we purchased broke down on many occasions and after numerous repair attempts you had to have it replaced. This first Ariston Washer Dryer was well within the 5 year warranty period.

The second Ariston Washer Dryer that was given to us as a replacement has now broken down, only after 3 years. The 5 year warranty should cover every product irrespective of whether it was purchased or replaced. So I'd suggest this is somewhat out of balance with your 5 year warranty.

We (along with many other dissatisfied Ariston customers) have come to the conclusion that your brand promise of 'quality' and 'performance' is rather misleading. Which now leads me to the analogy of a bad apple. Bad apples are just that. Nice to look at, but not so great on the inside.

Finally, the telephone call my wife received yesterday from the managing director Simon Taylor was unbelievable. His tone and manor was unjust. His lack of empathy for the situation and unwillingness to provide a realistic solution, does not adhere to the Ariston brand promise of 'taking care of you'.

All we ask is that you provide us with a full refund and also remove the Ariston Washer Dryer from our property so it can be used as spare parts or scrap metal.

I look forward to your response and resolution of this matter.

Kind regards,

Simon

Ariston Response Via Email.

Dear Mr Hakim,

This is in reference to your Ariston Front Loader Washing Machine Model No. AML125.

I am in receipt of your letter received on 10TH February 2009.

We understand how disappointing it can be when your expectations are not met, however we are unable to meet your request for a refund as the warranty expired 26 months ago.
Please refer to your warranty card

.The guarantee applies for the period
of five years commencing from the
original date of purchase

I would suggest you contact an authorised agent in your area to inspect the unit to advise you of what is required to repair it. The agent will be able to purchase the parts direct from us; alternately you may also purchase these direct from us if you know what is required.

Please see as follows the name and contact numbers of two repairers in your area.
Dom Tech Appliances 03 9872 6850
AG & Co Pty Ltd 0403 125 300

Yours Sincerely

Cathy Ticknas
Customer Service Officer

Ariston Washer Dryer

This is an email we recently sent to Ariston. We then telephoned Ariston to see what they could do about our machine.  We asked to speak to the managing director Simon Taylor.  We had a call from Simon Taylor essentially telling us.. "that we shouldn't complain. Doesn't believe that Ariston is a bad product. That we were delusional. And was sorry we felt that way about the quality of the product, we cannot help you and I'm not prepared to do anything."

Sent to: arisit@arisit.com

Subject: AML 125 Washer Dryer

Date: 10 February 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

We have now had 2 washer dryers from Ariston.  Both have broken down and needed extensive repairs.  The first washer dryer had to be fully replaced as it was described by your staff as a lemon  Now, only after 3 years, the replacement washer dryer has also broken down and in need of repair.  The cost to repair the washer dryer will be $600+.

I have taken a look at your international website and believe that you are making false promises.

"Ariston's philosophy is simple - to become part of everyday life taking Care of you, offering domestic appliances unique in Style, giving to your house a fine touch of design.  Ariston appliances are studied to guarantee Quality and Performance: they are able to work in total safety and silence in order to accommodate any need you could have.  Therefore you can work, spend time with your family or even dream sweet dreams without having to worry about them".

Firstly, when the washer dryer constantly is in need of repair you are not taking care of us.

Secondly, you are not guaranteeing quality and performance.

Speaking to our repairman who we have come to know rather well and he said that he's had a large number of issues with Ariston products.  We have also spoken to retailers and other Ariston customers and there seems to be a constant theme.

If you do a google on Ariston, this message seems to be amplified by many not only here in Australia, but the rest of the world.  The current theme is "stay away from Ariston".

The most disappointing part of this whole mess is the fact that I was the managing director of the advertising agency held responsible for the launch of Ariston into the Australian marketplace.  I believed not only in the brand, but also the products.  Whilst the other Ariston products in our household have stood the test of time, the washer dryer has not.

My wife and I have now reached a point of no return.  We are at the point whereby we do not want any more products from Ariston (free or otherwise).  We therefore demand our money back and we ask that you organise someone to come and pick up the washer dryer, so it can be used as spare parts somewhere else.

Bad publicity is the worst thing you could ask for and believe me, you have had more than your share.  So we just think it is right to let you know our feelings and thoughts directly rather than publish them.

My wife is not happy and it has caused her immense stress and not made her life any easier.  As a result, it has not made my life easier either.

I look forward to your written response or telephone call so we can clear this matter up urgently.