The companies having more or less experience in the electric range business and who contributed to the information gleaned, are the following: The United Hydro Electric Co. The Trinidad Electric Trans. Railway & Gas Co. The Grand Junction Electric, Gas & Mfg. Co. The Glenwood Light and Water Co. San Joaquin Light & Power Co. Sierra & San Francisco Power Co. Great Western Power Co. Gray's Harbor Railway & Light Co. Northwest Electric & Water Works Pacific Power & Light Co. Olympia Light & Power Co. City of Seattle Municipal Plant Puget Sound Traction Light & Power Co. The Washington Water Power Co. Eastern Oregon Light & Power Co. Oregon Power Co. California Oregon Power Co. Northwestern Electric Co. Des Chutes Power Co. Bandon Power Co. Pacific Light & Power Corporation Los Angeles Gas & Electric Corporation Douglas Traction & Light Co. Bisbee Improvement Co. Calumet & Arizona Mining Co. Nevada California Power Co. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Southern Sierras Power Co. San Diego Cons. Gas & Electric Co. Maho & Montana Power Co. Se Paho Water Power Co. 1 Power & Light Co. Koreat Shoshone & Twin Falls Water Power Co. Ranges The development of the electric range is comparatively reand up to the present time the types of ranges produced by facturers have not been standardized, nor have the reets of central stations and their customers been crystalFor this reason the following questions were asked, the ver in each case being a summary of the replies received from entral stations reporting: What makes of electric ranges have you been handling up ,, e present time? The ret les indicated that ranges sold up to the present e have been the products of five manufacturers, all twm, except one, have been making various electric planes for some years past 2. How many electric ranges have you in use on your system December 1, 1915? 2 Total sales for all companies reporting -4659. Are the majority of ranges now in use giving satisfaction to the consumer? If not, what is the principal trouble with which you have to contend Aparently the maority of ranges installed are giving satisfa tion, the prinsipal nechame al complaints being the fang Burning out of elements sl wness of operation, and fragile construction Are the ranges you are now handleg of proper propor tons to meet average conditions, that is, have they a saf hent number of burners, and are the ovens of the proper d.mensions? A-4 The answers indicate that the stoves installed in the majority of cases seem to be satisfactory in relation to the number of burners and sizes of ovens. Q-5 Have you found any difference in the durability of the open coil burner as compared with the enclosed burner? A-5 There seems to be a varying opinion regarding the merits of the two types of burners. Apparantly the open coil has been the more popular. Some central stations report the new type of enclosed element to be very satisfactory. Q-6 What have you to suggest as to the size and requirements of the kind of range of which you believe the greatest quantities could be sold? In other words, what would be the make-up of the range which would best suit the average conditions? A-6 The type of electric range most desired seems to follow the lines of the popular gas ranges. There should be four 3-heat burners on the top (one 1500 watt; two 1000-watt; and one 750-watt). The side and upper ovens are by far the most popular. Ovens should be at least 12 by 15 by 18 in. and should contain a broiling element and a baking element. A warming oven above or below the baking and broiling oven is a desirable adjunct. The doors on side ovens should open down. Installations After an electric range is sold it is important that the installation should be of a proper character and at a reasonable cost. It is apparent that the variation in cost of installation—that is, from the meter in, depends largely upon local requirements. In some localities the standard of construction required is much higher than in others-hence the variations in the cost of installation. Q-1 A-1 Does your company install electric ranges for consumers; that is, do the necessary wiring from the meter to the range? About two-thirds of the companies reporting state that they do the necessary wiring from the meter to the range, and install the range itself. The remaining one-third report that they do no wiring but deliver the set up ranges. when sold by them. Apparantly the companies putting at the greatest number of ranges are doing all wiring m connection with installations. Aut what is the average cost of installing electric ranges in consumers' kitchens. 2 De reports show that costs of installing electric ranges consumers' kitchens vary from $4.00 to $30.00; the average being approximately $12.50. Des your company aim to do the installation work at t price or at a profit? All companies reporting state they make installations of ele tre ranges at cost excepting eight who charge a profit of 10 per cent There are many ways and methods of selling electric ranges naomers, and these indicate a considerable variation of opinwhat are the best means to be adopted. The answers estions seem to demonstrate that in order to create an in electric cooking and promote the use of electric the central stations had better handle the business, at the early stages, and make installations to consumers at as near to cost as it is possible to reach. s your company sell electric ranges to its consumers? Ale mpanies reporting (except two or three) state that they sell electric ranges to their customers. 2. If your company sells electric ranges to its consumers, des it arm to sell at cost or to make a profit on the 2 e half the number of companies reporting sell ranges at cost and the other half at a small profit. 3 Are the electric supply dealers in your territory selling electric ranges and does your company co operate with them? Apparently very few dev'ers have becor e interested in tral stations find it necessary to be hrv • for a while at least, dealers will not be able to see much that is attractive in electric range installations. Q-4 What are the principal difficulties you have in selling electric ranges. A-4 The principal difficulties in selling electric ranges, indicated by companies reporting, are the following; their importance being in the order given: (a) First cost (including installation) (b) Anticipated high operating cost (c) Lack of economical water heating facilities (d) Slow operation (e) Skepticism and lack of confidence (f) Disposition of old equipment (g) Satisfaction with present means of cooking (h) Necessity for heating kitchen during winter months Q-5 Do you arrange for deferred payments with your customers, and if so, what is the extreme length of time. you allow a customer in which to pay for an electric range? A-5 A large number of electric range installations are reported to be made upon deferred payment plans, the limit of payment varying from three to twelve months. The majority of companies endeavor to hold the limit. of payments down to a six-month period, but fully onehalf of the companies reporting seem willing to make sales on deferred payments extending beyond six months. Q-6 Do you sell electric ranges on the deferred payment plan at the same rates as you do for cash? A-6 About one-third of the companies reporting, state that they sell electric ranges on deferred payments at the same prices as for cash. The remaining two-thirds report that they make additions to the cost price varying from 5 to 15 per cent, the average being 10 per cent advance when purchases are made on a deferred payment plan. Q-7 Do you maintain a display room in your offices? |