New Year brings changes for Hide-A-Hose

New Distribution Strategy
Hide-A-Hose, manufacturer of “The Retractable Hose Central Vacuum System,” recently announced their new distribution partners H-P Products, Cyclo Vac and Tip Top Parts.

Marc Bruneau, president of Trovac Industries stated, ”The Hide-A-Hose Retractable Hose System is an excellent complement to our Cyclo Vac central vacuums -- both top quality products. Together they make an outstanding team: with all the power you need and the convenience you wish for. We’re proud to be official distributors of this new hose management system and know it will be an international success.”

Previously, Hide-A-Hose sold the system directly to dealers. Rod Drivstuen, president of Hide-A-Hose, explained the new distribution strategy, “In order for us to take the company to the next level we felt we needed to select strategic partners that not only had the marketing clout to help us grow, but also believed that our system could help them sell more of their core products. We are very excited to form strategic partnerships with companies that not only see the potential of our product, but give us the means to realize that potential.”

“After months of field testing, dealer interviews and on-site installation surveys we are convinced that Hide-A-Hose is a perfect addition to the premium central vacuum system. With central cleaning systems becoming the preferred option for homeowners, it is critical for dealers to offer innovative solutions to their home cleaning needs; Hide-A-Hose does exactly that,” said Terry Rogers, general manager of Tip Top Parts. “Once the end user has seen the demo they will want to purchase the product, it is just that simple! The opportunity for Hide-A-Hose is endless; it can be installed in both residential and commercial applications. We are very excited about working with the Hide-A-Hose team to build a network of dealers.”

According to Drivstuen, H-P Products will distribute the Retractable Hose System in the U.S. and Western Canada, Cyclo Vac will cover Eastern Canada and Europe, and Tip Top Parts will cover Western Canada along with the Western U.S. markets.

Greg Calderone, floorcare general manager for H-P Products stated, “We are excited about the partnership between H-P Products and Hide-A-Hose. Hide-A-Hose hose management systems are a perfect fit with the sustained cleaning power of our central vacuums featuring Cyclonic Filtration Technology® as well as our turbine powerheads including the new TurboCat Zoom.”

As distribution transitions, existing Hide-A-Hose dealers will continue to purchase directly from Hide-A-Hose.

“As everyone gets up to speed we will probably begin giving dealers a choice. For example it may make more sense for a dealer in the midwest or on the east coast to purchase from H-P Products in Ohio rather than buying direct from our Seattle location, just like it makes more sense for Canadian dealers to buy direct from Tip Top or Cyclo Vac. We will also work together to make sure we don’t have too many dealers in the same area,” said Drivstuen.

New Products at VDTA Show
According to Drivstuen, Hide-A-Hose plans to introduce several new products, including a completely redesigned valve at the 2007 VDTA Show.

“Our dealers are having fantastic success with our system,” he stated. “There is no doubt it is helping them sell more central vacuum systems. The new valve will make selling and installing even easier. We have learned a lot about how to retract a hose over the last few years. The design of the new valve is a summation of all the feedback we have received from our dealers and their customers. We have learned a lot from our own experience as well. Not only do we manufacture the system, but we also have installed over 300 retractable hose systems ourselves in the Greater Seattle area over the last few years.”

The new valve will be smaller than the current model and will feature a sleek, contemporary design. An all-new locking mechanism improves the seal and allows the hose to be used with or without a hose sock, giving dealers better opportunities to sell retractable hose inlets in garages or other commercial applications where a hose sock may not be desired.

Edges have been rounded, and the hose’s retract angle has been changed allowing the hose to retract easier and smoother. The valve can be used with or without a low-voltage switch that can be easily inserted at trim.

Installation of the new valve is also easier and will save time for installers. The biggest difference is that the new valve uses a mounting plate at rough-in. It attaches to a stud just like a standard valve. At trim, the valve assembly slides into the mounting plate and attaches with just four screws.

This isn’t the only change Hide-A-Hose plans to unveil at the 2007 VDTA Show. In addition, Hide-A-Hose will also introduce a new injection-molded large radius 90 degree fitting and a new swivel handle/hose connection.

You will be able to learn more about the new Hide-A-Hose products at two different seminars offered by H-P Products during the 2007 VDTA Show in Las Vegas, NV. The first will be an actual Hide-A-Hose installation at an off-site house location. The second will be an in-class seminar on the many advantages to the Hide-A-Hose system. See the VDTA Show Guide for more information.

Both Cyclo Vac and H-P Products will be displaying the Retractable Hose System in their booths at this year’s VDTA Show. Although Hide-A-Hose will not have a booth at the VDTA Show this year, they will have representatives in both the Cyclo Vac and H-P’s VACUFLO® booth.

For more information on the Hide-A-Hose system, visit www.hideahose.biz .

Reprinted from Central Vac Professional, January 2007