EXCLUSIVE
Whirlpool is planning to scrap the £3 delivery surcharge that it introduced for all small trade units going to independent electrical retailers.
Back in March this year, ERT was made aware of the plans as the company wrote to dealers outlining the “significant cost impacts experienced in the manufacture of domestic appliances”, as well as other costs across the supply chain.
Whirlpool said the “flat rate nominal delivery surcharge” would be added per unit at the point of invoice, irrespective of the number of units being delivered and the frequency of deliveries. This applied to “all dealers served by “Hotpoint Home Solutions”.
ERT spoke to several electrical retailers about this at the time; one said this was “a direct attack on the independent retailer”.
However, the manufacturer recently wrote to its trade partners to say that it is removing the charge, “effective on all deliveries from 1 October 2023”.
In a letter to its partners, seen by ERT, Whirlpool UK Appliances Managing Director, James Goldsmith (pictured below) – who only took on the role back in June, said that since the initial plans were outlined earlier this year the company has “carefully listened” to feedback to understand the impact on its dealers’ businesses.
As a result, the delivery surcharge will be scrapped.
Mr Goldsmith wrote: “We have always placed significant value on our mutual business partnership and will continue to listen and understand how we can grow our business together. We trust this clearly demonstrates that commitment.”
Retra CEO, Howard Saycell, who shared his views when the plans were originally announced, told ERT: “Retra welcomes this news from Whirlpool. It was our belief that the charge was discriminatory towards independent electrical retailers. I’m delighted that Whirlpool has reconsidered its position and has listened to industry feedback.”
If you have any comments or views on this, don’t forget you can get in touch with ERT’s Editor on: jackcheeseman@ertonline.co.uk.
