According to Tansun during these challenging times, companies are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate their product range and encourage people to shell out their hard-earned cash. Blinds & Shutters hears more

“Value for money is essential – but it’s not just about offering the lowest possible price, it is about giving customerswhat they really want according to Tansun.

Increasingly there is a consumer backlash against cheap, inferior products which do not stand the test of time. The old adage that ‘you get what you pay for’ holds firm.

Despite the credit crunch, there are consumers out there with money to spend and the smart companies who are bringing innovative products to market are benefiting. Businesses may struggle to grow their market at the moment, but it is possible to increase market share. Savvy owners and managers need to run a tight ship but also to increase investment in new products and marketing – by so doing they will steal share from those who either cannot, or will not.

Tansun, the world’s leading producer of quartz electric patio heaters for use under awnings and umbrellas is a good example of one such savvy company.

Many awning and umbrella companies now consider terrace heating to be an invaluable part of their product offering. Outdoor heaters are an obvious value-added addition as they enable customers to achieve greater use from their awning-covered patios throughout the year. Heating enhances a terrace, particularly during evenings, as it creates a warm, welcoming ambience.
Tansun, manufacturers of quartz short-wave heating for over 20 years, pioneered the development of electric terrace heating. Tansun was the first company to develop and manufacture an infra-red patio heater which was IP rated for permanent outdoor use. Tansun’s ‘Algarve’, launched over 10 years ago, has transformed alfresco heating, enabling businesses and consumers alike to heat their outdoor areas efficiently and effectively.

Importantly – especially during these tough times, Tansun has continued to lead the way in innovative product design. Tansun offer something to suit any external heating requirement – be it free-standing heaters to warm large areas, or slim heaters which can be mounted underneath awnings or umbrellas.

Tansun’s range of bracketry enables the heaters to be mounted under a variety of structures e.g. awnings and patiolas, giving flexibility on installation. Many of Tansun’s heaters can be mounted either vertically or horizontally, thus suiting under-awning environments where vertical mounting along a spar is less obtrusive.

A good example of Tansun’s innovation in the face of the economic downturn is the new Rio Grande range which was launched at R & T Stuttgart. This latest range of IP-rated weatherproof patio heaters was launched in response to customer demand for patio heaters that produce less light. Cleverly, Rio Grande includes the optional upgrade feature of an attractive gold reflector that produces a warm light that is easy on the eye. This unique added-extra reduces glare from visible light, creating a soft ambient glow, whilst simultaneously optimising heat output. This heater also incorporates Somfy’s control system enabling one handheld remote to control the awning, the lighting and the heating.

It’s no good however adopting a ‘credit crunch’ strategy and coming up with innovations if your product doesn’t make the grade – in good times as well as bad.

Tansun stand in good stead because they offer something people are always on the look-out for- quality and value for money.
Tansun heaters are cost effective and what’s more, because quartz short-wave heats only people, rather than the air around them, they are extremely energy efficient. This gives the firm a competitive edge - with ‘green’ being high on the agenda of responsible businesses. With a staggering 7,000 hour lamp-life average, customers can enjoy Tansun heaters for almost two-and-a-half years before needing to change the lamp (based on customers using heaters during an eight-hour working period, seven days a week).

Tansun does not believe in sitting back when times get tough. Introducing innovations such as Rio Grande range will help to ensure a bright and warm future for everyone.

• Tansun