[The Champ]

Originally Posted by tigergto

I have heard that the name brand these big box stores carry are not of the same quality as what goes to other stores. I have no idea if this is true. Anyhow any appliances, TVs, or other large items I buy is from the local small businesses. If for no other reason than to support local businesses.

It's not true.

If you are comparing the same make and model numbers - they are the same whether you buy at Mom & Pop's Appliance on Main Street in Anytown, USA or at Big Box Appliance.

Now contrast that to Sears Kenmore line. They were built by Whirlpool (at least they used to) to Sears specs and to fit a price point.

[Sidponcho]

Originally Posted by The Champ

It's not true.

If you are comparing the same make and model numbers - they are the same whether you buy at Mom & Pop's Appliance on Main Street in Anytown, USA or at Big Box Appliance.

Now contrast that to Sears Kenmore line. They were built by Whirlpool (at least they used to) to Sears specs and to fit a price point.

Certain model numbers are created specifically for the big box stores, to their specs and price point.

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by Sidponcho

Certain model numbers are created specifically for the big box stores, to their specs and price point.

That's why I said "comparing the same make and model numbers". Anytime I see a "private" model number, I know it's something built to someone else's specs to fit a price point.

Does Ford, Toyota or GM built different (insert model name here) for the "SUPER" dealers than they do for the small town dealers? No. If you're looking at a Toyota Tundra, Ford F150 or Chevy Silverado it doesn't matter which dealer you look at, they are all built on the same production line to the same specs.

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by The Champ

That's why I said "comparing the same make and model numbers". Anytime I see a "private" model number, I know it's something built to someone else's specs to fit a price point.

Does Ford, Toyota or GM built different (insert model name here) for the "SUPER" dealers than they do for the small town dealers? No. If you're looking at a Toyota Tundra, Ford F150 or Chevy Silverado it doesn't matter which dealer you look at, they are all built on the same production line to the same specs.

You are right. Appliance and lawn equipment are two groups that often get special models only for the big box stores. Honda and Toro are two glaring examples in lawn equipment. The box store models bear little resemblance to the quality units sold by independent dealers. Appliances are more difficult to tell because the outer case/cabinet is often the same as the quality unit. It's only under the skin that the cheap/crappy components are discovered. Very difficult to tell what you are buying. Used to be house brands like, Kenmore and Montgomery Ward were easily identified, but now cheap, cut rate appliances are hidden behind old time quality names like Maytag, and GE, sold by box stores to their junk specs. I guess the closest automotive comparison I can think of was the Cadillac Cimarron. Actually a junk Cavalier, but sold as a premium small luxury car to many people who saw the Cadillac name and assumed it was a real Cadillac.

[Shiny]

Interesting to me the big box stores still require the manufacturer warrant the product. The manufacturer is pressured to cut corners but they still own the liability. Big box stores have big leverage! Tough world for manufacturers trying to maintain a brand reputation but forced to sell through big box stores.

[Sidponcho]

Originally Posted by The Champ

That's why I said "comparing the same make and model numbers". Anytime I see a "private" model number, I know it's something built to someone else's specs to fit a price point.

Does Ford, Toyota or GM built different (insert model name here) for the "SUPER" dealers than they do for the small town dealers? No. If you're looking at a Toyota Tundra, Ford F150 or Chevy Silverado it doesn't matter which dealer you look at, they are all built on the same production line to the same specs.

Not true. Toyota for example has packages for New England that you wont find on any lot in Texas

[Simple Man]

Originally Posted by Sidponcho

Not true. Toyota for example has packages for New England that you wont find on any lot in Texas

Trucks are the same way. There is a "Texas Edition" offered by GM, and Ford. Same basic truck, but with a trim package of some sorts.
Won't find them new anywhere but Texas.