X10 Guest Discussion Wrap-up
By Carol

X10's Controversial Marketing

As for X10's differing newsletter based on customers purchasing patterns, they replied with an analogy to other direct marketing practices, "Not all their customers get these offers, only the ones they want to entice to order. X10 segments the newsletter in similar ways." and "As is common in direct marketing, we target our offers to specific customers." So you may want to talk to a friend who hasn't ordered in a while if your considering buying something from X10 to see if they've been offered a better deal, or better yet post the question here on the Forum. X10 said, "If you learn about a promotion that you haven't been offered, you can call our sales staff and get the same deal, as long as it's within 30 days of the original promotion." They do honor this policy because I've used it. There is no quibbling at all, if you bought an item and it goes on sale and/or they offer a bonus item, i.e., gift certificate, etc., they will give you the same deal. It seems the longer you wait to purchase from X10, the better the price and incentives, but if you're like me sometimes you just gotta have the latest gadget right away.

Something that should please everyone is the absence of the ever present "Offer Expires at Midnight," phrase from their newsletter ads, but unfortunately every other scheme seems to still be in place. We were told improvements are beginning to take place in this area also. They seem to be very heavy into rebates now, up to $40 dollars on some items! I've checked their site recently and under Customer Support they have plenty of feedback links for their, products, web site, and newsletter, so if you have something to say this looks like a good place to start. Michael Cole gave us his e-mail address to keep in touch, and said on the last day of the forum, "It doesn't end here, either -- you can continue to address questions to me outside this forum by e-mail at michael@X10.com. And, as always, X10 technical support is available 24 hours a day at (800) 442-5138."

Summary

Will X10 listen to their customers? Will they develop the items from our wish list(s)? Only time will tell. Michael had some parting comments along these lines, and said, "Lastly, while it's not possible to say exactly when, keep your eyes open for new products that will address a lot of the issues that
have been discussed here."

All things considered X10 is a reputable, hard working company. They are fighting to maintain their leadership and stay ahead of the inrush of competition into the home automation industry. We wish them continued success and prosperity, and hope they will come back in the near future to visit with us again.

Thanks to Michael Cole and to all of you who participated in the "Talk to X10.com" forum.

PS: We invite anyone that has not registered to participate in The Home
Automation Forum discussion area, to do so. We would like to hear what you
have to say!